Skincare Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All—Here’s How I Finally Figured Out What Works for Me

I used to think great skin was about finding that one magical product—you know, the one that would erase dark spots, stop breakouts, and make me glow like I just came back from a spa retreat. Spoiler: that product does not exist.

What I learned, after years of trial and error, was this: skincare is personal. What works for your best friend might break you out in 48 hours. What works in the summer might dry you out in winter. It’s a little like dating—you have to try a few things before you find the ones that truly vibe with your skin.

My breakthrough moment? Realizing I didn’t need a 10-step routine. I just needed the right 3 or 4 steps that worked for my skin. I figured out my skin type (combo: oily T-zone, dry cheeks), then simplified everything. I stuck with a gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and a daily SPF. That alone made a difference.

Then came the fun part—treatments. I experimented with one thing at a time: a niacinamide serum for dark spots (game-changer), a clay mask once a week, and a few drops of facial oil when my skin felt parched. Suddenly, my skin didn’t feel unpredictable anymore. It felt… balanced.

Here’s what I always tell my friends now: listen to your skin, not the trends. Give products time to work. Don’t overload. And remember, skincare is self-care. Even five minutes in front of the mirror, massaging in a serum, can feel like a reset button on your day.