A product might feel great on one part of your face and wrong somewhere else.

That doesn’t mean you need a complicated routine or a separate product for every area.

A few well-chosen products can go a long way.

From there, it comes down to paying attention to what your skin needs.

Below, I’m sharing the morning and nighttime routine I’d recommend for combination skin, including some of my favorite products and treatment options along the way.

What Is Combination Skin?

Combination skin means different areas of your face behave differently, which is why it can sometimes feel like you’re dealing with two skin types at once.

The most common pattern is an oilier T-zone, especially around your forehead, nose, and chin, with cheeks that are normal or dry.

You might notice things like:

• More shine around your nose and forehead

• Clogged pores or breakouts concentrated in oilier areas

• Dryness or tightness on your cheeks

• Certain products working really well on one part of your face and feeling completely wrong somewhere else

There’s research behind this regional difference too.

One study measured sebum production at five areas of the face throughout the year and found that the forehead, nose, and chin produced more sebum than the cheeks.

Interestingly, the researchers also found seasonal changes in oil production, with summer having the highest levels.

That last part is worth paying attention to because your skin type isn’t necessarily going to look identical all year.

You may feel much oilier during hot, humid months and need a lighter moisturizer, then notice your cheeks getting drier once the weather changes.

This is why I wouldn’t try to force combination skin into an entirely “oily skin” or “dry skin” routine.

You can keep the same basic routine across your face, but you may need to adjust certain products, or even how much of them you apply, based on where you’re oily and where you need more moisture.

Morning Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

I’d keep your morning routine pretty lightweight.

You want enough hydration to keep the drier parts of your face comfortable, without layering so much that your T-zone feels greasy a few hours later.

1. Start With a Gentle Cleanser

If your T-zone gets oily but your cheeks tend to feel dry, you want a cleanser that can remove excess oil without stripping the rest of your face.

Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% is a good option here.

Click Here to Shop Now

It has a lightweight, essence-like texture with 3% niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, so you can get your skin clean without that tight, dry feeling afterward.

2. Use a Vitamin C Serum

I like vitamin C in the morning if uneven tone or dark spots are something you’re trying to improve.

Skinfix Brighten + Firm 15% Vitamin C Serum uses 15% THD ascorbate, a stable form of vitamin C, along with ferulic acid and vitamin E.

Click Here to Shop Now

I like this one if you want to work on dullness and uneven tone without using a formula that feels too heavy in the morning.

3. Keep Your Moisturizer Lightweight

Combination skin still needs moisturizer, but you don’t need the same amount everywhere.

If your cheeks are dry while your forehead and nose get oily, you can use a little more moisturizer on the areas that need it.

Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream 5% is a good option if your combination skin leans oily.

Click Here to Shop Now

It has a lightweight gel-cream texture and combines 5% niacinamide with hydrating ingredients, so you get moisture without the heavier feel of a rich cream.

If your combination skin leans drier, Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream is another option.

Click Here to Shop Now

It combines colloidal oatmeal with ceramides to soothe dry skin and support your skin barrier, so I’d look at this one if your cheeks tend to need more moisture than your T-zone.

4. Finish With Sunscreen

Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.

Sunscreen texture matters with combination skin because something that feels fine on your cheeks can end up feeling too heavy once your T-zone starts getting oily.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is one of my favorite options if you’re prone to breakouts or clogged pores.

Click Here to Shop Now

It’s lightweight and oil-free, with niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate, which makes it a good fit if your combination skin also leans acne-prone.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 is another good option if you prefer more of a primer-like finish.

Click Here to Shop Now

It has a weightless gel texture that feels comfortable on combination skin, dries down with a natural finish, and doesn’t leave a white cast.

I like this one if you wear makeup since it doubles as a primer.

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Combination Skin

Your nighttime routine is where I’d focus more on removing makeup and sunscreen, treating whatever concerns you’re dealing with, and giving your skin enough moisture to recover overnight.

You don’t need to use every treatment at once.

What you use after cleansing should depend on what your skin needs.

1. Remove Makeup and Sunscreen

If you wear makeup or sunscreen during the day, I like starting with Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm before going in with your regular cleanser.

Click Here to Shop Now

A cleansing balm helps break everything down first, then you can follow with the Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% to remove anything left behind.

2. Choose a Treatment Based on Your Skin

If clogged pores, excess oil, or breakouts are your main concern, Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% is a good option.

Click Here to Shop Now

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it can get into your pores and help clear out the buildup that contributes to congestion.

You also don’t have to use it everywhere.

If your cheeks are dry but you tend to get clogged pores around your nose, forehead, or chin, you can concentrate it on those areas.

If you’re more concerned with texture, breakouts, or signs of aging, Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel is another option.

Click Here to Shop Now

It uses a blend of retinol, retinal, and granactive retinoid along with aloe, cica, and squalane, and I like this one if you’re newer to retinoids.

I wouldn’t use the salicylic acid and retinoid together when you’re starting out.

Alternate nights and see how your skin responds before deciding how often you need either one.

3. Finish With Moisturizer

At night, I like Medik8 Advanced Ceramide Night Cream when my skin needs something richer.

Click Here to Shop Now

It has a silky texture and gives you plenty of moisture without leaving that heavy, greasy feeling afterward.

I’ve gone through more than two full-size tubs of this and even keep a travel size around, so it’s one I come back to a lot.

I also like pairing it with retinoids when my skin needs more barrier support.

What to Be Careful With

You don’t need to avoid specific ingredients just because you have combination skin.

I’d pay more attention to how much you’re doing and how your skin responds.

• Don’t overdo exfoliation. Salicylic acid can help with clogged pores and excess oil, but using it too often can leave the drier parts of your face irritated.

• Go slowly with retinoids. Dryness, peeling, and irritation are common when you’re starting out, so give your skin time to adjust.

• Be careful about stacking actives. If you’re using a retinoid, you don’t need to pile on exfoliating acids the same night when you’re new to either one.

• Pay attention to different areas of your face. Your T-zone may tolerate a treatment better than your cheeks, so you can adjust where and how often you use it.

Final Thoughts

Combination skin can take a little trial and error because different parts of your face may need different things, but your routine doesn’t have to be complicated because of it.

Start with a simple routine and pay attention to how your skin responds.

If your T-zone is getting congested while your cheeks feel fine, you can target that area instead of changing everything.

The same goes for dryness.

Sometimes you just need a little more moisturizer where your skin needs it.

Once you figure out that balance, combination skin gets a lot easier to work with.

Cheers,

Fawn

A few more deals have gone live since then, and some of the ones I mentioned before are wrapping up soon, so I wanted to get you an updated list before the weekend hits.

If you saw my last roundup and didn’t get a chance to shop yet, this is your reminder.

And if you’re just catching this now, here’s everything worth knowing about, plus my picks from each brand.

Here’s what I found:

Medik8

Where: us.medik8.com
Details: 25% off sitewide (no code needed)
When: September 3 – September 8, 2026

What to get:

1. Liquid Peptides: A lightweight, hydrating peptide serum that helps smooth the look of fine lines and expression lines. You can use it morning or night, and it layers well with vitamin C, azelaic acid, or retinoids.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Crystal Retinal: A retinal serum that helps smooth fine lines, improve uneven texture, and brighten your skin. It comes in different strengths, so you can work your way up depending on your experience with retinoids.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. Advanced Ceramide Night Cream: One of my favorite moisturizers to pair with retinoids. It has a silky texture that leaves my skin feeling moisturized without being greasy. I’ve gone through more than three full-size tubs and even keep a smaller one in my toiletry kit because I never travel without it.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Bloomeffects

Where: bloomeffects.com
Details: 25% off sitewide (no code needed)
When: September 2 – September 8, 2026

Freebie: Free Bloom Pouch on orders over $60

What to get:

1. Royal Tulip Moisturizing Nectar: A one-of-a-kind balm-to-serum moisturizer that leaves skin feeling soft, plump, and deeply hydrated. Made with Dutch tulip complex, peptides, and vitamin C, it works great as a sleep mask or a gentle slugging option.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

True Botanicals

Where: truebotanicals.com
Details: 20% off all orders; 25% off orders $250+
When: September 2 – September 7, 2026

Freebie: Complimentary travel-size Chebula Extreme Cream with orders $400+

What to get:

1. Pure Radiance Oil: This is easily my favorite True Botanicals product. I have more than three bottles of it in my house right now, which probably tells you everything you need to know. It’s a face oil made with 14 nutrient-dense oils that leaves my skin feeling deeply nourished and gives it a really nice glow.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Chebula Active Serum: A hydrating, anti-aging serum that targets fine lines, dark spots, and uneven texture while helping skin look firmer and smoother. It’s made with chebula, hyaluronic acid, and other antioxidant-rich ingredients, and it’s another True Botanicals product I’ve used and loved.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm: A rich cleansing balm that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup without leaving my skin feeling stripped. It’s made with ginger and turmeric and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated after cleansing.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Supergoop!

Where: supergoop.com
Details: 20% off sitewide (no code needed), plus up to 30% off select bundles
When: September 1 – September 8, 2026

Freebies: Various gifts with purchase

What to get:

1. Glowscreen: Gives skin a radiant, sun-kissed glow with a smooth, pearly finish that blends in instantly. It’s not a mineral sunscreen, but if you don’t mind chemical filters, it’s a gorgeous everyday option.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Unseen Sunscreen: A clear, lightweight sunscreen with a smooth, almost Aquaphor-like consistency. It applies nicely and feels slightly occlusive on my skin, but it’s still light enough for summer. It’s a good, straightforward everyday sunscreen that I think will work for a lot of people, although I still prefer Glowscreen.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. Mineral Matte Screen: A lightweight tinted mineral sunscreen with a soft matte finish that works especially well if your skin tends to get oily. It’s a little thicker than some other mineral SPFs I’ve tried, but it dries down without looking shiny. I personally prefer the powderier finish of Mineral Unseen Sunscreen, but this is a good pick if you want something noticeably more matte.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Paula’s Choice

Where: paulaschoice.com
Details: 20% off sitewide; 30% off orders $100+ with code SAVE30
When: August 27 – September 7, 2026

Exclusions: Kits, sets, sale items, and new items noted on applicable product pages are excluded.

What to get:

1. Discoloration Repair Serum: One of my favorites for hyperpigmentation and sun spots. It uses tranexamic acid to target stubborn discoloration, along with bakuchiol as a retinol alternative. I especially like this one if you can’t tolerate retinol or vitamin C but still want something in your routine for dark spots.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: One of my favorite salicylic acid products for oily and combination skin. The 2% BHA helps exfoliate dead skin cells and clear buildup from pores, making it a great option for clogged pores, blackheads, and uneven texture. It’s effective without making my skin feel stripped when I use it correctly.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. C15 Super Booster: A lightweight serum with 15% pure vitamin C that helps brighten dull skin, fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and soften the look of fine lines. It also combines vitamin C with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients, making it a solid daily option if discoloration and signs of aging are your main concerns.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Skinfix

Where: skinfix.com
Details: 20% off sitewide
When: September 2 – September 9, 2026
What to get:

1. Brighten + Firm 15% Vitamin C Serum: A 15% vitamin C serum made with THD ascorbate and peptides to help brighten dark spots, smooth the look of lines, and support firmer-looking skin. I like that it uses a gentler form of vitamin C, so this could be a good option if traditional vitamin C serums tend to irritate your skin.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream: A rich barrier moisturizer made with ceramides and peptides that helps your skin hold onto moisture and supports a compromised skin barrier. I’d look at this one if your skin is dry, sensitive, or feeling irritated from actives.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Prequel

Where: prequelskin.com
Details: 20% off sitewide with code LD20
Freebie: Free Silicone Scar Stick on orders $80+
What to get:

1. Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk: A body moisturizer with 10% urea that caught my attention because it’s especially useful for dry, rough, and flaky skin. It helps soften and smooth those stubborn dry areas while keeping your skin moisturized.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Gleanser + SA: A salicylic acid cleanser I like for acne-prone skin, especially if other salicylic acid cleansers leave you feeling stripped. It combines 1% salicylic acid with 50% glycerin, zinc PCA, and succinic acid to gently exfoliate while helping maintain hydration, and you can use it on both your face and body.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Saltair

Where: saltair.com
Details: 15% off sitewide with code LABORDAY2026
Freebie: Free HA Body Hydrator Mini on orders $65+

What to get:

1. HA Body Hydrator: A newer addition to my routine that I like applying right after I shower while my skin is still damp. It contains sodium hyaluronate along with ingredients that support the skin barrier, and I’ve found that it leaves my skin feeling softer, smoother, and more hydrated throughout the day.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. KP Body Smoother 5% Glycolic Body Scrub: A fragrance-free body scrub made with 5% glycolic acid plus volcanic sand and microcrystalline cellulose for both chemical and physical exfoliation. It’s made for rough, bumpy skin and keratosis pilaris, so I’d look at this one if you’re trying to smooth stubborn texture on your body.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

TULA Skincare

Where: tula.com
Details: 25% off bestselling moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, and more (no code needed, discount applied in cart)
Freebie: Free SPF on orders $60+

What to get:

1. Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30: A lightweight sunscreen that starts out creamy and blends into a non-greasy gel without leaving a white cast. It’s an easy everyday SPF if you like something that feels more like skincare than a traditional sunscreen.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Glow + Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm: A cooling eye balm made with caffeine and hyaluronic acid that gives the under-eye area an instant brightening effect. I like the stick format for something quick you can swipe on when your eyes are looking a little tired.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. 24-7 Weightless Moisture Day & Night Gel Cream: A lightweight gel moisturizer that absorbs quickly and works especially well if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. It contains niacinamide and peptides and gives you hydration without feeling heavy.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Alpyn Beauty

Where: alpynbeauty.com
Details: 25% off sitewide, including bundles
When: September 1 – September 7, 2026

Freebies:

• Free Clarifying Facial Oil on orders $90+

• Free 3-Piece Travel Set on orders $150+, including a Mini Super Sculpt Serum, Mini Barrier Repair Cream, and Sleeping Bag

Kosas

Where: kosas.com
Details: 25% off sitewide
When: August 29 – September 7, 2026

Freebies:

• Spend $100: Receive a free full-size Air Brow Clear

• Spend $150: Receive a free full-size cleanser of your choice

Revision Skincare

Where: revisionskincare.com
Details: 20% off sitewide
When: September 3 – September 7, 2026

Final Thoughts

I’m glad a few more brands joined the Labor Day sales because there are some really good ones in here now, especially if you’ve been eyeing something from Skinfix, Prequel, TULA, or any of the brands from my first roundup.

Take a look through my picks, see what makes sense for your skin and your routine, and enjoy the extra savings while they’re around.

I hope you find something you love!

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Cheers,

Fawn

There are some pretty good skincare deals this year, including discounts on products I already use and recommend.

Some are already live and others start later this week, so I wanted to get this out early rather than wait until Labor Day weekend.

If you’ve been waiting to restock something you love or you’ve had a product sitting in your cart for a while, I’d check the sales before paying full price.

I went through the offers and pulled together the ones I think are worth knowing about, plus my product recommendations from each brand where I have them.

