Dealing with acne isn't easy- and it can be even harder when you're struggling to find the right products that actually clear up the skin. After experimenting and much trial-and-error, I've finally curated a routine that's simple enough to stick to every day and actually effective at keeping my skin glowing.
Contrary to what might be around social media, your skincare routine doesn't have to be a ten-step, fancy, expensive set-up. Believe it or not, the routine that took my skin from breaking out to properly faded dark spots is quite minimal and effortless!
The secret? I cover the essentials (cleanse, protect, prevent, brighten, and fade) and use products that are made with results in mind from Hero Cosmetics.
Shop Hero Cosmetics at herocosmetics.com
I can't emphasize this enough: of all the acne-centered skincare brands, Hero Cosmetics is one of the absolute best when it comes to effectiveness and efficiency. This brand not only covers the breakouts, but also the entirety of the blemish cycle to tackle all the skin trouble from start to finish to leave you with that healthy skin.
Plus, Hero Cosmetics checks all the boxes for a permanent space on the beauty counter. It's made with clean and conscious ingredients you can trust (as the brand shares, it "restrict[s] over +2,400 ingredients that could cause irritation"); it's affordable (the skincare products begin at just $12.99); and it's friendly to all skin types (even my sensitive skin agrees). I couldn't trust their skincare products more!
In just five steps, Hero Cosmetics takes my skin from dull to bright in mere minutes for me to start and finish off my day. I kid you not, this method has been an absolute game changer- and it's as easy as can be. Now that summer is here, it's time to get that sunkissed glow!
The Summer Glow Daily Routine
Behold- the daily routine that actually cleared my skin faster than anything else I've ever tried. This routine has really proven that keeping things simple is key, and that gentle skincare matters- what you put on your skin is so important!
Step One: Cleanse
Any basic skincare routine needs a cleanser- and this one is by far the most gentle yet effective one that'll actually leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
Shop the Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser here.
This cleanser is packed with konjac jellies that help exfoliate the skin to remove all the dirt, grime, and oil from your pores. The jellies dissolve into the most foamy lather, which really makes the skin feel extra clean. This affordable cleanser is simple but effective at its best; with a minimalist pump bottle that gives you the perfect dime-sized amount each time and a roster of sensitive-skin-friendly ingredients, this is a total must-have.
Contrary to all the other harsh exfoliants that can irritate and even scar the skin, I love how gentle this cleanser is. After a simple wash, my skin feels so much smoother and brighter. I love using this first thing in the morning to freshen up and slowly "wake up" my face!
I love using this for both my AM and PM routine, and this is the perfect beginning step to your everyday routine.
Step Two: Protect
The summer season means that it's time to get our glowing skin on. For those Instagram filter-worthy, smoothened out glass skin, the Force Shield Balance Duo is exactly what you need.
Shop the Force Shield Balance Duo here.
Force Shield Balance Duo consists of the Superfuel Serum Stick and the Supercharged Reset Mist, and these two separately and together in combination is everything. These have quickly become my two go-to products for the summer, and I couldn't be more obsessed.
The Superfuel Serum Stick is a gel stick you can slide across your face to 1) give it a healthy, supple glow that literally makes your face look like glass and 2) boost the protective microbiome. It's important to balance your skin's bacteria, and this solid serum helps load in all the prebiotics, antioxidants, and hydration in one simple glide.
My favorite thing to do is glide this all over after my cleanse as a "primer" for my makeup. Sometimes, this serum gives me such a serious radiance that it's good enough to go on its own!
The Supercharged Reset Mist is the perfect follow-up to the Serum Stick. I've never been a huge fan of toner, but this spray-on mist makes it hassle-free. To be honest, I actually find myself looking forward to spraying this on at the end of my skin prep for that cool mist! It's so lightweight, and I love how it's a touchless product so you feel clean all over.
This Reset Mist helps reset the skin with bacteria-balancing botanicals of "naturally clarifying extracts like totarol, tea tree, and rosemary [to] help balance bacteria without irritating skin." This is the most refreshing thing ever, and is such a needed item for the hot, humid summer. Pop this in your gym bag and thank me later!
Want separates? Shop the Superfuel Serum Stick here and the Supercharged Reset Mist here.
