Note: the before pic doesn't show my skin at its worst. I used to have 10 large whiteheads on my chin and a few more on my cheeks. I also had PIH and redness from irritation - I used tons of harsh products like peels that my skin couldn't handle.
I'm finally happy with how my skin looks after years of struggles. I tended to break out around my chin and sometimes on my cheeks. It was related to stress, gut issues and an unhelpful skin routine with way too many products that either didn't help much or actively worsened my skin. I also destroyed my moisture barrier with Retin-A, which I did not tolerate well at all.
Current routine: garnier pink cap micellar water as a cleanser, rosehip oil and cosrx BHA. My skin has never been softer or clearer. I highly recommend rosehip oil, it's done miracles for my dry, acne prone, sensitive skin.
I also take probiotics and hydrolyzed collagen every day. Hydrolyzed collagen improves skin elasticity and it's good for hair, nails and joints too. It seems to help keep my skin clear and helps with my shoulder injury as well. Win-win! Probiotics were also essential - whenever my gut goes haywire, my skin breaks out again.
Also, a PSA for people who buy rosehip oil from The Ordinary: There is cheaper rosehip oil on Amazon that I find to be much better quality. It's about 40% cheaper per oz. I also like the packaging better. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00KI3Z2UW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
PURA D'OR Organic Rosehip Seed Oil (4oz / 118mL) 100% Pure Cold Pressed USDA Certified Organic, All Natural Anti-Aging Moisturizer Treatment for Face, Hair, Skin, Nails, Men-Women (Packaging may vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KI3Z2UW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_MxoGFb8T67Q9F
Moroccan Argan Oil, USDA Certified Organic, Virgin, 100% Pure, Cold Pressed by Kate Blanc. Stimulate Growth for Dry and Damaged Hair. Skin Moisturizer. Nails Protector. (Light 4oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WWLKQX5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_AyoGFbHRB4X1F
I used to use rose hip oil daily and it helped with fine lines. Now I find it can sometimes be a bit too heavy, which is when I switched over to Argan oil, I notice it’s lighter and absorbs better.
I use roseheep seed oil almost every night and I absolutely love it!
I apply it after washing my face at night. It deeply moisturizes my skin and I always feel like I wake up with noticeably soft, supple skin and a gorgeous glow. When I'm not feeling like using an oil, such as on super hot nights, I use my CeraVe Daily Lotion, and the difference is noticeable. The CeraVe lotion works, it keeps me from drying up like a prune. But I don't wake up with the same velvety skin and subtle glow as I do when using rosehip seed oil. I have medium-dry skin so I can't comment on how it works on oily complexions but I find it to be a non-greasy oil that sinks in beautifully.
I use this one because it's a great price for a purchase that lasts me months and months and it comes in a pump bottle. But if you're trying it for the very first time, I'd opt for a small bottle in case it doesn't sit right with you.
I swear by this argan oil shampoo: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004YRTZG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_4AksE83VXAVs3
I also use this super moisturising hair food; no build-up at all it's like 98% natural/biodegradable: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L5WGS2X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_6OJoOBhDOjpHB
Used to have dandruff and also a super itchy scalp, now no dandruff AT ALL and occasionally an itchy scalp if I don't take the time to moisturise properly. I wash my hair once a week but feel free to tailor it to your hair!
Use something like this https://www.amazon.com/ORS-Built-Protection-Application-Relaxer/dp/B00E5PWBQC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=hair+relaxer&qid=1647468817&sr=8-3
Leave it in your hair for only a partial amount of time, and then wash out. I have very similar hair type as yours and it will loosen the curls without making it bone straight. Just make sure you pay close attention to being gentle around your scalp and the base of your hair. Depending on how fast your hair grows , it will require touch up every other month or so (only at the roots).
