Life. Love. Beauty. Paradise: My AM and PM Skincare Routine For Oily Or Acne-Prone Skin

My skin is extremely oily and prone to breakouts, which can be so annoying, especially in summer time. Oily skin tends to be thick, shiny with large pores clearly visible everywhere except around the eye and neck areas. Gross...ahh? On the positive note it's a blessing in disguise since the abundance of oil helps keep moisture from evaporating from the epidermis, making it less prone to aging and wrinkling. In the past, it seemed like no matter what I used for my skin, after few hours it would become shiny and greasy. Today, I learned that any cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen or makeup that are use have to be "Oil-Free". Makes sense...ahh?

If you have oily skin, you may be overwhelmed with the amount of products on the market specifically targeted for oily skin. In no time flat you can spend a lot of money and still not know if you're taking care of your oily skin the way you should be. I completely understand, because I've been there and done that.

I alternate between two cleansers, Morning Burst Facial Cleanser by Clean & Clear, oil free, formulated with bursting beads, get a deep clean while refreshing my skin with an added touch of moisture without clogging my pores. I typically buy it at Wal-Mart, cost 8oz $5.50 and it last me for at least six months, since I alternate between two cleansers. Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask by Estee Lauder, the creamy formula rapidly lathers into a rich foaming cleanser that gently removes makeup and other impurities without drying. Unclogs pores. Leaves my skin healthy, fresh and luminous. Or, twice a week I use it as a 3-minute purifying mask. You can find it at any Estee Lauder counters, cost 5oz $25 and it also last me for at least six months. I know that it's a lot pricier then Clean & Clear, but believe me when I say that it works. This is the best face cleanser I have ever used!

Once to twice a week, I use Oil Free Acne Wash by Neutrogena, it cleans deep into my pores and helps to stop breakouts before they start. The salicylic acid acne treatment cuts through the oil, penetrates deep into my pores and dissolves dirt, oil and impurities without drying out or irritating my skin. I typically buy it at Wal-Mart, cost 4.2oz $5.50 and it last me for over six months, since I don't use it daily.

A step that I personally believe in, but is many times forgotten is using a toner. Simply apply toner onto a cotton ball and swipe over your face. I've tried many, so I finally found the one I like, Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion/Refiner by Estee Lauder, tones and exfoliates in one, for a brighter look. It's gentle cushioning formula works as a toner to condition and balance skin. And as a refiner, it removes dry, dull skin cells. You can also find this at any Estee Lauder counters, cost 200ml $25 and it last me for six months. Again, it's on the pricey side, but it's the only one I found that works for my oily skin.

Even if you have oily skin, you need to keep it moisturized. I always skipped this part of my routine in the past, since all the moisturizer I've tried made my skin even more greasier. But eventually found the one that I like and use now. The best part of my moisturizer is that it includes sun protection factor (SPF), which I believe is a very important factor to protect your skin. Day Wear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Cream Oil Free SPF 25, it helps prevent and diminish first signs of aging. This high-performance, oil-free moisturizer defends against signs of premature aging—and diminishes their appearance—with the most effective anti-oxidant power ever. You can also find this at any Estee Lauder counters, cost 1.7oz $55 and it last me for over six months.

First, I start with Gentle Eye Makeup Remover by Estee Lauder, which works quickly and thoroughly to remove my shadow and mascara. I try to avoid my eye area when using cleansers. I alternate between two cleansers, Night Relaxing Deep Cleaning Face Wash by Clean & Clear, oil free. With deep sea minerals and sea kelp extract, Clean & Clear Night Relaxing Deep Cleaning Face Wash cleans deep to effectively wash away daily build-up-like dirt, oil and impurities deep in pores. I also buy this at Wal-Mart, cost 8oz $5.50 and it last me for at least six months, since I alternate between two cleansers. Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser/Purifying Mask by Estee Lauder, which I mentioned above in my morning routine.

I also use Clarisonic Brush, which I was given as a gift from my mom on my birthday. It's by far the best skin cleansing systems out there. It gently removes the impurities traditional cleaning methods leave behind, cleansing six times better than your hands alone. In just 60 seconds, its sonic action removes impurities from pores so that creams, serums, and moisturizers are more effective. I definitely recommend this product!

The term describes vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin. I have been using a prescription retinoid consistently, also to help me to control my acne. Right now, I use Ziana gel, prescribed to me by my dermatologist. I make sure that I use SPF during the day because retinoids make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. I also try to avoid eye area when using retinol. DO NOT USE WHEN PREGNANT!

I recently started using eye cream, even though my wrinkles are very minimum right now. But thought it was time since I'm in my 30s and I want to smooth the ones that I have now, and prevent the new ones appearing in the future. I use Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Eye Cream by Estee Lauder, creates a younger, more contoured look around eyes. Infused with over 50 ingredients including precious Black Tourmaline gems, South Sea pearls and refined 24K gold. By now, you probably thinking, wow this girl loves Estee Lauder skincare products and truly, I do. Cost .5oz $140, yes it's expensive, but tell you the truth I have been using a sample, which I was given for free to try, while purchasing makeup. I've been using it now for over 4 months and still have some left to last me for a few more. I love it!

I've been using Clear Difference Advanced Blemish Serum by Estee Lauder, oil free, it targets, treats, reduces the look of blemishes. Helps prevent new ones from forming and stop the breakout cycle. Amazing product! Cost 1.0oz $54 or 1.7oz $52 and I've been using it for over six months and still have half of a bottle left.