Skincare products have different effects on different skin types. It feels like an endless cycle of trial and error when trying to find what product works for you and your needs. Every day I struggle with dry skin and a field of blackheads that bring my insecurities closer to the surface. I have tried many different tricks and hacks that I saw on social media that I expected to change how my skin looked and felt but I just ended up disappointed and red. Eventually, after I stopped relying on advertisements and started listening to my skin, I found a routine that worked for me and may work for you!
A co-worker of mine mentioned that my skin was looking more clear. That was a shock because I have been insecure about my dry patches for years, so it made my day. I had no idea there different skin types until I started frequently researching skincare products.
My skin is considered what is called “combination skin”, which is a mix of dry and oily skin. My chin and under-eyes are always dry, while my nose and forehead are almost always oily.
Recently, I started using Anua skincare products, which focus on a Korean style, and I have loved them. I never even knew skincare routines and products had categories.
A creator was showing off her skin and it looked so clean and fresh. I remember thinking, “God I wish!”. I saw that a product by Anua was tagged in the TikTok Shop description so I checked it out- and did my research before I committed to anything. I have learned my lesson from applying toothpaste on my pimples because a girl on Instagram said it worked. P.S, it did not. I just looked like a weird marshmallow.
When I researched it, I found that Anua products utilize Heartleaf, a plant native to South Asia used in medicine and pollination, that soothes and de-puffs irritated skin. I decided that I should give it a try because I had never heard of it before and it was promising for what I was looking for.
I ordered it directly from TikTok shop, not before I made sure the Anua account was legit, in a bundle pack for about $50. A bit pricy but it came with the full, 4-step routine so I made the sacrifice.
After about a month of use, my skin truly feels amazing. I never even wanted to wash my face before then because it was not worth it in the end, but now I can’t wait to get home and wash the days stress away.
I start by using the foaming cleanser in my nightly shower. The green-tinted cleanser smells like a comforting clean mint. It comes out a gel, but with a little water and friction, it foams up like whipped coffee. Once it is on my skin, it feels heavier on the T- zone(the nose and around the eyebrows) but on my cheeks, chin, and forehead, it feels almost cloud-like. It contains exfoliating scrubs to help clean the layer of dead skin off. If you want to follow these steps, I suggest not scrubbing very hard because it irritated my skin the first time I tried it. I rinsed with warm water and gently dabbed my face dry with a simple washcloth. No need for anything fancy there.
Next, I use Anua’s pore control oil cleanser, containing heartleaf, and repeat the process. This oil appears how you would imagine a translucent oil to appear: clear and smooth. It feels less thick compared to something like baby oil. The oil comes out of the pump extremely quick and liquidy, so I recommend only doing one or two pumps before it gets all over the place. It smells the same as the foaming cleanser. The reason you use two cleansers is because of a process called “double cleansing”, suggested by many Korean skincare specialists. The oil removes excess makeup and sebum, a natural oil produced by hormones. After this step, my skin feels the most glowy. Why don’t I stop there? Because I am extra and my skin will suffer in the morning if I do not use a toner.
My exfoliating toner and niacinamide serum, great for dark spot relief, come next. Those two products can be alternated as you wish. I chose to use the toner before the serum because I have found that when I use the serum under the toner, my skin feels extra sticky and I don’t want my face to stick to my pillow at night. I have found that the toner and serum produced by Anua really mixes well with my facial chemistry.
The toner smells a bit spicier than any of the other products I have mentioned so far. It does not bother me very much because it is only on my skin for half a minute and then I dab it in with that trusty washcloth. The toner is important because it helps close up those pores that the oil may have opened.
The serum is my favorite part because it helps with dark spots! My biggest fixation on my face is dark spots. I feel like everyone can see them when I am in good lighting, in reality they are smaller than I think. It just makes me feel better when I add that extra step and put a little love towards my insecurities. The serum is a light pink gel like substance but it glides on the skin very smooth.
It does not have a smell to it, which I find odd because all of the other Anua products had a scent.
After all of that, my last step is separate from the Anua franchise and belongs to a popular brand whose mascot may or may not be Micheal Cera: CeraVe.
I have been a loyal CeraVe user since the COVID lockdown because it is the only lotion that does not irritate my skin and it’s fragrance free. I have found that using fragrance free moisturizers works best because the ingredients used in scented lotions do not agree with my natural body chemistry.
I apply a decent amount of lotion on my face and let it air dry. After that, I drink a cold glass of water because it honestly just makes me feel energized. The cheapest and easiest beauty secret is to drink a glass of water when you wake up because it boosts metabolism and helps hydrate your skin before a long day.
On rare occasions, I use a cold beaded facial roller to help wake me up in the morning. It feels comforting and it provides depuffing effects immediately. I’ve heard that icing your skin is actually not good for you. I used to ice my skin but it made my skin red and wet. I prefer the classic rose quartz and beaded roller because they are easy to store in the fridge and it makes my skin feel less irritated.
Many of these products took me years to find and I had to scoop through a dozen products to see what worked to make me feel the healthiest. It may be different for you! Keep your head up and continue to experiment with what works well with your needs and preferences! Please do your research as to what you put on your skin because it’s beautiful and deserves love like everything else!
