Guide for Clear and Healthy Skin

Dealing with breakouts and dull skin can be incredibly frustrating. Trust me, I’ve been there—trying product after product, hoping for a miracle. But what finally made the biggest difference wasn’t some magical serum or the latest trend. It was about going back to basics, understanding my skin, and making simple, sustainable changes.

Here’s my full skincare guide—everything that helped me clear my skin and bring back that confidence. Whether you’re struggling with breakouts, dryness, or just want healthier skin, this guide is for you.

1️⃣ The Foundation: Understanding Your Skin

Before diving into routines and products, it’s important to know what your skin actually needs. Your skin is smart. It knows how to protect and heal itself, but sometimes we overload it with products that do more harm than good.

Key Skin Types:

• Oily: Shiny, prone to breakouts, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).

• Dry: Flaky, tight, and rough, often feels dehydrated.

• Combination: Oily in some areas (usually the T-zone) and dry in others.

• Sensitive: Easily irritated, prone to redness and reactions.

Knowing your skin type helps you choose the right products and routines.

2️⃣ Hydration: The Unsung Hero

We hear it all the time—drink more water! But hydration isn’t just about chugging litres of water (though that helps).

What Worked for Me:

• Hydrating Foods: Adding water-rich foods like cucumber, berries, watermelon, and leafy greens helped keep my skin plump from the inside out.

• Moisture-Locking Skincare: Using products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to attract and retain moisture.

• Avoiding Harsh Cleansers: I ditched foaming cleansers that stripped my skin and switched to gentle, hydrating cleansers.

Pro Tip: Apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp after cleansing to lock in moisture more effectively.

3️⃣ Nutrition for Healthy Skin

Your skin reflects what’s going on inside your body. No cream can outdo a poor diet.

Skin-Loving Nutrients:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds—help reduce inflammation and keep skin supple.

• Vitamin C: Brightens the skin and supports collagen production. Think oranges, kiwis, bell peppers, and broccoli.

• Zinc: Crucial for skin repair and reducing inflammation. Get it from pumpkin seeds, lentils, and chickpeas.

• Antioxidants: Berries, dark chocolate (yes, really), and green tea help fight free radicals that cause premature ageing.

Foods I Avoided:

• Excess Sugar: Can trigger breakouts and dullness due to its inflammatory effects.

• Highly Processed Foods: Crisps, fizzy drinks, and fast food often contribute to skin issues.

• Dairy (for some people): Not everyone reacts the same, but cutting back on dairy helped reduce breakouts for me.

4️⃣ Simplifying My Skincare Routine

I used to believe more products = better skin. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

My Simplified Routine:

Morning Routine:

1. Gentle Cleanser: To refresh the skin without stripping it. If my skin felt balanced, just rinsing with water was enough.

2. Hydrating Toner (optional): Only if my skin felt extra dry.

3. Serum: For brightening and antioxidant protection (like Vitamin C). 

4. Moisturiser: Lightweight but hydrating.

5. Sunscreen: Every. Single. Day. (Even when it’s cloudy!)

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to remove the day's build-up. If wearing makeup or sunscreen, double cleanse.

2. Exfoliant (2-3 times a week): Opt for a gentle exfoliant our coffee scrub. Avoid harsh physical scrubs. Always apply with care. 

3. Serum (optional): Depending on skin concerns, apply a hydrating or treatment serum.

4. Moisturiser: A richer formula at night to support skin repair and hydration.

What I Ditched:

• Over-exfoliating (I used to scrub my face raw—don’t do it!)

• Products with harsh alcohols or synthetic fragrances

• 10-step routines that overwhelmed my skin

5️⃣ Skincare Ingredients That Changed the Game

• Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin.

• Niacinamide: Reduces redness, regulates oil production, and strengthens the skin barrier.

• Prickly Pear Oil: A lightweight oil that deeply hydrates without clogging pores.

• Squalane: Restores moisture and supports the skin barrier.

• Ceramides: Essential for repairing and protecting the skin barrier.

6️⃣ The Role of Stress & Sleep

You can’t out-skincare poor sleep and high stress. Trust me, I tried.

• Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep. Your skin regenerates while you rest.

• Stress Management: High stress = high cortisol levels, which can trigger breakouts. I incorporated mindfulness, light exercise, and journaling into my routine to help manage stress.

Extra Tip: Even simple breathing exercises or spending time outdoors can do wonders for your skin.

7️⃣ Bonus Tips for Clear Skin

• Change Pillowcases Often: Dirt and oils from your hair can transfer to your skin.

• Don’t Touch Your Face: Our hands carry bacteria that can cause breakouts.

• Stay Consistent: Results take time. Give your routine at least 4-6 weeks before deciding if it’s working.

Final Thoughts

Clear, glowing skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about healthy habits, both inside and out. It took me a while to figure out what worked, and it’s different for everyone.

But the biggest lesson? Less is more. Support your skin, don’t fight it.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who’s on their health journey. And if you’re looking for natural, skin-barrier-loving products, check out Rêver Beau—the products that helped me transform my skin.

Got questions? Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to help!