The Simple Skincare Routine That Changed My Life

The Sweatpants Scholar
Word Garden
Published in
3 min readMar 5, 2024
Photo by Jessica Felicio on Unsplash

Growing up, I was blessed with naturally flawless skin — soft, smooth, and radiant. Until puberty took over and I lost it all. I was having breakouts left right and center for years and I just couldn’t catch a break. I struggled to find a solution, bouncing from one product to another in hopes of reclaiming my ‘used to be’ perfect skin.

When I first started taking care of my skin, I was drawn to organic products because they were made with natural ingredients and I didn’t want to risk damaging my skin. However, I found that these products only took me so far. I tried many different products and brands, but I wasn’t completely satisfied with the results. Don’t get me wrong, they worked to some extent, but not to the extent that I was hoping for.

So one day I made the conscious decision to try chemical products. It was a really hard decision but it had to be made. So I did some research on what I thought would work best for my skin type and decided to get the basic but most effective set. I looked around online (as a lover of online shopping) and stumbled across this brand. I didn’t know anything about it but it just looked effective 😅, and was very affordable so I took a chance and got it.

It comprised a facial wash (with tea tree oil because tea tree is the best), Vitamin C, and Retinol. Sounds like such a basic routine right? Wrong. I thought the same thing when I bought it but at this point, I was going to try everything no matter how basic it sounded. So this was my routine for the next few days, with a moisturizer that was left over.

A few days passed and I noticed a gradual improvement in my skin, but on day 11, something remarkable happened. I woke up in the morning and all my acne had vanished — every single bump. I knew it was real when my sister walked past me and commented on how my skin was glowing. My sister didn’t compliment anyone. Ever. It was at this point that I knew I had found my one. I continued to use it for months after and the more I used it, the better, and glassier my skin got. I tried to switch up to a few other brands due to certain constraints at times but nothing ever did me justice like those products. To this day, that is my go-to set.

Reflecting on my skincare journey, I’ve learned several valuable lessons that I believe are worth sharing:

  1. Expensive Doesn’t Always Mean Best: While pricey products may promise miraculous results, effective skincare doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Sometimes, the most transformative solutions are surprisingly affordable.
  2. Find What Works for You: Every individual’s skin is unique, meaning what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. It’s essential to experiment and find a routine tailored to your specific needs and concerns.
  3. Sometimes Simple Is Best (No pun intended): In a market filled with complex skincare routines and innovative ingredients, it’s easy to overlook the power of simplicity. My journey taught me that sometimes, basic products can deliver the most remarkable results.

In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who may be struggling with their own skincare journeys. Achieving clear, radiant skin is possible, often requiring nothing more than dedication, experimentation, and a willingness to embrace change.

Do you have a skincare routine that changed your life? I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. Remember, skincare is a fundamental aspect of self-care, and prioritizing it can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.

If you want to track and document your skincare goals, I have a free self-care workbook available. Simply comment “YES”, and I’ll provide you access to this valuable resource.

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The Sweatpants Scholar
Word Garden

Obsessed with self-care & wellness. Sharing tips on health, self care & fitness for college students. Visit sweatpantsscholar.com for resources.