Here’s what I found:

Medik8

Where: us.medik8.com
Details: 25% off sitewide (no code needed)
When: September 3 – September 8, 2026

What to get:

1. Liquid Peptides: A lightweight, hydrating peptide serum that helps smooth the look of fine lines and expression lines. You can use it morning or night, and it layers well with vitamin C, azelaic acid, or retinoids.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Crystal Retinal: A retinal serum that helps smooth fine lines, improve uneven texture, and brighten your skin. It comes in different strengths, so you can work your way up depending on your experience with retinoids.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. Advanced Ceramide Night Cream: One of my favorite moisturizers to pair with retinoids. It has a silky texture that leaves my skin feeling moisturized without being greasy. I’ve gone through more than three full-size tubs and even keep a smaller one in my toiletry kit because I never travel without it.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Bloomeffects

Where: bloomeffects.com
Details: 25% off sitewide (no code needed)
When: September 2 – September 8, 2026

Freebie: Free Bloom Pouch on orders over $60

What to get:

1. Royal Tulip Moisturizing Nectar: A one-of-a-kind balm-to-serum moisturizer that leaves skin feeling soft, plump, and deeply hydrated. Made with Dutch tulip complex, peptides, and vitamin C, it works great as a sleep mask or a gentle slugging option.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

True Botanicals

Where: truebotanicals.com
Details: 20% off all orders; 25% off orders $250+
When: September 2 – September 7, 2026

Freebie: Complimentary travel-size Chebula Extreme Cream with orders $400+

What to get:

1. Pure Radiance Oil: This is easily my favorite True Botanicals product. I have more than three bottles of it in my house right now, which probably tells you everything you need to know. It’s a face oil made with 14 nutrient-dense oils that leaves my skin feeling deeply nourished and gives it a really nice glow.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Chebula Active Serum: A hydrating, anti-aging serum that targets fine lines, dark spots, and uneven texture while helping skin look firmer and smoother. It’s made with chebula, hyaluronic acid, and other antioxidant-rich ingredients, and it’s another True Botanicals product I’ve used and loved.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm: A rich cleansing balm that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup without leaving my skin feeling stripped. It’s made with ginger and turmeric and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated after cleansing.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Supergoop!

Where: supergoop.com
Details: 20% off sitewide (no code needed), plus up to 30% off select bundles
When: September 1 – September 8, 2026

Freebies: Various gifts with purchase

What to get:

1. Glowscreen: Gives skin a radiant, sun-kissed glow with a smooth, pearly finish that blends in instantly. It’s not a mineral sunscreen, but if you don’t mind chemical filters, it’s a gorgeous everyday option.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Unseen Sunscreen: A clear, lightweight sunscreen with a smooth, almost Aquaphor-like consistency. It applies nicely and feels slightly occlusive on my skin, but it’s still light enough for summer. It’s a good, straightforward everyday sunscreen that I think will work for a lot of people, although I still prefer Glowscreen.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. Mineral Matte Screen: A lightweight tinted mineral sunscreen with a soft matte finish that works especially well if your skin tends to get oily. It’s a little thicker than some other mineral SPFs I’ve tried, but it dries down without looking shiny. I personally prefer the powderier finish of Mineral Unseen Sunscreen, but this is a good pick if you want something noticeably more matte.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Paula’s Choice

Where: paulaschoice.com
Details: 20% off sitewide; 30% off orders $100+ with code SAVE30
When: August 27 – September 7, 2026

Exclusions: Kits, sets, sale items, and new items noted on applicable product pages are excluded.

What to get:

1. Discoloration Repair Serum: One of my favorites for hyperpigmentation and sun spots. It uses tranexamic acid to target stubborn discoloration, along with bakuchiol as a retinol alternative. I especially like this one if you can’t tolerate retinol or vitamin C but still want something in your routine for dark spots.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: One of my favorite salicylic acid products for oily and combination skin. The 2% BHA helps exfoliate dead skin cells and clear buildup from pores, making it a great option for clogged pores, blackheads, and uneven texture. It’s effective without making my skin feel stripped when I use it correctly.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. C15 Super Booster: A lightweight serum with 15% pure vitamin C that helps brighten dull skin, fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and soften the look of fine lines. It also combines vitamin C with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients, making it a solid daily option if discoloration and signs of aging are your main concerns.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

Alpyn Beauty

Where: alpynbeauty.com
Details: 25% off sitewide, including bundles
When: September 1 – September 7, 2026

Freebies:

• Free Clarifying Facial Oil on orders $90+

• Free 3-Piece Travel Set on orders $150+, including a Mini Super Sculpt Serum, Mini Barrier Repair Cream, and Sleeping Bag

Kosas

Where: kosas.com
Details: 25% off sitewide
When: August 29 – September 7, 2026

Freebies:

• Spend $100: Receive a free full-size Air Brow Clear

• Spend $150: Receive a free full-size cleanser of your choice

Final Thoughts

Labor Day sales are a good excuse to pick up the products you’ve already been thinking about, especially when brands like Medik8, Paula’s Choice, and True Botanicals have some of my longtime favorites included.

I’d use this as a chance to restock what you know you’ll finish or finally try something that’s been sitting on your list.

Personally, I’m much more tempted by 20% or 25% off a product I already love than a huge discount on something I’ve never wanted before.

Hopefully this helps you narrow down what’s worth grabbing this Labor Day.

Cheers,

Fawn

Adapalene can cause dryness, redness, and irritation, especially when you first start using it.

Moisturizer helps support your skin barrier and can make those side effects easier to manage.

But you may be wondering where moisturizer fits into your routine.

Should you apply it before or after adapalene?

And how long should you wait between the two?

In this article, I’ll explain how to use adapalene gel with moisturizer, the different ways you can layer them, and how to build a routine that keeps your skin hydrated while you treat your acne.

What is adapalene gel?

Adapalene gel is a topical retinoid that’s mainly used to treat acne.

It’s a third-generation synthetic retinoid and has been FDA-approved for acne since 1996.

The 0.1% gel became available over the counter in 2016, so you no longer need a prescription to use this strength for acne.

You may recognize adapalene gel by the brand name Differin, but it isn’t your only option.

Click Here to Shop Now

La Roche-Posay also makes Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%, and both are available over the counter.

Click Here to Shop Now

What does adapalene gel do?

When you apply adapalene gel, it works with retinoid receptors in your skin to change how your skin cells grow and shed.

This speeds up skin cell turnover and helps keep dead skin cells from building up and clogging your pores.

As you continue using it, adapalene can help:

• Clear clogged pores

• Reduce acne breakouts

• Prevent new breakouts from forming

• Calm some of the redness and inflammation that comes with acne

You may notice more breakouts or irritation when you first start using adapalene, so don’t expect your skin to change overnight.

It can take time for your skin to adjust and for you to start seeing improvement.

What are the side effects?

When you first start using adapalene gel, your skin may become dry or irritated as it adjusts to the treatment.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• Dryness

• Redness

• Flaking or peeling

• Burning or stinging

This is also why moisturizer matters so much when you’re using adapalene.

A good moisturizer can help manage dryness and support your skin barrier while your skin adjusts.

You should also wear sunscreen every morning to keep your skin protected.

Can you use moisturizer with adapalene gel?

Yes, and for most people, I’d recommend using one.

You can use moisturizer before or after adapalene depending on how your skin responds, so there isn’t one order that works best for everyone.

You don’t need a complicated formula either.

A gentle, hydrating moisturizer that works well with your skin is enough.

If you’re more sensitive to adapalene, the way you layer your moisturizer can also make a difference, which I’ll get into below.

How to Layer Adapalene Gel and Moisturizer

For most people, I recommend applying adapalene first and moisturizer afterward.

This gives the adapalene direct contact with your skin, while the moisturizer helps with some of the dryness that can come with using a retinoid.

After you apply adapalene, wait about 1–2 minutes for it to dry, then follow with your moisturizer.

On the other hand, if your skin is sensitive or you’re still getting used to adapalene, you can apply moisturizer first.

Having that layer between your skin and the adapalene can make it easier to tolerate if you’re dealing with irritation.

You can also try the sandwich method, where you apply moisturizer first, followed by adapalene, and then another layer of moisturizer.

This gives your skin even more moisture and can be helpful if dryness or irritation is making adapalene difficult to use consistently.

How to Use Adapalene Gel With Moisturizer

Once you know where moisturizer fits into your routine, using the two together is pretty straightforward.

As part of your evening routine:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let your skin dry.

2. Apply a pea-sized amount of adapalene gel and spread it evenly over your face.

3. Wait about 1–2 minutes for the adapalene to dry.

4. Follow with your moisturizer.

If you’re using moisturizer before adapalene or trying the sandwich method because your skin is sensitive, you can adjust the order based on what we covered above.

My Moisturizer Recommendations for Adapalene

If you’re looking for a moisturizer to pair with adapalene, I’d focus on formulas that give your skin plenty of hydration and help support your skin barrier.

These are three I’d recommend:

1. Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm is the option I’d reach for if adapalene is leaving your skin dry or flaky. It contains marshmallow root, centella asiatica, and colloidal oatmeal, with a rich texture that helps lock in moisture and support your skin barrier.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

2. Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide is my favorite moisturizer on this list, and I’ve repurchased it more than six times. It’s a rich ceramide cream that helps replenish your skin barrier, and it’s designed to pair well with vitamin A products, which makes it a great option to use with adapalene.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

3. Skinfix Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream is a lighter option if you don’t want a rich cream on top of your adapalene. It has a fast-absorbing gel-cream texture that provides hydration while supporting your moisture barrier, making it a good fit for normal to combination skin.

   

   Click Here to Shop Now

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Final Thoughts

Adapalene is one of those products where your routine around it matters almost as much as the product itself.

If your skin feels dry or uncomfortable, don’t assume you have to stop using it right away. Sometimes adding a richer moisturizer or changing the order you apply your products is enough to make a difference.

I’d start with adapalene followed by moisturizer and see how your skin responds.

You can always switch things around or try the sandwich method if you need a little more help with dryness.

It might take some trial and error, but once you figure out what your skin prefers, using adapalene gets a lot easier.

Cheers,

Fawn

Both are retinoids, but they’re usually used for different reasons.

Adapalene is best known for treating acne and clogged pores, while retinol is more commonly used for fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging.

The choice isn’t always that simple, though, since both can help with some of the same skin concerns and they work differently once applied to your skin.

In this article, I’ll explain the differences between adapalene and retinol, what each one can do for your skin, and how to decide which one is right for you.

What are retinoids?

Retinoids are a group of ingredients that come from vitamin A.

They’re commonly used in skincare and dermatology to treat acne, signs of aging, and other skin concerns.

Some of the most common topical retinoids include:

• Retinol

• Retinaldehyde

• Adapalene, which you may know as Differin gel

• Prescription retinoids like tretinoin and tazarotene

All of these fall under the larger category of retinoids, but they aren’t exactly the same.

Some are stronger than others, and they can also be used for different skin concerns.

You may also have heard of isotretinoin, better known as Accutane.

Unlike the retinoids above that you apply to your skin, isotretinoin is an oral form of vitamin A that dermatologists may prescribe for severe acne.

What is adapalene?

Adapalene is a topical retinoid that is mainly used to treat acne.

It’s FDA-approved for treating acne vulgaris and works by speeding up skin cell turnover, which can help keep pores clear and prevent new breakouts from forming.

You’ll often find adapalene in gel form, including over-the-counter 0.1% adapalene products like Differin Gel.

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Stronger forms are also available by prescription.

Adapalene is often used when common acne treatments like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide aren’t doing enough.

Compared with other prescription retinoids like tretinoin and tazarotene, adapalene also tends to be easier for your skin to tolerate.

How does adapalene work?

Adapalene works by binding to specific retinoic acid receptors in your skin.

This helps control how your skin cells grow and shed, which can keep dead skin cells from building up and clogging your pores.

It also has anti-inflammatory effects that can help calm the redness and swelling that come with acne.

Together, these effects help treat existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming.

What is retinol?

If you’re more concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, retinol is probably the retinoid you’ve heard the most about.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that you can buy over the counter, and it’s one of the most studied ingredients for treating signs of aging.

With regular use, it can help smooth fine lines, improve uneven skin tone, and fade dark spots over time.

You’ll find retinol in all kinds of serums, creams, and moisturizers, with different strengths available depending on your skin and how well you tolerate it.

How does retinol work?

When applied to your skin, retinol undergoes one conversion step to become retinaldehyde, then another conversion to become retinoic acid.

Once the retinoic acid binds to your retinoic acid receptors, it helps your skin:

• speed up skin cell turnover

• boost collagen production

• regulate sebum production

All of these processes help even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What’s the difference between retinol and adapalene?

Both retinol and adapalene work with retinoic acid receptors in your skin, but they don’t work the same way.

Retinol goes through two conversion steps before becoming retinoic acid.

Once it reaches this form, it helps speed up skin cell turnover and boost collagen production, which is why retinol is commonly used for signs of aging.

Adapalene works differently because it binds directly to certain retinoic acid receptors.

It also has anti-inflammatory effects that make it especially useful for treating acne.

Both can speed up skin cell turnover and help with hyperpigmentation, but there are a few important differences between them:

Benefits of Adapalene and Retinol

Adapalene and retinol share some of the same benefits, especially when it comes to skin cell turnover, but each one has its own strengths.

Adapalene can help:

• Keep clogged pores clear

• Treat and prevent acne breakouts

• Speed up skin cell turnover

• Fade post-acne dark spots

Retinol can help:

• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Improve uneven skin tone and dark spots

• Speed up skin cell turnover

• Improve signs of sun damage

Adapalene may also have some anti-aging benefits, although we know much more about its benefits for acne.

Side Effects of Using Adapalene and Retinol

Both adapalene and retinol can irritate your skin when you first start using them.

This is common with retinoids, and the irritation may improve as your skin gets used to the ingredient.

Some common side effects include:

• Redness

• Burning or stinging

• Flaking

• Dryness

If your skin is sensitive or you find that you can’t tolerate adapalene or retinol, other ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be better options, especially if acne is your main concern.

You can also help with dryness by using a good moisturizer and starting your retinoid slowly instead of using it every night right away.

How to Use Adapalene and Retinol

To start, choose either adapalene or retinol rather than using both in the same routine.

Then, as part of your evening routine, follow these steps:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

   

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2. Let your skin dry completely or gently pat it dry with a clean towel.

3. Apply a pea-sized amount of adapalene or retinol to your face.

4. Gently spread it across your skin until absorbed.

5. Follow with a hydrating serum and moisturizer if needed.

   

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If you’re new to retinoids, I recommend starting a few nights per week and giving your skin time to adjust before using them more often.

And don’t forget sunscreen during the day.

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Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive, and protecting your skin from the sun is especially important while you’re using one.

My Adapalene and Retinol Recommendations

If you’re ready to try adapalene or retinol, these are a few options I’d recommend depending on what you want to target and what your skin is used to.

1. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is a good option if acne is your main concern. It contains 0.1% adapalene and can help with clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and recurring breakouts.

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2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% is another option for treating breakouts and clogged pores. It also contains 0.1% adapalene, so you’re getting the same strength as Differin in a different formula.

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3. Naturium Retinol Complex Serum is a good choice if you’re more focused on fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture. The formula combines retinol with bakuchiol and vitamin E, so I like this one if you want to target several signs of aging without starting with a high-strength retinol.

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4. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is one I’d look at if post-acne marks and uneven texture are your main concerns. It combines encapsulated retinol with niacinamide, ceramides, and licorice root extract, with the ceramides helping support your skin barrier while you use retinol.

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5. Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is the stronger option I’d recommend if your skin is already used to retinol. It contains 1% retinol along with peptides and vitamin C to target fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and loss of firmness.

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Should you use adapalene and retinol together?

I wouldn’t use adapalene and retinol at the same time.

Since they’re both retinoids, using them together can increase your chances of dryness, redness, and irritation without giving you much added benefit.

If you’re interested in using both, talk to your dermatologist about whether alternating them on different nights makes sense for your skin.

Can everyone use retinol and adapalene?

Retinoids aren’t right for everyone, and you may need to be more careful with them if you have sensitive or easily irritated skin.

If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before using a retinoid.

Topical retinoids like retinol and adapalene are generally avoided during pregnancy.

If your skin doesn’t tolerate retinoids well, you may want to look at other ingredients that target your main skin concern instead.

For acne, options like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be easier for your skin to handle.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this comparison, it’s that you don’t need to choose a retinoid based on which one sounds stronger or more effective.

You need to choose the one that makes sense for your skin and what you’re trying to improve.

Whichever one you choose, give your skin time to adjust and don’t rush into using it every night.

Retinoids can take time to show results, and being consistent with a routine your skin can handle will get you much further than doing too much too soon.

And as always, if you’re unsure whether a retinoid is right for you, especially if you’re dealing with ongoing acne or irritation, talk to your dermatologist.

Cheers,

Fawn

Paid partnership with SpoiledChild.

Every time I share my skincare routine, the focus is usually on the products I apply to my skin.

Serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, and beauty devices all play an important role, but one of the habits I’ve been the most consistent with happens long before I step into the bathroom.

