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Dark spots and bumpy forehead: 5 skincare products that actually worked + Routine

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Last Updated on January 5, 2022 by Latrice

Hi. 

My name is Latrice. I’m 30-something years old. And I am new-ish to skincare routines. 

Up until a year ago, my skincare routine mostly consisted of shower water, bar soap, and body lotion on most days. Sometimes I’d try toner and an actual moisturizer on a regular basis, but would fall off of the discipline. 

Looking to finally take proper care of my skin, I set out to establish a skincare routine that actually addressed my skin’s needs as well as the things I wanted to fix. 

After weeks of casual research, and an appointment with my doctor, I put together a routine and found products to start working with. 

Dark spots started fading. My forehead started smoothing out. My skin started glowing and looking moisturized. And I have to say I am pretty pleased. 

Below I share tips for doing product research and creating a routine good for your skin and your overall well-being. We don’t want to create a skincare routine that’s overwhelming or includes products that can be too harsh on our skin or flare-up stuff we didn’t know was going on. 

Let’s get into this.

How to create a skincare routine from scratch 

  1. Check with your doctor, ask about any skin concerns you have, and see a specialist if necessary | By telling my doctor about my concerns and getting my skin examined, I got recommendations for products and chemicals to look for as well as helpful steps to have in my routine. This helped me start with what I needed instead of trying to do all the things I found online. 
  2. Find the ideal skincare routine | I went with the routine of LaBeautyologist who has phenomenal skin and a face washing method that went viral and changed many lives. I still use it. I don’t tone as often as she does, but her method has helped plenty.
  3. Test products and pay attention to your skin | I’ve tried products from Trader Joe’s that made my skin burn and higher-priced products from Target that works like magic. I’ve tried stuff from Tula, Sephora, and Ulta. I’ve been around. This is a journey that will involve a bit of investment, patience, and testing. Once you find products that feel good on your skin, test them. It can take over a month to see results. 

On to the 5 skincare products that have been clearing my scars and smoothing my textured, bumpy forehead.

Skincare products for dark spots and textured forehead that work


Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links.’ This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Full disclosure.


  1. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | I learned from LaBeautyologist that chemical exfoliants are better than manual exfoliants because manual exfoliants can damage the skin. (1)
  2. Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Serum | I love the smell and gave this a try after finishing two bottles of Sweet Chef Ginger Vitamin C Serum Shot. I am more of a fan of Sweet Chef but did have two scars lighten up in weeks while using up my bottle of Bliss.
  3. Gleamin Turmeric Vitamin C Clay Mask | The glow is real here. It really does give a nice glow and my skin feels smoother too.
  4. Sweet Chef Superfood + Vitamins Boost Moisture | Super moisturizing and I love using it at night because it’s a thicker moisturizer.
  5. Vitabrid C12 Face Brightening Powder | Got this in my Ipsy monthly subscription. I’ve been using it for almost a month by mixing it in my moisturizer in the morning and evening.
Clearer, smoother skin.

Skincare products listed in the order I use them (routine)

  1. Bliss Makeup Melt Oil-Free Makeup Remover Wipes | First step of cleansing in the evening is getting the makeup off my face.
  2. Tula #Nomakeup Replenishing Cleansing Oil | Removes what the wipes don’t. Rubbing my face with oil feels so comforting and is such a treat in the evenings. Sometimes I’ll do it long enough to pull out sebaceous filaments. Another method I learned from the LaBeautyologist. I’ve included a video of her oil cleansing method below.
  3. SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Foaming Facial Wash | I use this in the evenings after I cleanse with oil.
  4. BYBI Milk Melt Oat Milk Facial Cleanser | I use this in the mornings as my first step. It’s lightweight and makes my skin feel nice.
  5. Nano Ionic Hot Mist Face Steamer | I use this 1 to 2 times a week for deep cleaning. Keeping my face really clean is how I avoid breakouts that cause scars.
  6. Heritage Store Rosewater Toner | Smells great. Suggested by LaBeautyologist and she has great skin so I’ve been using it for over a year.
  7. Gleamin Turmeric Vitamin C Clay Mask & Mask Brush | Yes, I got sucked in by the ads on Instagram and Facebook. I like the mask and feel it has made a difference. I’ve watched scars from pimples fade and disappear.
  8. I use the toner again after I do my mask.
  9. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | A better exfoliant than using a manual exfoliant. Manual exfoliant damages skin.
  10. Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Protecting & Brightening Serum | I love the smell and gave this a try after finishing two bottles of Sweet Chef Ginger Vitamin C Serum Shot. I am more of a fan of Sweet Chef but did have two scars lighten up in weeks while using up my bottle of Bliss.
  11. Vitabrid C12 Face Brightening Powder | Got this in my Ipsy monthly subscription. I’ve been using it for almost a month by mixing it in my moisturizer in the morning and evening.
  12. Urban Skin Rx Complexion Protection Mineral Moisturizer | Gotta use a moisturizer with sunscreen in the mornings. Especially here in the valley during the summers while the sun is slow roasting you like a chicken at the market. I mix in the Vitabrid with it. 
  13. Sweet Chef Superfood + Vitamins Boost Moisture | Super moisturizing and I love using it at night because it’s a thicker moisturizer. I also mix in the Vitabrid here too.
  14. Jade Roller | On the nights that I’m feeling extra self-pamper-ish, I’ll rub my face with my stones fresh out the freezer or warm them up in the faucet and then rub my face. I read this rubs the products into my skin and helps with distribution. I’d like to do this more often than I do, but… baby steps. 

My journey to establishing a solid skincare routine in my 30s has been an adventurous one, but one worth taking as my skin has seen improvement. 

I also like how having a skincare routine allows me to slow down and spend some relaxing alone time in the mornings and evenings. It’s almost meditative if I only play my jazz or spa music. 

How has your skincare journey been? Are you a newish (or a complete newbie) in your 30s too?  

dark spots and bumpy forehead

About Latrice

I was sitting at the edge of my bed in tears. My weight had crept up to 235 lbs again and the hunt for something to wear got overwhelming. But it was about more than the outfit. I just didn’t feel good and I was tired of trying to lose weight and live healthier. What did I do to lose 75 lbs after trying “everything”? Find out here.

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Welcome, I'm Latricia!

We’re asking questions and doing things differently while we explore women’s wellness, self-care, and lifestyle topics. Learning to take better care of ourselves, stop self-neglect, and achieve our glow up goals.  

I’m working on my “that girl” goals too. Doing research, gathering resources, experimenting, and reporting back here. Find out more here

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