After struggling for years with skin texture issues from active breakouts to chicken skin (keratosis pilaris)I’ve finally found a routine that helped transform my skin. Consistency and the right products made all the difference. Here’s the step-by-step routine I follow that helped me smooth out and clear up my skin, especially on my chest and back.
Step 1: Cleanse with Antibacterial Bar Soap 🧼
I always start my shower by cleansing my skin thoroughly with an antibacterial bar soap. This step helps to remove:
- Sweat
- Dirt
- Any products from earlier in the day
- Bacteria that could lead to breakouts
My go-to options:
- Dettol Bar Soap
- Dial White Antibacterial Soap
I create a rich lather using either a soft, clean washcloth, a silicone body brush, or my African net sponge (a game-changer for reaching my back!). I focus especially on problem areas like my upper back, shoulders, and chest, making sure everything feels clean without being stripped or irritated.
Step 2: Exfoliate Gently with a Targeted Body Wash 🧴
Instead of relying on physical scrubs that often leave my skin irritated, I’ve found that chemical exfoliation works wonders for me. I alternate between two body washes and ionic acid soap depending on what my skin needs that day:
- Naturium Salicylic Acid Body Wash – helps to unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and smooth texture.
- Olay cleansing and renewing retinol body wash -improving skin texture, tone, and hydration.
- Kojie san Kojic Acid soap – targets hyperpigmentation and helps even out skin tone.
How I use them:
- I apply a generous amount to my chest, back, and any textured areas.
- I let it sit on the skin for about 3 minutes to give the active ingredients time to work.
- Then I rinse it off with cool water this helps to calm the skin and reduce inflammation.
This step helped reduce my breakouts and smooth out bumpy areas over time.
🧖♀️ Body Wash Rotation:
You could rotate your body washes like this:
- Salicylic Acid (2–3x/week)
- Kojic Acid (1–2x/week)
- Olay Retinol (1–2x/week, ideally at night)
Step 3: Post-Shower Moisturising on Damp Skin 💧
After stepping out of the shower, I moisturise immediately while my skin is still damp not dripping wet. This helps lock in hydration and soothe any irritation, especially after exfoliating.
My go-to:
- Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Soothing Lotion
Why I love it:
- Deeply hydrating but non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores)
- Lightweight with no greasy residue
- Helps soothe any itchiness or inflammation, especially after shaving or exfoliating
This step is crucial. It keeps my skin barrier happy and healthy, which in turn reduces flare-ups and prevents new bumps from forming.
💡 Finally
Consistency and gentle care were key for me. I used to overdo it with scrubs and harsh products, but this routine gave me visible results without stressing out my skin. If you’re dealing with similar issues like breakouts, chicken skin, or uneven texture, I really recommend giving this kind of approach a try.
Product links: https://tr.ee/QuxE4Z.
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