My staples after years of trial and error

Skin type: combo Skin tone: deep (NARS Zambie, MAC NW55) Skin issues: hormonal acne, PIH Requests: product or procedure recs for targeting PIH/ deep scarring

Hi all! I was active in this sub years ago and have since curated my routine to staples that are tried and true. I still struggle a lot with my skin (hormonal acne, skin picking, and stubborn PIH scarring), but with birth control I no longer get painful cysts, and these products work to heal my skin over time.

Sometimes I try a new product if I’ve run out of a staple, but no more hoarding several products and further ruining my skin in the process! Happy to take any recs for products that help with scarring on dark skin though! I used to use Differin but haven’t in years and have considered picking it back up.

Product list + reviews:

Softymo speedy cleanser: used for very heavy makeup days. Lasts forever! Fairly easy to rinse off, I prefer using it in the shower though.

Korres Greek yoghurt cleanser: I’ve tried several cleaners and always come back to this. Very creamy texture, doesn’t feel drying on my combo skin, I often use this for makeup removal.

Timeless vitamin C: resisted buying this but finally tried the Skinceuticals dupe last year and I’m not turning back. Light texture, visibly improves my skin within weeks, especially with PIH!

Krave Beauty 5.25% AHA: I realize now that a low percent acid works best for me. I don’t use this daily but it smooths my skin out without fail.

Peach Slices BHA: bought this bc I kept hearing it’s a Paula’s Choice dupe. Idk if I agree…perfectly nice product but I dont think it compares results-wise.

Stratia Liquid Gold: my bestie estieeee, love the texture, how moisturized I feel, how long it lasts, I’ve tried several moisturizers since and always repurchase LG.

Pyunkang Yul essence toner: this product is truly nothing special but I love how hydrating it is, and when my skin feels sensitive, it’s one of the only things that doesn’t sting. It feels luxe and I pat it into my skin in layers. I’ve tried various popular hydrating toners and always return to this.

Stratia rewind: I buy this periodically, basically switch bt this and vitamin c. It takes a couple of months to work, but does help with PIH.

Stratia fortify great product for winter! I love skin oils and this is just heavy enough to make my skin feel plush without looking like a total oil slick (which I don’t actually mind lol!).

Krave Beauty beet the sun: I loved the old formula more but ofc this has accurate SPF. I got this on a BOGO sale but it’s not my top favorite sunscreen. This is the category I experiment with the most. I like the Innisfree sunscreen from Sephora and a couple of other Korean ones. This one sometimes irritates my eyes, but otherwise a great product.

Purito daily soft touch sunscreen: WOAH, I randomly bought this in store and this is the best sunscreen I’ve ever used!! I like ones that feel like moisturizer, so it’s thick but blends in perfectly, doesn’t irritate my eyes, and I do believe it offers fantastic sun protection. I’m excited to repurchase once beet the sun runs out!

Now that I have my staple products, I must avoid skin picking, which is my #1 bad habit.

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I didn’t Krave released a new sunscreen. Gotta try it out.