Our Skin Diary series dives into the skincare routines and products of our Apostrophe team (and hopefully beyond!). For this entry you’re hearing from your very own Lead Writer, Kathleen Morrison 👋. I’m taking a break from writing and researching other blog topics today to tell you a little bit about my skincare routine (it’s a juicy one). Read on to learn how I handle breakouts while fighting fine lines!

Age: 29

Skin type: Oily, acne-prone, and fair (I sunburn very easily).

Skin concerns: Hormonal acne, big pores/ blackheads, fine lines, and some hyperpigmentation. My mom is Chinese and fairly dark-skinned, and my dad is white and very, very light-skinned (he can’t get tan at all, he only burns when out in the sun). I definitely lean towards my dad’s coloring with lighter skin and eyes so fine lines are more of a concern now that I’m almost 30 (too many bad sunburns in high school 😭). My mom has developed hyperpigmentation as she’s aged (it’s really common with Asian skin), and I’m starting to see some of that in my skin as well, although it doesn’t bother me too much.

Lifestyle: Lately I’ve been working out 3-4 times a week with a mix of cardio and calisthenics, and I’ve been doing my best to eat well. For me that means being mindful of my carb intake, even though (or maybe because) I love pasta, bread, and rice. I also love to explore new bars and restaurants around Oakland which means alcohol is a fairly regular part of my diet (I am a sucker for a fancy cocktail). Not the best for acne-prone skin, but I aim for balance!

Location/climate/environmental concerns: I live in Oakland, CA which is sunny for most of the year. I grew up in the Northeast where winter months serve to protect you from a decent amount of sun damage, but out here I’ve been aiming to apply sunscreen every day, rain or shine (which you should do no matter where you live!).

My approach to skincare: Consistency is key! I’ve dealt with acne since I was a teen so I know the value of sticking to what works. That being said, now that my skin isn’t as acne-prone as it has been in the past, I’m able to try more new things without dreading a new breakout. I've also been embracing my natural oils more now that I'm older and leaning into hydrating products and dewy looks. I've learned its better to work with your oils rather than against them!

AM:

1. Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask ($7) → My dermatologist recommended this to me when I was in high school and I’ve never stopped using it! Since I know my skin doesn’t react to it, I can still use it when I’m not sure what is causing me to break out (this happened when I moved across the country in my early 20s and the new climate did not agree with my skin 😬). Its key ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, one of the staple ingredients dermatologists still recommend to treat acne.
2. Caudalie Vinoperfect Anti Dark Spot Serum ($79) → This. Stuff. Is. Incredible. I first tried it as a free sample size from Sephora and I fell in love. It makes your skin feel plump and hydrated, but it isn’t heavy at all. It improved my skin tone after just a few days and my skin is definitely more radiant when I use it regularly. The $79 price tag is steep, but well worth it.
3. CeraVe PM Face Moisturizer ($16) → Another tried and true product recommendation from my high school dermatologist! It’s so light, but gives me plenty of moisture throughout the day. It contains niacinamides which are great for smoothing the skin without leaving an oily residue. This is super important if you are oily and acne-prone like me.
4. Neutrogena Hydroboost Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 30 ($8) → This is the best sunscreen I’ve found at this price point that sits well under makeup. I find that most sunscreens will make my makeup look cakey as I get oily throughout the day. While this one does add a bit of glow, my makeup stays smooth and cake-free.

PM:

1. Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser ($8) → Just like your grandma used to use! Seriously though, this stuff has stuck around because it WORKS. I melt a two-finger dollop between my hands and then thoroughly massage it all over my face, being sure to rub it into my mascara until I look like a raccoon. Then I soak a clean washcloth with hot water to wipe away the cream. Not only is this process more eco-friendly than disposable makeup wipes, it also removes makeup more thoroughly than wipes and my skin doesn’t feel stripped afterwards. As a bonus, it feels really refreshing and relaxing after a long day.
2. Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser ($32) → I usually hop in the shower after I take off my makeup and I wash my face again with this Drunk Elephant cleanser, or another sample size of something I’m trying out. The first time I used this I did not think it was worth the $32, but after a few cleanses I really started feeling the benefits. It’s like washing your face with nothing, but somehow… better? It’s unbelievably gentle and my skin always feels perfectly balanced after using it – never tight or dry, but still clean. And before you ask, yes, it works better for me than the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($14).
3. Here is where my skin routine starts to get a little wild. I have a few different products I rotate through depending on how my skin is feeling.

Weekly:

1. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($7) → Ok I’m not going to lie: Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask ($80) is a better product that leaves your skin feeling like a baby’s butt. BUT when you consider the $7 vs. $80 price point, The Ordinary has Drunk Elephant beat. The Ordinary’s peel gets the job done with an intense chemical exfoliation that clears pores and dead skin, leaving your face soft and supple. I use it about once a week and apply Drunk Elephant’s LaLa Retro Whipped Moisturizer with Ceramides ($60) afterwards for a truly luxurious dose of moisture.
2. I Dew Care Cake My Day Hydrating Sprinkle Wash-Off Mask ($25) → Not only does this mask smell EXACTLY like Funfetti icing, it includes hyaluronic acid that makes your skin unbelievably soft and smooth. I apply it in the evening and put on my trusty CeraVe PM moisturizer afterwards to lock in the hydration.

Have a skin routine that is killing the game? Share your secrets with us by filling out our Skin Diary form! We’ll take care of the rest!