CLEAN SKIN CLUB
As I write this I’m deliberating on the value and — this is a strong word but bear with me — ethics of sharing my skincare routine. I’m not an expert. In fact, quite the opposite. Before November 2023 (yeah, four months ago…), the vast majority of time I spent “tending” to my skin was picking at it. In fact, I’ve spent most of my post-puberty life hating my skin, caught in a self-sabotaging cycle of picking, taking the max dosage of Spironolactone, picking, trying a few expensive skin treatments to dissuade myself from picking, considering Accutane, and then picking some more.
My mother told me I’d do something different when I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. And while I don’t think it was that simple, I did need to try something different. So, I booked a consultation at Aesthetic Clinique, a med spa in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. I cried in the days leading up to the appointment. I cried during the appointment. I spent more money than I’ve ever spent on skincare and cried after the appointment. Then, I did what they recommended (see below).
And it worked. Like everything in my life, the solution was actually very simple. It was just me trying to [over]complicate it. Several months into their recommended routine, it turns out I didn’t need some of the more radical treatments or prescriptions I thought I might. And while I don’t have the carefree skin of some people (I’m looking at you, male population who can use the same bar of soap for their butt as they do for their face), I am lucky that these medical-grade skincare options worked. I also recognize I’m very fortunate to be in a position to afford these resources.
So, I’ll share what worked for me, of which the most important takeaway should be that I consulted an expert… I suppose I should also note that none of this was sponsored. I wish…
CLEAN SKIN CLUB TOWELS // I incorporated Clean Skin Club Towels on the recommendation of Aesthetic Clinique, a Santa Rosa Beach-based skincare clinic. After I consulted them in November 2023 about my skin, among other things, they recommended I act like a germ-freak when it came to my skin — no touching the face without washing hands first, no reusing towels, etc. This, among other tweaks (see more below), has really changed my skin. I order via Amazon Subscribe + Save with delivery every six weeks.
OXYGEN INFUSION FACE WASH // The way people talk about this makes it seem as if it’s the holy grail. There was a run on it when SkinBetter announced reformulation and repackaging. Currently, the release of their next iteration is slated for May(ish). All I know is that it’s the only face wash that has cleansed my skin without making it feel stripped or dried-out.
CLEANSING GEL // I still have some of the Oxygen Infusion Face Wash, but was told to use the Cleansing Gel should I run out before the restock. I was also advised to use this post-SkinPen, which I’m in the middle of a 4-session treatment plan. I’ll talk more about SkinPen shortly…
SKIN BETTER ALPHARET OVERNIGHT CREAM // A retinoid combined with an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) for skin rejuvenation with little-to-no (and in my case, no) irritation. This is the first retinoid or AHA based product I’ve used where I haven’t experienced a nightmarish adjustment period.
ALPHARET EXFOLIATING PEEL PADS // I use this once a week, it’s a little tingly, but I notice a difference.
DETOXIFYING SCRUB MASK // I also use this once a week and I recommend doing it before a shower so it’s easier to rinse off. It’s not hard to wash off, I just prefer to do it this way.
EVEN TONE CORRECTING SERUM // Lightweight, multi-action tone serum to improve the appearance of brown patches, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration.
HYDRATION BOOSTING CREAM // Another SkinBetter product. It’s light, fragrance free, and great for summer moisturizing. I say that not because I’ve used it during the summer, but because during colder months, I felt like I wanted something richer.
NUFACE // I asked my aesthetician, whom I adore, what she thought of Nuface. She called it a quick fix that’s good for events. Full disclosure, I bought this a couple years ago and use it less than I could (should?). Instead of their Hydrating Serum, I just use Mario Bedesco
SKINPEN // It’s not cheap, running me about $400 a session in Northwest Florida, but I love it. Just finished my second treatment (out of four, I think, I just do whatever Marissa at Aesthetic Clinique tells me to do). It’s helping with skin hyperpigmentation, acne scaring, and general texture. The procedure takes about an hour and doesn’t hurt at all. Your provider should numb the skin so you experience a big of pressure and tingles. In my experience, downtime is negligible (I just look like I was sunburned for a few hours and take 5 days off from my SkinBetter routine). After four SkinPen sessions, I’ll probably do a chemical peel (also at Aesthetic Clinique), The Perfect Dermapeel.
AVÈNE EUA THERMALE // A light, super moisturizing, and delicately scented body moisturizer I use every night.
SALT + STONE BODY WASH // Smells incredible so I don’t really care about anything else. I follow it up with the body lotion, which also smells incredible. We’re prioritizing form over function here.
DERMAPLANE RAZOR // I love dermaplaning, which, for the uninitiated, is basically using a scalpel to take the dead skin and peach fuzz off your face. You can go to a skincare clinic to do it, but I prefer to save a few bucks and do it at home. I love the way my skin feels after, products really sink into my skin. I’ll never stop.
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