As 2019 comes to a close, we’re looking back at all the best skin care tips we learned from YOU this year. Read on and then keep ’em coming.
At The Klog, it’s our mission to help our community navigate the vast and sometimes confusing worlds of skin care and K-beauty. We hope you’ve learned a thing or two from us this year. Conversely, we’ve learned quite a bit from you too, dear readers.
This year, you taught us genius DIY hacks, new ways to use products, lessons in making and sticking to good skin habits, and more. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best tips and tricks that landed in our DMs and comment section in 2019.
To help remain consistent with your routine, make yourself a schedule.
“To avoid overdoing it, I schedule my skin care. Nerdy as it sounds it’s worked wonders for my skin. Mon & Tues are oil-control days, Wed-Fri are vitamin C days, and Sat & Sun are retinol days.” – @sojess
If you’re trying to be more eco-friendly but can’t quit sheet masks or makeup remover pads, make your own out of t-shirts.
“I cut up an old 100% cotton shirt into sheet masks (I measured my face’s length and width, then cut out an oval of that size, then cut out two eye holes and nose and mouth slits where mine are), and whenever I want a sheet mask, I just soak one of them in my toner then throw it on for 10 minutes. When I’m finished with one I just throw it in the washer and dryer with the rest of my clothes, to make sure to keep them all clean.” – Shahd
“I make my own reusable cotton pads out of old t-shirts” – @_evilvenus
Be mindful of exactly where you’re applying eye cream to avoid milia or breakouts.
“Eye cream is best applied on the orbital bone since there are virtually no pores on the actual eyes. Applying it on the lids and right under the eyes is one of the reasons people get milia. Using your ring finger and applying outwards is perfect!” – @pureskinoc
If you’re struggling with picking at your skin, know that you’re not alone.
“One of [the] first steps is to truly figure out why you are picking. Once you realize, you can gauge it and find out what your triggers are, from there it’s about learning to recognize what sets you off and what works best to help you manage. Even just talking about it is a good place to start. It also helps to build up a support system with: friends, a therapist, a community. And be patient, it takes a long time.” – Anna
Have any cleansing balm to spare? Use it to clean your makeup brushes or as a scalp detox!
“I use my balms to clean my brushes allllllll thheeeee time. A little body heat and it melts into something I can easily smoosh into my brush fibers” –@live4skincare
“I have been using the Banila Co Cleansing Balm for months. Yes it’s fantastic for removing makeup but I found another few uses. Use it on the scalp as a pre-wash. I live in 99% humidity so it helps detox. I use it 4 times a week. Another one: To remove deodorant residue [under the arms].” – @avaazlin
Help allow products to absorb better (and give yourself a spa-like experience!) by warming up your skin.
“I heat up a towel with warm water and put it on my face before I layer my serums.” – @that_grl_ari
To make applying SPF a habit, give yourself a 30-day challenge.
“Once you start using it, it becomes habitual. For me it’s like wearing my seatbelt. So this is my challenge: for 30 days, mindfully reach for and apply that spf. After those 30 days, it will become second nature and you have developed a healthy habit! Stay safe in the sun and protect, protect, protect!” – @magickal_beauty
If you can’t get rid of milia, a doctor may be able to help.
“I’ve had the “forehead bumps”, which my dermatologist called them milia, and they consist of clogged keratin that is trapped under the skin. I steamed, masked, scrubbed and didn’t go anywhere. A plastic surgeon I was seeing at the time extracted them by delicately lancing them to “pop out” the kernels. It was a bit of a process, but they are gone gone gone.” – Karen
When it comes to skin care, sometimes patience really is a virtue.
“I’ll generally give my skin 2-3 weeks to get used to a new product as long as the break out isn’t painful or rash-like. I get small whiteheads every time I change my toner but over time the spots will stop and I can actually see the full results of the treatment.” – @tsunderebun
To get rosacea under control, certain lifestyle habits can be helpful.
“Figure out what is causing your flare ups. Track your meals and use sensitive products. Pro tip: Limit your steam during your showers because heat can irritate and cause flare ups.” – @brittanyleepalafox
