Skincare world is pouring with new products ,new ingredients ,new routines day by day .It becomes harder to put our mind to that one product ,one ingredient or one skincare routine that really works for you.
To begin with, I started noticing comedones on my face (clogged hair follicles caused by a buildup of sebum). Over time, these comedones gradually turned into acne.
When we are young our body accepts changes easily with no repercussions on the skin.But as we age ,hormones are haywire and we really need to know what works perfectly for us.In my thirties due to hormonal imbalances and stress my skin was not at its best.While I do agree healthy eating habits along with physical exercise are the most important factors that affect the health of the good skin.But along with that a skincare routine that works well is crucial.
Like most of us do, I tried several home remedies, but this time nothing seemed to work. Feeling frustrated and exhausted, I finally consulted a dermatologist. After a detailed discussion of my health history, blood work, and an assessment of my hormonal imbalance, I was prescribed a personalized skincare routine tailored to my skin type.
So here’s what worked for me- a gentle cleanser(water based) , moisturizer , sunscreen (must) and retinol(doctor prescribed).
A gentle cleanser cleanses the skin without being harsh and does not strip away its natural oils or moisture. Contrary to popular belief, washing your face multiple times a day isn’t necessary — twice a day is more than enough.
I also switched to using disposable facial towels instead of regular cloth towels, and it made a noticeable difference. While my face was still slightly damp, I applied a moisturizer and allowed it to absorb completely. This was followed by sunscreen— arguably the most important step in any skincare routine. Skipping sunscreen is simply not an option.
For my night time routine, the sequence was cleanser first, followed by hyaluronic acid applied to damp skin. Next came moisturizer, then a pea-sized amount of dermatologist-prescribed retinol, and finally another layer of moisturizer to seal everything in.
Moisturizing is essential to maintain the skin’s natural oils and overall barrier health. Since different skin types demands different needs, it’s important to choose products with ingredients suited to your skin. Always opt for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and specifically formulated to address your skin concerns.As I was treating my skin with retinol it needed extra care to rebuild the healthy skin cells .A moisturizer with cermaides( restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier) , hyaluronic acid(hydrates skin)and niacinamide(calms skin, reduces moisture loss, and helps brighten/even skin tone )worked for me.
While using retinol its important to follow the prescribed amount(pea size)and use it alternate days.I always did the sandwich method(moisturizer -retiniol-moisturizer).Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative (retinoid).It has many advantages-rapidly increases cell turnover ,boosts collagen production ,works on comedones and acne and improves skin tone and texture when used correctly.It is important to note that initial retinol use will cause purging.Purging can show up as dryness, skin peeling, whiteheads, or breakouts. This is the phase where patience becomes essential. Although it may feel like the new skincare routine isn’t working, it’s actually doing exactly what it’s meant to do — bringing underlying congestion to the surface and allowing the skin to renew itself.This phase may last for about 4–6 weeks.
Sunscreen -Everyone knows the pros of using a good sunscreen .While choosing sunscreen look for mineral based (zinc oxide /titanium oxide) ,which is good for sensitive skin and leaves no white caste.Aim for SPF of 40 and above for effective protection.
I followed the routine religiously and patiently and it did show me results.Along this skincare journey I tweaked some products here and there that I thought would work for me and that my skin needed.For example after few months of using retinol in my skin care routine I added glycolic acid (AHA)which exfoliated the top layer of the dead skin cells and stimulates new healthy skin.To prevent the blackheads and whiteheads I started using salicylic acid(BHA) which unclogs the pores and removes blackheads.I also added a heavy moisturizer for days when the skin felt too dry as maintaining the skin barrier is vital.
It’s important to understand that skincare takes time to show results. Each product needs patience and consistency to adapt to your skin and work effectively. With the endless array of products on the market and constantly evolving trends on social media, it can be tempting to try everything at once. However, one golden rule stands out- minimal and focused routine.
Skincare is a journey and a long-term investment. While perfect skin is yet to be achieved, this routine has helped me see noticeable improvements. Consistency and patience are key — no single product works overnight. If you’re starting your own skincare journey, listen to your skin, introduce products gradually, and enjoy the process of caring for yourself.I hope this helps! Remember, healthy, glowing skin is wonderful, but the confidence to be yourself matters even more.
Note:Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Always patch-test new products before applying them to your face, and introduce active ingredients like retinol, acids, or vitamin C gradually. If you experience irritation, redness, or discomfort, stop use and consult a dermatologist.
My Skincare picks:
- Gentle Cleanser- Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
- Moisturizer- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing
- Sunscreen- Elta md sunscreen SPF 50
- Retinol- doctor prescribed
- Glycolic acid- L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Serum
- Hyaluronic acid- Neutrogena Hyaluronic serum fragrance free
- Heavy moisturizer- La Roche Posay cicaplast baume b5