You’ve probably come across the phrase “eating your skincare” on social media.

While it’s become a popular trend, the idea behind it isn’t new to me.

I’ve always believed that taking care of your skin isn’t just about what you apply to your face.

It’s also about what you put into your body.

Recently, SpoiledChild sent me a selection of products to try, including SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen, and it reminded me that one of my longest-standing skincare habits is one I rarely talk about.

In this article, I'll share why collagen has remained such an important part of my approach to skincare, how SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen fits into my everyday routine, and why I believe healthy skin starts from within.

I’ve Always Believed Skincare Starts from Within

People usually ask me about the serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, or beauty devices I use, and I enjoy talking about all of those things.

What doesn’t come up nearly as often is nutrition.

The products I use matter, but I’ve never believed they tell the whole story.

That's why taking collagen became one of the habits I rarely skipped.

In my opinion, it's one of the best long-term habits you can build for your skin.

I don’t think of collagen as a quick fix.

I see it as one piece of a much bigger picture, alongside the skincare products I use and the other habits I’ve built over the years.

Why Collagen Matters

One of the reasons collagen has been part of my routine for so long is because it plays such an important role in your skin.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and provides much of the structure that keeps skin firm and resilient.

It works alongside elastin, which helps skin stretch and bounce back, while filaggrin helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and retain moisture.

As we get older, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, and existing collagen and elastin gradually break down over time.

As a result, skin gradually becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, and fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable.

That doesn’t mean we can completely stop those changes from happening.

Aging is a natural process, but there are still plenty of ways to support healthy skin as the years go by.

Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface is one of the reasons I’ve always believed it’s worth supporting my skin from both the inside and the outside.

When you consume collagen, your body doesn't send it directly to your skin.

Instead, your body breaks collagen down into smaller peptides and amino acids during digestion.

Those building blocks are absorbed and used throughout the body.

Researchers are still studying exactly how oral collagen works.

Clinical studies have found that collagen supplementation may improve skin hydration and elasticity over time.

One proposed explanation is that collagen peptides may interact with fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen in the skin, although the exact biological mechanisms are still being studied.

Why SpoiledChild E27 Fits Into My Routine

I’ve tried different collagen products and formats over the years, so I already had a good idea of what I liked.

SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen is available in Mango and Pineapple.

I received the mango flavor, and it goes down easy.

Some mornings I pour it into a glass of water.

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Other mornings, I add it to what I call my hydration cocktail with tart cherry juice, coconut water, sparkling water, and lemon juice.

The mango flavor blends in really well with the rest of the drink.

Instead of measuring powder, mixing everything together, and washing another shaker bottle afterward, I can just pour E27 into whatever I'm already drinking that morning and get on with my day.

I also liked seeing vitamin C and hyaluronic acid included alongside the collagen because they’re ingredients I’m already familiar with from skincare.

Since taking collagen has already been part of my routine for so long, I can't say I noticed dramatic changes from switching to E27.

What I can say is that it fit into a habit I already had.

If something is easy to enjoy and fits naturally into my mornings, I’m much more likely to keep reaching for it.

Why I’ve Continued Taking Collagen

People sometimes ask me why I bother taking collagen in the first place.

For me, the reason is simple.

Our bodies naturally produce less collagen as we get older, and because collagen plays an important role in our skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, and connective tissues, it’s something I’ve chosen to support for years.

Research on collagen supplementation has also continued to grow.

While it's often discussed in the context of skincare, research also suggests collagen supplementation may support joint health and wound healing, making it beneficial beyond your skin.

One recent review of clinical studies found that collagen supplementation was consistently associated with improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, along with favorable outcomes for musculoskeletal health.

That’s another reason I appreciated the formula behind SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen.

It combines Types I and III collagen with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, ingredients that support collagen production and skin hydration.

Other Ways I Like to "Eat My Skincare"

When people hear the phrase “eat your skincare,” they often think of collagen supplements first.

But there are plenty of other ways to support your skin through the choices you make every day.

I try to build most of my meals around whole, nutrient-dense foods while limiting highly processed foods that may promote inflammation whenever I can.

If you struggle with acne, it can also be worth paying attention to foods that seem to trigger breakouts.

Everyone’s skin is different, so learning how your own skin responds can be just as important as following general advice.

I also try not to overdo added sugars.

Diets high in added sugar can contribute to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), compounds that can damage collagen and elastin over time and contribute to visible signs of skin aging.

Another habit I’ve picked up is cooking my rice in bone broth instead of water.

It’s a simple way to add extra flavor while incorporating naturally collagen-rich ingredients into everyday meals.

Getting enough sleep and exercising regularly are just as important.

Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, and regular physical activity supports healthy circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including your skin.

For me, “eating your skincare” has never been about relying on one product or one habit.

It’s about building small, consistent habits that support healthy skin over time.

Final Thoughts

I may not remember exactly when collagen became part of my routine, but I do know it’s one habit I’ve never felt the need to stop.

Over the years, I've tried different collagen products and formats, and I've learned that the best one is the one that fits naturally into your life.

For me, SpoiledChild E27 Extra Strength Liquid Collagen fits naturally into my mornings.

The mango flavor tastes good, I can pour it into water or my hydration cocktail, and it fits naturally into a habit I already had.

If you're thinking about adding collagen to your routine, my advice is to find one that fits your lifestyle.

The easier it is to make it part of your day, the easier it becomes to keep that habit going.

Cheers,

Fawn

Paid partnership with FaceApp.

Thinking about changing your hairstyle, coloring your hair, trying facial hair, or experimenting with a different makeup look can be exciting.

It can also feel like a gamble, especially when some changes take months to grow out or can be expensive to reverse.

That’s why so many people like to preview a new look before making it permanent.

Instead of relying on your imagination or comparing yourself to someone else’s photo, you can see different options on your own face and get a better sense of what feels right.

Of course, no photo can predict exactly how a haircut, hair color, or makeup look will turn out.

Your hair texture, styling, lighting, and the skill of your hairstylist or makeup artist will always influence the final result.

Still, seeing a possible change ahead of time can make those decisions feel much less intimidating.

In this article, I'll explain why previewing a new look can be so helpful, what I found after testing FaceApp Pro, how it can help you compare different options, and what to keep in mind before making a change in real life.

Why We Second-Guess Changes to Our Appearance

One of the hardest parts about changing your appearance is picturing what you’ll actually look like afterward.

You can look through charts showing blunt bangs, curtain bangs, side-swept bangs, and dozens of other styles, then immediately wonder which one would actually suit you.

Your own face is so familiar that even a small change can feel much bigger in your mind than it probably will in real life.

I’ve worn my hair long for most of my life.

When I was little, though, my parents gave me a very short haircut, and people thought I was a boy.

I remember how embarrassed I felt, and I’ve probably overcorrected ever since.

Whether that’s rational or not, it’s proof that one experience can shape the way you think about your appearance for years.

Changing my hair color is another story.

I’ve never dyed mine because I like my natural color, and curly hair already takes enough maintenance.

If you’re starting with naturally dark hair and thinking about going blonde, the decision can feel even bigger.

Bleaching permanently changes your hair, so it’s understandable to want a better idea of how that color might look before making the commitment.

Makeup can be just as misleading.

Some makeup looks are created with studio lighting, camera angles, and photography in mind, but that doesn't always mean they'll have the same effect in everyday life.

Something that looks incredible in a still photo can feel much heavier once you’re standing in front of a mirror or talking to someone face to face.

That’s why appearance changes can feel so difficult.

It’s not just about deciding whether you like a hairstyle, hair color, or makeup look.

It’s about trying to imagine yourself looking different, and that’s often much harder than people expect.

Why Seeing a Change First Can Make Decisions Easier

Seeing a possible change on your own face can help you make a more informed decision before spending time and money on it.

It’s much easier to change your mind before booking a salon appointment than after paying to fix a haircut you don’t love, correcting a hair color that didn’t turn out the way you hoped, or waiting months for your hair to grow back.

It can also make conversations with your hairstylist, barber, or makeup artist much easier.

Instead of trying to describe what you’re picturing, you can show them an image that gives them a clearer idea of the look you’re hoping to achieve.

Whether you decide to make the change or stick with your current look, you’re making that decision based on something you can see instead of something you imagined.

Seeing Multiple Possibilities Side by Side

One of the biggest advantages of using a photo preview is being able to compare different ideas on the same photo.

Instead of imagining how a bob might look compared with longer waves, or whether you’d prefer a darker hair color over your current shade, you can view the options side by side and decide which direction feels right for you.

The same applies to makeup.

Comparing different looks on the same photo can make it easier to decide whether you want something subtle, bold, or somewhere in between before recreating it yourself or booking an appointment.

How FaceApp Can Help You Preview a New Look

If you’re curious how a different hairstyle, hair color, makeup look, or other appearance change might look on you, FaceApp lets you experiment using a photo of yourself.

I found the app easy to navigate.

After selecting a photo, you’ll see a row of editing categories along the bottom of the screen, making it easy to switch between different types of edits without starting over.

If you’re looking for inspiration rather than one specific change, Presets offers complete looks, such as Natural, Cutesy, Beach Glam, Youthful, and Femme Fatale.

Impression takes a similar approach with styles like Hollywood, Charm, and Movie, combining multiple edits into a single transformation.

If you have a specific change in mind, you can jump directly to the category you want.

For hair, you can experiment with different hairstyles, including bangs, bobs, blowouts, straight styles, waves, and added volume.

You can also compare different hair colors, whether you’re considering blonde, darker shades, fantasy colors, or subtle texture and shine adjustments.

The Makeup section includes options like foundation, contour, eyeliner, eyelashes, glossy lips, and glitter-inspired looks.

One feature I thought was particularly useful is Transfer.

If you’ve saved a makeup inspiration photo from Pinterest, Instagram, or another source, you can upload it and preview a similar look on your own face.

That gives you a more personalized reference before recreating the look yourself or showing it to a makeup artist.

Beyond hair and makeup, you can also experiment with facial features like thicker eyebrows, dimples, a sharper chin, longer eyelashes, and more defined cheekbones.

Other categories let you preview glasses, different smile expressions, skin effects, age filters, and other appearance changes.

If you want to fine-tune your photo even further, you’ll also find tools for reshaping, retouching, removing unwanted objects, applying filters, changing backgrounds, and making other general photo adjustments.

Many of the editing options also include multiple intensity levels, so you can compare subtle changes with more dramatic ones instead of applying just a single effect.

Like any photo editing app, the results should be viewed as a visualization rather than an exact prediction.

Factors like your hair texture, makeup application, lighting, and the techniques used by your hairstylist or makeup artist will still influence the final result.

What About Privacy?

If you’re anything like me, you probably like knowing how an app handles your photos.

According to FaceApp, it only processes the specific photos you choose to edit, and those images are temporarily stored during the editing process before being automatically deleted.

The company also states that it doesn’t use the photos you upload for purposes other than providing the app’s editing features.

If privacy is something you pay attention to, I'd recommend taking a few minutes to read FaceApp’s Privacy Policy and FAQ yourself so you can decide whether you're comfortable with how the app handles your photos and data.

Case Studies: How People Use Photo Previews Before Making a Change

FaceApp can be useful for more than just experimenting with different looks.

Here are two examples of how someone might use it before spending money on a beauty or style change.

Case Study 1: Choosing New Glasses

• Problem: Someone needs a new pair of glasses but isn’t sure which frame shape will complement their face.

• Action: Before buying new frames, they preview several options on a recent photo, including Thick Rectangle, Thick Oval, and Thin Oval frames.

  

• Result: They narrow their choices to a few favorites and visit the optical shop with a much clearer idea of what they’re looking for.

Case Study 2: Previewing Longer Eyelashes Before Your First Lash Appointment

• Problem: Someone is booking their first appointment with a lash technician but isn't sure which lash style will complement their features.

• Action: Before the appointment, they preview longer eyelashes on a recent photo to see how different lash styles might look on their face.

  

• Result: They arrive with a clearer vision of the style they want and can communicate their preferences more confidently during the consultation.

What Photo Editing Can’t Tell You

A photo can show you what a different hairstyle, hair color, makeup look, or other appearance change might look like on your face, but it can’t recreate every detail of real life.

Things like your hair texture, lighting, makeup application, styling techniques, and even how a pair of glasses fits can all influence the final result.

That’s why it’s best to treat edited photos as a guide for making decisions, not a guarantee of the final result.

5 Tips for Getting the Most Realistic Preview

A preview is only as useful as the photo you start with.

Keeping a few simple tips in mind can help you get a more realistic idea of how a new look might suit you.

1. Choose a clear, well-lit photo. Natural lighting and a front-facing photo without heavy filters usually produce the most realistic results.

2. Use a recent photo. If your hairstyle, hair color, or facial hair has changed recently, start with an image that reflects how you look today.

3. Compare several options. Even if you already have a favorite style in mind, trying a few different hairstyles, colors, or makeup looks makes it easier to decide what you actually prefer.

4. Adjust the intensity. Many FaceApp features include multiple intensity levels, so don’t stop at the default setting. Trying a more subtle or stronger version can give you a better sense of which look feels most natural.

5. Save your favorite previews. If you decide to book a salon appointment or beauty service, having a few reference images can make it easier to explain the look you’re hoping to achieve.

Final Thoughts

Changing your appearance doesn’t have to feel like a gamble.

Whether you’re thinking about a new haircut, hair color, facial hair, or makeup look, seeing different possibilities on your own photo can make it easier to decide what feels right before committing to a change.

FaceApp makes it easy to experiment with different looks, compare your options, and walk into your next appointment with more confidence.

The app is free to download, with additional features available through FaceApp Pro.

You can also visit the FaceApp website or browse the FAQ to learn more.

Cheers,

Fawn

Paid partnership with Dove.

Body care is one of those parts of a skincare routine that’s easy to overlook.

Many of us spend time researching cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen for our face, but pay far less attention to what we’re using on the rest of our skin.

The funny thing is, the skin on your body has many of the same needs.

It can become dehydrated, lose moisture, and develop a weakened skin barrier, especially if you’re using products that strip away too much of its natural moisture.

One of the best ingredients for helping prevent that is glycerin.

Despite being one of the most effective hydrating ingredients in skincare, glycerin rarely gets the same attention as trendier ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

In this article, I’ll explain why glycerin is one of the most underrated ingredients in skincare, how it helps keep your skin hydrated, and why Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash earned a place in my routine.

How I Started Paying More Attention to Body Care

My interest in skincare started about seven years ago after I had a breast reduction.

The surgery left me with scars, and I wanted to learn if there was anything I could do to improve their appearance.

That curiosity led me down a rabbit hole of skincare science.

I started learning about exfoliating acids before expanding into other ingredients as I built my skincare routine.

I've also dealt with keratosis pilaris over the years, which made me even more interested in how different skincare ingredients work.

These days, my priorities are different.

I still appreciate ingredients that target specific concerns, but my focus has shifted toward hydration and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

I want my skin to feel good all the time, not just look good.

For me, healthy, hydrated skin is the foundation for everything else.

That’s also what made me start paying much closer attention to body care and the products I use every day, including my body wash.

Why Hydration Matters More Than Most People Realize

When people think about body care, they usually think about treating concerns like keratosis pilaris, rough patches, or dry skin.

Those are all valid concerns, but hydration is something every skin type needs.

Just like the skin on your face, the skin on your body has a protective barrier that helps keep moisture in and irritants out.

When that barrier becomes compromised, water escapes more easily through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

As more water escapes, your skin can become dry, tight, rough, and more easily irritated.

That can happen any time of year.

While many people notice dry skin during the winter, air conditioning, hot showers, and harsh cleansers can also contribute to moisture loss.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve become much more intentional about the products I use in the shower.

A good body wash shouldn’t just cleanse your skin.

It should also help your skin hold onto the moisture it needs, which is exactly what I look for when choosing one.

Why Glycerin Deserves More Attention

One of the first ingredients I look for in body care is glycerin.

I have a background in chemistry, and I’ve been writing about the science of skincare since 2021.

I’ve written about glycerin countless times because it’s one of the most effective hydrating ingredients we have.

