My Morning Skincare Routine

Simple Steps That Are Helping My Problematic Skin

EVERYDAY WITH MEL

Melissa Rose Cooper

8/26/20253 min read

If you’ve ever felt like your skin just won’t cooperate, trust me — I’ve been there.

For as long as I can remember, my skin and I have been on a rollercoaster. Acne and hyperpigmentation have followed me since childhood. And no matter what stage of life I was in, it always felt like I was facing a new battle. Over the years, I’ve seen dermatologists, tried prescriptions, and invested in countless “holy grail” products. Some things worked temporarily but eventually the cycle of frustration would start again.

This past year was especially tough. My skin felt like it just wouldn’t cooperate, no matter what I did. I had been using Paula’s Choice for a while because of all the hype. And yes it worked... until it didn't. By May, I was ready for a change and that’s when I decided to try La Roche-Posay.

Figuring Out My Routine

I started simple, washing my face with the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser, which is designed for oily skin. From the very first week, I noticed my skin felt cleaner without being stripped... A MAJOR plus for me.

After cleansing, I followed up with the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer. It's very lightweight and gives me the hydration I need while keeping my skin balanced throughout the day. No more of that constant feeling like oil is dripping on my skin. I still have some shine but now it really just feels more like a glow, which actually makes me happy. I mean, who doesn't want to feel like their shining bright like a diamond? LOL.

But even though my skin was improving, I felt like I still needed something extra to help with the breakouts. So, I decided to add the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide to my routine. It's not something I use all the time because I don't want to risk making my skin too dry and then create more problems. So now, I use this in the morning and use the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser at night as part of my double cleanse.

To finish off my morning routine, I never skip sunscreen. Right now, I’m using the Supergoop! Glow Screen in Sunset. It blends beautifully and gives me that extra glow all while protecting my skin from future damage.

Why I’m Sticking With It

The difference with this routine has been steady, gradual progress. It's definitely NOT an overnight miracle but real results I can see and feel. My skin feels healthier and calmer. For the first time in a long time, I’m optimistic about where it’s headed.

If you’ve been on a similar journey and are still searching for products that ACTUALLY make a difference, I highly recommend giving these a try. I’ve linked all the products in my Amazon store so you can shop them directly. Because when you finally find what works, it makes facing the day that much easier.

Watch the video below to see my morning routine in action. Oh, and the glasses I am wearing are courtesy of Zenni. They really are my favorite because they come in so many different styles, they're customizable, and the best part... AFFORDABLE! The pair I have on are part of the Transitions Gen S line. You can learn more about them here.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you.***