If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self about skincare, I would have saved myself a lot of frustration, stress, and breakouts. Like most teens, I thought clear skin was all about finding the “right” product, but the truth is, skincare is a journey—especially when you have acne-prone skin.
There were so many things I wish I had known earlier. If I had followed these steps, my skin would have thanked me. Here’s what I would tell my younger self.
1. Stop Listening to Everyone Else
Everyone has an opinion on skincare—friends, family, random people on the internet—but the truth is, what works for someone else might not work for you. I spent way too much time taking advice from people who didn’t understand my skin type or my needs.
Acne isn’t just acne. It can be caused by hormones, diet, allergies, stress, or even the wrong skincare products. What worked for your best friend may not be the solution for you.
👉 What I Would Do Differently:
I’d stop experimenting with random skincare trends and stick to a system that’s meant for my skin type.
2. See a Dermatologist Sooner
If I could rewind time, I would have gone to a dermatologist much sooner. Instead of guessing and trying a million different products, I would have had a professional assess my skin and tell me if I was dealing with:
- Acne (hormonal, cystic, or bacterial)
- An allergic reaction
- Product irritation
- A skin condition like eczema or rosacea
👉 What I Would Do Differently:
Instead of wasting time on trial and error, I’d get a professional diagnosis and create a skincare plan based on facts, not assumptions.
3. Give Products Time to Work
One of my biggest mistakes was cherry-picking products and expecting instant results. Skincare doesn’t work overnight. If I could go back, I’d tell myself:
✅ Stick to one routine for at least 30 days before deciding if it works.
✅ Use the full system—not just pieces of what I saw on TikTok.
✅ Be patient—skin takes time to heal and adjust.
👉 What I Would Do Differently:
Instead of mixing and matching random skincare products, I would pick a solid skincare routine and follow it exactly as directed.
4. Avoid Edge Control & Hair Products That Clog Pores
For YEARS, I wondered why my forehead and hairline kept breaking out. The culprit? Edge control, hair grease, and heavy hair products that clogged my pores.
On top of that, I always had hair in my face, which trapped oil, sweat, and dirt against my skin. No wonder my breakouts never went away.
👉 What I Would Do Differently:
✅ Check ingredients in my hair products and avoid anything with mineral oil, petroleum, and silicones.
✅ Keep my hair off my face as much as possible.
✅ Wash my pillowcases often because they absorb oil from hair products.
5. Stop Using Hot Water on My Face
I used to steam my face thinking it was helping open my pores, but all I was doing was stripping my skin and causing irritation. Hot water dries out the skin, making it produce even more oil, which leads to—you guessed it—more breakouts.
👉 What I Would Do Differently:
✅ Use lukewarm to cool water when cleansing.
✅ Skip hot steam and use gentle exfoliation instead.
6. Stop Rushing My Skincare Routine
Another thing I’d tell my younger self? Slow down.
I used to rush through my cleansing step, barely massaging my face for a few seconds before rinsing. That means my skin wasn’t even clean.
👉 What I Would Do Differently:
✅ Cleanse for 60 seconds to properly remove dirt and oil.
✅ Be intentional—take my time applying serums and moisturizers instead of rushing through it.
7. Drink More Water & Take Vitamins
People always talk about how pregnant women have glowing skin—but it’s not just hormones. They’re also taking prenatal vitamins every day, which means their body is getting all the nutrients needed for healthy skin.
While I’m not saying take prenatal vitamins, I do believe in supplementing with the right nutrients.
👉 What I Would Do Differently:
✅ Drink enough water daily to flush out toxins.
✅ Take a multivitamin to ensure my skin gets essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin C, and biotin.
8. Stop Eating So Much Fast Food
I can’t even count how many times I lived off fast food and takeout as a teen. Burgers, fries, pizza—you name it. But my skin paid the price.
Highly processed foods and excess sugar can trigger breakouts, inflammation, and dull skin.
👉 What I Would Do Differently:
✅ Eat more whole foods like fruits, veggies, and healthy fats.
✅ Limit dairy and greasy foods to see if they affect my breakouts.
9. Be Consistent with My Skincare Routine
At the end of the day, skincare is all about consistency. A routine only works if you stick to it—morning and night, every single day.
I used to skip nights, forget to cleanse, or only do my routine when I felt like it. That’s why my skin never improved.
👉 What I Would Do Differently:
✅ Commit to my skincare routine no matter what.
✅ Make it a habit—just like brushing my teeth.
Final Thoughts
If I could go back in time, these are the lessons I’d drill into my head. Skincare isn’t about finding the “perfect” product—it’s about consistency, patience, and using the right routine for your skin type.
If you’re struggling with your acne, breakouts, or dull skin, I promise you—these changes will make a difference.
And if you’re looking for the best skincare routine for clear skin, make sure you’re using products designed for your skin concerns and giving them enough time to work.