One of the reasons I love glycerin is that it helps attract and hold onto water, keeping skin hydrated while supporting a healthy skin barrier.

That's why glycerin has become one of my favorite skincare ingredients.

Despite that, glycerin rarely gets the attention it deserves.

If you’ve spent any time shopping for skincare, you’ve probably noticed that hyaluronic acid is everywhere.

I honestly think a lot of that comes down to marketing.

Hyaluronic acid sounds exciting.

It's become one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare.

Glycerin has been around for decades, so it doesn’t have the same appeal, even though it’s one of the hardest-working ingredients you’ll find in skincare.

If readers remember one thing from this article, I hope it’s this:

Glycerin is what hyaluronic acid wishes it was.

That’s obviously a bit tongue-in-cheek, but there’s a reason I say it.

Glycerin binds water exceptionally well, helping skin stay hydrated while reducing transepidermal water loss and supporting a healthy skin barrier.

Research has also shown that glycerin can support skin barrier repair, which is one of the reasons I get excited when I see a product that doesn’t just include glycerin, but makes it one of the stars of the formula.

The Formula That Stood Out to Me

One of the things I love most about healthy skin is the way it looks.

When your skin is properly hydrated, it looks smoother, healthier, and more radiant.

That’s one of the reasons I spend so much time thinking about hydration rather than chasing individual skin concerns.

That’s also why the new Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash caught my attention.

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I tried all three variants, but I found myself reaching for Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash the most.

Since my goal is healthy, glowing skin, it felt like the most natural fit for my routine.

What stood out first was the formulation.

It’s not often you see a body wash built around a 50% glycerin serum, especially from a product you can easily find at your local grocery store or drugstore.

Since glycerin is one of the first ingredients I look for in body care, I was excited to see it take center stage in the formula rather than simply appear on the ingredient list.

I also think Dove has done a great job elevating its body care formulations.

This collection feels much more ingredient-focused than many people probably expect from a product that’s so widely available, which is one of the reasons it stood out to me.

The texture impressed me, too.

I’ve tried cream body washes that felt thick and left a film on my skin, and I’ve used others that left my skin feeling stripped after every shower.

The lightweight oil-to-foam gel texture felt like a happy medium.

It rinsed away cleanly, left my skin feeling instantly hydrated without any greasy residue, and made my everyday shower feel just a little more luxurious.

It makes a great first step in my body care routine.

How It Fits Into My Routine

Hydration doesn’t stop when I step out of the shower.

I like to think about body care the same way I think about facial skincare.

Each step builds on the last, which is why I don’t see body wash as something that’s only there to cleanse my skin.

I like to start with a body wash that’s rich in glycerin, then follow with a body serum, a lotion, and sometimes a body oil if my skin needs a little extra nourishment.

Each step helps lock in hydration and keeps my skin feeling comfortable throughout the day.

That’s another reason Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash has earned a place in my routine.

It leaves my skin feeling hydrated before I even reach for the rest of my body care products, making it an easy foundation for everything that comes next.

While I think people with dry or sensitive skin will appreciate this formula the most, I don’t think you need either skin type to benefit from it.

If your goal is healthy, hydrated, glowing skin, it’s the kind of body wash that can fit into almost any routine.

It’s a product I’d happily repurchase.

Final Thoughts

We spend so much time thinking about the ingredients we use on our face, but the skin on our body deserves that same level of care.

For me, that starts with hydration.

Healthy, comfortable, radiant skin isn’t just about the lotion you apply after your shower.

It’s also about choosing products that help support your skin barrier from the very beginning of your routine.

For me, that begins with my body wash.

That’s why I continue reaching for Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash.

I love that it puts a 50% glycerin serum at the center of the formula, one of my favorite skincare ingredients, and that it leaves my skin feeling clean, hydrated, and comfortable without feeling heavy.

If you’re looking for one simple way to upgrade your body care routine, I think it’s well worth trying.

Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash is available now on Amazon.

Cheers,

Fawn

Paid partnership with Dove.

There are moments in life that don’t seem like they should matter that much.

Getting ready to leave the house is one of them.

Most days, you don’t think twice about taking a shower, putting on your skincare, picking out an outfit, or walking out the front door.

You just do it.

But there was a time when I realized those ordinary rituals weren’t so ordinary after all.

They were little reminders that I was still showing up for myself.

I just hadn’t noticed until they disappeared.

Then one morning, a phone call turned into a concert ticket, and before I knew it, I was standing in my bathroom getting ready for my first night out in months.

Looking back, I thought I was getting ready for a concert.

What I was really doing was slowly finding my way back to myself.

A Reason to Leave the House

At the end of 2025, my oldest childhood friend passed away from cancer less than six months after he was diagnosed.

Around the same time, I was also coming out of a relationship where my boyfriend had become extremely sick.

It all happened within a relatively short period of time, and for a while, my world got really small.

Outside of work, I mostly stayed home.

I have a treadmill desk that I’d loved using for years, but I couldn’t even bring myself to stand at it anymore.

I stopped saying yes to things.

Then one morning, my friend Tom called.

He asked if I was going to a concert that night.

I remember laughing and saying, “What are you talking about? I didn’t even know this concert was happening!”

Apparently everyone else in my city had been excited about it for weeks, and I’d somehow missed the entire thing.

I kept telling him I wasn’t going to come.

He wouldn’t let me off the phone.

“Come on, Fawn. You need this. If anybody needs a break, it’s you.”

About twenty minutes later, he’d convinced me to buy a ticket.

The moment I bought it, I felt the excitement come rushing back.

I could feel the energy buzzing around me again.

I remember thinking, “Oh yeah... I’m gonna have a great freaking night.”

Then it hit me.

I had to get ready.

Getting Ready Again

I decided to give myself an everything shower.

You know the kind.

For the first time in months, I let myself slow down and enjoy it.

I washed my skin, shaved my body, and reached for the new Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash.

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It glided over my skin effortlessly, creating a rich, silky lather that made the whole shower feel a little more indulgent.

The 50% glycerin serum left my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and never greasy, with that healthy-looking radiance that comes from taking your time instead of rushing through your routine.

I have a terrible sense of smell, but even I could tell it smelled amazing.

The notes of jojoba oil and monoi flower made the whole experience feel like I was staying at the Four Seasons for the weekend.

I also appreciated that the fragrance didn’t irritate my skin, which can sometimes happen for me.

That’s saying something.

When I got out, I wasn’t in a hurry anymore.

My skin still felt fresh, neither heavy nor greasy, so I took my time with everything that came next.

I put on body serum, lotion, and a little bit of body oil, gently massaging everything into my skin.

I’d been carrying so much tension in my back, shoulders, and neck that being gentle with myself felt important.

It wasn’t something I’d thought much about before, but that afternoon I found myself slowing down instead of rushing through every step.

I even turned off the bathroom lights and left only the hallway light on.

Everything felt calmer that way.

Peaceful.

I stood there for a few minutes, taking slow, deep breaths.

I was still nervous about being in a crowd again, but I knew I needed this.

Then I stood in front of the mirror to do my makeup.

My bathroom mirror spans the entire back wall above the sink, so I could watch every step as I got ready.

I blended my foundation, added my contour, then brushed on my blush.

With every step, I watched myself come alive in the mirror.

It wasn’t that the makeup changed me.

It was that I was remembering who I was.

It felt like life had returned to my face.

The more time I spent getting ready, the more I felt like I was coming home to myself.

I took one last look in the mirror, grabbed my keys, and walked out the front door.

Coming Home to Myself

When I met Tom that night, I could tell he was relieved that I’d actually shown up.

The concert ended up being exactly what I needed.

Looking back, I don’t remember every song that was played or every conversation we had.

What I remember is laughing more than I had in months and walking home, realizing I’d gone an entire evening without thinking about grief every second.

Tom still jokes that all he did was convince me to go to a concert, but I don’t think he realizes how much that phone call changed things for me.

He brought joy back into my life that weekend, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

That night reminded me that healing isn’t about waiting until everything feels okay.

Sometimes it’s about letting yourself experience joy again, even while you’re still healing.

I stopped waiting to feel okay before I started living again.

Saying yes to that concert didn’t mean I’d moved on.

It meant I was finally ready to stop putting my life on hold.

Looking back, I thought I was saying yes to a concert.

What I was really saying yes to was myself.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still waiting for your own first outing, I want you to know that there isn’t going to be a perfect time.

You don’t wake up one morning and suddenly feel ready.

Sometimes you just have to get out the front door and hope for the best.

The hardest part is often just saying yes.

One thing this experience taught me is that you have to keep showing up for yourself, especially when it’s the last thing you feel like doing.

Rest is important, but real rest isn’t spending hours scrolling on your phone or hiding from the world.

Sometimes it means putting everything down, sitting with your thoughts, getting some sleep, and giving yourself permission to slow down.

Then, when you’re ready, say yes to something.

Say yes to dinner with a friend.

Say yes to a walk.

Say yes to a concert.

Or maybe it starts with something even smaller.

An everything shower.

Taking your time with your skincare.

Putting on your favorite outfit, even if you’re not going anywhere special.

Sometimes those ordinary moments are the ones that remind you you’re worth taking care of.

Looking back, I thought I was getting ready for a concert.

What I was really doing was taking the first step toward coming home to myself.

If you’d like to try the Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash, you can find it on Amazon.

Cheers,

Fawn

The short answer is yes, but it depends on how you introduce them.

Both ingredients are backed by research and can help improve concerns like acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, rosacea, uneven skin texture, and signs of aging.

The downside is that they’re also capable of causing dryness and irritation, especially if your skin isn’t used to active ingredients.

Using them together isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but it’s something you want to approach carefully.

In this article, I’ll explain how tretinoin and azelaic acid work, whether they’re safe to combine, what the research says, and how to build a routine that helps you get the benefits while minimizing irritation.

What is tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid derived from vitamin A.

While it’s best known as an acne treatment, it’s also one of the most well-studied topical ingredients for improving fine lines, uneven skin texture, and other visible signs of photoaging.

It works by speeding up skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.

As older skin cells are replaced with new ones, you’ll typically notice smoother skin, fewer clogged pores, and gradual improvements in acne marks and overall skin texture.

Research shows tretinoin can help:

• Treat acne

• Improve fine lines and wrinkles

• Stimulate collagen production

• Smooth uneven skin texture

• Fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

• Help regulate excess oil production

Unlike retinol, tretinoin requires a prescription in many countries.

Its higher strength is part of what makes it so effective, but it also means your skin may need time to adjust, especially during the first few weeks of use.

Potential Side Effects of Tretinoin

It’s completely normal to experience some irritation when you first start using tretinoin.

During the first few weeks, you may notice:

• Dryness

• Flaking or peeling

• Redness

• Mild irritation or itching

For most people, these side effects improve as the skin builds tolerance.

The key is to introduce tretinoin gradually rather than using it every night from the start.

If you experience persistent dryness or irritation, don’t worry.

In the next section, I’ll show you how to introduce tretinoin and azelaic acid into your routine while minimizing these side effects.

What is azelaic acid?

If you’ve never used azelaic acid before, it’s one of those ingredients that doesn’t get as much attention as retinol or vitamin C, but I think it deserves a lot more credit.

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It’s commonly used to treat acne, reduce redness associated with rosacea, fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and improve uneven skin tone.

Because it can target several concerns at once, it’s one of the most versatile ingredients you can add to a skincare routine.

Azelaic acid works in a few different ways.

It helps reduce acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation, encourages healthy skin cell turnover, and helps keep pores clear.

Research also suggests it can improve melasma and discoloration left behind after breakouts.

Unlike many acne treatments, azelaic acid is generally well tolerated, even by people with sensitive skin.

It’s available in both prescription-strength formulas and over-the-counter products.

That said, it’s still an active ingredient, so some people experience mild dryness, irritation, or temporary stinging when they first start using it, especially if they’re pairing it with other actives like tretinoin.

Are tretinoin and azelaic acid safe to combine?

Yes, tretinoin and azelaic acid can be used together.

The main thing to keep in mind is that both ingredients can cause dryness and irritation, especially when you’re first starting out.

Although there are limited clinical studies looking specifically at this combination, dermatologists commonly prescribe tretinoin and azelaic acid together because they work in different ways.

Tretinoin helps normalize skin cell turnover and unclog pores, while azelaic acid helps reduce inflammation, target acne-causing bacteria, and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Using both ingredients can help address multiple concerns at once, including acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and skin texture, but it’s important to introduce them gradually to minimize irritation.

That doesn’t mean everyone should start using both at the same time.

Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s best to introduce them slowly and pay attention to how your skin responds.

If you notice too much dryness or irritation, reduce how often you use them until your skin adjusts.

How to Introduce Tretinoin and Azelaic Acid

Tretinoin and azelaic acid can work well together, but it’s best to introduce them slowly to

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If you’ve ever searched for the best cleanser, serum, or spot treatment, you’ve probably noticed that everyone seems to recommend something different.

The problem is that those recommendations don’t mean much if you don’t know what’s inside the bottle.

A product is just a delivery system.

The ingredient is what determines whether it’s going to help with the kind of acne you’re dealing with.

That’s why a product that works really well for someone else might not work as well for you.

One formula might contain salicylic acid, while another relies on benzoyl peroxide, and those ingredients are designed to target different parts of the acne process.

Once you understand what causes acne and how those ingredients work, choosing products becomes much easier.

You don’t need to buy every product marketed for acne.

You just need to choose the ingredient that’s best suited to your skin concerns and give it time to work.

In this article, I’ll explain what causes acne, how four of the most effective acne ingredients work, how to decide which one is right for you, and how to build a simple routine around it.

What Causes Acne?

Before we get into the ingredients, it helps to

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It’s one of the most commonly recommended skincare ingredients for acne, and unlike many ingredients that come and go, salicylic acid has remained a staple for years because it works.

Even so, it’s easy to get wrong.

Some people use it every day without any issues, while others end up with dry, irritated skin because they started with a product that was too strong or used it more often than their skin could tolerate.

You might also be wondering whether you need a cleanser, toner, serum, or spot treatment, or if salicylic acid is even the right ingredient for your skin.

In this article, I’ll explain what salicylic acid is, how it works, how to use it, and which products I think are worth trying.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that’s commonly used to treat acne, clogged pores, and blackheads.

Unlike many other exfoliating acids, it’s oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate inside the pore where excess oil and dead skin cells collect.

That makes it especially helpful for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Part of what makes salicylic acid so effective is that it does more than exfoliate the surface of your skin.

It also helps keep pores clear, which can reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and mild acne over time.

Compared with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is often a gentler place to start, especially if your main concerns are clogged pores or blackheads rather than larger, inflamed breakouts.

If you decide to use both ingredients, it’s usually best to introduce them gradually or use them at different times if your skin is prone to irritation.

How does salicylic acid work?

One of the reasons salicylic acid is so effective is that it’s lipophilic, which means it’s attracted to oil.

Unlike water-soluble exfoliating acids, salicylic acid can penetrate the oily environment inside your pores, where it exfoliates away the buildup of dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.

As that buildup is removed, pores are less likely to become blocked, making salicylic acid especially effective for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and mild acne.

It can also help improve rough skin texture and reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments, the tiny oil-filled structures that are often mistaken for blackheads.

That’s what makes salicylic acid such an effective ingredient for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

How to Use Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid comes in several different forms, including cleansers, toners, serums, spot treatments, and even body washes.

If you’re new to the ingredient, I’d recommend starting with a cleanser.

Because it’s rinsed off after a short period of time, it’s often a gentler way to introduce salicylic acid into your routine before moving on to leave-on products.

A simple routine could look like:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. If you’re using a salicylic acid cleanser, this will be your cleansing step.

• Apply your salicylic acid product if you’re using a toner, serum, or spot treatment.

• Follow with a moisturizer to help support your skin barrier.

• Finish with sunscreen if it’s the morning.

You can also use salicylic acid body washes if you’re dealing with body acne or rough, bumpy skin on areas like your back, chest, or shoulders.

Can You Use Salicylic Acid Every Day?

That depends on the product and your skin.

If you’re using a salicylic acid cleanser, many people can use it every day because it’s rinsed off.

