Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter.

Let’s talk skincare.

Now we all have a routine we live by and everyone’s skin is different, but speaking from experience a simple skincare routine is the way to go. I get it, we all want that perfect glass-like skin and it would be a dream if acne wasn’t a thing, so we feel the need to try all these expensive face washes, scrubs, masks, night creams, serums, etc… but are they really doing anything?

Image via Giphy 

When I was a sophomore in high school I began to get really bad acne; it felt like every day I had a new little friend (more like a new enemy). So, I would buy so much skincare. My original routine consisted of a cleansing balm, face wash, face scrub, toner, serum, face cream, eye cream, sunscreen, and a night cream. I would also do a clay mask twice a week, a peel mask once a week and sheet masks every night, but my acne never went away and it was so time consuming.

Image via Giphy

Because my skin still wasn’t “perfect”, I decided to do some research and realized all of these products could be clogging my pores and hurting my skin more than helping it. I then decided to keep my skincare routine simple and cut out many of those hurtful products from my regimen. Of course, like with many new things, it took some time but within the first couple of weeks my skin began to look noticeably clearer and now that it has been a month since I cut down my skincare routine my face is smoother and I rarely break out. Time to celebrate!

Image via Giphy 

Now I know that everyone’s skin is different and what works for me may not work for you, but I highly recommend keeping your skincare routine as simple as possible. Maybe that means cutting out that really abrasive fragrant face scrub, or considering whether those essential oils you’re putting on your face are doing anything beneficial.

For now, here is a simple skincare routine along with my recommended products.

 

1. Face Wash

Cerave is an amazing face wash for sensitive, normal and oily skin types.

Image via Amazon

 

2. (Optional) Toner and/or Light Serum 

When it comes to toner, Thayer’s witch hazel is your best friend.

Image via Business Insider

 

3. Moisturizer

I currently use Cetaphil and It is a great moisturizer for all skin types, but if you are on the dryer side try the Neutrogena Hydro Boost or even JoJoba oil does wonders.

Image via Neutrogena 

Now just because our skincare routine should be simplified, that doesn’t mean we can’t pamper ourselves every now and then. So go ahead and apply that face mask or that fancy serum and remember we’re all beautiful no matter how many skincare products we choose to use or how extra they may be. You do you! 

Image via Giphy

 

Alejandra is a fourth year global studies major with a minor in professional writing. She was born in LA and has moved around a lot eventually ending up studying in sunny Santa Barbara. Her hobbies include writing, drawing, and fashion. She also dreams of owning her own clothing line/business.
 University of California, Santa Barbara chapter of Her Campus