I spent years and thousands of dollars on skincare that didn't work. Here's what I wish someone told me earlier.

The 3 that actually work:

1. Salicylic Acid (BHA) — Gets inside your pores and dissolves the gunk. Use it as a cleanser or leave-on treatment. Start at 2%.

2. Niacinamide — Calms inflammation, fades dark spots, and regulates oil. The ingredient most people skip but shouldn't. 5% is the sweet spot.

3. Retinoid (Adapalene) — The gold standard for acne. It speeds up cell turnover so dead skin doesn't clog your pores. Start slow — 2-3x a week at night.

What doesn't work (despite the hype):

• Coconut oil on your face (it's comedogenic)

• Harsh scrubs and walnut exfoliants (micro-tears = more breakouts)

• 10-step routines (your skin barrier can't handle it)

The truth? Simple routines with proven ingredients beat expensive serums every time.

I break down exactly how to build your routine inside Clear Skin Club — personalized advice, product recs, and a community of women going through the same thing.