Leave-on products, such as toners and serums, are often stronger, so I’d recommend starting two or three times a week and increasing the frequency if your skin tolerates it well.

Side Effects

Like any active ingredient, salicylic acid can cause dryness, redness, flaking, or irritation if you use too much too soon.

The easiest way to avoid this is to introduce it gradually, moisturize afterward, and pay attention to how your skin responds.

Salicylic Acid Products to Try

1. Top Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment

Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion is one of the most recognizable salicylic acid spot treatments on the market.

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It combines salicylic acid with sulfur and calamine to help dry out surface blemishes overnight, making it a good option when you wake up with an isolated pimple and want to shrink it as quickly as possible.

2. Best Salicylic Acid Toner

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has been one of the most popular leave-on salicylic acid exfoliants for years.

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I don’t reach for it as often as I used to because my skin is drier now, but I still like having a bottle on hand for the occasional breakout or when my skin starts feeling congested.

I also get asked how it compares to Naturium’s BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

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I don’t think one is necessarily better than the other.

Naturium combines salicylic acid with AHAs, while Paula’s Choice keeps the formula simpler and includes green tea extract to help soothe the skin.

Which one I’d recommend really depends on what you’re looking for.

3. Effective Salicylic Acid Serum

If you prefer a serum over a cleanser or toner, Sunday Riley U.F.O. is one I’d consider.

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It combines 1.5% salicylic acid with tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil to help target clogged pores and breakouts, while licorice root and hexylresorcinol help improve the appearance of post-acne marks and uneven skin tone.

It’s a nice option if you’re looking for a salicylic acid treatment that does more than just target acne, especially if discoloration after breakouts is also a concern.

4. Best Salicylic Acid Cleanser

If you've been avoiding salicylic acid cleansers because they leave your skin feeling stripped, Prequel Gleanser + SA is worth trying.

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The formula combines 1% salicylic acid with 50% glycerin, zinc PCA, and succinic acid to gently exfoliate while helping maintain hydration.

It's also suitable for both the face and body, making it a versatile option if you're prone to breakouts in multiple areas.

5. Must-Have Salicylic Acid Spot Patches

If you catch a pimple early, Hero Mighty Patch for Early-Stage Blemishes is worth keeping on hand.

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It combines salicylic acid with cica in dissolving Micropoints™ that target emerging blemishes before they fully surface.

I like that it goes beyond a traditional hydrocolloid patch by delivering ingredients directly into the blemish, making it a great option when you feel a pimple starting to form but it hasn’t come to a head yet.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I’d want you to take away from this article, it’s that salicylic acid isn’t about using the strongest product you can find.

Choosing the right formula, introducing it gradually, and staying consistent will give you better results than trying to overhaul your entire routine.

Sometimes one good product is all you need.

Cheers,

Fawn

There are countless scrubs, lotions, body washes, and treatments promising smoother, softer, healthier-looking skin, but many don’t do much beyond making your skin smell nice for a few hours.

At the same time, concerns like body acne, keratosis pilaris, dry skin, rough texture, and dark marks are incredibly common.

The good news is that you don’t need a complicated routine to address them.

In many cases, a handful of well-formulated products can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels.

So in this roundup, I wanted to share some of my favorite body care products for summer.

Some have been staples in my routine for years, while others are newer discoveries that impressed me enough to earn a spot on this list.

1. Naturium Glow Getter

Naturium’s Glow Getter is one of my favorite body washes. In fact, I've repurchased it more than eight times.

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It leaves my skin feeling clean, hydrated, and comfortable without that tight, stripped feeling that some body washes can cause.

I’ve even used it as a shaving gel on occasion.

The formula contains more than 50% glycerin, which helps attract moisture to the skin and is one of the reasons I keep coming back to it.

2. Saltair KP Body Smoother

One of the newer products I’ve added to my routine is the Saltair KP Body Smoother.

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I use it three times per week in the shower to help keep rough patches and bumpy skin under control.

The formula combines physical exfoliation with 10% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that helps loosen and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

If you struggle with keratosis pilaris, often called “chicken skin,” or rough texture on the backs of your arms and legs, this is the type of product that can make a noticeable difference over time.

I massage it onto damp skin, let it sit for a minute or two, and then rinse it off.

3. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

Before discovering the Saltair KP Body Smoother, First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub was one of my go-to products for rough, bumpy skin.

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Like the Saltair scrub, it contains 10% AHA and is designed for concerns such as keratosis pilaris, often called “chicken skin.”

The main difference is that First Aid Beauty has been a staple in my routine for much longer, while Saltair is a more recent discovery.

If rough texture and keratosis pilaris are concerns for you, both are worth considering.

4. Nerra Pre-Exfoliating Foam + Exfoliating Body Glove

If you prefer physical exfoliation, another combination worth mentioning is Nerra’s Pre-Exfoliating Foam and Exfoliating Body Glove.

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I like using the foam before exfoliating with the glove.

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The foam helps soften the skin, while the glove helps remove dead skin buildup from the surface.

It’s a combination I reach for when I want my skin to feel especially smooth, and it’s also a nice option before shaving.

If you’re not a fan of exfoliating scrubs, this is an alternative approach that’s worth considering.

5. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

Body acne is one of the most common concerns I get asked about, and PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide is a product that comes up often in those conversations.

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Benzoyl peroxide helps target acne-causing bacteria while also helping reduce inflammation.

Simply apply it to the affected area, leave it on for three to five minutes, and then rinse it off.

6. Neostrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion

Neostrata’s Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion is one of my favorite products for rough texture, post-acne marks, and keratosis pilaris.

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If you’ve ever looked into products like AmLactin for rough, bumpy skin, this falls into a similar category.

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Unlike an exfoliating scrub that gets rinsed off in the shower, this is a lotion that stays on the skin after application.

I tend to reach for it more often during the summer months when I’m paying a little more attention to the skin on my arms and legs.

Definitely a top pick.

7. Saltair HA Body Hydrator

Another newer addition to my routine is the Saltair HA Body Hydrator.

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Right after I shower, while my skin is still damp, I pump out two quarter-sized amounts and apply it all over my body.

The formula contains sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, along with ingredients that support the skin barrier.

I’ve found that applying it to damp skin leaves my skin feeling softer, smoother, and more hydrated throughout the day.

8. Prequel Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk

Another moisturizer worth mentioning is Prequel’s Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk.

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The ingredient that initially caught my attention was the 10% urea.

Urea is naturally present in the skin and is commonly used in products designed for dry, rough, and flaky skin.

The formula also contains niacinamide, shea butter, and glycerin and can be used on both the face and body.

I also appreciate the mid-weight texture.

It feels moisturizing without being overly heavy and absorbs easily after application.

9. Hanni Water Balm

I also like Hanni’s Water Balm!

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I tend to prefer lighter body products during the summer, and this is one I keep coming back to.

It’s a spray-on moisturizer that feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t leave behind the heavy feeling that some body products can.

If you dislike thick body creams during the summer, this is one worth checking out.

10. Cerave Moisturizing Cream

For a more affordable moisturizer, Cerave Moisturizing Cream remains one of the products I recommend most often.

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It’s a thick, straightforward moisturizer that has been a staple in my bathroom for years.

If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills body moisturizer, this is a solid option.

11. Nerra Dry Body Oil

Nerra’s Dry Body Oil is another product that finds its way into my routine every summer.

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What I like most is that it absorbs quickly while still leaving my skin looking glowy.

I was never a huge body oil person, although I would occasionally mix one into my lotion when my skin was feeling particularly dry.

This one comes in a spray bottle, which makes it easy to apply and easy to travel with.

A Few Final Thoughts

One thing I want to emphasize is that this isn’t meant to be a step-by-step routine.

These are simply some of my favorite body care products and the ones I find myself recommending most often.

At the end of the day, you don’t need every product on this list.

The best body care routine is the one you’ll actually stick with, and for most people, that means focusing on the concerns that matter most to them, whether that’s body acne, keratosis pilaris, rough texture, or dry skin.

If you have a favorite body care product that didn’t make the list, let me know in the comments.

Cheers,

Fawn

You spend time applying your foundation, blush, bronzer, and concealer, only to have everything start fading, separating, or looking patchy a few hours later.

Humidity doesn’t exactly help either.

Even when products look great right after application, keeping them looking fresh throughout the day can be a completely different challenge.

For the longest time, I didn’t think setting sprays had much to do with that.

I knew people used them, but I never really paid much attention.

If my makeup looked good when I finished applying it, I figured my job was done.

Over the last year, though, I’ve started spending a lot more time experimenting with makeup.

I’ve tested new products, learned different application techniques, and found myself enjoying the process a lot more than I expected.

Somewhere along the way, setting sprays went from being a product I overlooked to becoming a regular part of my routine.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how setting sprays work, how I use them in my own routine, and the ones I’ve been reaching for the most this summer.

How Setting Sprays Actually Work

When I first started paying attention to setting sprays, I assumed they were mostly there to make makeup last longer.

And they do help with that.

Most setting sprays leave a thin film over your makeup that helps everything hold together a little better throughout the day.

If you’re spending hours outside, dealing with humidity, or just trying to make your makeup survive until dinner, that extra layer can make a noticeable difference.

What ended up mattering more to me, though, was the finish.

Sometimes a full face of makeup can look like exactly what it is: foundation sitting underneath bronzer, blush sitting on top of powder, and every layer looking slightly separate from the next.

A good setting spray helps everything settle together.

The makeup looks less powdery, less heavy, and more like skin.

That’s especially helpful during the summer.

When it’s hot outside, I’m usually wearing sunscreen underneath my makeup, and the last thing I want is for everything to start looking dry, cakey, or patchy a few hours later.

Setting spray won’t make your makeup indestructible, but it can help it look fresher for longer.

My Makeup Routine With Setting Spray

Here’s how I use setting spray in my own makeup routine.

I start with the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Foundation and then do a light spray of the NYX The Face Glue Setting Spray before moving on to the rest of my makeup.

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On days when I want a lighter finish, I often use the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint instead.

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For contour, I use Tarte’s Sculpt Tape.

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Then I go in with Saie Dew Blush in the shade Spicy, which I use as a bronzer.

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Even though it’s sold as a blush, the shade is deep enough on my skin tone that it works better as a bronzer for me.

After that, I apply Saie Dew Blush in the shade Chilly.

Chilly is my everyday blush and one of my favorite makeup products.

It’s a rosy pink shade that brightens my face without looking overdone.

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I also apply Colorscience Total Lash Mascara before moving on to powder and my final setting spray.

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Once everything is blended, I use the Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder before finishing with either the L’Oréal Infallible Setting Spray or the Saie CitySet Lightweight Setting Spray.

I used to think of setting spray as something you used once your makeup was already finished.

Now I use it as part of the application process itself.

Foundation, contour, blush, and powder all have different textures.

When they’re applied one after another, they can sometimes feel like separate layers sitting on top of the skin.

Using setting spray between steps helps everything come together.

The finished makeup looks less powdery, my blush blends more naturally into the rest of the look, and everything feels more cohesive by the time I’m done.

Do You Need a Setting Spray?

I don’t think everyone needs a setting spray.

If I’m putting on a little makeup to run errands or head out for a couple of hours, it’s not always something I reach for.

Where I find it most useful is when I’m wearing a full face of makeup and want it to look the way I intended for as long as possible.

For example, if I’m attending a wedding, a party, or any occasion where I’ll be wearing makeup for several hours, I’m much more likely to use one.

The same goes for days when I’ve spent extra time on my makeup and don’t want to think about touch-ups later.

A setting spray isn’t going to fix products you already dislike, and it won’t replace good application techniques.

What it can do is help your makeup look fresher and stay in place longer throughout the day.

You can have a great makeup routine without one.

That said, it’s one of the few makeup products I’ve added over the last year that has earned a permanent place in my routine.

My Favorite Setting Sprays Right Now

One thing I’ve learned from testing more setting sprays is that I don’t necessarily reach for the same one every time.

The one I use depends a lot on what I’m doing that day and what I want my makeup to look like.

1. NYX The Face Glue Setting Spray

This is the setting spray I most often use between layers of makeup.

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If I’m doing foundation and then moving on to contour, bronzer, and blush, this is usually the spray I’m reaching for.

It contains film-forming ingredients designed to help grip makeup, and I like the way it helps everything settle together as I’m applying it.

It’s also lightweight on the skin, which is important because I don’t want my makeup routine to feel heavier with every step.

2. L’Oréal Infallible Setting Spray

When longevity is my top priority, L’Oréal Infallible Setting Spray is usually the one I grab.

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If I’m attending a wedding, going to a party, or know I’m going to be wearing makeup for most of the day, this is usually the setting spray I reach for.

The aerosol mist is very fine, which helps distribute the product evenly across the skin, and I’ve found that my makeup tends to hold up particularly well when I finish my routine with it.

3. Saie CitySet Lightweight Setting Spray

Despite the name, Saie CitySet Lightweight Setting Spray is probably the most heavy-duty setting spray in my collection.

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Unlike some setting sprays that completely disappear once they dry down, I can actually feel a film on my skin throughout the day when I wear this one.

That might not sound appealing, but I think it’s part of the reason it works so well.

It gives my makeup a very glowy finish and helps everything stay in place for hours.

If you’re someone who prefers a completely matte finish, this probably isn’t the setting spray I’d recommend.

For me, though, it makes my makeup feel like it’s glued to my face in the best possible way, which is exactly what I’m looking for during the summer.

Final Thoughts

One thing I’ve enjoyed about getting more into makeup is realizing how much there still is to learn.

A year ago, I probably would have looked at a setting spray and assumed it wasn’t doing very much.

Now it’s one of those products that has made me pay more attention to the application process as a whole.

It’s also made makeup more fun.

Instead of rushing through my routine, I spend more time experimenting with different techniques and figuring out what works for me.

Not every product earns a permanent place in my routine, but setting spray is one of the few that has.

It’s a small step, but it’s made a noticeable difference in both how my makeup looks and how long it lasts throughout the day.

Cheers,

Fawn

My default reaction used to be trying to get rid of it.

If my hair wasn’t smooth, I assumed I was doing something wrong.

The more I learned about curly hair, the more I realized that wasn’t always true.

I often say that frizz is just a curl that needs to be nurtured, and a lot of what I was seeing was really my natural texture trying to show up.

That shift in perspective changed the way I care for my hair, especially during the summer when humidity can make everything feel a little less predictable.

My routine today is much simpler than it used to be.

In this article, I’ll show you what I do to keep my hair healthy, hydrated, and as frizz-free as possible throughout the summer.

First, Know Your Hair Type

Before we get into products, it helps to understand that not all curls are the same.

Hair is often categorized using a system that ranges from type 2 (wavy) to type 4 (coily), as shown in the chart below.

I describe my hair as 2C/3A, which means different parts of my hair fall into different categories.

That’s one reason I’ve learned to be skeptical of one-size-fits-all hair advice.

A product that works beautifully for someone with loose waves may be too lightweight for tighter curls.

On the other hand, products designed for coily hair can sometimes feel too heavy on wavy hair.

That’s also why you’ll see me recommend mousse over gel for many wavy and curly hair types.

My goal is usually definition without weighing my hair down.

As you read through the rest of this article, keep in mind that these recommendations are based on what has worked for my hair.

Your results may vary depending on where your hair falls on the curl spectrum.

The Only Products I Really Use

Maintaining curly and wavy hair doesn’t require dozens of products.

These are the products I keep coming back to:

1. Shampoo & Conditioner

A good shampoo and conditioner are the foundation of my entire routine.

I’ve had good luck with the Eluxe Shampoo and Conditioner.

The shampoo does a great job removing buildup without leaving my hair feeling stripped, which is important when you’re using styling products regularly.

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The conditioner gives me enough moisture without making my curls feel heavy, and my hair is always easier to manage when I’m using it consistently.

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I also keep the L’Oréal EverPure Bond Repair Conditioner in rotation.

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I’ve repurchased this one more times than I can count.

If your hair is feeling dry, damaged, or overprocessed from heat styling, it’s a great budget-friendly option.

It contains citric acid and is designed to support damaged hair, but the reason I keep buying it is simple: it makes my hair feel better.