Step 3: Prevent
We've all felt it before... the feeling on an incoming zit breakout. As Hero Cosmetics says: "The best way to get rid of a pimple? Hit it early." Meet the On-the-Spot Duo: the superheroes when it comes to zapping incoming zits.
Shop the On-the-Spot Duo here.
The duo features the Micropoint for Blemishes and the Pimple Correct. I love using the Micropoint first to maximize the amount of "zit" I can get rid of, and then the Pimple Correct to apply to any red blemishes.
The Micropoint is a handy-dandy sticker patch that's simple at first glance, but truly advanced. These patches feature 395 dissolving Micropoints which sounds scary, but you actually can't feel a thing. All you have to do is patch it onto your problem area, give it a few hours (I like to sleep with them on), and gently peel (which also doesn't hurt at all!) to reveal all the gunk gone.
These patches are seriously a lifesaver, especially when the incoming zits are painful. I love how easy they are to use, and how effective they are, too. It's the best surprise in the morning to see all the swelling and redness gone!
The Pimple Correct is a spot treatment pen that's designed to stop those early-stage breakouts before they get any bigger. Filled with acne-fighter ingredients like 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide + caffeine, and tea tree capsules, this pen is rewriting all the rules for getting that clear skin.
I love how this spot treatment isn't drying at all. Most pimple creams are incredibly harsh, which leaves your skin prone to flaking, but this dermatologist-tested serum is aloe-infused. Now that's the right way to zap the zits!
Want separates? Shop the Micropoint for Blemishes here and the Pimple Correct here.
Step 4: Brighten
Now that you've cleansed and treated the skin, it's time to give it a radiant boost. Buckle up, it's time to brighten and shine!
Shop the Lightning Bright Duo here.
The Lightning Bright Duo features the Lightning Swipe- a set of refreshing swipe pads- and the Lightning Wand- a pen that actually fades away those dark spots. A lot of times after acne treatment, you might notice dark spots where the acne used to be. Those dark spots can be some of the most difficult things to manage, but this duo has been tried and tested, and I can say with confidence that they really do work!
The Lightning Swipe is my favorite go-to for a quick brightner in the morning. This gentle swipe pad works to erase all the post-blemish marks and even out the skin tone. With powerful ingredients like Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Heartleaf, and Kombucha, this pad illuminates the skin like no other.
My favorite thing is how you can use the Lightning Swipe all over your body. No need to limit it just to the face- give your chest, shoulders, back, and just about everywhere a refresher!
The Lightning Wand is also another huge favorite, and this is one of the biggest players when it came to tackling all the post-acne blemishes. This serum works immediately and effectively, and reduces the fading time by a mile.
With a combination of Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, and Vitamin C, this rollerball serum is perfect to use at any point of the day to coat and infuse the skin with a brightening boost. With this pen, you can say hello to a much clearer skin!
Want separates? Shop the Lightning Swipe here and Lightning Wand here.
Step 5: Fade
Last but certainly not least, the Rescue Balm is the ultimate holy grail for removing all those post-acne blemishes and dark spots.
Shop the Rescue Balm here.
I kid you not, I think this balm has removed just about every blemish I have in just weeks, and it's been the most effective skincare product I have ever used when it comes to targeting those problem spots.
The Rescue Balm is perfect for using right after you popped or patched up a pimple. Your zits are still pretty prone to spreading (or worse, becoming painful) and it is so important to take the right care to optimize the healing process. This white cream has an ointment-like consistency and absorbs into the skin with a rich texture; I love applying this overnight.
Fused with antioxidants and peptides, this balm delivers all the moisture your skin needs to keep it replenished. Plus, it has zero fragrance and is made with clean and conscious ingredients, so you know it's safe and A-okay to use.
Since using this balm, I've noticed that my blemishes have gotten significantly lighter and my post-acne marks have been gradually disappearing one by one. I couldn't recommend the Rescue Balm more than enough- I'm seriously obsessed!
Keep Up With Hero Cosmetics
Want to be in the know about all things skincare-related that will actually help you reach your skin goals? Be sure to follow Hero Cosmetics on social media to stay in the loop! Find them on Instagram at @herocosmetics, Twitter at @herocosmetics, and TikTok at @herocosmetics.
Also, you don't want to miss out on their Skin School- this is the prime site for all the skincare advice you wish you'd have known earlier. Get all the information you need, but simplified. With Hero Cosmetics, you're well on your way to having the healthiest, glowing skin!
