I’ve been doing this skincare routine since January. I’d been noticing some pigmentation around my jawline and finally brought it up to my doctor. She recommended that I use a retinoid and then go from there…
I think the most important thing that I’ve learned is that there’s no ONE ingredient that will do all the work, so it’s better to use a combination of ingredients in your routine. Most importantly, sunscreen will help you keep the results you’ve worked for. And retinoids are still the gold standard in working towards better skin. Here’s what I’ve been using since January, and right now I’m at a place where I like my skin without makeup and I think it has improved.
The first product has to be sunscreen. It has to be. I wear it everyday, yes, even if I’m inside, and if it’s cloudy. There’s just no other way. What if it’s cloudy and then the sun comes out and I’ve gone for a walk? Well, I’ll probably forget to put it on, so I just have it on all the time no matter what. It’s part of my morning routine. I’m using the Murad Environmental Shield. Someone on my Youtube complained about the $70 price tag, but I like it and it’s very moisturizing too. ANY sunscreen is good as long as you’re using it lots.
The second product is prescription tret, yes, prescribed by my doctor when I complained about pigmentation. My skin is still flaking off all the time, but I’ve gotten into a bit of a routine with this. I’ve worked up to using it twice a week with a minimal amount of peeling.
Tranexamic Acid and niacin or niacinamide. Vichy or The A Method. I use one or the other and they’re both pretty gentle actually. The Vichy one also has Niacin in it (vitamin B3) which is known to keep skin looking more clear. The A Method actually says that their tranexamic acid is at a 10%. Although it seems high, there’s no stinging on your skin.
Vitamin C at a decent percentage. This Boscia Vitamin C is still one of my favourites. It’s 10% and has a light texture.
10% Azelaic Acid Booster from PC or the Vivier Corrector 2. Both of these are over-the-counter products and they seem to be lasting forever.
Have you tried any of these? Do you struggle with hyperpigmentation yourself? Is there anything you’d want to try?
