10 Skincare Tips For Glowing Skin

I struggled with cystic acne all through high school. Painful breakouts, redness, and those deep bumps that never seemed to go away, and yes... I tried everything you can imagine. Expensive facials, creams, drugstore washes, natural remedies, and dermatologist prescriptions. I spent years chasing clear skin, and nothing ever worked for me.

I saw multiple dermatologists, hoping someone would have the answer. Some treatments helped a little, but the breakouts always came back worse. I felt like I was stuck in a loop trying product after product, only to end up right where I started.

Then, one day, I met a dermatologist who told me something no one else ever had: “Give your skin a break.” I remember being confused at first. I thought I needed more products, not fewer. But she explained that my skin was overworked and irritated from too many active ingredients. She told me to stop everything and let my skin reset. She prescribed just one thing, tretinoin. That was it. No 10-step routine, no fancy serums, just one cream. I started using it slowly, a few nights a week, and gave my skin time to adjust.

After a few months, I couldn’t believe the difference. My skin cleared up. The texture got smoother, the scars started fading, and for the first time in years, I felt confident without makeup. People even started complimenting me on how glowing my skin looked. I did add some serums after speaking to my dermatologist and this was really the cherry on top. Sometimes your skin doesn’t need more products, it needs simplicity and consistency. Less is more.

My Skincare Routine Staples

Here are the products that became my go-to essentials once my skin started healing:

• Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer – gentle, hydrating, and great for repairing your skin barrier. |Last Step-Night Time

• Retinol (Tretinoin alternative): The Ordinary Retinol – if you can’t get a prescription, this is a great beginner option. | Night Time

• Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen – lightweight and doesn’t clog pores. | Morning

• Retinol Cream: Glow Recipe Gentle Blackberry Retinol Night Serum – another over-the-counter option that helps with acne and texture. | Night Time

• Face Wash: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – simple, gentle, and effective for daily use. | Morning & Night Time

10 Skincare Tips That Actually Helped Me

1. Stop overdoing it. Too many products can damage your skin barrier and cause irritation.

2. Be patient. Real results take time & consistency matters more than quick fixes.

3. Moisturize daily. Even oily or acne-prone skin needs hydration to heal (speaking from an oily skin girly).

4. Use sunscreen every morning. Tretinoin and retinols make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

5. Don’t pick your skin. It only leads to scarring and inflammation.

6. Keep your pillowcases clean. Wash them at least once a week to avoid bacteria buildup.

7. Avoid harsh scrubs. They can make acne worse by irritating your skin.

8. Drink more water. Hydration helps your skin recover faster and stay balanced.

9. Stick to one routine. Constantly switching products confuses your skin.

10. Get enough rest. Sleep and stress directly affect your breakouts and healing process.