Thread by @thetiarawillis

thread of my favorite skin products of 2020. things I’ve liked for me + my clients 🤩

faded by @topicals - one of the BEST serums for hyperpigmentation (acne marks/melasma/sun spots). it uses a blend of ingredients that effect different pathways in melanin formation to target hyperpigmentation. i recommend using it as a spot treatment with a q-tip

I recommend using it as a q-tip on your dark spots because if you dry yourself out with overuse (some of the ingredients do exfoliate), it’ll only be in the spots vs. all over. You also save on product

2.5% benzoyl peroxide by @PaulasChoice - BPO gets a bad rep because of how drying & irritating it can be.

but what’s different about this is 1) it’s formulated with calming ingredients 2) it’s a low % BPO which can be just as effective as higher % but with LESS irritation

I recommend this product if you have INFLAMED acne (angry red pimples like pustules, cysts, nodules, papules). You can do short contact therapy by leaving it on for a few minutes than rinsing off when you first start. Then leave it on all night.

I recommend using gel serums/gel moisturizers vs. thick heavy creams with this product for better results. You can still use petroleum jelly like Cerave Healing Ointment, but only on your dry spots not all over

You can also use the product as a spot treatment! Overall it’s been so effective for my clients

You can shop this product and other @PaulasChoice products for a discount on my affiliate page: pcskin.care/tiara

Melasma Minimizing Tx by Reve Skin - I received this in my enlighten peel kit from @savannaboda and it is INCREDIBLE for hyperpigmentation. Use this for 3 months on & off on your dark spots with a q-top (must)

It’s formulated with 2% hydroquinone but I like it MUCH more than other HQ products because it also has lactic acid and other tyrosinase inhibitors to make it more effective

I couldn’t find the ingredients lists online because you have to get it with a consultation but it also has vitamin c & mulberry. I believe there is a 4% HQ version and a non-HQ version

Healing Ointment by @cerave - I don’t think this is a surprise to anyone lol! This is an occlusive products to slow water loss and repair the skin barrier. Also has ceramides, vitamin e, hyaluronic acid

I like to use a very small amount at the end of my night routine to wake up with baby soft skin. Some have found it reduces the inflammation of their breakouts & eczema, others find the occlusive nature gives them comedones

You can use it on your body as well esp your feet with socks. I also like to use it in between my mask to help with friction!

This is NOT a sunscreen nor would I recommend it if you’re trying to treat hyperpigmentation. Some have said it’s help their dark spots though but I wouldn’t rely on it for that

2% BHA from @PaulasChoice - I love this for reducing texture, blackhead and whiteheads. Also helps brighten the skin since it’s also desmolytic. Wouldn’t recommend for inflamed breakouts.

Use my affiliate link to get it for a discount: pcskin.care/tiara

Suntique I’m Safe For Sensitive Skin - This is a mineral sunscreen that has no cast on me and is pretty easy to rub in. I love to use it when my skin is too sensitive for chemical SPF.

Affiliate link: pntrs.com/t/TUJGRk1NR0JH…

Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser by @kravebeautyinc - This is very gentle gel cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin. I like to use it in the summer when my skin type is more combination

Green Clean Cleansing Balm from @FarmacyBeauty - I have gone through SO many bottles of this. It’s my favorite for breaking down makeup

Renewing SA Cleanser by @cerave - One of my favorite cleansers ever. I love what it does for my texture and is very gentle for a salicylic acid cleanser

I would put Cosrx Snail Mucin on this list but it’s been replaced with @Viviglowskin hydrating serum....you won girl @isaveskins

This is a Nigerian based brand so if it’s too expensive for you to ship to the states, I would just go with the Cosrx Snail Mucin. You won’t need another hydrating serum if you use either of these

Differin Adapalene Gel - This product is kind of finicky to use but I only use it when my skin barrier is in check. I use it less in the winter. But incredible for keeping my acne & texture at bay. I look very smooth right now :-)

This is more of a recent favorite but the @imageskincare Illuma Brightening Powder is replacing my Microfoliant. It combines physical/chemical/enzymatic exfoliation but leaves my skin feeling very moisturized & soft

I like to mix it with my cleanser when I want some extra exfoliation. I don’t do it too often because it’s easy to over exfoliate

There are more of my favorite products from @PaulasChoice but it feels redundant to mention them as I have a thread already on them so you can check it out here:

https://twitter.com/makeupforwoc/status/1318736989395570693

Not something I use much on myself as I don’t have this skin condition but my clients have been loving @cerave acne foaming cleanser with 4% benzoyl peroxide. Great for inflamed acne (cysts, nodules, pustules). I recommend alternating with a gentle cleanser

Love the Cosrx Centella Toner for calming inflammation

Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial by @youthtotheppl - This combines physical and enzymatic exfoliation. I only use this when my skin is clear of inflamed breakouts. I like to use this to brighten dark spots & smooth texture. It’s annoying to remove though

This is a wash off exfoliating product from @Cloud9aesthetic that I like to use on a q-tip for a couple days straight and then take a break. My dark spots literally flake off. Much better than The Ordinary Peeling Solution in my opinion

@Cloud9aesthetic is a black esthetician owned brand by the way. I also like their Even Tone Serum (SepiWhite) for hyperpigmentation that I will use with Faded or Reve Skin on a q-tip

I love to cold roll with @sacheu Stainless Steel Roller. It’s better than those jade rollers because you can clean steel easily + stays cold faster. I will do this for 1 minute in a continuous motion, 2x a day, after cleansing, on top of my angry breakouts. Must be cold

If you learn anything from me, spot treatment your acne marks with a q-tip with your exfoliants/brightening serums. You can be more aggressive while sparing the rest of your face lol

This is a new product for me but I was so blown away I had to include it. The SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser feels like water but breaks down makeup (include mascara) with zero effort 😭 If you have very sensitive skin, you’ll like this

Affiliate link: pntrs.com/t/TUJGRk1NR0JH…

Okay this is very expensive but the Enlighten Peel from @savannaboda was the BEST purchase I made this year. I have done so many chemical peels but this has been the most effective for hyperpigmentation. I want to do another one in another 3 months. Don’t be scared of the name 😂

Beet Shield by @kravebeautyinc - I used this sunscreen a lot this summer. It’s very lightweight. I find sunscreens with avobenzone and oxybenzone irritating sometimes so I like this alternative. (Yes it is a sunscreen but it uses filters not yet approved in the USA)