If you deal with dandruff or scalp inflammation, it’s also worth looking into a ketoconazole shampoo.

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Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and that’s one of the few ingredients with solid evidence behind it for managing dandruff.

2. Leave-In Conditioner

If there’s one product I almost never skip, it’s a leave-in conditioner.

My curls tend to get dry, especially on the ends, and I find that a good leave-in makes my hair easier to detangle, softer to the touch, and much more manageable between wash days.

My personal favorite is the CURLSMITH Curl Conditioning Oil-in-Cream.

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Because my hair is thick and coarse, I usually do better with richer leave-in conditioners.

This one gives me the extra moisture I need without making my hair feel greasy or weighed down.

What I like most is that it gives my hair a little extra hydration before I go in with mousse. It helps my curls clump together better and makes styling easier overall.

If your hair is finer or your curls are looser, the Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner is another option I’ve liked.

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It has a lighter texture than the CURLSMITH leave-in and adds moisture without feeling heavy, which may make it a better fit for some hair types.

3. Mousse

If you have wavy or curly hair, mousse is probably the styling product I recommend most often.

Right now, my favorite is the Chris McMillan Hair Mousse for bouncy volume.

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I also have Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Mousse, but I find myself reaching for the Chris McMillan mousse more often.

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After applying my leave-in conditioner, I’ll work mousse through damp hair and then diffuse until my hair is about 75% dry.

From there, I usually let the rest air dry.

As a general rule, I think mousse works best for wavy hair and many curly hair types.

You get definition and hold without making the hair feel heavy.

If you have tighter curls or coiler hair, especially 4A and above, gel often makes more sense because the stronger hold helps keep curls defined throughout the day.

For me, mousse strikes the right balance.

My curls stay defined, but my hair still has movement and volume once it’s dry.

4. Hair Oil

Hair oil is one of the simpler steps in my routine.

One of my favorites is Verb Ghost Oil.

I’ve repurchased it multiple times because it’s lightweight and doesn’t make my hair feel greasy or weighed down.

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I split my hair into two sections and use about a quarter-sized amount on each side.

The mid-lengths and ends get most of the product, and I also apply it before bed since that’s the area that tends to get the driest.

I also like the Fountainhead Moisturizing Hair Oil created by my friend Jessica, but I use it a little differently.

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Because it’s a richer blend of oils, I prefer it for my ends rather than as an everyday hair oil.

For me, hair oil is less about transforming my hair and more about keeping it looking its best between wash days.

5. Deep Conditioner & Bond Builders

A couple of times a month, especially if you’ve been heat styling, I think it’s worth adding a deep conditioner or bond builder to your routine.

This isn’t something I use every wash.

It’s more of a maintenance step when my hair needs a little extra help.

I’ve tried a lot of bonding products over the years.

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Epres is one of my favorites, and L'Oréal EverPure Bond Repair+ Pre-Shampoo Treatment is another good option that tends to be more affordable.

I also like the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask and the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Mask when my hair needs extra moisture.

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It’s important to know that deep conditioners and bond builders aren’t the same thing.

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Bond builders are designed to support hair that’s been damaged by things like coloring and heat styling, while deep conditioners focus more on restoring moisture.

If your hair feels dry, brittle, or damaged from coloring or heat styling, both can be helpful additions to your routine.

I still think the basics matter most.

A good shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and styling product will get you most of the way there.

Bond builders and deep conditioners are the products I reach for when my hair needs some extra attention.

How I Style My Hair

Once I’ve applied my leave-in conditioner and mousse, I’ll scrunch everything into soaking-wet hair and start diffusing.

I usually diffuse until my hair is about 75% dry, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes with a good blow dryer.

I've been using the Wavytalk Turblow Pro, and it's done a good job speeding up the process while still being gentle on my curls.

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Once my hair is about 75% dry, I stop and let the rest air dry.

I’ve found that my hair looks better when I don’t try to force it all the way dry with heat.

Letting the last bit dry naturally helps reduce frizz and gives my curls a softer finish.

I also like using root clips while my hair dries.

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They’re a simple way to get more lift at the crown and prevent the roots from drying flat against the scalp.

It’s not a complicated routine, but it’s the one that consistently gives me the best results.

My Blowout Routine

Most of the time, I wear my hair curly.

But every once in a while, I’ll blow it out instead.

If I want a blowout, the biggest difference is what I do after I get out of the shower.

Once I’m out of the shower, I squeeze out as much water as possible and work the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Cream through my hair.

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I use a generous amount, probably around two quarters’ worth.

Then I blow dry it without a diffuser.

I only use a diffuser when I’m planning to wear my hair curly.

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Once my hair is mostly dry, I spray it with CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray and go in with the Wavytalk Thermal Brush.

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The thermal brush does a good job smoothing my hair and creating that blowout look without requiring a separate round brush and blow dryer.

When I’m done, I’ll run a little Verb Ghost Oil through the lengths and ends.

If I want a bit more hold, I’ll finish with It’s a Ten Miracle Finishing Spray.

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I don’t spend much time trying to blow out my hair during the summer.

For me, the humidity always wins.

Nothing I do is going to keep my hair straight for very long.

When I do wear it straight, it’s usually because I’m traveling somewhere dry.

If I know I’m spending a week somewhere like Denver during the winter, there’s a good chance my hair will stay straight.

In a humid summer climate, that’s a different story.

Why I Rarely Cut My Hair

I only cut my hair once or twice a year.

That’s not because I think trims are unnecessary.

If my ends are damaged or splitting, a haircut is often the best solution.

What I don’t believe is that frequent trims are the secret to healthy hair growth.

Hair grows from the scalp, not from the ends.

Cutting your hair doesn’t make it grow faster.

For me, keeping my hair healthy comes down to how I care for it between haircuts.

The less damage I create in the first place, the less often I feel the need to cut it.

Split ends are real, and once a hair strand splits, there’s no way to permanently fuse it back together.

At that point, trimming the damaged portion is usually your best option.

That said, if you’re taking good care of your hair, you probably don’t need to be trimming it nearly as often as some people suggest.

And yes, part of me thinks the idea that everyone needs a trim every six to eight weeks is a bit of a beauty-industry psyop.

I've found that focusing on preventing damage does far more for length retention than constantly reaching for the scissors.

Free yourself.

A Few Other Hair Tricks I’ve Picked Up

One other thing that’s made a bigger difference than I expected is using a shower cap on days when I’m not washing my hair.

For years, if I wasn’t washing my hair, I’d just throw it into a bun and hope for the best.

The problem is that all the humidity from your shower still affects your hair.

If you have curly or wavy hair, that extra moisture can weigh everything down and make your curls lose their shape faster.

Now I use the Kitsch Shower Cap whenever I’m not washing my hair, and it does a much better job preserving my curls between wash days.

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I also use it when I curl my hair with a one-inch curling iron.

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I’ll curl my hair a little tighter than I want it to look, put it up in the shower cap while I do my makeup and get dressed, and then take it down about 30 minutes to an hour later.

By then, the curls have relaxed a bit on their own.

I’ll run a little Verb Ghost Oil through my hair to break everything up, and it gives me soft, bouncy curls that look much more natural.

Between wash days, I also use dry shampoo to keep my hair looking fresh.

Right now I’m using the Hask Dry Shampoo.

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I haven’t found a dry shampoo that I love yet, so I’m still experimenting.

This one has worked well enough for me so far.

The Bottom Line

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this article, it’s that maintaining curly and wavy hair doesn’t have to be complicated.

I don’t use dozens of products, and I don’t spend hours styling my hair every day.

Most of the time, it’s the basics that make the biggest difference: keeping your hair moisturized, minimizing damage, and finding products that work for your particular hair type.

Once you have that figured out, everything gets a lot easier.

Cheers,

Fawn

A lot of people start with a cleanser and maybe one treatment product, then every new breakout turns into another purchase.

Maybe they add another exfoliating acid, or start using one of those spot treatments that dries the breakout out overnight.

Then toner pads get added somewhere in the mix too because somebody online said they “cleared” their skin in a week.

Before long, the routine is packed with products that are all trying to fix the same issue from different directions.

I think that’s why so many people end up feeling frustrated with their skin after a while.

The acne might still be there, but now your skin feels irritated, makeup starts separating around dry patches, and the marks from old breakouts refuse to fade.

That’s part of why I’ve always loved azelaic acid.

I’ve used it for years, written about it multiple times, and repurchased the Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% more than five times with my own money.

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It’s one of the few acne-focused ingredients I keep coming back to because it can help with breakouts, post-acne marks, redness, and uneven skin tone without making the rest of my routine feel overly complicated.

And with azelaic acid, the formula can change the experience quite a bit.

Some fit into a routine without much thought, while others end up clashing with everything else you’re using.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what azelaic acid is, what it helps with, how to use it in a routine, and the formulas I personally think are worth trying.

What Is Azelaic Acid?

If you've never used azelaic acid before, it's one of those ingredients that doesn't get as much attention as retinol, vitamin C, or niacinamide, but I think it deserves a lot more credit.

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with anti-inflammatory properties that reduces pimples and can help improve rosacea.

You can find azelaic acid in both prescription medications and over-the-counter skincare products.

Evidence shows that azelaic acid works in several ways, including:

• Unplugging follicles

• Killing acne-causing bacteria

• Reducing inflammation

• Turning over dead skin cells

Further, some studies show that azelaic acid can help with skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation and melasma, which is one of the reasons I've used it for years and continue recommending it so often.

Many acne ingredients focus only on active breakouts, while azelaic acid can also help address the marks those breakouts leave behind.

At the same time, azelaic acid is still a topical medication and can cause side effects such as dryness and irritation.

Why People Love Azelaic Acid for Acne

One thing that makes acne frustrating is that the breakout is usually only part of the problem.

You get one pimple to calm down, then the mark hangs around for another month afterward.

And if you’re still breaking out while older marks are fading, your skin can start looking uneven even when the acne itself isn’t that severe anymore.

That’s a big reason people stick with azelaic acid.

A lot of acne products are focused on getting rid of the breakout itself, but for a lot of people the annoying part starts afterward when the mark refuses to fade.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve continued using azelaic acid for years.

I like ingredients that can help with both active breakouts and the discoloration they leave behind.

I also think it works well for the kind of acne that never fully comes to the surface.

The tiny clogged pores around the chin, the rough texture along the jawline, those little bumps that make your skin look uneven under makeup even if you don’t have large inflamed breakouts.

Those are often the things people notice changing first.

And I think that slower pace is part of why people end up liking azelaic acid in the first place.

It doesn’t have the same reputation as the harsher acne products that leave your skin peeling for a week and force you to rebuild your entire routine afterward.

Instead, it tends to become one of those products people keep repurchasing because their skin looks more even when it’s part of the routine consistently.

It’s certainly become that kind of product for me.

How to Use It

You can use azelaic acid either in the morning or at night depending on the rest of your routine and what your skin tolerates best.

A simple morning routine could look like:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.

2. Apply your azelaic acid serum or cream.

3. Follow with moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and support your skin barrier.

4. Then finish with sunscreen.

At night, a lot of people pair azelaic acid with retinoids or barrier-supportive products:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse first with a cleansing oil so you’re not leaving anything behind on your skin.

2. Apply your retinoid.

3. Apply azelaic acid afterward if your skin tolerates both in the same routine.

4. Follow with moisturizer.

Azelaic acid pairs well with ingredients like niacinamide, hydrating serums, retinoids, and salicylic acid for some people, although I’d still encourage you to keep things simple at first.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people adding too many active ingredients at the same time and then having no idea what’s helping and what’s causing irritation.

This is something I've talked about before, but if you're trying to fade discoloration, sunscreen is non-negotiable.

UV exposure can make discoloration linger much longer after breakouts heal.

Best Azelaic Acid Products to Try

There are a lot of azelaic acid products on the market now, but I do think the formula matters more than people realize.

Some look fine at first, then start pilling once sunscreen or makeup gets layered on top.

That alone can change whether a product ends up staying in your routine.

A few azelaic acid products worth trying are:

1. Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% is my favorite overall.

   I've used it for years and repurchased it more than five times with my own money, which is probably the strongest endorsement I can give any skincare product.

   The formula feels much more comfortable on the skin than a lot of traditional azelaic acid creams.

   

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   Instead of using standard azelaic acid alone, Naturium uses a derivative called potassium azeloyl diglycinate, which tends to feel more hydrating and less drying on the skin.

   The formula also includes niacinamide, vitamin C, coffee seed extract, and sodium hyaluronate, so it ends up feeling more like a lightweight treatment serum than one of those thicker prescription-style creams.

2. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster has been around for years and is still one of the more popular azelaic acid products for acne-prone skin and uneven skin tone.

   

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   The formula combines azelaic acid with 0.5% salicylic acid, so it targets clogged pores a little more aggressively than some of the gentler azelaic acid formulas.

   It has a lightweight cream-gel texture and works well either on its own or mixed into moisturizer.

3. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is one of the more affordable azelaic acid options and a common starting point for people who want to try the ingredient without spending much upfront.

   

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   It focuses more on uneven skin tone, texture, dullness, and redness.

   The texture feels more silicone-heavy than some of the other options here, which people either end up liking or avoiding depending on the rest of their routine.

4. The INKEY List SuperSolutions Azelaic Acid 10% Serum is a good option for people whose skin leans more redness-prone or reactive.

   

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   The formula includes allantoin to help soothe irritation, and unlike some azelaic acid suspensions, this one was designed not to leave behind that dry, crunchy feeling after layering skincare on top.

   It also has a slight green tint to help offset visible redness on the skin.

5. Good Molecules 10% Azelaic Acid Treatment focuses heavily on post-acne marks and redness.

   

   SHOP HERE

   Alongside azelaic acid, it includes soothing ingredients like centella asiatica exosomes and passion fruit oil, so the formula leans more supportive and calming instead of feeling overly harsh or stripping.

Who Should Try Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a good option for people with acne-prone skin, redness, post-acne marks, clogged pores, or uneven skin tone.

It’s also commonly used by people whose skin becomes irritated from stronger acne products, since azelaic acid tends to fit into routines without causing as much irritation as harsher treatments.

Because it targets several concerns at once, azelaic acid often works well in simpler routines that don’t rely on layering multiple active ingredients together.

That's one of the reasons I've kept coming back to azelaic acid over the years.

Final Thoughts

Azelaic acid has stayed popular for a reason.

It can help with breakouts, redness, texture, and post-acne marks at the same time without making your routine feel overly aggressive or complicated.

And at this point, I think a lot of people with acne-prone skin end up doing better when they stop trying to throw every strong product possible into the same routine.

I've used azelaic acid for years, and it's one of the few acne ingredients I've never really felt the need to stop using.

Sometimes the best routines aren't the most aggressive ones.

They're the ones your skin can tolerate long enough to see results from.

Cheers,

Fawn

While there are plenty of things you can do at home to raise your skin’s UV threshold and prevent or reduce burning, for many of us, a good sunscreen comes in handy regardless.

Finding the right one can be tricky with so many options out there.

In this roundup, I’ve gathered 12 of the best sunscreens that not only protect your skin but also feel great to wear.

Here’s a sneak peek at four great sunscreen options:

• Best budget sunscreen: NATURIUM UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50

• Best mineral sunscreen: HERO Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

• Best sunscreen stick: Vertra’s SPF 45 sunscreen face stick

• Best foundation replacement: Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

Let's dive into the best picks for keeping your skin safe and healthy:

1. Hero Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30

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Key Ingredients: 17.53% zinc oxide (non-nano), green surge, extremolytes
Best For: acne-prone skin

HERO Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 is perfect for those with acne-prone skin, offering SPF 30 with a surprisingly lightweight, non-tinted finish.

In fact, the Hero sunscreens are my favorite every since Vertra discontinued the “Beach Break Sunscreen”… (rip)

This 100% mineral-based sunscreen is fragrance-free and silicone-free, and uses 17.53% non-nano zinc oxide for strong UVA and UVB protection.

Packed with antioxidant-rich botanicals and natural bio-ingredients, the gel-cream formula hydrates without feeling greasy and provides a glowy finish.

It’s non-tinted but can leave a white cast on darker skin tones, making it more suitable for medium to light skin tones.

