Hello beauties! It took some digging to figure out what those stubborn little bumps on my chin actually were—turns out, they were closed comedones. For the longest time, I kept piling on products, not realizing that some of them were only making things worse by clogging my pores even more.

So here's a gentle reminder: always check your ingredients. In the early stages of my routine shift, I avoided heavy butters and super-rich hydrators that could trigger more congestion. Instead, I focused on products that truly helped balance my skin without overwhelming it!

1. Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

This serum became a game changer in my routine. It helped reduce redness and improve texture, but only when I used it consistently—morning and night. Over time, it helped refine my pores and even out my skin tone.

2. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

This cleanser surprised me with how quickly it worked. It’s strong but effective, and I found the best results came with double cleansing—first with an oil-based cleanser to remove build-up, then following with this to really clean deep.

3. Oil-Free Moisturizer with Snail Mucin

When tackling clogged pores, I kept my moisturizer simple and oil-free. I picked one that featured snail mucin for its soothing and texture-refining benefits. It kept my skin hydrated without adding to the congestion.

4. COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid

I had tried several exfoliators before, including some popular names, but they didn’t do much for me. This one, though, stood out. It gently exfoliated my skin and helped reduce those tiny bumps without irritating or over-stripping.

Clearing up closed comedones takes patience, consistency, and the right products. Focus on balance and give your skin the space to heal. You'll thank yourself later!