I've been on a skincare journey for, like, half my life now (if you started getting acne in middle school, raise your hand), and my desire for clear skin has only intensified since I got engaged last summer. With a wedding on the horizon—and all the picture-taking that comes with it—I've been working hard to perfect my routine to keep my oily and acne-prone face clear, hydrated, and healthy-looking.
Something that, I'll admit, isn't easy when you're a) always on the go, b) perpetually stressed out, and c) sensitive to a lot of formulas. But, my friends, I feel like I've finally hit the jackpot with just a few products from EltaMD (you know, the celeb- and derm-fave sun and skincare brand?) and alas, I don't know if I'll ever look back.
I've long been a fan of EltaMD, because, well, I trust doctors, and it's the number-one dermatologist-recommended professional sunscreen brand. But EltaMD makes so much more than sunscreen, and its skincare line is just as impressive, featuring products for every skin concern—from dry to oily to sensitive-as-hell. I landed on a three-step system that's perfect for my skin type, and the results have been nothing short of magical. Allow me to explain each step for ya, so you can replicate it yourself.
Step 1: Cleanser
Every morning and night I've been washing with a couple pumps of the Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser, which comes out so rich and frothy I almost want to eat it. As a lazy girl, I love not having to lather things up myself (there are only so many hours in the day, okay?), but this has become an instant fave for so many reasons. First of all, it easily takes off all my sunscreen and makeup and cleanses my skin of excess oil and impurities at the same time.
But despite being really effective, it's also super gentle—like, gentle enough that you can even use it after a chemical peel (which is great, because I have one coming up for wedding prep!). Unlike some cleansers that feel like they're stripping my skin and leaving it parched, this has only left it feeling hydrated and happy—no redness or wrecked skin barrier here.
Step 2: Serum
Post-cleanse, I've been slathering on the Skin Recovery Serum, which is great for all skin types but especially acne-prone skin like mine (*spirals*). It's packed with powerful anti-aging, hydrating, and soothing ingredients that help strengthen and renew the skin barrier and protect against irritation. So far, I've been loving it—it's not too thick or sticky, and I swear it's helped reduce redness in my face. I typically have a pretty uneven skin tone, but I really think that's changing—and will continue to change—the more I use this bad boy. And dare I say my skin is more supple and bouncy now?
Step 3: Sunscreen
Any dermatologist or beauty expert will tell you that sunscreen is the most important step in your skincare routine, and I take that seriously. That's why the third and final product in my roster is the super-hydrating UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40. It protects against the sun's harmful rays with micronized zinc oxide (skin cancer is no joke, people!) while also reducing fine lines and wrinkles thanks to hyaluronic acid. Getchu a sunscreen that can do both, amirite?!
The sheer tint—which is the perfect shade for me—evens out my skin tone and gives me that perfect no-makeup makeup look, ideal for hot summer days when I don't want to wear foundation but still want to look like I tried at least a little bit. It's also incredibly lightweight and moisturizing, and doesn't leave me feeling flaky.
I wear it under makeup, too—it's a great base when I do want to slap on some foundation and concealer. I love that it's non-comedogenic and fragrance- and dye-free, so I don't have to worry about breaking out, unlike with many other face sunscreens I've tried over the years. (I won't name names, but you'd be surprised.) No matter whether I go bare-faced or full-beat, I know it's got me covered as I go out into the world every day!
