Calling a spade a spade today and saying that I have very acne prone + sensitive skin. Which is one of the least fun combos out there.  It requires a fine balance of nourishing products that won’t break me out versus products that fight acne effectively.

I’ve tried quite a few ‘skin miracles’ over the years, to finally understand the only miracle for healthy skin is long term care, but here are a few of my favorites that are somewhat little superheroes of my vanity.

Retinol Based Products

Retinol has been in the beauty world for quite some time and touted as an anti aging hero, but some even praise it for it’s acne fighting properties as well.  The ingredient helps turnover new skin cells, which can eliminate fine lines and even pesky spots.

My experience with retinol has been nothing short of confusing.  I’ve found that anymore than two times a week for my skin is too much no matter how long I try to work retinol into my regimen.  While I can see almost immediate results with retinol it seems to add more stress to my skincare. I’ll most likely be passing on repurchasing it even though I will miss that immediate difference.  I think retinol is worth the try for those who are struggling to find  s o m e t h i n g  that works, as many cannot stop singing it’s praises.

 Peels

Some of my most treasured skincare finds are peels.  They are such a fun product to try as they often provide the most immediate difference in your skin.  I’m a firm believer that there is no ‘quick skin fix,’ but these glycolic peels are the closest we can get.

For those with sensitive skin + new to skin peels, I would say tread lightly and try lightweight ones first, like Caudalie’s Glycolic peel.  It may not be as immediate as some of my other favorites, but it is a great place for those to start who are balk at the world ‘peel.’  Another favorite of mine is Tata Harper’s Peel.  Unfortunately this one can break a lot of budgets fairly quickly and I feel as though Boscia’s Exfoliating peel can be just as effective, as it’s a unique physical + chemical exfoliant combined.

Luckily this is a portion of skincare that is constantly growing and coming out with new products, so I would suggest not giving up with bad try.  Rather do your research, ask your friends, read a blog (oh, hello 🙂 ) and try to find a product that works for your skin concerns.

Gel Moisturizers

Gel moisturizers are real miracle workers as they help oily skin remain a bit more balanced and don’t deplete it of necessary moisture.

I’ve been a fan of gel moisturizers for quite some time, though I often found myself bouncing around from product to product as I could never find one to stay committed to.  That being said one 250 point sample from Sephora of the Caudalie Vinosource Creme Sorbet and I new I was hooked.  Aside from the pretty in pink packaging it’s a bit more moisturizing than other gels I’ve tried and does a great job of keeping oil at bay.

Oil Products

I think maybe a mere five years ago if someone told you to put oil on your skin you would have promptly ignored them.  Luckily today’s beauty market has tapped into the benefits oils and created truly effective products.

My current obsession has been Caudalie’s Detox Oil – a dry oil that helps repair and promote skin cell turnover – perfect for fussy, acne prone skin.  (I’ve read a couple reviewers promise it’s as good as Sunday Riley’s oils which is awesome as Caudalie’s  are h a l f  the price of the often treasured SR.) At first application the oil seemed a bit greasier than I would have preferred, though it quickly dries and in the morning I’m amazed at the difference in my skin. The Detox Oil isn’t formulated to necessarily be moisturizing so even if you have oily skin  you will most likely have to wear a moisturizer over it.  This oil won’t provide the powerful ‘instant’ glow that glycolic peels can, but it can provide perfect skin over time.

And if you haven’t allowed your skin to soak in some coconut oil on a lazy weekend you are missing out on one of the cheapest skincare tricks around.

What products do you love for deal with acne prone skin?

xo Kelsey