Skincare - Less Is More

This one's for all you acne-sufferers out there like me....

Did you know that your skin has its own built‑in microbiome — a community of good bacteria — and using too many products at once can disrupt it, making acne worse instead of better? Dermatologists call this “over‑treating,” and it’s one of the most common causes of irritation, breakouts, and barrier damage.

Toners, serums, moisturizers, cleaners, acne spot treatments... isn't it a bit overkill? In fact, the skincare industry is growing so quickly that it’s expected to add more than $60 billion in new products and innovations within just five years.

My takeaway from all of this is that skincare brands don't really care about you and your personal skincare journey. Their goal and to bring in revenue, not give you that bouncy, glowy skin you've been trying your best to achieve.

I've always had acne, specifically in my jawline area, which tends to be hormonal. I also suffer from random bouts of acne in my forehead and chin. Once I reached my mid-20s (yes, I know - late to the game in typical Gabby fashion), I finally saw a dermatologist and I decided to do my own research to create my skincare routine.

Here's what I've learned: Less is More and Consistency is Key.

You do not need 2 toners, 3 serums, and literal snail mucin to keep your skin beautiful and clear. Too many products will most likely do more irritating than help, and your skin - as well as your wallet - will pay the price. On top of it all, now you're left playing the game of trying to figure out which new product is clashing with your skin.

You need less than you think. Most dermatologists recommend focusing on one active ingredient at a time, paired with gentle support products.

Here's my nightly lineup (in this order):

1. A gentle, non‑stripping cleanser helps remove oil, sunscreen, and makeup without damaging the skin barrier. For the acne prone like me - I use La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel.

2. Next, I go in with my Holy Grail ... Tretinoin (.025%). It is a retinoid prescribed by my dermatologist that not only unclogs my pores, but also prevents new acne from forming, encourages collagen production, and helps repair sun-damage over time. I highly recommend seeing your dermatologist and asking about tretinoin if you feel your acne just won't budge. It's important to mention that you must build your way up to using Tretinoin every day, as it can be quite harsh on the skin the first few months. If you want a solid over the counter acne treatment instead, I would highly recommend La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Retinoid Gel. This would be your routine's active ingredient to battle your acne.

3. After your acne treatment, it's extremely important to apply a good moisturizer. I struggled so much with this step. I felt like every moisturizer I tried would give me these pesky little skin-colored bumps all over my forehead and cheeks. Even when the moisturizer claimed to be non-comedogenic, I would breakout. Finally, my friend recommended Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, and I will not be going back. I always feel hydrated but not sticky, and I genuinely don't break out. This moisturizer is part of a three-step system, but I like to use it on its own. So glad I tried it.

As an honorable mention, I will say that once every two weeks I will exfoliate with Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It keeps my skin fresh and smooth and keeps my pores from getting clogged. Just be careful and don't over-do it with the exfoliating, too much can be harmful to your skin's long-term health.

And that's it! Remember to keep things simple with your skin and be kind to yourself. Breakouts will happen, and that's okay!

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