J-Staff’s skincare picks to keep their skin looking fresh

As we all pass through our teenage years, we experience a beautiful yet maddening process of puberty. Puberty comes with troubles from near and far: pimples, hair growth, weight gain, etc.  

When we hit puberty, we start to take better care of ourselves. For some of us, that’s through a skincare routine.  

When it comes to skincare, the nagging question of steps always comes up. The steps usually follow cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen, that is if it is in the morning. 

Here are the J-Staff’s go-to picks for cleansers: 

  • CeraVe Cleansing Facial Wash 

The most popular pick in the cleansing section from the staff, CeraVe has two cleansers, Normal to Dry Skin and Normal to Oily Skin. CeraVe cleansers are made to not only remove dirt and makeup but also hydrate and calm the skin. 

The brand “The Ordinary” is widely known for its serums and peels but also has a lightweight cleanser that removes makeup and facial impurities. It will dissolve and remove makeup and facial impurities but doesn’t break the skin’s moisture. 

The Cetaphil cleanser is a daily cleansing formula for combination/sensitive skin. It can minimize the appearance of pores and is proven for sensitive skin. It can remove dirt and oils without leaving the skin dry.  

SheaMoisture is known for its haircare and skincare products and being sustainable and fair trade. It is a gentle exfoliator that can help control breakouts. It will absorb impurities, control excess oil, and detoxify the skin. 

Toner is used to refresh your skin without getting rid of its natural moisture. It can be used to prepare your skin to absorb the moisturizer you apply. Serums pack a punch of concentrated formulas that are designed to deliver a potent mix of active chemicals. Peelings are used to unclog and clear congested pores. All of these can be used before moisturizer. 

This is an alcohol-free toner that promotes bright even skin and lessens pore visibility. It is formulated to soothe the skin and reduce dullness, uneven skin tone, and enlarges pores.  

The Ordinary is the most popular serum on the market, and this peeling solution is prime. It is an exfoliating facial with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. This is a water-based rinse-off weekly treatment. 

This is a water-based vitamin and mineral formula. This is a great solution to minimize pores, textural irregularities, and visible shine. This serum can be used daily and before moisturizer. 

This hydrating serum provides 24-hour hydration for dryer skin and reinforces the skin barrier with ceramides. This can be used alone or layered under moisturizer.  

Another one of The Ordinary’s water-based serum contains a combination of low to high hyaluronic acid and a hyaluronic cross polymer. This serum can be used in the morning and the night before moisturizer. The hydrating serum enhances the skin barrier and replenishes lost moisture.  

While moisturizer helps to protect the skin’s barrier from irritation, it also helps revive your skin from dryness. Moisturizer can have SPF included, and this is preferable when you use it in the morning. Moisturizer should be used on all skin types, even oily because it can reinforce your skin barrier.  

This moisturizer provides 24-hour hydration for dry skin but replenishes the skin barrier with ceramides. The skin quickly absorbs this without leaving a greasy or sticky feeling.  

The Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is a surface hydration formula with hyaluronic, triglycerides, ceramides, and other ingredients. This can be applied after serums if needed and effectively hydrates the skin.  

This is an eye cream infused with Jeju green tea extract and green tea seed oil. This cream can be used twice daily and nourishes the delicate eye area.  

Time for some honorable mentions. The following products or skincare companies are favorites among the staff.

  • E.L.F Holy Hydration SetThis set includes face cream, moisturizer, and a sleeping mask.  
  • Etude Cantella Skin Care Trial KitThis set has a toner, balm, hydrating cream, and emulsion.  
  • Aquaphor– It has an array of products that all deal with skincare, from ointments to creams to baby care products. 
  • Naples Soap Company- This company makes shampoos, creams, skincare kits, and perfumes.