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Six Skin Struggles and The Products We Use To Combat Them

by LaurenConrad.com

July 1, 2019

Six Skin Struggles and The Products We Use To Combat Them

It can be hard to tell from the filtered photos you see on Instagram, but the truth is that pretty much everyone struggles with their skin. Whether it’s acne, melasma, eczema or any number of other skin concerns, the pore-less faces you see on models are usually achieved with a mix of editing, makeup, and great lighting. So if you’re struggling to achieve that “woke up like this” glow, know you’re not alone. Here at Team LC, we’ve all experienced skin issues, and because of that, we’ve learned some go-to tricks to combat them. Keep reading to see how we’ve handled our biggest skin struggles…

Melasma

The combination of Southern California sun and pregnancy hormones have left me with some tough melasma marks. They look like brown or gray patches of skin, usually show up in places that are exposed to the most sun, which for me is my forehead… and unfortunately, they’re pretty hard to get rid of. Since I can’t do any major facial peels or lasers right now, I’m focusing on applying lots and lots of sunscreen throughout the day to prevent further marks from forming. This brand is long lasting without being shiny, and I use it every day before applying makeup. It acts as a protective base whether I’m at the beach or driving around in my car, and it’s never made me breakout. Usually, pregnancy-induced melasma will fade away after the baby is born, but in the meantime, I’m not taking any chances. –Lauren, Editor-in-Chief

Breakouts

Long after phasing out of my teenage acne years, I still find myself with the occasional breakout. Whether it’s hormonal, from traveling, or even because I slept with my makeup on (oops!), I’ve learned to combat my skin woes with a handful of trusty products. My favorite way to kick breakouts to the curb? Kate Somerville’s EradiKate Acne Treatment. If I’ve been battling with a stubborn pimple or feel one in its beginning stages, I make sure to put a few spots of this acne treatment on before I go to sleep at night. 9 times out of 10 I wake up and the pimple is completely gone, or at least easily concealed with my daily makeup routine. This is a staple beauty product that I’ll be keeping in my medicine cabinet! –Jessi, Senior Editor

Rough and Uneven Texture

As I’ve gotten older my skin has become drier, so every now and then I experience some serious rough and uneven texture. While I try to exfoliate regularly with great products like this one, I still feel the need to dive deeper into my skin every few weeks and give it a really good exfoliation to get that glow back. When I was in beauty school, my favorite treatment was professional microdermabrasion (which I would hands-down still recommend to anyone with a similar skin type to mine!), but when I can’t make it to an esthetician I use the PMD Personal Microderm PRO at home and it is hands-down my favorite beauty tool. It easily gets rid of any dullness, makes my skin incredibly soft, and seriously makes me feel like I’m glowing from within! Plus, microdermabrasion combats so many other skin conditions, from some forms of acne, to wrinkles, light pigmentation, and more. Just make sure to follow up with a good moisturizer and SPF, no matter what you use it for. –Tessa, Associate Editor

Hormonal Acne

After having clear skin throughout my teenage years and early 20’s, my skin started breaking out like crazy after getting pregnant and having two babies. I’m now two years postpartum with my youngest and I’m still trying to get my skin under control. While hormonal changes are certainly at play (something I’ve also discussed with my OB/GYN and naturopathic doctor), I’ve had to stick to a really strict skincare routine to keep breakouts at bay. I used to be able to experiment with many of the new products brands send us as beauty editors, but now I keep things pretty regimented. I use the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser that my dermatologist recommended to me, and this lightweight moisturizer and Dew Drops oil from my aesthetician’s in house skincare line, Skin Worship. I also use the emerginC Scientific Organics At-Home Peel and Clarifying Kit almost nightly. All of these products have been specifically recommended to me for my acne-prone skin. When it comes to makeup, I also have to keep things really clean, using products from natural beauty brands like Beautycounter. –Ilana, Managing Editor

Dryness

I’ve struggled with breakouts for years, and while I’ve found some treatments that I love, one of the unfortunate side effects is that most of them tend to make my skin super dry. As someone who already has a drier complexion, it’s become a top priority for me to find serums and moisturizers that will balance out topical treatments, but won’t leave my pores feeling clogged. I love Drunk Elephant’s whipped moisturizer because it’s deeply hydrating without feeling heavy, and it absorbs quickly, so you can get to the rest of your morning routine. On the days I need a little extra hydration though (or in colder weather), this moisturizer from Peach & Lily handles any dry patches or flaking (and smells amazing). I also swear by this hydrating primer from Two-Faced—I ran out last month and noticed a huge difference when applying makeup. –Kiera, Editorial Assistant

Eczema

In my late twenties I developed eczema, completely out of nowhere. For months dermatologists couldn’t figure out what was making my skin itchy, red and dry. Finally, a doctor realized that what I had was eczema, and prescribed me medicated creams, but also gave me some really helpful tips for keeping flare ups to a minimum. The most helpful tip was to stop using any products on my face and body that are scented, and go for fragrance free, gentle products. I also discovered Aveeno Eczema Therapy Lotion, which has been a total game changer in my life. I use it on my face and body, and it’s the most moisturizing, calming lotion out there. If you suffer with eczema too, give it a try. –Rachel, Managing Editor

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