How I Repaired My Skin

Taking care of your skin is a lifelong investment, and the sooner you start, the better the results. But here’s the key: skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. In fact, I’ve found that keeping things simple and consistent is the best way to maintain healthy, glowing skin. At 24, I began my serious skincare journey, and now at 35, I’m often told I still look like I’m in my late 20s. My skin wasn’t always this healthy and clear. Years of being morbidly obese had left my skin discolored, with dark patches around my face, neck, and mouth. But through research, dedication, and trial and error, I’ve learned how to repair and maintain my skin naturally, and I want to share what’s worked for me. In this article, I’ll walk you through the essentials of repairing your skin, focusing on red light therapy, sulfur soap, salicylic acid, exfoliation tips, and the importance of sunscreen—all while keeping it simple and easy to follow.

Understanding Skin Types

Before you jump into a skincare routine, you need to know your skin type. This is critical because products work differently for oily, dry, combination, and normal skin. If you don’t know your skin type, take a moment to figure it out—there are many quick quizzes online to help! Here’s a quick breakdown: Normal Skin: Balanced, not too oily or dry. Dry Skin: Tight and flaky with smaller pores. Oily Skin: Shiny with larger pores and more prone to acne. Combination Skin: Oily in some areas (like the T-zone) and dry in others. Sensitive Skin: Prone to irritation and redness from certain products or environmental triggers. I personally have normal-to-dry skin, which has shaped the products I use and how I care for my skin.

Sulfur Soap: A Natural Solution for Uneven Skin Tone

One of the first products that changed my skin was sulfur soap. Sulfur is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions. I started using it when I was 24, hoping to even out the discoloration on my face and neck without resorting to skin-bleaching products. Within 30 days, I noticed a visible improvement in my skin tone. I only used sulfur soap in the morning, and I never used it at the same time as salicylic acid because sulfur soap can contain salicylic acid in some formulations. Using both at the same time can be too harsh for the skin.

Benefits of Sulfur Soap

Evens Skin Tone: Helps reduce hyperpigmentation and discoloration naturally. Anti-Acne Properties: Sulfur’s antibacterial properties can help combat breakouts and clogged pores. Gentle Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin smoother over time.

Downsides of Sulfur Soap

Dryness: Sulfur can be drying, especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin. To combat this, use a good moisturizer after cleansing. Adjustment Period: It may take time for your skin to adjust, but once you get used to it, the dryness tends to decrease.

How I Used It

I used sulfur soap every morning after a gentle cleanser, followed by a hydrating moisturizer. If you’re trying sulfur soap, it’s important to listen to your skin—don’t overuse it if you notice irritation. And if you have dry skin like me, pair it with a heavier moisturizer at night to lock in hydration.

Salicylic Acid: The Acne-Fighting Hero

If acne is one of your main skin concerns, salicylic acid is a game-changer. It’s a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into your pores to unclog them and reduce oil production.

Benefits of Salicylic Acid

Fights Acne: Clears blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne. Exfoliates Deeply: Helps remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin’s surface. Controls Oil: Great for oily and acne-prone skin.

Downsides of Salicylic Acid

Dryness and Irritation: Using salicylic acid too frequently can strip your skin of moisture, leading to redness or peeling. It is worth noting, however, that salicylic acid can work for normal-to-dry skin types if used sparingly and not heavily. If you have normal skin like me, you can still use it effectively, but make sure to balance it with hydrating products.

How to Combat Dryness

Use salicylic acid sparingly (2-3 times a week to start). Pair it with a gentle cleanser and follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. If your skin feels too dry, consider alternating with hydrating products like hyaluronic acid.

Red Light Therapy: The Anti-Aging Secret

Once I entered my 30s, I introduced red light therapy into my routine, and I swear by it! Red light therapy uses low-wavelength red light to penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production. It’s one of the most effective treatments I’ve found for fine lines, texture, and overall skin health.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Reduces Fine Lines: Stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve skin elasticity. Promotes Healing: Speeds up skin recovery and reduces redness or inflammation. Improves Skin Texture: Smooths out rough patches and evens skin tone.

How I Use It

I started with red light therapy three times a week for about 10-15 minutes per session. Once my skin started showing improvement, I reduced it to once a week for maintenance. The best part? It’s non-invasive, pain-free, and can be done at home with a good-quality red light therapy device.

Exfoliation: Why and How to Do It Safely

Exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells and revealing fresher, smoother skin. However, not all exfoliators are created equal! Avoid harsh physical exfoliators like St. Ives Apricot Scrub, which can cause micro-tears in the skin and lead to long-term damage. Instead, opt for a gentle exfoliator with non-abrasive ingredients. Right now, I use the Green Tomato Clay Mask by Fully. If you scrub it lightly, it acts as an exfoliator, and if you leave it on as a mask, it penetrates the pores and removes dirt. Look for exfoliators that are free of harsh particles and focus on natural, skin-friendly ingredients to prevent irritation.

Updated Skincare Routine

Currently, I’ve switched to using all Fully products at night. This includes their clay mask, serum, and moisturizer. In the morning, I use the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleanser (free of parabens) and Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Renewing Cream for daytime. Cetaphil also has a version with SPF, which I highly recommend for added sun protection.

The Importance of Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any skincare routine, no matter your skin type or color. Whether you’re Caucasian or a person of color (like me), sunscreen is vital for protecting your skin from sun damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation. The sun’s UV rays can cause serious harm over time, even for darker skin tones, which are naturally more resistant but still susceptible to sunburn and discoloration. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day if you’ll be in direct sunlight. Sunscreen is especially important if you’re using active ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid, which make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Building a Skincare Routine

Here’s a sample skincare routine that incorporates the products and treatments mentioned:

Morning Routine

Gentle cleanser (Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser). 2. Hydrating serum (e.g., hyaluronic acid) to lock in moisture. 3. Lightweight moisturizer (such as Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Renewing Cream with SPF). 4. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Evening Routine

Cleanser to remove makeup and dirt (same as the morning routine). 2. Salicylic acid applied after cleansing to target acne and unclog pores (2-3 times per week). 3. Moisturizer to repair and hydrate the skin overnight. If I use salicylic acid, I skip retinol and use a deeply hydrating moisturizer like Fully’s nighttime cream or Neutrogena Hydro Boost.

Weekly Add-Ons

Red light therapy 1-3 times a week to boost collagen and improve texture. Exfoliation (such as Fully Green Tomato Clay Mask) once a week to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin smooth.

Repairing and maintaining healthy skin takes consistency, patience, and the right products for your skin type. Whether you’re incorporating sulfur soap for discoloration, salicylic acid for acne, or red light therapy for anti-aging, remember that every step you take is an investment in your skin’s future. Stay hydrated, protect your skin with sunscreen, and listen to what your skin needs—it’s the best way to glow at any age.

xo Jessica