I remember the good old days when I owned no bottles of moisturizers, creams or sunscreen. I remember waking up, splashing my face with water, just like in the advertisements and leaving the house.

It’s sad that good things don’t last because I woke up one day with the worst acne covering my face. I thought it was some abnormal condition that would fade away. Sadly, it didn’t and I remained with pimples and some face in between for about six months. I didn’t go out like that though, I smeared my face with concealer, bb cream, color corrector; you name it.

Besides the fact that I looked like a hazelnut filled white chocolate bar, the layers of makeup only worsened my case.The pimples grew bigger and wouldn’t just leave me alone.

I tried everything from cleansers to hydrocortisone and toothpaste!

One day, I just had it and went to one of those famous clinics to get a chemical peel. The doctor said it was a severe case that needed four sessions worth AED 4,000. I was hesitant at first, but I was desperate so I agreed. After the first session, I felt my face cracking from dryness. The doctor told me to moisturize as much as possible, so I did.

Suddenly, all the pimples had cleared! I didn’t know why, so I did what any sane person would do: I Googled it!  I found out that due to dryness, the skin tries to dehydrate itself by producing oil, which along with the dirt found on your face, causes breakouts. This was it. All I needed to do was moisturize!

Sadly, I had to find a way to use up the AED 3,000 left in my account at the clinic, but the good thing was I found the cure to my pimples: moisturizer.

Whatever you do, don’t believe myths that tell you to moisturize only if you have dry skin. Your oily skin may be the result of not moisturizing enough.

From then on, I learned my lesson. I started reading more about keeping my skin healthier and here is what I found:

1. Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock

This is very important, especially if you live in the Gulf region. Sunscreen has been proven to decrease the risks of skin cancer. It also helps prevent skin discolorations and slows down the development of wrinkles.

2. Makeup + sleep= No, no

I know how obvious this sounds, but I still know some girls who are too lazy to remove their makeup before sleeping. DON’T DO IT. Makeup is full of synthetic oils and chemicals that are not healthy to leave over night. It is very important to remove it and cleanse. Using a toner, even if it seems like you are doing nothing, is a plus.

3. Toner

Toners help shrink pores and gives your skin pH balance. Not only that, but it moisturizes, refreshes skin and helps prevent ingrown hairs.

Although I am still unsure of why one night caused so much damage (maybe it was a cry for help?), I will never leave my face hungry for moisturizer anymore.

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