I’m going to be honest; I should be the last person writing about how to take care of your skin. No matter how many luxurious, expensive, “high-quality” items I purchase in hopes to clear my face, I have my faults. In fact, I get lazy. I don’t have a 10-step skin care routine or drink the amount of water my skin begs for. These things are normal, and should be talked about more.

Ads for the latest skincare products that mention all these different biology terms can be a bit intimidating. They make it seem as if touching your face and not sleeping on the silkiest-quality pillow from Egypt is a crime. Although I’m exaggerating, you get my point. 

What I’m saying is, our skin is individual. Not having essentially “clear” skin is normal. Having an inexpensive or two-step routine is normal. Sometimes not fulfilling your commitment to skincare is normal as well. 

My skin isn’t “perfect,” and doesn’t fit the stigmatized narrative that society places on beauty standards. 

My skin care routine is as follows:

Morning 

1. Brush my teeth because it gets me in the “cleanly” mood
2. Wash with CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser because my skin tends to be very oily
3. Moisturize with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
4. Apply my acne medication along with water
5. Look in the mirror and remind myself that skin changes and I am valid.

Take this reading as a friendly reminder to be gentle to yourself. We are all individual and valid, so treat your skin like so!