My skin is my biggest insecurity having been battling acne ever since I was a teenager. It started when I was 16 years old where I suffered severe acne for a good year. It was a lowest point of my high school life, refusing to take any pictures and felt unattractive and dirty. I went through numerous treatments including two rounds of Accutane and it was a painful process. It eventually improved during college but I still needed to be on an acne regime and was using Proactiv which was great until my skin got immune to it.

Eventually, my skin cleared up but having very sensitive skin, even the smallest things like not getting enough sleep, forgetting to wash my face at night or eating fatty food would trigger my acne instantaneously. My biggest trigger though is stress and anxiety which really messes up with my skin. Having and maintaining a good skin care programme is vital to combat these daily factors. I’m under a customized Dermalogica programme for about 6 years now and I thought I’d share with you my morning and nighttime routine.

A.M. Routine:

{From L-R}: UltraCalming cleanser, Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash, Avene Gel Cleanser, Clarosonic Mia 2, Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub

{From L-R}: Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, Dermalogica Redness Relief, Dermalogica Oil-Control Lotion, Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier

Step 1: I wash my face with Avene Cleanance Cleanser which is paraben free ultra-mild gel cleanser for acne-prone skin. I then use it with Clarosonic. During days when my skin is really bad and requires more attention, I use Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash on affected areas and the UltraCalming Cleanser on my sensitive area (cheeks and nose). I also use Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub three times a week in the shower.

Step 2: I then spray Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner which helps balance and hydrate my skin tone. This is also a good for hydrating the skin on a long haul flight.

Step 3: Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier is my favorite product from the range because it controls shine and helps clear breakouts. I like it because it’s smooth to apply and really effective.

Step 4: I then apply Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion on my nose area. It helps absorb oil and eliminates congestion like whiteheads or blackheads.

Step 5: Dermalogica Active Moist is the best moisturizer I’ve used so far. I like that its lightweight formula sinks into your skin really well without it being sticky and it is oil free and fragrance free.

Step 6: My face gets really red and irritated with the harsh sun and this Dermalogica Redness Relief helps with reducing the redness caused by skin sensitivity and also serves as a sunscreen SPF 20.

During the day, I make sure to drink 3 litres of water and avoid sun exposure as much as possible.

P.M. Routine

{From L-R}: Bioderma Sensibio H2O, Dermalogica Precleanse, Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier, Clarins Lotus Face Oil, Josie Maran Argan Oil

Step 1: I remove my make-up with Bioderma make-up remover (available in most local pharmacies). It is THE best make-up remover ever out there. If I’m not wearing make-up, I’ll lather Dermalogica Precleanse to remove all the dirt accumulated during the day before cleansing.

Step 2: I then wash my face with the same cleansers as above.

Step 3: After washing my face, I spray Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner all over my face and neck.

Step 4: I then apply the clearing mattifier around the nose area.

Step 5: I then use an acne treatment cream concocted by my dermatologist. I apply a thin layer on the affected area, massage it a bit until the solution has dissolved.

Step 6: This Clarins Lotus Face Oil (available in Sephora or Paris Gallery) is my favorite product. Designed for oily and combination skin, it helps tighten pores, hydrates your skin and prevents fine lines. It’s got a rich blend of plant and flower extract so it smells really nice and feels luxurious to apply.

Step 7: I dabble with different oils depending on my skin condition that night. I use Josie Maran Argan Oil when my skin feels really dehydrated. I also use lavender oil if I have a really angry acne, it helps reduce the inflammation.

These are really great products and certainly works well for my skin condition. I do recommend seeing a specialist that can help you come up with a regime programme if you have bad skin condition like me. I go to Qatar Hair Centre which is the sole distributor of Dermalogica products in Doha. Not only do I get the products from them but I also do a monthly facial treatments and check-up.

You can set an appointment to do the face mapping skin analysis and find out the condition of your skin. The process starts by you filling out a small questionnaire form and then escorted to their facial room. They will do a double cleansing process before starting, to get rid of all the dirt and oils. After that, the therapist will closely examine 14 zones of your face and write the remarks on the face-mapping sheet. At the end of the session, they will prescribe products and regime program me suitable for your skin condition. It’s good to remember that you are by no means obliged to take everything they recommend you. You can take whatever products fits your personal preference or go there to simply know the current condition of your skin.

Do you have skin problems as well? I’d love to know your advice as well. Comment below and tell me your story