Yes, everyone has a different skin type and it is useful to know what yours is. For the record, I have normal to dry skin, with a history of acne. What works for me may not work for you, but here is my list of go-to products that have controlled my breakouts and helped turn acne scars to smooth, youthful skin!

DAY

To start the day I wash my face with a wash prescribed by my dermatologist. I follow this up with oil-control toner pads. Before I apply any makeup, I make sure to moisturize and prime with SPF. My go-to is Alba Botanica’s Hawaiian oil-free moisturizer ($11) infused with aloe and green tea extracts. I know I’ve talked about this one before! This is thick enough to provide a great amount of moisture without feeling heavy under my makeup routine.

I cannot explain how much wearing an SPF lotion has helped my skin! I have always used foundations with light sun protection, but never considered how the every day sun could effect the redness of my scars and advance my aging process. If there’s one thing you will get from this post, it should be to ADD AN SPF! My cosmetic dermatologist, Meagan Griffin, has me obsessed with this EltaMD tinted SPF 46 ($32). Not only does this provide a great amount of UVA and UVB protection, it is specific to acne-prone skin. While I love the tinted lotion that blends with my skin tone, it is also available in a clear solution!

NIGHT

My bedtime routine is pretty extensive, but very worth it. I start by taking the day off with a combination of Neutrogena makeup wipes and Micellar Cleansing Water ($6). It feels like water and removes makeup effortlessly without drying out the skin. I wear eyelash extensions so it is important that I don’t use products with oil, or those babies will pop right off!

If my skin is feeling a little rough or flaky, I make sure to exfoliate after cleansing. I try to do this two to three times a week with the Ole Henriksen Sauna Scrub ($28). This product claims to control oil, exfoliate and deeply purify while reducing the look of pores. Spot on!

At this point my skin is super clean so I apply a retinol topical called Tazorac (the price varies but according to realself.com this averages around $200). This is something that was prescribed to me during my active acne stages that promotes skin renewal. I continue to use retinol to maintain my clear skin, diffuse any redness and fight wrinkles!

I highly recommend asking your dermatologist if retinol is right for you. This can be powerful and take some getting used to. I will warn you – retinols make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so make sure to combine with an SPF during the day!

My night crème of choice is Lancôme’s High Resolution Anti-Wrinkle night moisturizer ($110). Our skin recovers at night so it is important to have a good bedtime solution for your skin type. Since my Tazorac dose is fairly high, this crème provides all the hydration and smoothness I need!

You thought I was done?
You thought wrong.