As promised, today’s post will touch on my new skincare routine. I have to admit that I’m definitely upping my budget on skincare and makeup (another post coming up on my latest hauls) because I’ve been suffering from an unprecedented attack of adult acne.

I think there are several causes for adult acne and mine is related to having been on birth control pills for close to six years. I know other women have been on them longer like over 10 years and I cannot imagine the re-adjustment that they would have to go through when they get off them.

On top of the initial “rash” of hormonal acne when I stopped, I began to suffer from extremely clogged pores. I didn’t realize at the time that my foundations were probably the cause of it. During my trip to Sydney and Singapore, I think a toxic combination of oily junk food, lack of sleep, and humidity made the problem worse. I had breakouts everywhere, including my chest and back. What a nightmare.

I decided to change things up because I have to battle dry air and acne prone skin in Tokyo. It’s so tricky to moisturize more deeply without clogging your pores! Anyway, for the past two-and-a-half weeks, this is my new skincare routine that I keep to in the morning and at night. Plus, I’ve been making sure I drink at least one green juice and smoothie a day…

It’s working fairly well so far considering it’s going to be the time of the month (the last time I mentioned my skin was clearing up, a pimple popped up on my face; let’s hope the same won’t happen today!!)

Step #1
Wash face with Fancl’s Washing Powder for oily skin (+ Clarisonic at night)

Step #2
Gently dab face with Origins Make A Difference Toner with Shiseido cotton pads (these are finer in texture and apparently less harsh on the skin)

Step #3
Apply Good Skin Labs Smooth-365 Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum (Came highly recommended by my sister; I like the way it moisturizes without leaving an oily residue; purchased at Singapore’s Changi Airport for SGD40)

Step #4
Dab eye area with Good Skin Labs Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler

My sister gave me these samples and I have yet to try the Lumecin product. I don’t really see a difference in my eye area but I take comfort in knowing I’m trying to prevent further aging!!

Step #5
Smear DHC Salicylic Spot Therapy all over T-zone and cheeks (got this idea to put a salicylic cream over acne-prone areas from this Youtube babe)

Step #6
Tap DHC Acerola 100 Serum all over face and neck (I have a few scars so I figured a vitamin C packed product should do the trick; I’d been eyeing this for a while as I’ve seen this raved in blogs)

Step #7
Seal everything with Source Naturals Skin Eternal Hyaluronic Acid (I used to only apply this on once every few nights as a “treatment” because it was very moisturizing but since it is very dry now, it feels fine even in the day)

Step #8
Dot chin area with Trilogy’s Organic Rose Hip Oil (I have a stubborn dry patch here; I would use this as my night moisturizer in past winters but it’s way too oily for the current state of my skin)

Then I’ll proceed to put on makeup.

For my body, I rub Fruit of the Earth Rose Petal Aloe Vera Gel on my chest and back, then I apply DHC Salicylic Face Milk (to prevent acne), after which I would follow up with a small daub of Burt’s Bee’s Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion.

My arms and legs will be moisturized by a combination of Desert Essence Organic Jojoba Oil and Korres Fig Body Milk (which I alternate with Korres Japanese Rose Body Milk).

So far so good. I decided that thick heavy cream will break me out so I layer on nourishing lotions or serums or gels instead to repair and hydrate my skin.

Oops, I forgot to add that I would rub some Jurlique Love Balm on my lips at night before I go to sleep — works like a charm to prevent chapped lips all day. My regular stick lip balms just aren’t that magical. My new HG lip balm!

Do you have dry, combination skin that is acne-prone in winter? If so, what is your solution?

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