I've been really uncomfortable with my skin for most of my life, constantly having blemishes and pimples as well as extreme sebum overproduction that made my face super shiny after just half an hour. For me, this is largely genetic, my mother also struggles with the same skin problems. Therefore, it has not helped me to give up sugar and dairy products - so at least I can still enjoy my ice cream.

In addition, my skin tone is rather uneven and reddened, which makes me feel not 100% good even with clear skin. Even now I feel 1000 times better with makeup, but over time I have found my routine, with which I have my skin under control and also leave the house bare-faced.

MY TIPS FOR CLEAR, BEAUTIFUL SKIN:

1. Thorough cleansing is the name of the game

If I've learned anything, it's that really thorough cleansing (2 or even 3 times a day) is absolutely the most important thing for my skin. This may be too much for other skin types, but I've found that if I wear makeup all day, my skin really thanks me for giving it another complete cleanse before a date night (especially if it's going to be a long night) - plus I feel much fresher.

To thoroughly cleanse, I first use an oil-based makeup remover and then wash my face twice (!) with a cleansing foam or gel. The first time the oil is completely removed, the second time I clean my skin really thoroughly with my electric face brush (a sponge also works great). In doing so, I leave the foam on for 2 minutes (while I brush my teeth). Because only after 2 minutes, the good cleansing ingredients can work properly, a beautician once told me.

After that, I remove the last dirt with a cotton pad soaked in toner. With toners, I love ingredients like glycolic acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA). However, if I'm using a treatment like Niacinamide, I prefer a super clean toner, like the MERME Facial Antioxidant Mist, which I spray onto a dampened cotton pad.

Something else that always works well for my blemishes: facial steam baths. All you have to do is hold your face over a bowl of hot water for 10 minutes, which opens up and cleanses your pores. After that, apply a cleansing mask and your face is truly pore-deep cleansed and appears much cleaner and clearer. It's best to do this at least once a week.

2. Individual treatments

Treating my skin as if it were "normal" in an attempt to normalize it doesn't work (surprise!). For me, I've found that variety is good for my skin, to keep it from getting too accustomed to one product and to cater to its current condition. Therefore, I use mostly very light products for my face and provide my skin only now and then with rich care. One of my favorite products is the MERME Facial Pore-Refining Powder, which is 100% pure Niacinamide, which allows me to dose it myself. It instantly makes my skin look finer and clearer. I use it in the morning or evening and then apply the MERME Facial Hydration Serum (pure hyaluronic acid) to my face for maximum hydration, followed by a mattifying organic fluid during the day.

Now that I'm over 30 (32 to be exact), I also incorporate a little anti-aging routine with the Collagen Serum, which I spray on after I apply the MERME Vitamin C powder. Since vitamin C enhances the effect of the collagen and stimulates the body's own collagen production, it is the perfect duo against skin aging.

3. Extra care for the eyes

With my focus on acne, I have unfortunately neglected the sensitive eye area for a long time. I therefore spray the Collagen Serum especially under the eyes and gently pat it in. Then I follow with a rich eye care.

I also treat myself (almost) every morning to eye patches with minerals, pearl extract and gold, which help with my dark circles and first wrinkles. Since I work from home anyway, I leave them on for an hour while I'm already sitting at my desk. I love this beauty ritual as it makes me feel much more awake and fit, like after a little spa treatment.

Even today, my skin isn't perfectly clear, but I've learned to be more at ease with it and to treat it with love - and instead of excessively picking it, better applying a mask.