How to Take Care of Your Skin & Hyperpigmentation

Tips to create a healthy skin routine- including products to try and preventative measures to take.

Skincare has always been something that hits home for me. I know the struggle of trying so many products from drugstore skincare, to high-end skincare products, ointments, and even medication, to help get rid of my acne. It is a frustrating process and can really put a damper on your confidence. After exhausting all my options, I ended up going on Accutane. This was very life changing as it completely got rid of my acne. Disclaimer: I’m not a medical doctor, and if you feel that your skin needs medical attention, speak with your doctor to see what they can do for you.

With that said, as freeing and relieving as it was to have gotten rid of my acne, the next obstacle to tackle was the hyperpigmentation that followed. So, on this post, I am giving advice on how you can combat these post-acne issues, while also explaining the preventative measures I currently take in order to combat any future acne.

TIP #1 - Remove your makeup

A step you should never forget, no matter how tired you are, is to remove your makeup! Makeup is notorious for clogging up your pores, and going to sleep with it on is a recipe for a new pimple to pop the next morning. I personally like using the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 along with a cotton pad to remove my eye makeup. It does a really good job in getting off that stubborn mascara.

TIP #2 - Oil Cleanser

Ever since I discovered oil cleanser, I never went back to makeup wipes. I learned about double cleansing, a technique where you use an oil-based cleanser to remove your makeup, and then use a water-based cleanser to wash off the oil. What is fun about oil-cleansing is it is so satisfying seeing the oil remove the makeup and once you splash it with water, the oil emulsifies, and it all washes right off. The oil cleanser I always opt for is Innisfree’s Hydrating Cleansing Oil with Green Tea. It has great texture and gets all your makeup off with one wash.

TIP #3 - Water-based Cleanser

In order to get off every last bit of oil residue from the oil cleanser, the next step of double cleansing is to use a water-based cleanser right after. I found that, for me, using a cleanser with a closer pH to my skin helps me as it doesn’t feel like it is stripping away my natural face oils after washing. A good ingredient to have in your face wash is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is considered a Beta hydroxy acid (BHA for short), which is fancy for saying that it helps clear the pores from within since it is a chemical exfoliant. By exfoliating pollutants that tend to get clogged up in our skin, it is able to help clear acne and prevent more of it from forming. The Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a great gentle cleanser that gets the job done right.

TIP #4 - Essence

This next step in my skincare routine has to be my favorite one- using essence right after washing my face. There seems to be a lot of questions surrounding essence and what it is exactly. Essence is an extra step of hydration you can take before applying a serum or moisturizer. What makes essence different than serum is that it is lighter and can be layered, whereas serums tend to be more concentrated in stronger ingredients. Essence is used in a lot of Asian skincare routines, and for a good reason. Asian skincare tends to focus a lot on hydration, and essence helps with keeping the skin plump while also fading away scars and hyperpigmentation. The one I use is called Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. And I know what you’re thinking, snail sounds like a really weird and gross ingredient, but I promise you it works wonders on your skin. My acne scars and hyperpigmentation have faded so quickly with this miracle ingredient! Also, no snails are harmed in the process of making the essence! The Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has been my secret weapon in my skincare routine, fading hyperpigmentation faster than any other.

TIP #5 - Sunscreen

This next tip is the single most important- wear sunscreen! Even if you’re not spending the day by the beach, it is important to still put it on as the UV rays can damage your skin if you are not protecting it properly. UV rays are the ones to blame for premature aging and discoloration of the skin. By making it a point to wear sunscreen every day, you are making great strides in assuring that your skin is being protected. It is also essential in trying to fade away hyperpigmentation as wearing sunscreen will prevent the marks from getting darker. The CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion is the perfect lightweight moisturizer that nourishes the skin, while also protecting it from the harsh UV rays.

TIP #6 - Facemasks

When your skin is in need of an extra boost, treat yourself to a spa night! There is nothing more satisfying than ending a long day with your favorite mask. There is a plethora of different kinds of masks you could choose from. There are clay masks, sheets masks, and even bubble masks! Use what works best with your skin. I am a huge fan of the sheet masks given their added hydration. I tend to opt for sheet masks with ingredients like orange, green tea, or aloe as these ingredients have good healing properties that calm the skin. Orange is especially good to use because the vitamin C content inside of it can help fade away marks from hyperpigmentation. Sheet masks are an easy way to pamper yourself while also treating your skin with nourishing ingredients and hydration.

As annoying as skin issues can be, it is important to try all your options in efforts to heal your skin. And just remember, that any skin issues, like acne, acne scarring, or hyperpigmentation do not define you! These problems can really lower your self-esteem, but it is important to remember that it is just the surface and that there is more to you than what is on your face. Even though that is easier said than done, but hopefully these tips can help someone with similar skincare struggles. Best wishes to you on your skincare journey!

Images contributed by Angelique Cabanero