The Lovely Lance

I can’t even begin to count the times I’ve said, “My skin couldn’t possibly handle that!” As a pale, rosacea-prone, blonde, my skin was my mortal enemies for years and years. It took some serious time and dedication (and rashes…) to find products that worked for my skin type.

I’d describe my skin type as dry and easily irritated. I’m here to try to help my fellow sensitive skin pals out there, read on to find the best 8 items I’ve used to improve my skin! And no, I’m not sponsored by any of these brands so this is true, honest feedback.

1. Cleanser: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

   Affordability: $

     I originally began using this cleanser after spending the night at a friend’s house and having forgotten my facial cleanser at home. I was in a panic over the fact that I couldn’t wash my face without using my particular facial cleanser because of how prone to rashes I am. She assured me that this cleanser was gentle and didn’t irritate her skin either. I was very skeptical, but gave it a try. I haven’t gone back since! Cetaphil offers many different products, for many different skin types. I use the normal to oily cleanser, because I occasionally suffer from breakouts around the time of my period. This product also works well with my facial brush, the Foreo Luna FoFo cleansing device. I use this product 1-2 times daily, depending on the state of my skin.

2. Cleanser: Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Salicylic Acid Face Cleanser

    Affordability: $

    This was my go-to face cleanser for years and years. Both my mom and sister are still deeply dedicated to the efficacy of this product, so I felt it deserved an honorable mention. I love foaming cleansers because of the lather you can get while washing. This one also works well on breakout prone skins because of the salicylic acid in the formula. I revert back to this cleanser during particularly heavy breakouts. When using this cleanser in replacement of Cetaphil, I use this product 1-2 times daily, depending on the state of my skin.

3. Toner: Thayer’s Witch Hazel Toner (Non-scented)

    Affordability: $$

    Not going to lie, I had no idea what a toner was until I read a BuzzFeed article. Upon reading the article, I told myself that I could never use a toner because they usually feature an alcohol-based formula which is a known drying agent. As someone with sensitive, dry skin, it was originally a big no for me. A year or so passed and I went further down the skin care rabbit hole, I convinced myself that not only did I need some sort of toner to help my skin tone, but that there absolutely had to be one without alcohol. Cue Thayer’s: this particular toner has no alcohol! It’s a little on the pricier side of toners at $12.99 a bottle, but I use this almost nightly after washing my face. It never fails to shock me when I use this after washing my face, and the toner still pulls foundation off my skin. To use, apply with a cotton pad lightly across your face after washing. All serums and moisturizers go on after your skin has dried. I use the unscented version nightly after washing my face.

4. Moisturizer: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30

     Affordability: $

    My number one SPF daily moisturizer. I’ve tried different, more expensive brands and none of them stack up to this one in my opinion. I love how creamy the lotion is, and how well it absorbs. During the summer, I stick to this as my daily primer. During the rest of the year, I use a primer and this lotion as a base for my foundation. Aveeno also offers this same lotion in a few different SPFs, so be sure to read the bottles carefully when shopping. I use this moisturizer daily by applying a light layer before wearing foundation.

5. Anti-Aging: Youth to the People: Kale + Spinach Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Cream

    Affordability: $$$

    I originally got this in a sample size from my monthly subscription to Ipsy. I immediately fell in love with the formula, and the Youth to the People Company! Youth to the People is a fairly new, 100% vegan and animal cruelty free brand based in California. They offer many different products including cleansers, moisturizers, toners, and more for people of all different skin types, so their website is certainly worth a browse. This particular product was formulated to hydrate and soothe skin. It’s jam packed with kale, hyaluronic acid, and green tea. I use this product on cold, cold days when my skin stings from the dry air, roughly once or twice a week.

6. Anti-Aging: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM

    Affordability: $$$

    As a late twenties gal, I am on the defense to delay any signs of aging. As you may already know, retinol products can be very irritating on anybody’s skin, much less somebody with particular sensitivity issues. Cue this facial oil: I did not have ANY irritation upon starting to use it. I do recommend spot trying this on your inner wrist before applying to your face, just because it contains 1.5% amount of pure retinol which is a known irritant. I honestly wish I had taken before and after photos of my forehead. As a teacher, my face really gets a work out during the day and my forehead sees the most movement.  I started using this as a way to soothe those fine lines that are beginning to form. Remember to check your other face lotion ingredients before applying anything with a retinol to prevent any interactions. I apply this product 3-4 times a week, depending on the state of my skin.

7. Anti-Aging: Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

     Affordability: $$

     This is by far my favorite hyaluronic serum! I started using this during a particularly brutal Tennessee winter (they happen people) and my skin just couldn’t keep up, even with hyaluronic lotions and creams. Although this is considered “drugstore beauty”, I’ve truly never had a better AHA serum. Its silky texture really penetrates dry skin, and dries without leaving behind a residue. I apply this serum 4 times a week, before going to bed.

8. Rosacea Treatment: Rhofade Cream, 1%

    Affordability: $$

     I would take a bullet for the people who created this facial lotion. As someone with severe facial rosacea on my cheeks and nose, this is THE best treatment I’ve ever received. This cream works by preventing the blood vessels from expanding throughout the day which prevents flare ups. This is a prescription only cream right now, but your dermatologist should be able to write you a prescription. It is currently fairly affordable as the manufacturer has a coupon for $50 per prescription, so be sure to check that out. I apply this product every night before bed, but it can also be applied as a makeup primer.

9. Mask: Glow Recipe Watermelon+ AHA Glow Sleeping Mask

    Affordability: $$

   If I were going to write a review of the best smelling products, this would make the #1 spot. However, the smell isn’t the only thing causing this to make my list! The ingredients include hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, peony root, and other antioxidants made to hydrate and soothe irritated skin. I prefer to keep mine in the refrigerator because the coolness of the product soothes my skin, especially during a rosacea flare up. Although this is a sleeping mask, you can use it for a regular girls’ night mask as well! I apply this mask once a week, usually on Friday nights after a long work week.

10. Beauty Tool: Foreo Luna FoFo Cleansing Device

       Affordability: $$$

    I’ve tried many different exfoliator brushes, but they’re always too harsh on my skin! Enter side stage the Foreo: this little guy came in my Christmas stocking one year from my mom and I don’t think I’ll ever walk away. The silicone brush is non-abrasive and can be washed easily of any impurities after use. It also offers T-Sonic pulsations that help effectively clean the skin. Although the full size is fairly pricy, you can get the mini (and other devices!) for a cheaper price. I used the one pictured above (Foreo Luna Mini) for a year before buying the full size product. I use my Foreo about 4 times per week to help exfoliate with the Cetaphil cleanser (although they tout being able to use this product nightly!)

This seems like a daunting list of facial products, but my daily and nightly routine take no longer than 10 minutes. What products do you use for sensitive or dry skin? This girl would love to hear them! Leave a comment below with your favorite skincare products!