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

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.

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?