And they’re all affordable too!

Today, I figured I would share some of my go-to facial products I use for my acne prone and sensitive skin.  With sensitive skin, I don’t like to try too many different products on my face or body for that matter. As an adult with acne, it is hard to find products geared towards more “mature” acne prone skin. I must say, I do love getting new skin care products (that actually work), giving myself my famous at-home facials, and seeing great results.  Well over the years of trying to find the best products for me, I finally have my essential go-to products that have been the best for my skin type.

Here are some of my faves and their benefits…

Facial Cleansers

My cleansers change depending on what mood my face is in.  I’ve found that using the same cleanser everyday was not working for me.  So I created somewhat of a routine for using facial cleansers.  On my normal days, no breakouts, I use Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser. It really deeps cleans without drying out skin.  It is also great for removing makeup.  Another great cleanser I stumbled upon about a year ago is The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, and my skin has never felt so soft.  The last soap that I loved to use, but has been discontinued is the Aveeno Clear Complexion Bar.  I almost cried when this disappeared off the shelves.  It worked wonders for my complexion and kept my acne to a minimal. The foaming wash version is still available.  For my breakout days, I use The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Cream Wash (which I no longer see on their website anymore. Boo) This helped calm my breakouts while leaving my skin nice and moisturized.  I recently started using Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Daily Face Wash, which I got free samples of from the school where I teach, bonus.  I only use this on the days that I have two or more bumps, and my face is usually clear of breakouts within two days.  I would not use this more than 2 days in a row if you’re over 25 to prevent drying out your skin (I use it in the mornings only, use Clean & Clear at night).

Exfoliators & Masks

I try to exfoliate once or twice a week.  When my skin is normal I will try to exfoliate once on Saturdays when I do my at-home facials.  An exfoliator I have used for over 15 years that still does wonders is St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub.  This scrub is great at clearing up acne breakouts and blemishes.  Once you use this, your skin is left glowing and feeling young and refreshed.  When it comes to exfoliators, I have been faithful to my apricot scrub.  I have tried others and keep coming back. What’s the saying…if it’s not broke don’t fix it.  Comment what exfoliators you have tried that works for you.

At one point I used Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque everyday, and my skin was acne free. Well, that was way back when I was in college.  Now I try to give myself a facial mask once a week, usually Saturdays when I do my at-home facials.  I also use this mask as an overnight on the spot treatment for pimples, especially if they last more than two days. Another mask that works well is the Freeman Avocado & Oatmeal Masque.  The oatmeal really soothes your skin while the avocado maintains natural moisture. The last mask that I love and will leave you literally glowing is the Freeman Facial Enzyme Pineapple Mask. The enzymes rejuvenate your skin to give it a glow of radiance.

Toners

Currently I am using The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Facial Toner.  It leaves my skin feeling so fresh and so clean.  As the other tea tree products the toner leaves my skin soft and smooth, and firm.  When I’m just feeling basic or my skin is being extra sensitive (allergic reaction to a product) I use good ol’ witch hazel. It’s the original toner and is gentle on your skin. Another toner that works wonders at clearing up breakouts is the Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Facial Toner.  Although this is great at drying up pimples, it may leave your skin dry as well, so this may be great just for those breakout days.

Moisturizers

No matter your skin type, moisturizers are a must.  I started using Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer Sensitive Skin just over tens years ago and instantly saw positive results.  I started using it when “I” noticed my skin began to age.  No one else saw aging, but that’s not important, lol.  Well, my skin felt smoother, the circles around my eyes appeared to fade, and it has been my go-to moisturizer ever since.  A moisturizer I used for acne prone skin is the Aveeno Clear Complexion Facial Moisturizer. It is so gentle on the skin helping to maintain clear skin.  My fountain of youth secret I use at night (and sometimes in the day) is a Vitamin E Stick around my eyes to help with bags, dark circles and wrinkles.  The Vitamin E works wonders on any and all wrinkles you may have around your eyes and is gentle enough to act as a moisturizer as well.  Although this product is not a moisturizer, I figured I would put it in this section since it’s close enough. And that product is the Ambi Skincare Fade Cream. I use it on my stubborn dark spots, and see results within two weeks. It’s the most gentle of the fading creams I have used and the most effective.

Make-Up

To help cover up my stubborn dark spots, I use LA Girl Pro Concealer.  I must admit it was only the second concealer I’ve tried, but when you find something that works why look any further?  It does a great job covering up, doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, and is only $3.  Can’t beat that!  Foundation on the other hand has not been as simple. Even some hypoallergenic foundations have caused me to breakout.  But I have found something better that works for me.  I use bronzer as my foundation.  It’s lightweight and appears super natural looking. And most importantly, I’ve found a brand that works for my skin.  I use Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzer that matches my skintone (739) and it becomes the best powder foundation ever. I occasionally use the Elf Mineral Blemish Powder.  This is the best at getting rid of breakouts. Put a little dab on the pimple and wear under your make-up, the pimple is usually gone within 2 days.  The one benefit about having sensitive skin is when the high-end cosmetics break you out so you get to save on the low-end brands. And I love having the opportunity to spend less!

These are the products that work for me. I hope you were able to find some skincare products that works for you from my suggestions.  Healthy skin can be a challenge to maintain.  One day you have great skin, the next day, not so much. Your skin is something you have to see everyday, so why not make it look its best and be healthy without spending tons.

P.S. Remember you are uniquely be-you-tiful!