While I have never had raging acne, during the school year I dealt with a good number of pimples, especially on my forehead or chin.
I did not know why, as I had a pretty rigorous skincare routine, consisting of innumerable moisturizes, face masks, and balms. I tried to sleep more and incorporate more antioxidant packed fruits in vegetables into my diet. And yet, my skin was breaking out.
Feeling defeated, I decided to befriend the acne, albeit subtle, that had made my face its home. However, during the last few months I have experienced clear skin. It is soft and supple, and might I say glowy?
This skin is a product of a few changes I made in my beauty routine and diet. I realized that I had fallen into a pattern of overburdening my skin with too many products, falsely believing that more is better when it comes to your skin. Yet, overusing or even combining products can result in redness, irritation, dryness, and even worsened breakouts.
I started to reduce my large bag of skin products to my most valuable ones: my Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash and CeraVe moisturizer. I reduced my application of these products from 3-4 times a day to 2 times a day, once in the morning, usually after my morning workout, and once in the evening before I went to bed. Instead of loading on the cleanser, I put on a few dabs, making sure to work it into some of my most acne prone areas.
One day, while applying my ritual layer of CeraVe, I had an epiphany: this new skincare mantra of simpler is better could be applied to my broader lifestyle in general. Simplifying means enjoying the small things, taking time to be mindful and appreciate what you have. When you simplify your lifestyle, your skin, mind, and body repay you with feelings of contentment and happiness.
