I love skincare - in another life, I would be a dermatologist. Back when I suffered a really bad skin infection I have since been working to nourish, repair, and revitalize my skin as best I can. Let me tell you, I have tried it all. I still battle hormonal acne once a month (isn't that fun?) but for the most part, I've gotten my skin under control - now, I'm focused on anti-aging. The biggest trick for giving your face its best life, is to listen to what it needs. Is it inflamed and red? Breakouts? Dry patches? You have to tackle one issue at a time and not overwhelm your skin. For example, I stay away from using heavy night creams and hyaluronic acids when I'm going through breakouts. Instead, I treat the breakout first and then go back to my normal routine.

In my opinion, once you get into your twenties, you should start an anti-aging regime. Or, at least use products that nourish and hydrate your skin as well as protect it. Vitamin C, Retinol, face oils/serums, and hyaluronic acids are all great to use.
Disclaimer: before trying any new products, it is best to consult with your dermatologist and not take random advice from a blog. However, I wanted to share some products that work for me that I love so staple at your own risk!
Cleansers: 
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser | Thus far, this is the best cleanser I have found that doesn't strip my skin. I have oily/combnination skin (mostly oily) and most cleansers, even ones made for sensitive skin, strip my skin leaving it tight and dry. I have tried it all: Neutrogena, Dermologica, Clinique, Mario Badescu, Liz Earle, Clarisonic, All-Purpose, Aveeno, Bioelements, Origins, and the list goes on. That's not to say I don't love any cleansers but in the season I'm in...this one is working the best. This cleanser removes dirt, debris, and makeup and does not leave my skin feeling tight or dry but hydrated and clean - big win!

Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser | I use this cleanser in the evening and when I'm noticing breakouts. It combats the breakouts much faster than simply using spot treatment. It can be drying, thus why I only use it once a day when needed.

Moisturizers: 
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream | I like to switch between my favorite Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer and this Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. In the winter, I need more hydration. I'm outside daily with my pup and my skin will get chapped from the wind and cold - just as well, the air is dry and sucks all the hydration out of my skin. This moisturizer does a great job at moisturizing without leaving my skin oily.

bareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Sleeping Gel Cream | I swear by this gel cream. I have yet to try any other skinlongevity products but I know I'm missing out. To preface, I've used bareMinerals for years and truly believe in the quality of their products so choosing this product was easy. The key ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid - you will wake up with a healthy glow, even tone and texture and super soft skin. 

Tone: 
Mario Badescu Facial Spray (not pictured) | I love this facial spray. I have tried all of their options and honestly love them all. I use a couple of spritzes in between my cleanser and moisturizer. I also love having an extra one on hand during the summer. I take it to the beach and spray my down my body when I see the sun has sucked my skin dry!

Face Oils: 
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil | If you've followed me for a long time then you know the backstory, if not, here's the short version: I used to have FLAWLESS skin, no pores, no pimples - it was magical. I went to Alaska for 4 weeks, developed a horrific skin infection and since then, it's never been the same. I was looking for nighttime products that were working on "fixing" while I was asleep. In short, this concentrate will replenish skin for visibly smoother, more radiant skin by morning.

Face Masks: 
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque | This mask is wonderful - it uses white clay that is supposed to purify the skin from toxins and debris. It's particularly great for those with breakouts. I will also use this as a cleanser, it removes all the redness (probably the white clay's doing) and leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated...while clean!

Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic Mask (not pictured) | I will always be the biggest cheerleader for Mario, the company has contributed largely to saving my skin. Among many other products I still use religiously - this one is great for those that have oily skin. It helps lift debris and clogged pores and reduces oil production. It also reduces inflammation and reduces redness!

Anti-Aging:
bareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Sleeping Gel Cream | See details above!

Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate | After 3 weeks of using this, I can definitely say I have seen a significant difference in my scarring. I'm not too worried about wrinkles, but I do apply this to my forehead (I have those lovely lines from talking with my eyebrows) as well as any scarring. With 12.5% Vitamin C it's no wonder that my skin feels more "plump." It smoothes skin’s texture and helps visibly minimize the appearance of pores. I highly recommend if you are looking to try something new. 
     Note: do not use Vitamin C with any retinol

Acne Breakout Treatments (not pictured): 
Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment | You can buy this at your nearest drugstore, I have used this for years and think it works well. It's inexpensive and convenient.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion | I do think the Mario drying lotion works better than the Clean & Clear Spot Treatment but I hate the way my skin smells all the next day after I use it. I switch between the too when I'm in a pinch.

Curology | I recently used Curology as I had a bad acne reaction to a product I tried. This is prescribed by a dermatologist, all that you can get online! I'm thinking of doing a post on this later if that would be of interest?

Facial Tools: 
Clarisonic | I use my Clarisonic every night - and swear by it. I've posted about it before and I still think everyone should be using one. It removes all the dirt, makeup, and debris buildup from the day. I definitely notice a difference if I go awhile without using it. My skin is dull and just looks...dirty.

PMD | I love this microdermabrasion tool, it works to slough off the top layer of skin that is dead. I don't see as drastic results as I do with the dermaplane razors that are significantly more affordable.

Dermaplane Razors | I love these razors, I use them about every 1.5 - 2 weeks. It sloughs off all the peach fuzz and dead skin. The first time you use one, you will be pretty disgusted by all the dead skin that comes off. I like it because my makeup lays better and my skin is all around smoother and brighter.