Break Up with Acne: Skincare routine for a Clearer Complexion!

Are you struggling with acne-prone skin and feeling like you're in a never-ending battle? We feel you! Finding the right skincare products can be a real pain in the butt, but don't sweat it. We've got your back (and your face, of course)!

Now, we know you might be rolling your eyes and thinking, "Oh great, another boring skincare lecture." But hold up! We're not here to preach about trying harder or doing more. We're all about using the right products and understanding what ingredients are in them, so you can slay that acne like the boss babe you are! With our guidance, you'll be looking and feeling amazing in no time!

We all know that cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are the OGs of skincare, and for damn good reason. But if you're dealing with pesky acne, you gotta step up your game and add some oil cleansing and liquid exfoliants to your routine.

Double Cleanse Tag Team: Oil-Based and Water-Based Cleansers! 

Now, we all know that oil and acne seem like mortal enemies, but let us tell you, they can actually be BFFs. Say what?! Yup, you heard that right.

You see, when your skin is prone to breakouts, it's usually 'cause it's parched and in need of some serious hydration. And since your skin is a smarty-pants, it tries to compensate by producing more oil. But the problem is, all that excess oil just ends up clogging your pores and causing even more drama on your face. Ugh, rude.

That's where double cleansing comes in. First, you gotta use an oil-based cleanser to get rid of all that gunk and grime. It's like a pre-cleanse, ya feel me? Oil attracts oil, so this will help dissolve all those blackheads, sebum, and pollution-based dirt that's been chillin' on your face.

Then, you gotta use a water-based cleanser to get rid of any sweat or dirt that's still hanging around. And don't forget to wipe off any remaining oil with a soft face towel.

By doing this two-step dance, you'll make sure that both oil-based and water-based impurities are gone for good. It's the ultimate deep-cleanse that'll leave your skin looking fresh and clean as a whistle.

It's toner time, baby! 

Get ready to balance your pH levels like a boss. Now, you might be asking yourself, "Do I really need this step?" Uh, hello! Kinda-sorta-yes! Toner may not steal the spotlight, but it definitely plays a supporting role in your skincare routine.

Listen up, because this is key: toner helps to keep your skin's pH levels in check. Think of it like your skin's very own pH police. Your skin should ideally have a pH of around 5.0-6.0, and when it's off-balance, all hell breaks loose. We're talking breakouts, dryness, and inflammation, oh my!

Even though our Okana Foaming Cleanser is already pH balanced for sensitive skin, you can't always trust the pH of the water you're using to rinse your face. Tap water can be a little too alkaline, sitting at around 6.5-8.5. And if you're someone with sensitive or acne-prone skin, that's a big no-no.

That's where toner comes in clutch. It swoops in to rebalance your skin's pH back to that sweet spot of 5.0-6.0, and preps it for further treatment. But let's not forget that choosing the right kind of toner is crucial. You don't want to use one that's too harsh or contains irritating ingredients like alcohol. Stick to a gentle, mild toner that won't mess with your skin's delicate balance.

So, there you have it, boo. The tea on toner. Remember, the goal is to balance your skin's pH and keep it that way. Keep it simple, keep it basic, and keep slaying. 

Next: Exfoliant. The Star of the show!

Now, listen up because we've got two types to choose from. First up, we've got the physical exfoliant, like our Okana Bamboo Scrub. It's got tiny bamboo granules that scrub away dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin, leaving you looking fresh and fabulous.

But wait, there's more! We've also got the chemical exfoliant, like our AHA/BHA liquid exfoliant. It uses active ingredients like glycolic and salicylic acid to dissolve those pesky dead skin cells and unclog those pores. It's like a magic eraser for your skin!

Now, we know some of you have super sensitive skin, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Stick with a physical exfoliant 1-2 times a week. But if you're feeling adventurous and want to add a liquid exfoliant into your routine, a chemical exfoliant can actually be a gentler option for removing dead skin cells. Yes, you heard that right!

Let us break it down for you. The active ingredients in a chemical exfoliant, like glycolic and salicylic acid, work their magic by dissolving those dead skin cells and unclogging those pores. Plus, they speed up the regeneration of new skin cells, leaving you with smoother and younger-looking skin. But be careful, the pH of these actives is much lower (around 2.0-3.0), so you need to choose a mild formula that your skin can handle in the long run.

And that's where Okana comes in! We've buffered and paired low pH glycolic acid with high pH arginine, which basically means we've slowed down the ingredient penetration to your skin, making it super gentle and tolerable for even the most sensitive skin. So, let's exfoliate, and get that glowing skin you deserve!

The last step is the usual moisturiser

Yeah, yeah, we know what you're thinking: "Snooze-fest!" But don't dismiss this baby just yet. Think of it like the unsung hero of your skincare routine. The Samwise Gamgee to your Frodo, the Luigi to your Mario, the cheese to your macaroni... you feel us?

Moisturizer might not be the flashy superstar of your regimen, but it's the real MVP. It keeps your skin supple, soft, and oh-so-smooth. And that's a big deal. Let's face it, we all want that glowy skinsies.

But hold up. Not all moisturizers are created equal. You gotta be picky, girl. Look for something lightweight, non-comedogenic, and pore-friendly. No one wants to deal with pesky breakouts, right? So, ditch anything with waxy, buttery, or boozy ingredients. And let's not even talk about fragrances. Keep it clean and simple!

And here's the secret sauce: consistency. Don't skimp on your daily skincare routine - you've got to cleanse, tone, exfoliate, and moisturize like your life depends on it (okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the point). We call it our Easy.Pleasy routine, for acne free skin.