I didn’t always have clear skin. My relationship with my skin used to be long and frustrating.
From puberty into my early and mid-twenties I battled frequent breakouts. I remember skipping school and pretending to be sick to avoid exposing new pimples. I never took Accutane because I was wary of the side effects, but I tried everything else: facials and extractions, prescription creams and pills, scrubs, cleansers, and cortisone shots. I don’t have photos of that time — they were long destroyed — but the memory of constant irritation and embarrassment remains.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe my skin was ever that bad. It could have been worse, yet the persistent pimples were a real burden.
Growing up
As I got older I experienced fewer breakouts, and a major turning point came when I adopted a vegan diet. I still remember coworkers complimenting my skin — at first I thought they were teasing because I’d been so self-conscious for years. Over time, though, clear skin became reality.
I won’t go into depth about my diet here, but it plays a significant role in how my skin looks and feels.
What I want to focus on now is my skincare routine. Currently I choose products that boost radiance, maintain hydration, even skin tone, and prevent breakouts.
These are the products and steps I use daily and have relied on for months. I discovered several of these items through Lotus Moon and I’ve kept the ones that work best for my skin. They are vegan and organic, and they feel luxurious to use.
My skincare routine breakdown
Remove makeup
I remove makeup with coconut oil. It’s gentle, effective, and simple. I prefer it to old-fashioned cold creams, which often contain unnecessary additives and fragrances.
Cleanse
After removing makeup I cleanse. I sometimes use a coconut oil and water cleanse, or a gentle natural cleanser. I also use a mild, fragrance-free gel or cream cleanser when I want a deeper clean.
Tone and spot treat
When I spot a pimple emerging I dab it with a bit of apple cider vinegar. It helps dry out the spot and reduce inflammation. I use this sparingly as a targeted treatment rather than an everyday toner.
Exfoliate
I exfoliate two to three times a week with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin and reveal a fresh glow. A mild polisher that leaves skin soft and smooth works best for me; harsh scrubs can irritate and worsen breakouts.
Mask
I use a bentonite clay mask about twice a month. It draws out impurities and helps clear congested pores. I sometimes mix the clay with apple cider vinegar for an extra purifying boost and leave it on for about ten minutes. A single jar lasts a long time with this frequency.
Moisturize
Moisturizing is the most personal part of any routine. I choose formulas based on how my skin feels. I use a lightweight serum during the day and a richer cream or a small amount of coconut oil around my eyes or at night for extra hydration. The goal is to nourish without clogging pores.
That’s my core routine: remove makeup, cleanse, spot-treat as needed, exfoliate regularly, mask occasionally, and moisturize appropriately. Consistency is key, and I pair this care with a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep my skin in its best condition.
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