#43 | updating my skincare routine

I'm changing the products I use for the first time in 5+ years

This post includes affiliate links.

In the spring of 2019, I started “acne bootcamp” at the Acne Treatment Center in Vancouver, WA.

The most common reaction I get when I’ve told people about this is a variation of “but your skin is so clear, you don’t even have acne!” to which I say… that’s because the treatment worked 😉

jump scare on my face but look at the difference!

I will admit that I never had severe acne that required a strong intervention like Accutane, but I had a ton of congestion around my chin and would frequently have painful breakouts that were mostly covered by makeup but still frustrating to have, especially as I aged into my 30s.

This place took a two-pronged approach: regular facial treatments aimed at targeting the acne, and an at-home routine consisting of only products they recommended. I took the at-home routine very seriously, and have been using their products ever since.

But moving away from the area in 2022 meant that I had to order products over the phone; not the end of the world, but I also couldn’t just run out to the store to grab something when I ran out. They were also relatively expensive, so after 5 years of consistency I set out to find some dupes.

My routine consists of the following:

• Cleanser

• Toner

• Complex anti-aging peptide serum

• Mandelic acid

• Hydrating gel

• Moisturizer (am only)

• Sunscreen (am only)

• Benzoyl peroxide acne cream (pm only)

All of these products were purchased from the Acne Treatment Center & consisted of products they developed in-house as well as some specialty products from Face Reality Skincare¹.

I started by replacing the Mandelic acid — I was using an 11% concentration & Naturium makes a Mandelic Topical Acid 12%, so I switched to that a couple months ago with no issue.

Then I went on a hunt for something that could replace the anti-aging peptide serum I was using; I was going through 2 or 3 bottles a year and at $145 for a 1oz bottle, I knew there had to be something else.

I used ChatGPT to compare ingredients and settled on a combo of two products to replace the one I’d be using: the Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum & the Vitamin C Super Serum Plus, both from Naturium as well (can you tell I love Naturium?)²

Finally, I replaced the 5% benzoyl peroxide cream with the Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 5% Benzoyl Peroxide from Paula’s Choice.

I’m still looking for dupes for the cleanser, toner, moisturizer, & sunscreen but I’m feeling optimistic that I can find something more widely available! I was nervous to mess with a routine that worked so well but so far my skin has responded nicely.

---

P.S. I recently started a little side project to share a round-up of things I’ve recently bought; you can read the first one here!

what i bought, august 15-31

The third issue is going out on Monday, and will behind a paywall to keep the illusion of some privacy. You can upgrade to a paid subscription if you want that kind of content 2x a month, or you can keep enjoying these posts which will always remain free!

1. If you have acne, I highly recommend Face Reality’s acne bootcamp — you can search for certified estheticians near you on their website

2. While they’re not facial products, I can also vouch for the KP Body Scrub & Mask, The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash, and The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash from Naturium