Like many others, I’ve struggled with oily skin for years. For the longest time, I thought the solution was to strip my skin dry. I skipped moisturizers, used harsh cleansers, and tried every mattifying product on the market. But my complexion remained shiny, prone to breakouts, and often felt uncomfortable. Turns out, my skin was actually dehydrated and overcompensating by producing more oil.
That’s why now I’m always looking for products that offer lightweight hydration. Since I’m in my 30s, I also try to add as many anti-aging ingredients to my routine as possible. Now, I’d like to introduce my new skincare routine from Topical Skin. I want to share my experience because I really enjoyed these products, and they worked great on my oily, acne-prone skin. The routine includes three key products: the Hydrating Facial Cleanser, the Age-Defying Peptide Serum, and the Rejuvenating Moisturizer.
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
I start my routine with the Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and I can confidently say it’s far from ordinary. Yes, it removes dirt, foundation, and everything in between, but it feels more like it’s giving something back to my skin. The benefits I’m seeing are likely due to its ceramides, which are known for helping support the skin’s lipid barrier. While I know a cleanser alone won’t fully rebuild that barrier, it’s reassuring to know that I’m using one that not only avoids harming it (as many cleansers do) but actively supports it.
The cleanser also has oleosomes, these tiny oil droplets from safflower seeds that release fatty acids and Vitamin E. So, even though it’s a cleanser, it feels like it actually hydrates while cleaning, which is a win for me.
Honestly, though, I think the biggest change for me was that this cleanser is free of sulfates. Sulfates can be harsh and remove the skin’s natural oils, so choosing a sulfate-free cleanser like this has made my skin healthier, more self-regulated, less oily, and reduced breakouts.
The first time I used it, I was surprised by how creamy and gentle it felt. After washing it off, my skin didn’t feel tight or stripped at all, just clean and comfortable. I’ve also used it before applying retinoids or after chemical peels, and it didn’t trigger any reactions—if anything, my skin felt calmer than on days when I didn’t use it. It’s become a solid part of my routine, and I like knowing it sets me up well for the rest of my skincare.
Age-Defying Serum
After I cleanse my skin, I apply the Age-Defying Peptide Serum. It’s got those types of peptides that soften the look of fine lines by relaxing facial muscles—basically, like a gentler version of Botox in a bottle. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, which are great for protecting my skin from everyday damage and giving it a bit of a glow.
What I love most about this serum is how lightweight it feels. It absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy residue, and I haven’t experienced any irritation or redness. I even used it in the morning after applying retinol the night before, and there were no issues—no reactions at all. It’s great to know that peptides and retinoids actually work well together for anti-aging, so using them both has been really effective for me.
The serum has been soothing and calming, and even though it’s still early days, I’m already seeing improvements in my skin texture and a slight softening of the fine lines that are starting to show in my 30s.
Rejuvenating Moisturizer
I finish my routine with Rejuvenating Moisturizer, and it truly feels like giving my skin a much-needed drink of water after a long drought. I’ve even started using it after chemical peels, when my skin is most vulnerable, and it seems to help my skin bounce back faster.
One of the key ingredients is niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3. This guy doesn’t just regulate oil production; it communicates with your skin cells and tells them to calm down on the oil front. This means fewer clogged pores and a more balanced complexion.
This moisturizer is also loaded with a blend of hydrating ingredients that make it so effective. It’s packed with humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which draw moisture to the skin, while emollients like squalane and aloe help soften and soothe. Squalane, derived from olives, is one of my favorite ingredients—it mimics the skin’s natural oils but without the heaviness or pore-clogging you get with other oils. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and provides just the right amount of moisture to keep oil production in check without making things worse.
The texture of the moisturizer is smooth and velvety, and it glides onto the skin, absorbing quickly without leaving a greasy film. Although I haven’t used it this way, the brand says it’s also ideal for facial massage. Its viscous texture is perfect for supporting the movement of massage rollers, Gua sha tools, or even your hands across your face, without any tugging or dragging.
The Results? Already Noticing Changes
Usually, I’d have a breakout or two by now. Stress or hormonal changes always triggered them. But this time, my skin remained clear. I think that the constant hydration of the moisturizer and giving up sulfates kept my skin balanced, preventing the overproduction of oil that led to pimples.
Consistently using this routine didn’t just make my skin feel better; it made it function better. Over time, I noticed that my skin looked healthier and more radiant. The midday shine that used to plague me was significantly reduced. My makeup applied more smoothly and some of my friends actually commented on how healthy my skin looked.
Understanding what each ingredient does made me appreciate these products more. I wasn’t just slapping on creams; I was giving my skin what it needed. This journey taught me the importance of listening to my skin. Depriving it of moisture only made things worse. By giving it the hydration it craved, my skin responded positively and yours can too!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve struggled with oily skin, the endless cycle of cleansing, blotting, and covering up can wear you down. But maybe, like me, your skin is asking for hydration. Consider looking into products with ingredients that support your skin’s health. Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. Understand what they do and how they can benefit your skin. I found success with Topical Skin, but the key takeaway is listening to your skin’s needs. Don’t be afraid to adjust your routine and try new approaches.
