No one understands desperation in the quest for clear skin like an acne sufferer.
I've tried more than my fair share of scrubs, cleansers, topicals, antibiotics, tonics, positive thinking, clean eating, you name it, I tried it. My willingness to spend an exorbitant amount on acne cures borders on embarrassing.
Years later, my battle with acne has diminished, but my passionate pursuit of products that will leave me looking as dewy as a god damn dumpling endures. So when I find something that works I make sure I have it at all times, come hell or high water, or TSA, or moving to the middle of the country, or being broke. I'm ride or die when it comes to my skincare.
For me, that's Paula's Choice. A gf of mine, who is 38 and flawless, suggested it two years ago so I bought a starter kit that day and have used it religiously ever since. Every product is fragrance-free, cruelty-free and has something for every skin type or concern. My conviction for Paula's Choice may seem over the top to some but if you've ever been, or are currently in, the depths of skin despair then you get it. I've tried a lot of PC products but if you're just getting started on a routine here are the staple Paula's Choice products I swear by and wish I'd found way sooner.
My first PC purchase. The kits give the fastest results and if you're new to exfoliating with acids or a multiple step skincare regimen then this is a foolproof rundown on how and when to use each product. Great for finding a foundational skin regimen that you can build on. I use the Normal to Oily version in the summer when my skin isn't as dry. Each kit comes with: a cleanser, an exfoliator (an AHA or BHA) a nighttime moisturizer and a daytime moisturizer with SPF50.
CLEANSERS
This cleanser comes in the RESIST normal to dry kit. It's mild and does NOT foam. If I'm wearing makeup I use a micellar water first bc this cleanser alone isn't totally enough. It's super hydrating for anyone on the dry side.
Very similar to the normal to oily cleanser in the RESIST normal to oily kit, but this one $1 cheaper and 1.6 oz bigger. No major differences, both are cream to foam cleansers that give a thorough clean. Best for oily skin and great for those who wear heavier or waterproof makeup.
TONERS
I didn't get the point of toners until I stopped using this one. I highly recommend trying it. This made my skin insanely smooth and hydrated. It has antioxidants and essential omega fatty acids that improve signs of sun damage or wrinkles and makes a huge difference in skin's texture and tone.
Great product if you want a lighter moisturizing toner. It has niacinimide and vitamin B which are great at minimizing the size of your pores and improving visible signs of aging, fine lines, wrinkles, or loss of firmness.
EXFOLIANTS
If you're still exfoliating with St. Ives apricot scrub or some crazy sand paper device that belongs in a wood shop put that shit down IMMEDIATELY.
AHA & BHA acids exfoliate the skin by gently dissolving the upper layer of cells NOT by scrubbing the shit out of your poor paper thin skin.
What's the difference between AHA and BHA? AHA's are water soluble and work on the skin's surface so they're best for normal to dry skin. BHA's are oil soluble and work on the skin's surface and inside the pore so they're best for normal to oily and redness prone skin.
This is PC's most popular product with over 2,375 reviews and 5 stars. It's a BHA exfoliant (Beta hydroxy acid also known as salicylic acid) so it gradually sheds built-up layers of skin, minimizes pores and prevents breakouts. Good for normal to oily.
SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel ($29.50)
AHA's or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (aka glycolic and lactic acids) are used most commonly in anti aging products and are best for normal to dry. AHA's regenerate collagen, thicken the epidermis and dermis, and even skin tone.
MOISTURIZERS
This is a nighttime moisturizer and comes with the Normal to Dry Resist Kit. This is a great intro to anyone curious about retinol because it has a relatively low concentration while still being hydrating. Retinol is great for many things but particularly preventing wrinkles.
My favorite moisturizer to date. Comes in the Normal to Dry Resist Kit. It's SPF 50 and doesn't leave a white cast. It's super hydrating and wears really well under makeup. I brought this on a week-long catamaran trip and managed to keep my face relatively untouched by the sun.
Great moisturizer with SPF for normal to oily skin. It has a runny texture so it's extremely light and leaves no white cast. I prefer the thickness of the normal to dry version but if you have combination or breakout prone skin this is a great option and PC's only two SPF 50 options for face.
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