We all can have imperfections on our skin, so here are some recommendations to help ease common problems.

Must-use: Sunscreen

Though most people think sunscreen is only necessary before prolonged exposure, daily use can help protect you from visible skin damage. If you use products that make your skin more sensitive to sunburn, this is especially important.

Facial sunscreen recommendations:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch sunscreen SPF 100+ ($15)*

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($15)

Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 ($31)

Learn more:

SPF is an acronym for Sun Protective Factor.

Make sure to use broad spectrum sunscreen, which protects you from both types of solar rays.

*SPF over level 50 may not provide significantly more protection than 50 itself.

General use products

Benzoyl peroxide

This kills acne-causing bacteria and can help remove excess oil an dead skin cells. However, using this can be irritating, so using moisturizer after or using it as a spot treatment can help avoid wide irritation.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser ($15)

Paula’s Choice Daily Skin Clearing Treatment ($18)

Moisturizers & Hyualoric Acid

These products help avoid dry skin to give a smooth, soft skinned appearance.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($6.80)

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion ($13)

Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 ($31) – This contains hyaluronic acid as well as SPF

Salycilic acid

This helps prevent pore clogging (acne). It can have mild stinging and irritation.

CereVe SA Cleanser ($10)

The Ordinary Salycilic Acid 2% Masque ($12)

Adapalene Gel

Adapalene is a retinoid that works to reduce acne and inflammation by getting your skin cells to regenerate faster. However, it can be very drying to the skin, irritating in early usage and makes your skin sensitive to UV rays, so using moisturizer and sunscreen in conjunction is smart.

Differin Gel 0.1% adapalene ($12)

Specific Recommendations

The Ordinary Niacinamide serum ($5.90)

This boasts regulating sebum production (natural oil your skin produces that can look like blackheads) and tightening pores.

The Ordinary Caffein Solution 5% + EGCG serum ($6.70)

This helps reduce the visibility of under-eye bags. I can say it works amazingly.

The Ordinary Salycilic Acid 2% Masque ($12)

As mentioed before, Salycilic Acid helps clean and prevent blockage of your pores. This “masque” specifically is simple and doesn’t contain fragrances.

Thayers Witch Hazel Toner ($9)

Witch hazel is an astringent that can help tighten pores and regulate oil production. Try and use versions of this that doesn’t have a form of alcohol as an additive, as that can be especially drying.

Fiora Naturals Pure Organic Tea Tree Oil ($8.50)

iUNIK Tea Tree Relief Serum ($17)

Tea tree oil is good to use as a spot treatment to help blemishes heal faster and reduce in visibility. However, it can be irritating and drying, and there has not been extensive clinical research on it.

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