I’ve struggled with my skin for my whole life. Hormonal acne, scarring, sun damage, and more. From skincare to treatments, these are the things that have transformed my skin and brought back my confidence.
I haven’t talked about it much over the years, because I’ve felt so self conscious about it, but I’ve struggled with acne for basically my entire life since becoming a teenager.
I took spironolactone and other medications on and off for years, all the while my dermatologists recommending accutane. I finally gave in five years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. It was a six month treatment, and since then I’ve had completely clear skin – truly I haven’t had more than a handful of single, very minor zits in five years. For someone who literally dealt with daily breakouts, and tried all the skincare, elimination diets, tools, and treatments to no avail, this has been absolutely life changing.
I shared this post on instagram a few days ago and had lots of questions about the order of my skin routine. This is something that will constantly be changing and shifting and adjusting, but this is what I’m doing now that’s working well for me and has specifically helped with post accutane skin.
This routine is simple, consistent, and built around what my skin actually needs now – glowy skin, scar healing, texture smoothing, and helping with fine lines as I age.
Morning Routine: Focusing on glow and sun protection
My mornings are all about brightening, protecting collagen, and keeping my skin balanced.
Cleanser
I keep this step gentle but effective. I’m currently using CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser because it helps with occasional congestion without stripping my skin. I always use lukewarm water since hot water can make dehydration lines more noticeable.
Toner
This step adds hydration and preps my skin. I use Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Toner to calm and lightly hydrate before actives.
Vitamin C Serum (Most Important Step)
I use Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum every morning because it helps fade post-acne pigmentation, brighten uneven tone, and protect my skin throughout the day. I apply it to dry skin and wait about 30 to 60 seconds before moving on.
Peptide Serum
For smoothing and repair without irritation, I use Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum, focusing especially around my eyes and smile lines.
Eye Cream
I rotate between CeraVe Eye Repair Cream and U Beauty The RETURN Eye Concentrate, gently tapping along the orbital bone to keep the area hydrated and smooth.
Moisturizer
Barrier support is key. I useLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer because it contains ceramides and niacinamide, balances my skin, and helps me tolerate stronger treatments like retinol.
SPF
This step is non-negotiable. Without sunscreen, the benefits of vitamin C and retinol don’t hold up.
Night Routine: This is all about repair + healing scars and minimizing fine lines as I age
This is where the real transformation happens in my skin.
Cleanser
Same as morning to keep things simple and consistent.
Red Light Therapy
I use a LED red light therapy mask on clean, dry skin before applying any products. I use it for 10 minutes, and it supports collagen production and overall skin repair.
Toner
At night, this step is purely for hydration and helping reduce irritation from actives.
Peptide Serum
I use this every night since it pairs well with both LED therapy and retinol recovery.
Retinol (3–4 Nights Per Week)
This has made the biggest difference in my skin texture and tone. I use Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream because it’s effective but still gentle enough for post-Accutane skin. I avoid using vitamin C in the same routine as retinol to minimize irritation.
Eye Cream
Same as morning for consistency and hydration.
Moisturizer
I seal everything in with moisturizer, sometimes applying a slightly thicker layer at night.
Here’s a Simple Routine to Save and copy!
Morning
Night
- Cleanser
- Red light therapy
- Toner
- Peptide serum
- Retinol (a few nights per week)
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
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