I looovvveee fancy skincare products. I’m always trying new things for this blog or for my clients and brands I’m working with, which sometimes throws my skin out of whack. I have acne-prone skin, so I need to be very careful about what I use. There’s always a struggle finding a balance between products that will treat/prevent blemishes but not dry out skin. Plus, I’m always trying new things for this blog or for my clients and brands I’m working with, which sometimes throws my skin out of whack. I’ve found that sticking to these 9 products on a regular basis has been keeping my skin clear. 
1 & 2. SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 and ProActiv Pore Targeting Treatment: These are the products I use to get rid of blemishes. The way it was explained to me by Angela, my amazing facialist at Glow Med Spa, is that Salicylic Acid exfoliates/removes dead skin cells and Benzoyl Peroxide actually kills the blemish-causing bacteria. Alternating these three products has been working out really well. I’ve found that I come across products with Salicylic Acid all the time, but Benzoyl Peroxide is harder to find.
3. Proactiv Pore Targeting Treatment. I bought this after Ingrid Nelson talked about it in here. They actually have a Proactiv machine in our local mall, so I picked it up in there. You can get a better deal if you buy online. This has the Benzoyl Peroxide I mentioned earlier.
4. SkinMedia Ha5 Rejuvenating Hydrator: I was so excited to hear Dr. Suzanne Peck mention this as one of her favorite products when I interviewed her here. It has Hyaluronic Acid, that magic moisturizing ingredient we keep hearing about, and does give a really nice, soft finish. I use this In the places my face gets really dry – in between me eyebrows and at the tip of my nose.
Obagi SPF 50: This is one of the nicest sun blocks I’ve ever used. It’s not greasy and has zero smell. Plus, it mattifies. If I need to reapply through out the day I use the COOLA Makeup Setting Spray SPF30 and I use COOLA plumeria for everywhere but my face.
5. Erborian Cleansing Balm: I forgot a makeup remover when I went to Austin back in July, and was recommended this by someone at the Sephora down there. I had been using Bioderma, but I think this does an even better job of getting all the makeup off. Plus, it’s so easy. I get a little bit on my fingertips right out of the jar and “massage” if all over my dry skin to get my makeup off before I get in the shower.
6. Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50: I put this on everyday before my makeup. It’s not greasy and it doesn’t have a smell.
7 & 8: Skinceuticals LHA Cleansing Gel and Toner: These are so great. I use the cleanser every morning and night, and I usually use the toner once a day. If I feel like my skin is dried out, I sub in a gentle cleanser from Obagi and skip the toner.
9: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Intensive Peel: I LOVE this mask. I’d say it’s not for sensitive skin, because it stings, even if I only have it on for a few minutes. I apply it about once a week and it makes your skin super soft more even-toned. I always apply a moisturizing mask like this one or this one after.
What are your skincare staples?
Where do you find SkinCeuticals and Obagi products? I’ve been wanting to try both but would love to see a selection in person instead of buying online.
Thanks for asking! I get my Skinceuticals from either Glow Med Spa (In Short Pump or Northside) where I get my facials or at Dr. Godin’s office (Libbie and Grove). Dr. Godin’s has the largest selection in Richmond, I think.