Try using a hair relaxer to detox your hair. There are study’s that show that it remove around 30% of the drug concentration of the hair. So you should relaxed it at least 3 times. This is what I used https://www.amazon.com/Creme-Relaxer-Protein-Super-15-oz/dp/B00UEOKGL0/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=1274SJT3U7LCF&dchild=1&keywords=hair+relaxer&qid=1635712013&qsid=139-7142607-1127758&sprefix=hair+relaxer%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-7&sre... . Make sure to buy the neutralizing shampoo to remove the chemicals. 15 mins of relaxing the hair for each session should be good. For me, I didn’t feel a burn on the top of my head but I felt a burn on the sides. If that happens wash off the burning area with water. I just took my drug test on Monday and I'm still waiting for my result. I can’t tell you for sure if this gonna work but you should at least give it a shot if you want to pass. Btw you might lose hair from this, I have a tiny spot of missing hair from the areas that were burning. Good luck
Kinky Curly Come Clean shampoo has a very short, all natural ingredient list. I think there might be 8-10 ingredients total.
"Amazon.com : Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo Sulfate Free 8 oz : Hair Shampoos : Beauty & Personal Care" https://www.amazon.com/Kinky-Curly-Natural-Moisturizing-Shampoo/dp/B0012EF9NQ
I like this one:
Living Proof 1242 No Frizz... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002IJJ7DM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It is expensive for the amount, but you really don’t need to use much at all. One bottle lasts me 4-6 months. Hair feels really good when I use it 💁🏼♂️😅
I shampoo and condition every 3 days about, using the shea-moisture line. I always allow the conditioner on my mid-lengths to ends to sit for about 20 minutes. With my shampoo I had been looking into this one which sounds similar to your description (I have yet to locate a conditioner).
Lye is the key to removing toxins. You need a strong base (lye) with a high ph to break the bonds up in your hair. When the bonds are broken, the toxins are released. You have about 3 weeks before your test, start treatment your hair tomorrow and then once a week until your test if you can tolerate it. My routine is to relax my hair once before my test and the day of my test, wash it with this shampoo, and then neutralize it with a neutralizing shampoo to stop the lye process. I’m a heavy user of narcs, is this has not failed me yet. https://www.amazon.com/Creme-Relaxer-Protein-Super-15-oz/dp/B00UEOKGL0
https://www.amazon.com/Creme-Relaxer-Protein-Super-15-oz/dp/B00UEOKGL0 this is the exact perm that I used. It’s 3 bucks at the local beauty supply store. If you are Caucasian, don’t get the super version because it will burn the crap out of you. You have time since you’re test is far out to space your treatments out. Don’t waste your money on aloe ride when all you need is the relaxer.
My acne use to be worse than yours and this helped me alot!!!! Now I get a random pimple here and there but I never have multiple anymore. It literally is magical.
I've never tried this but I'm about to buy it off Amazon. There's also a coupon you can clip for $2 off your first purchase. And according to Fakespot the adjusted grade is still an A so you know the reviews aren't fake.
Kinky Curly Come Clean
~$11 Amazon
2 b/c fine, dense, normal porosity
I love the way this shampoo smells! It's very gentle and leaves my hair super clean without sulfates and a little goes a long way. I've even used it multiple times in the same day (due to a hair masque leaving my hair feeling awful) and my hair is fine!
Kinky Curly Come Clean
~$11 Amazon
2 b/c fine, dense, normal porosity
I love the way this shampoo smells! It's very gentle and leaves my hair super clean without sulfates and a little goes a long way. I've even used it multiple times in the same day (due to a hair masque leaving my hair feeling awful) and my hair is fine!
>I personally wouldn't deep condition and then put no other styling product on my hair and expect it to look good.
You might be right. Still new to this so going with what I have on hand. I bought this recently:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004O2PQK4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Should I incorporate it into the routine when it's still wet?
I'm almost always outside in the sun and humidity so it helps (a bit) to control it. If I'm inside my hair's pretty manageable, and if it isn't I can just wet it. It does dry my hair a tad much but it's better than crazy strands without shape running all over, or so I think
>From your other comments I can't tell if you're using products with oils in them or using pure oils. Big difference.
Both really. For example today I didn't deep condition, just condition the ends, some argan oil and coconut oil then dry a bit. It's..ok I guess, but I'm staying in all day so it's good enough, and I can experiment at the same time
Hey, what are your thoughts on shea moisture honey and manuka deep conditioner?
I got some from walgreens and tried it..it seemed to make my hair really soft the first night but by the next day my curls were already going back to frizz and feeling dry. I did use devacurl light defining gel too, but it doesn't seem to do much tbh.
I'm currently waiting for Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo to see if it can help remove hard water minerals. Do you think my issue is the gel or maybe the deep conditioner isn't right?