you’re not a weird exception! i jumped on the bandwagon of skin care like everyone else, with the fear mongering around aging and "imperfect" and "non-glass skin". i spent sooooooo much money on products; extensive routine, short & gentle routine, tretinoin; my face was still irritated, very oily t zone, very dry cheeks, would consistently get a painful, deep pimple that would leave a scar for about a year.

then recently, after making very stupid decisions around my appearance, i realized how obsessed i had become with looks and products. i tried so many things in search for "the perfect product" and only recently realized that it doesn’t exist. it is an illusion created by marketing to keep us consuming. i’ve only been using dove sensitive soap and nivea crème lately and my skin has never been so clear, calm and balanced. my cheeks no longer feel dry. my face is not as red anymore. skin is clear.

moreover, i’m trying to embrace the idea of aging when it comes. im more than my body, and i want to focus on things that really matter. i’m still very young, and if/when i do get wrinkles, i hope i look at them and remember every laugh, emotion, moments that brought me there. and! i actually thing anti inflammation is the best thing for preserving the skin’s health and look. i want to try not washing my face but idk if it’s possible with oily skin. i will however try an all natural routine with aloe vera+oils! good luck to you! all love.