Dose of Prose

Hey Style Prose readers, I hope your 2018 is off to an amazing start! Per your request, this week I want to talk all about skincare. My skin type is very oily and sensitive, which means I have to be extremely cautious about the food that I eat and the products that I use on my skin. I’ve also experienced issues with blackheads/whiteheads, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. But after years of trial and error, I have finally developed a skin care routine that works well for me. My skin isn’t perfect by any means, but I believe that the products I use help to keep all my skin issues under control.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor do I have the expertise or credentials that would make me a reliable source for your individual skincare needs. These are merely my opinions of products that worked for me personally. Please do your own research and contact your dermatologist to address any additional issues you have related to your skin. 

So, without further ado, I present to you my top products that I use for healthy, glowing and clear skin!

1. Witch Hazel Astringent – I’ve used a few toners in my lifetime, but this one has to be my favorite. This astringent is great for removing and/or controlling the oil in your skin as well as reducing your pores. I use this product every morning and night after I wash my face to give me that extra clean feeling. It’s soothing, clarifying and refreshing. (Retail Price: $5-10)
2. Differin Gel – When I first went to the dermatologist for my acne, he recommended this adapalene cream. At that time, Differin was only available through prescription, but now it’s sold over-the-counter in local drugstores! I like this gel because it helps to prevent any major breakouts and reduces bumps whenever they do come up on my face. It’s nice because it’s light and not too strong, so it doesn’t dry out your skin. I use this gel nightly as a spot treatment on the areas on my face that are prone to breakouts and it works wonders for my skin. (Retail Price: $12-20) 
3. OleHenriksen Counter Balance Mattifying Moisture Creme – This product is more expensive than the others, but well worth the investment. I know it sounds counter intuitive to moisturize oily skin, but trust me, it is so important to keep your skin hydrated. If you’re constantly trying to rid your skin of the essential oil it naturally produces, you can actually do more harm than good, by over-treating your skin. With this moisturizer, however, you don’t have to worry about breakouts or excess oil. This product is formulated with ingredients that help to hydrate and mattify your skin while diminishing pores, giving you a clear, balanced complexion. I use this moisturizer in the morning before applying my makeup and I absolutely love it. (Retail Price: $40)
4. Cocokind Tumeric Spot Treatment – This product is really great for brightening and balancing your skin tone as well as reducing blemishes. I use it a couple times a week to help reduce some of the acne scarring and hyperpigmentation I’ve developed over the years. Fair warning though, be careful when using this product because it will stain your clothes! I learned this the hard way unfortunately. Overall though, I can definitely say that this product has helped to even my skin tone and get rid of my dark spots. (Retail Price: $8.99)
5. Oil Blotting Sheets – I’m sure this product speaks for itself but I had to add it to the list. I love carrying these sheets with me to do little touch ups throughout the day. I want to shine bright like a diamond…but not necessarily in my face, haha, so these blotting sheets help to control that. (Retail Price: $8-20)
6. Extraction Tool – I don’t know about you, but I used to have a bad habit of picking at my blackheads/whiteheads with my fingers, which was the major cause of my acne scarring and dark spots. Once I purchased this tool, however, I was able to gently remove black heads and white heads without causing further inflammation or tearing of my skin. This tool is a must-have! (Retail Price: $11-13)

I highly recommend all of these products for those of you who have oily and sensitive skin! If you have tried these products, please let me know your experience. If you have any other skincare tips, tricks or product recommendations, feel free to comment those as well. Sharing is caring!

Also, please remember: whether or not your skin is where you want it to be, always love the skin you’re in! Skincare is lifestyle, not a quick fix. You have to invest in yourself by taking care of your body, including your skin. I can guarantee, especially with skincare, the smallest changes in your daily routine can give you the best results! Until next time.

-Kaamilah