Apply it as the final step in your morning skincare routine and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Don’t forget to protect your hands, chest, and ears.

Broad-spectrum and reef-safe, HERO Superlight Sunscreen is clinically proven to be non-irritating and keeps your skin clear and healthy while offering daily sun protection.

2. Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

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Key Ingredients: Iron oxide pigments, EnviroScreen® Technology, antioxidants
Best For: All Skin Types

Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 is a lightweight mineral sunscreen with tinted color coverage that instantly evens out your skin tone for a flawless look.

This sunscreen not only hydrates but also protects your skin from UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation thanks to its patented EnviroScreen Technology.

It includes antioxidants and nourishing ingredients that help keep your skin healthy over time.

The FLEX formula has special iron oxide pigments that adapt to your skin tone as you apply it, offering buildable color coverage with a demi-matte finish.

It comes in six flexible shades that work well for a wide range of skin tones and undertones.

Beyond sun protection, what sets this one apart is how it performs as a foundation replacement.

Colorscience Flex is the one I reach for when I want a tinted mineral sunscreen that replaces my foundation.

It's thicker with more buildable coverage, giving you that extra polish and finish you need.

That said, I always need a setting spray with this one.

Without it, the sunscreen tint can come off on my hands and transfer to my clothes, especially if I'm going to be outside for extended periods in the heat.

I only reach for it when I'm already doing a full makeup look, and in the summertime I'm using a setting spray over makeup anyway.

My go-to setting sprays are the NYX Face Glue or the L'Oreal Infallible 24-Hour.

3. Vertra Invisible Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 45

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Key Ingredients: zinc oxide 22%
Best For: outdoor activities

Vertra’s SPF 45 invisible face stick ensures long-lasting, water-resistant sun protection.

This mineral sunscreen is perfect for activities like surfing, skiing, or any outdoor adventure.

I love that I can throw it in my bag for easy application throughout the day.

This formula offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with SPF 45 and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

It’s designed to go on clear, leaving a non-greasy finish that makes it ideal for everyday use.

The sunscreen stick is free from parabens, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and fragrances, catering to those who prefer cleaner skincare options.

Its mineral formula provides effective sun defense without the common drawbacks of sunscreen like unpleasant smells or a greasy texture.

As someone who is picky about sunscreen, I appreciate that Vertra’s face stick has a lightweight and moisturizing feel.

The packaging is cleverly designed to prevent leaks, making it travel-friendly.

4. Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50

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Key Ingredients: 2% InfraGuard, bio-fermented powder, amino acid derivative
Best For: sensitive, dry, aging, combination, and oily Skin Types

NATURIUM UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 is more than just sunscreen; it’s like a serum that delivers weightless SPF coverage with a silky smooth finish that feels almost like velvet.

It’s equipped with organic chemical filters and enhanced with 2% InfraGuard to protect against blue light and pollution-induced free radicals.

This product features a bio-fermented powder blended with an amino acid derivative to diffuse light and provide a soft-focus finish.

Trust me, unless you’re a serious skincare junkie, you’ve never tried an SPF like this.

The ultralight texture is perfect for those who are acne-prone as it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Plus, it has ingredients that help absorb oil, giving you that sheer matte look all day long, ideal for people with oilier skin types.

And yes, I promise, zero white cast!

I’m a huge fan and have already repurchased this product.

Whether you’re facing a long day outdoors or just need reliable daily protection, NATURIUM UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 ensures your skin stays protected, comfortable, and flawless without any greasiness or sticky residue.

5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50

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Key Ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Best For: All Skin Types

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 gives you both UVA and UVB protection while keeping your skin hydrated with its light, refreshing texture.

This sunscreen is water-resistant and keeps your skin moisturized for up to eight hours without leaving any white residue.

It’s light enough to wear under makeup every day.

It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores, making it great for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.

This sunscreen is part of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line, which uses generous amounts of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump.

It’s a good choice for daily sun protection and keeping your skin hydrated.

However, I’ve noticed that Neutrogena’s sunscreen stings my eyes a bit, which is common with many chemical sunscreens.

It’s also thicker and, while moisturizing, may leave your skin feeling slightly greasy.

I still think it’s a good purchase if you’re balling on a budget, but buyer be aware!

6. Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen

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Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4.8%, Zinc Oxide 9.3%
Best For: All Skin Types, replacing your foundation

Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen is great for anyone looking for strong sun protection with a hint of color.

It offers SPF 50 and is gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

The formula is water-resistant and lasts for 80 minutes in water.

This sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays and also nourishes it with natural antioxidants like sunflower argan oil, rosemary extract, and apple fruit extract, giving your skin a healthy glow.

The tint on the Epionce is darker and may be more suitable than other mineral sunscreens for those with darker skin tones, but it can leave a cast.

That said, I should note that nearly all sunscreens with zinc oxide leave a white cast, and you kind of have to pick your poison.

This one blends well with most skin tones, making it perfect for everyday use on its own or under makeup.

7. True Botanicals Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF 30

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Key Ingredients: non-nano zinc, chebula, astaxanthin
Best For: All Skin Types, especially oily, sensitive, and breakout-prone skin

True Botanicals Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF 30 offers effective sun protection combined with significant skincare benefits.

This hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic formula avoids common sunscreen toxins and waxes, making it suitable for even sensitive skin.

It uses non-nano zinc for broad-spectrum UV protection and maintains a light, natural finish, avoiding the typical dullness of zinc sunscreens.

The product includes chebula, an antioxidant that combats aging signs and supports hydration, along with astaxanthin, which improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Its warm tint helps neutralize redness and enhances your skin’s natural glow, making it perfect for daily use.

It’s especially beneficial for those with oily or sensitive skin and is reef-safe, meeting environmental safety standards.

8. Supergoop! Glowscreen

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Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cocoa peptides
Best For: Normal, combination, or dry skin

The Glowscreen is a 10 out of 10!

This incredible product provides a beautiful glow and fantastic coverage with its light-reflecting pearls that give you that sunkissed look without actual sun damage.

It makes my skin look like I’ve been in the sun and have a really nice tan without actually needing to sunbathe right before.

The pearlescent sheen it gives is lovely and it blends in immediately as a primer for makeup, creating an even base.

It comes in 4 shades to match your skin tone.

The lightweight lotion is hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide helps provide that radiant, glowing skin.

9. TULA Protect + Glow SPF 30

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Key Ingredients: Prebiotics, wild butterfly ginger root
Best For: All Skin Types

TULA Protect + Glow SPF 30 is a bestselling facial sunscreen formulated with wellness-first ingredients to protect your skin barrier from UV rays while delivering an instant glow.

If you’re looking for daily broad-spectrum protection from damaging sun rays, this sunscreen offers antioxidants that help fight pollution and blue light.

The formula is non-comedogenic and non-greasy with no white cast, making it suitable for all skin types.

It’s reef-safe and vegan, featuring prebiotics to maintain skin balance and wild butterfly ginger root to help protect skin against the damaging effects of blue light and pollution.

10. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

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Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid
Best For: Acne-prone and sensitive skin

If you’re looking for a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that actually works for acne-prone and sensitive skin, EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 delivers protection while refining your complexion.

This fragrance-free formula shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays with sodium hyaluronate to moisturize and lactic acid to refine the skin, clear pores, and reduce shine.

I like this sunscreen, but the price point is on the higher side.

Still, if you want reliable protection that won’t irritate, it’s worth considering.

11. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum UV SPF 50

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Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, hyaluronic acid
Best For: All Skin Types

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that feels more like a lightweight hydrating serum, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum UV SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum UV protection while delivering moisture and radiance.

This serum shields your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays with SPF 50 coverage, offering an airy, silky texture that absorbs well and leaves a luminous, no-white-cast finish perfect for daily summer use.

The unique hyaluronic acid system deeply hydrates, locking in moisture to help your skin look more supple and radiant, even on hot days.

Centella asiatica extract soothes sensitive-looking skin, reduces the appearance of redness, and supports your skin’s natural barrier.

12. Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen Lightweight SPF 50

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Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol
Best For: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin

Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen Lightweight SPF 50 is a skincare-first sunscreen formula with a barely-there texture that melts in fast and leaves zero white cast for a fresh, dewy finish.

More than just protection, Day Dew feels like your favorite moisturizer packed with hydrating ingredients.

Hyaluronic acid hydrates without heaviness, niacinamide visibly brightens and calms skin, and panthenol gives an additional boost of moisture for that dewy finish.

This lightweight cream layers beautifully under makeup or can be worn alone, making it perfect for everyday use.

The Takeaway

Sunscreen is one of those products where the best choice really comes down to your skin and what you’ll use consistently.

A mineral sunscreen might be perfect for someone with sensitive skin, while someone else finds them too heavy and prefers a chemical formula instead.

And that’s the point.

There’s no one sunscreen that works for everybody.

What matters is finding something that feels good on your skin and fits into your routine.

Because the best sunscreen is always the one you’ll wear every single day, especially as summer rolls in.

Cheers,

Fawn

Certain formulas work really well for some people and do almost nothing for others, and a lot of that comes down to formulation.

A lot of formulas oxidize too quickly.

Others are irritating because of the pH levels they’re formulated at.

And strong L-ascorbic acid serums aren’t always the best fit for everyone either, especially for people whose skin would tolerate a gentler derivative better.

The routine side of things can get messy too.

People use too much product, mix too many active ingredients together, store their serums the wrong way, or expect their skin to look different after four days.

So in this article, I wanted to break down why some vitamin C serums work so well, why others fail, and how to use them in a way that makes sense for your skin.

Why Your Vitamin C Serum Isn’t Working

One thing I kept noticing with vitamin C serums was how unstable some of them can be.

And after trying a lot of different formulas over the years, the same issues kept showing up:

• The formula oxidizes too quickly

• The pH is too irritating for someone’s skin

• The serum never fits naturally into their routine in the first place

The oxidation issue is probably the biggest one.

The most researched form of vitamin C in skincare, L-ascorbic acid, is also one of the hardest to stabilize.

It breaks down when exposed to air, light, and heat, which is part of why some vitamin C serums slowly change color after being opened.

A pale yellow color usually isn’t considered a huge issue, but once a formula starts turning dark orange or brown, that’s generally a sign the serum has degraded significantly.

The pH side of things explains a lot too.

Some vitamin C serums are intentionally formulated at very low pH levels because lower pH environments help stabilize L-ascorbic acid and improve penetration into the skin.

That also explains why some people feel like vitamin C just doesn’t agree with their skin.

The skin’s acid mantle sits around a 5.5 pH, so some low-pH vitamin C serums can sting, especially if your skin barrier is already irritated or you have sensitive skin.

Then there’s the routine side of it.

A lot of people use way more product than they need, even though most vitamin C serums only require a few drops for the entire face.

People can use vitamin C at night if they want to, but antioxidants like vitamin C are commonly used in the morning because they work well alongside sunscreen and help reduce oxidative stress caused by UV exposure.

The longer I spent trying different vitamin C serums, the less it felt like a simple “this ingredient works” or “this ingredient is overhyped” conversation.

A lot of it just comes down to finding a formula that works well for your skin and fits into your routine.

Understanding Vitamin C Forms (L-Ascorbic Acid vs. Derivatives)

“Vitamin C” on a skincare label doesn’t always mean the same ingredient.

There are multiple forms of vitamin C used in skincare, and they all behave a little differently.

The version most people know is L-ascorbic acid, which is the pure form of vitamin C.

It also has the most research behind it, which is part of why it became the gold standard in skincare in the first place.

A lot of the research around vitamin C’s antioxidant activity, brightening effects, and collagen support is specifically tied to L-ascorbic acid formulas.

It’s considered highly bioavailable, meaning the skin can use it once absorbed.

But not everyone tolerates L-ascorbic acid formulas well, which is part of why vitamin C derivatives became so popular.

Some of the more common derivatives include:

• Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD) is an oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that tends to be gentler and more stable than traditional vitamin C.

• Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a gentler vitamin C derivative often used in products for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

• Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a water-soluble vitamin C derivative found in a lot of brightening and hydrating formulas.

These derivatives are often easier to stabilize and can feel less irritating on sensitive skin compared to traditional L-ascorbic acid formulas.

Some derivatives also have benefits beyond antioxidant support.

For example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate has shown some anti-acne activity in certain studies, which makes it interesting for people dealing with both acne and post-inflammatory pigmentation at the same time.

At a certain point, it stopped feeling like there was one universally “best” version of vitamin C.

A good vitamin C serum is usually less about chasing the strongest formula and more about finding one your skin can tolerate consistently.

Storage & Application Tips for Maximum Results

Vitamin C serums don’t need to be handled like radioactive material.

A lot of people store them in the fridge, but for most formulas, that’s probably overkill.

Heat, light, and air exposure matter more.

If your bathroom gets hot and steamy from showers, it’s better to keep the serum inside a cabinet instead of directly on the counter.

Otherwise, a dark drawer or cabinet is fine.

Vitamin C also makes the most sense to me in a morning routine alongside sunscreen.

And people tend to use way more vitamin C serum than they need.

Most formulas only require about three to five drops for the entire face.

Using more product doesn’t automatically mean better results either, especially with stronger L-ascorbic acid formulas that can already sting on their own.

What to Avoid When Using Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of those ingredients people tend to overdo without realizing it.

If you’re newer to skincare or you already have sensitive skin, I wouldn’t use a strong vitamin C serum alongside alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, and retinoids all in the same routine.

I use vitamin C in the mornings, and at night I usually pair tretinoin with copper peptides or alternate tretinoin with an exfoliating acid depending on how my skin feels.

Copper peptides are one of the few active ingredients I still find gentle enough to use alongside tretinoin almost every night without irritating my skin.

But if your skin already feels irritated, dry, tight, or stingy, adding more active ingredients on top usually makes things worse instead of better.

If you’re looking for copper peptide products that layer well into a routine, a few I’ve liked are:

1. Mirror Skin Copper Elixir: This is my favorite copper peptide-specific serum overall because the formula feels hydrating, barrier-supportive, and easy to layer without making my skin feel overwhelmed.

   

2. Medik8 Liquid Peptides: I like this one more as a multitasking peptide serum because it’s deeply hydrating and works well alongside other anti-aging products.

   

3. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides: This is a good budget-friendly option if you want something straightforward that still gives you peptides, amino acids, and hydration in one formula.

   

Realistic Expectations for Vitamin C

Vitamin C serums can help with brightness and uneven skin tone, but most people aren’t going to wake up with different skin after three days.

It takes a couple of weeks before people start noticing much of a difference.

And for some people, vitamin C still won’t be enough on its own.

For example, hydroquinone is considered a better option for people who have melasma or stubborn dark patches, although you’d need to see a dermatologist to get a prescription for it in the United States.

Vitamin C is great for the morning, but retinol or tretinoin also makes sense at night.

If you’re newer to retinoids, it’s better to start with a gentler retinol first and work your way up to tretinoin over time.

I can now use tretinoin almost every night of the week, and sometimes I’ll even use a lactic acid treatment too without damaging my skin barrier, but I couldn’t tolerate that when I first started using retinoids.

The bigger thing I realized is that skincare works better as a full routine instead of expecting one product to fix everything on its own.

Anti-aging ingredients matter, but hydration and skin barrier support matter too.

Here’s what a simple skincare routine can look like:

Morning Routine

1. Start with a gentle cleanser. You want your skin clean before you apply vitamin C.

   

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2. Then apply your vitamin C serum. You only need a few drops for your whole face. I usually use around three to five drops.

   

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3. After that, apply a moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and support your skin barrier.

   

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4. Then finish with sunscreen.

   

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Night Routine

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse first with a cleansing oil so you’re not leaving anything behind on your skin.

   

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2. Apply your retinoid. If you're newer to retinoids, start with a gentler retinol first before working your way up to tretinoin.

   

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3. Then apply your copper peptides or a hydrating serum.

   

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4. Finish with a really good moisturizer.

   

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5. If your skin feels extra dry, you can add a facial oil on top.

   

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Are Expensive Vitamin C Serums Better?

Some expensive vitamin C serums are worth the price because the formulas can be incredible.

