About a year ago, acne and acne scars had completely taken over my skin. The worst part? It was weeks before our wedding. I tried so many products to clear my skin only to feel disappointed when things didn’t get better… That was until I discovered the perfect skin care routine for me.
Note: I am not a Rodan + Fields consultant and all thoughts are my own. I’m also not a dermatologist or skin care “expert.” ;) This is simply the routine that genuinely works for my skin. | Photos by Riss Rahm
Finding the perfect skin care routine for my skin wasn’t easy. It actually took a LOT of trial and error. But I’m happy to say I’ve been using the same routine for more than a year and my skin has never been better.
My Skin Care Story
Oily skin runs in my family (you’ll never catch my mom or me without oil absorbing sheets in our purses). I have always assumed that to be one of the main causes of my acne. The first time my skin got truly bad was when I was about 16. I went to the dermatologist and was prescribed medication for my skin. The problem was it was expensive and didn’t seem to help. At the time, the Proactiv line was really taking off, so I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, it actually worked for my skin and was even cheaper than the prescriptions I had been on.
After I started using Proactiv, my skin cleared up. Eventually, because Proactiv was pricey, I switched to cheaper products while in college. I actually didn’t notice a change in the condition of my skin and assumed my acne was cured. What I experienced as a teenager was just part of being a teenager, right?
Wrong…
Fast forward to last year when I was 22… My skin became noticeably worse in January 2016 (8 months before our wedding). Knowing the wedding was right around the corner, I quickly turned to my old skin care savior, Proactiv. After using it for a couple months hoping it would work as well for me now as it did in my teens, I was left defeated. To my dismay, it didn’t help.
Not only was I experiencing breakouts, the other concern for me was that my skin scars easily. You’re probably thinking, “Don’t you know you’re not supposed to pick your pimples?” But the thing is, I don’t. Scars come naturally for my skin following intense flare-ups. So, the more breakouts I had, the more scarred my skin became and the most helpless I felt.
With the wedding approaching, I became desperate. I tried many new skin care lines and even found myself back at the dermatologist hoping for a solution. Nothing helped.
If you’ve ever dealt with acne, you know how hard it can be on your confidence. It doesn’t matter how many people tell you, “It’s not that bad.” When you take off your makeup at night, you feel ugly. I didn’t even like being around my then fiancé without makeup on. I had hit an all-time low just weeks before our wedding.
How Things Changed for the Better
In August, a co-worker of mine started selling Rodan + Fields. One day, she came into the office with her products and offered to let us all try them. She sent us each home with some samples to see what we thought. Of course, I was skeptical. But with one month until the wedding, I was desperate to try anything that could work. After trying her samples and reading a ton of reviews, I decided to order the entire Unblemish line.
Did it work instantly? No. But many articles and YouTube videos about the Unblemish line will tell you that’s pretty common with these products. At first, I even developed lots of whiteheads, which was unusual, even for my problematic skin. People say this often happens as the products work to clean the gunk out of your pores.
The “before” photos above are me on the first day of using the Unbelmish line. I took the photos below a couple weeks after I started using Rodan + Fields.
By our wedding day, my skin was drastically better. I was shocked. And once I stopped breaking out, my skin had a chance to heal too. Today, not only is my skin clear but most of my scars have faded.
My Skin Care Routine
Rodan + Fields products may seem more expensive than others on the market. But I’ve used them since August 2016 and have no plans to stop. The face wash, toner and spot treatment work so well for my skin that the cost feels worth it for me. I’m actually comfortable without makeup on — something I never thought would be possible — and I don’t have to use heavy foundations and concealers anymore. {You can see my full makeup routine here.}
I’m not saying this routine will work for everyone. As noted above, I’m not a dermatologist or skin care expert. But what I can say is the products below drastically changed my skin for the better.
Keep in mind I’m religious about my skin care routine and never go a day without working through these steps in the morning and at night. Consistency matters. ;) I also drink LOTS of water, which I know is good for the skin.
1. Face Wash: I use two on a regular basis. The Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Face Scrub is my go-to when I’m in the shower and it’s been a favorite of mine since I was in high school. I love this exfoliating scrub because it’s a gentle way to remove dead skin cells on a regular basis. It’s less than $5 at Sally Beauty, smells amazing and keeps my skin soft and smooth. (My husband even uses this stuff!)
The other is the Rodan + Fields Unblemish Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash, which I use after taking my makeup off with these cheap makeup remover wipes. I really feel the sulfur in this wash does a great job at keeping my pores clean and free of blackheads.
If blackheads are one of your biggest skin care concerns, my husband uses and loves the Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser.
2. Toner: After washing my face, I use the Unblemish Clarifying Toner by Rodan + Fields morning and night. I love how this toner doesn’t dry out my skin like others I’ve tried. It’s actually surprisingly soothing.
3. Spot Treatments: The Rodan + Fields Unblemish Dual Intensive Acne Treatment is magic in a bottle. I’ve always found acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide work better for my skin compared to salicylic acid. This treatment delivers the maximum efficiency of benzoyl peroxide with its dual chamber packaging.
4. Moisturizer: Although the Unblemish line comes with a lotion, I actually only use it when I need added sun protection on my face (it’s SPF 20!). My all-time favorite face lotion is the Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion. Holy cow… This stuff is amazing! My skin feels unbelievably soft and hydrated after using it. It also feels great under makeup and doesn’t make my skin oily.
Note: Even those with oily skin need to use a daily moisturizer! Dry skin can lead to clogged pores, which can cause acne.
5. Face Masks: To be completely honest, I don’t use face masks or do at-home facials as often as I should. Oops! A couple products I’m trying out now are the Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask and Ceramiracle First Light The Reboot Mask. I’ll keep you posted on the results.
One thing I do regularly is exfoliate with the Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant after washing my face. My husband and I also like using the Biore Charcoal Pore Strips when needed.
Questions?
I hope you find this post helpful and that you know you’re not alone in your skin care struggle! If you have questions I didn’t answer, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or at jessi@thestylishprint.com.
Also, if you’re interested in purchasing Rodan + Fields and are looking for an amazing consultant, I still buy all my products from the coworker who introduced me to them. You can reach out to Katelyn Cheek on her R+F Website or email her at info@katalinagirl.com.