A lot of them have extra ingredients added to help stabilize the vitamin C, more research behind them, or textures that just feel better on the skin.

And people underestimate how much texture affects whether you’ll keep using a product consistently.

If a serum feels greasy, sticky, gritty, or pills under sunscreen, you’re probably not going to keep reaching for it.

Certain formulas are also designed for specific skin types, and some stabilization ingredients and texture agents are more expensive to formulate with in the first place.

But you also don’t need to spend a fortune just to get a vitamin C serum that works well.

Some more affordable options include:

1. Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is a more affordable dupe-style formula that combines L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid, similar to the classic SkinCeuticals approach.

   

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2. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum uses sodium ascorbyl phosphate instead of pure L-ascorbic acid, which makes it easier for some sensitive skin types to tolerate.

   

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3. Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum combines multiple forms of vitamin C with hydrating ingredients, so it feels a little more comfortable on dry or sensitive skin.

   

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Higher-end vitamin C serums can be worth it too.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the biggest example of that.

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Part of why it costs so much is because SkinCeuticals holds the original patent on the specific C E Ferulic formula, including the active ingredient combination and the pH it’s stabilized at.

It’s still one of the most respected vitamin C serums for a reason.

But I still don’t think you need to spend $200 to get a vitamin C serum that works well.

Final Thoughts

Vitamin C serums can absolutely be worth using, but a lot of the experience comes down to the formula itself and whether it fits into your skin and routine.

Strong L-ascorbic acid serums work great for certain skin types, while other people end up preferring gentler derivatives instead.

And depending on the formula, two people can end up having completely different experiences with vitamin C.

One person might see brighter, smoother skin in a few weeks, while somebody else ends up irritated before they even finish the bottle.

That’s also part of why I don’t think a vitamin C serum needs to be the most expensive formula on the market to work well.

At this point, I don’t think there’s one perfect vitamin C formula for everybody.

A lot of skincare is just finding products your skin tolerates well and building a routine you can stick with long term.

Cheers,

Fawn

After the stretch I’d been through, waking up with steady energy felt unusual on its own.

I skipped coffee that morning because I didn’t feel like I needed it yet.

Then I put on sunscreen.

Within maybe five or ten minutes, I started feeling exhausted for no obvious reason.

If you’ve ever had that weird moment where your body feels off and you can’t explain why, that’s what this felt like for me.

I remember standing there trying to figure out what had changed so fast.

At first I didn’t even think the sunscreen could be the issue because I’d already been using it for about a week.

But it was the one thing I kept coming back to in my head, so I started Googling.

The sunscreen was Pacifica Glow Baby, a chemical sunscreen I’d been testing for around a week at that point.

I hadn’t connected it to anything before, which is probably why I kept using it.

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The more I searched, the more I started thinking about other times I’d crashed like this and never figured out why.

Back then, I blamed stress, lack of sleep, burnout, or whatever else was happening in my life.

Looking back, I don’t think I would’ve noticed the pattern during that period anyway because my baseline was already wrecked.

I was dealing with bereavement, business stress, back spasms that left me immobilized on New Year’s Eve, ongoing neck pain, sleep issues, and eyes so dry I couldn’t wear contacts anymore.

Everything felt off at once, so isolating one specific trigger would have been almost impossible.

Part of recovering from that period involved tracking my health much more closely than I ever had before.

Three times a day, I logged things like energy levels, sleep quality, pain levels, weight, and whatever else seemed relevant.

It sounds excessive when I describe it out loud, but after months of feeling disconnected from my own body, the spreadsheet helped me rebuild a sense of baseline.

So when my energy crashed after an otherwise good morning, it stood out right away.

This time, instead of brushing past it, I paid attention.

Once I started researching chemical sunscreen reactions, a lot of things clicked into place.

What’s Actually Happening (Or What Might Be)

One thing that kept coming up while I was researching this was salicylate intolerance.

Salicylates are naturally occurring compounds found in foods like berries, olives, avocados, and spices, but synthetic versions also show up in skincare products and medications.

Most people seem to tolerate them without any issue.

But from what I was reading, some people start reacting once exposure builds up enough to push them past a certain threshold.

That caught my attention because the fatigue didn’t happen the first time I used the sunscreen.

I’d already been using it for about a week before I had the energy crash.

One of the posts I found was the Founder’s Formula article about salicylate intolerance and sunscreen reactions.

The writer connected recurring fatigue and skin reactions to a chemical sunscreen after getting diagnosed with salicylate intolerance.

I also found symptom descriptions on salicylate.org mentioning exhaustion, headaches, sinus issues, swollen glands, and joint pain, and parts of it sounded familiar.

The exhaustion part stood out to me because I knew exactly what that feeling was.

My whole body felt off in this weird flu-like way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself.

Brain fog, exhaustion, trouble concentrating, that sort of thing.

That made more sense to me than thinking one sunscreen application somehow wrecked my entire morning.

I also want to mention something important because people will assume these things are interchangeable: I have no issues with topical salicylic acid in skincare.

BHA toners are fine for me.

Salicylic acid serums are fine too.

The reaction seems specific to certain chemical sunscreens, which also tend to sting my eyes.

I still don’t know what happened that morning.

Part of me wonders whether I accidentally got more of the sunscreen around my eyes than usual, because I know I’ve experienced this weird fatigue before with chemical sunscreens, but not every single time I use them.

On the regulatory side, I also kept running into discussions around how certain chemical UV filters absorb into the skin and how limited some of the long-term safety data still is in the United States.

The FDA has been asking manufacturers for additional safety data on several commonly used sunscreen filters for years, including octisalate and homosalate.

That doesn’t mean these ingredients are proven to be dangerous, and I’m not claiming to be an expert on sunscreen filters or salicylate intolerance.

I was mostly trying to figure out why I felt so exhausted that morning and whether anyone else had experienced something similar.

Most of what I found was a mix of regulatory discussions, personal experiences, forum posts, and broader conversations around salicylate intolerance.

Both compounds are salicylate esters structurally related to salicylic acid.

I can’t say whether that relationship explains reactions like this, but after reading through the research and other people’s experiences, it stopped sounding impossible to me.

I also had a hard time finding much research connecting chemical sunscreen use to fatigue through salicylate sensitivity.

One of the more interesting discussions I found was a Reddit thread in r/SkincareAddiction about sunscreen causing fatigue and sleepiness.

Reddit isn’t the same thing as clinical research, but I found more people describing this than I expected.

I still don’t know whether salicylates are the reason certain chemical sunscreens sometimes make me feel exhausted.

I just know the connection became harder for me to ignore once I started paying attention.

The Part That Confused Me at First: Salicylic Acid vs. Chemical Sunscreens

The confusing part is that salicylic acid products have never caused problems for me.

BHA toners are fine for me.

Salicylic acid serums are fine too.

I’ve never noticed any kind of reaction from them, which is why I almost dismissed the salicylate connection at first.

But the more I read, the more I realized the comparison isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.

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Chemical sunscreen filters like octisalate and homosalate are related to salicylic acid, but they aren’t identical compounds, and they also get used in different ways.

A BHA exfoliant usually gets applied in small amounts to specific areas.

Sunscreen gets spread across your entire face, sometimes your body too, often every day and sometimes multiple times a day.

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That distinction mattered more than I expected.

Looking back, it also explains why chemical sunscreens have always irritated my eyes in a way mineral sunscreens never have.

That’s something I noticed years before I ever started reading about salicylates.

Mineral Sunscreen Is the Answer and Also Kind of a Nightmare

All of this eventually pushed me toward mineral sunscreens, which sounds simple in theory and much less simple in real life.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only sunscreen filters the FDA currently classifies as safe and effective, and unlike chemical filters, they sit on top of the skin instead of getting absorbed.

The problem is that mineral sunscreen can be really annoying to wear every single day.

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Zinc oxide is basically a heavy white powder, which is why so many mineral sunscreens feel thick, chalky, dry, greasy, or somehow all four at once.

They also get on everything.

I have a white couch that has absolutely suffered because of this.

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The white cast issue is real too.

Tinted formulas help, but finding one that actually matches your skin year-round is harder than people make it sound.

I get noticeably more tan during the summer and lighter during the winter, so a shade that works in July can look completely wrong a few months later.

Texture is another problem.

Some mineral sunscreens wear beautifully under makeup, but those formulas also tend to get expensive fast.

Why Korean and Japanese Sunscreens Feel Easier to Wear

Some of the best sunscreens I’ve come across are from Korea and Japan.

A big reason is that they have access to newer UV filters that still aren’t approved in the United States.

The FDA hasn’t approved a new sunscreen filter since the 1990s, which is part of why a lot of American sunscreens can still feel heavier, greasier, chalkier, or more irritating compared to formulas overseas.

A lot of Korean and Japanese sunscreens also just feel easier to wear every day.

If you’ve struggled with sunscreen texture, white cast, greasiness, pilling under makeup, or that sticky feeling that never fully dries down, these are the ones I’d look at first:

1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is probably one of the most popular Korean sunscreens right now for good reason. It feels more like a moisturizer than a traditional sunscreen and layers well under makeup.

   

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2. Bioré UV Aqua Rich is one of the first Japanese formulas I’d recommend if you hate the heavy sunscreen feeling. It absorbs fast, doesn’t leave a white cast, and works well under makeup.

   

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3. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum feels more like a lightweight hydrating serum than sunscreen. It’s a good option if your skin leans dehydrated or if most sunscreens feel too heavy on your face.

   

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4. Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen has more of a dewy, moisturizing finish compared to some of the others. It also includes ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid, so it feels closer to skincare.

   

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5. Innisfree Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 is worth looking at if you prefer mineral sunscreen but still want something more wearable. The green tint helps tone down redness, and the formula feels less dry than a lot of mineral SPFs.

   

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A lot of the sunscreens people enjoy wearing most are chemical sunscreens, especially the newer Asian formulas people talk about online.

Meanwhile, a lot of mineral sunscreens still feel thick, chalky, greasy, or all three at once.

So this isn’t really a “chemical sunscreen bad, mineral sunscreen good” argument.

I’m mostly trying to understand why certain formulas seem to affect me differently while still taking sun protection and photoaging seriously.

My Current Anti-Aging Stack

Even with all the downsides of mineral sunscreen, I’m still very focused on anti-aging, especially when it comes to my face.

The skin on your face is thinner, it gets a huge amount of sun exposure over time, and photoaging is very real.

That doesn’t mean I avoid the sun entirely.

I still get sunlight on my body, I take a vitamin D supplement, and my blood work has been fine.

During the summer, I wear hats pretty often too.

But facial sun protection is still something I take seriously, so these are the products I’ve ended up sticking with after testing a ridiculous amount of skincare over the years:

1. Sunscreen

ColorScience Flex One SPF 50+ is one of the few tinted mineral sunscreens I’ve tried that I don’t mind wearing every day.

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It’s on the heavier side, but it works well as a foundation replacement, which means I’m applying less product overall.

The coverage is good enough that the texture trade-off feels worth it.

2. Retinoid

Tretinoin is prescription-strength and one of the most researched anti-aging ingredients available.

If you’re new to retinoids, I’d start with an OTC retinol before jumping straight into tretinoin.

Your skin needs time to adjust, and going too hard too fast is a good way to end up with irritation, peeling, and a damaged skin barrier.

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The Naturium Retinol Complex Serum is a good place to start before moving up to tretinoin.

3. Vitamin C

I also use a strong vitamin C serum alongside tretinoin.

People pair vitamin C with tretinoin for a reason.

Tretinoin speeds up skin cell turnover, while vitamin C helps with antioxidant protection and overall brightness.

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The biggest thing with vitamin C is finding a formula that’s stable.

A lot of them oxidize fast, and once that happens, you’re basically putting expensive orange water on your face.

4. Copper peptides

Mirror Skin copper peptide elixir and the Mirror Skin peptide moisturizer.

The elixir is my actual favorite product in this entire lineup.

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It’s one of those things where you don’t fully appreciate how much it’s doing until you go a few days without it.

Copper peptides support collagen and elastin synthesis and have a solid body of research behind them.

This combination layers well with everything else in the routine.

The Takeaway

Later that same day, I washed my face around the same time I had a second cup of coffee, so I can’t tell you whether I felt better because the sunscreen was gone, because of the caffeine, or both.

I also wasn’t thinking, “This is the perfect time to run a controlled experiment on myself.”

But the experience stayed in my head because it made me rethink a lot of things I’d brushed off for years.

Looking back, the eye stinging, the random crashes, and the way certain chemical sunscreens sometimes made me feel exhausted didn’t feel disconnected anymore.

I’m still not claiming to have some confirmed diagnosis, and I’m not saying chemical sunscreens are bad for everyone.

Plenty of people use them without any issue.

But if you’ve had moments where you feel exhausted or foggy for reasons you can’t explain, it might be worth paying closer attention to the products you’re using and whether there’s a pattern there.

Cheers,

Fawn

It just kind of crept up on me.

I’ve definitely started developing nasolabial folds as I’ve been aging through my twenties, and they kind of bother me.

It’s annoying because I used to only notice them when the lighting was bad, like when you catch yourself at a weird angle and just move on.

But now I can see them when I wake up in the morning, in completely normal lighting, just there.

It’s subtle, but once you notice it you really can’t stop.

I’m also dealing with enlarged pores, and part of that is on me.

I’ve been wearing a lot more makeup lately, which I actually love.

I’ve been learning how to do it properly, and it’s become this enjoyable process for me.

I like showing up beautifully for the world, I started this newsletter to write about skincare but makeup kind of took over and I don’t regret it.

The problem is that wearing it more often means I sometimes get clogged pores, which is annoying, and clogged pores can make them look even bigger and more noticeable.

Then there's my jawline.

I don't have a double chin, but sometimes I look in the mirror and I'm just like, I wish there was a little bit less there, you know?

I've thought about something like Kybella, which is a treatment that breaks down the fat under your chin, but why do an injectable if I could just try something less invasive at home first.

My eyes are a separate thing entirely.

I’m starting to get crow’s feet, and I don’t mind them that much when I’m smiling because it looks like I’ve lived, signs of life and all that.

What I do mind is that I definitely made it worse myself.

I have this really bad habit of rubbing my eyes hard when I’m tired, and I mean really hard.

When I used to live with my best friend she could literally hear me doing it from another room, and she said it gave her the ick, which, fair enough, lol.

All that tugging on such thin skin over time adds up, and now when I wear makeup I can actually see it.

The crow’s feet make everything get all crinkly in there, the texture shows more, and it’s just one of those things where my own habits made the problem worse.

So that's kind of where I was when ViForme reached out, and in this piece I'm going to walk through what I actually tried, what changed, and whether it made any real difference around my neck and eye area.

What Is ViForme?

ViForme is an at-home device that uses radio frequency and microcurrent, and it felt like something worth trying before going down the injectable route.

SHOP HERE

The appeal was pretty straightforward for me.

I could use it at home, on my own time, without booking anything or planning around a clinic schedule.

Most treatments like this you’re paying per session and committing to a whole program upfront, which is fine, but it does feel like a lot before you even know if it’s going to work for you.

This felt easier to just start.

You buy it once, you have it, you use it when you want and focus on whatever areas you’re actually concerned about.

What I also liked is that it’s doing two things at once:

• Radio frequency stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers of your skin, which is what improves skin fullness and elasticity over time.

• Microcurrent works more on the muscle side, sending small electrical currents that help with that lifted, more sculpted look.

So you're not just treating the surface, you're working a little deeper on both the skin and the structure underneath, which for my neck and eye area specifically felt like exactly what I needed to try.

Overview of the ViForme Device

When I opened the box, the first thing I noticed was the weight.

It’s heavy, which was not what I was expecting at all.

It felt solid, almost like something you’d see sitting in a treatment room at a med spa, that same kind of presence, built to do something.

Not really what I anticipated from something meant for home use.

The device itself is a compact base with a built-in screen, and everything runs through that.

You plug it in and it becomes your control center for the session, and it doesn’t feel like a gadget so much as actual equipment.

Inside the box you get the main device, the power adapter, connectors, and a stack of hydrogel electrode patches, plus a manual and some small tools and extra pieces, which made it feel more like a full setup than just a single product.