I didn't do my skincare for 3 weeks — 8 holy grail products I won't give up again

As someone with historically oily, acne-prone skin, I was surprised by how much I like (really, truly like) the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil. Not only does the oil not break me out, but it leaves me with glowy, nourished skin. If (like me) you've played it a bit fast and loose with actives and have a stressed-out skin barrier, this face oil works wonders to calm your skin while simultaneously leaving it feeling and looking supple. 

I'm currently on my third bottle of this vitamin C-rich face oil, and I'm sure that when winter's harsh weather dries out my skin, I'll be on to my fourth and fifth. 

I have been using Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water on and off for over a decade, and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. This wallet-friendly micellar water removes dirt, oil and makeup without causing dryness or irritation. I use it both as a makeup remover and a toner, and it never fails to surprise me how much residue it takes off my skin. I've tried several variations of the micellar water, including the vitamin C formula and travel-sized option, and I love them all.

Expensive skincare may be my kryptonite, but whenever I need a drugstore restock, it's CeraVe's Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 that I'm adding to my cart. I have been using this sunscreen-laden moisturizer on and off for years, and for an affordable moisturizer with sun protection, it can't be beaten. It's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores — a winner if you have acne-prone skin. Plus, it's formulated with three essential ceramides to help maintain your skin barrier.

LED is one of the buzziest treatments in skincare right now. Experts have long prescribed it in professional settings, but the technology only recently became available for at-home use. In the LED therapy mask space, Qure Skincare is among the best-known. The FDA-cleared device treats acne, fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, plus, it offers customizable treatments depending on your specific skin concerns. 

I try to do the three-minute treatment several times a week, and since introducing it to my routine a few months ago, I have noticed a huge reduction in acne breakouts and a more even skin tone. It has five light options, including deep red for wrinkles and blue for acne, so I often change the treatment depending on what my skin looks and feels like that day. 

There's no getting around the fact that it's pricey, but if you regularly seek out light therapy treatments, this may end up saving you money in the long run. 

My love for Mighty Patch pimple patches runs deep. These little miracle workers shrink the appearance of whiteheads overnight or in as little as six hours. The medical-grade hydrocolloid absorbs the gunk from your zits, which is just as grossly satisfying as it sounds. I love them and will always throw a package into a self-care gift for a friend. 

I have so much love for Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant. Unlike other exfoliators, it's a dry rice-based powder that you mix with water, so you can really customize your experience. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin yet minimizes the appearance of blackheads, uneven texture and hyperpigmentation.

The Microfoliant is designed for daily use; however, I usually use it 3-4 times a week. If you love a physical exfoliator that sloughs off dead skin, this may not be for you, but if you're looking for something gentle to smooth and brighten your skin, this is a winner. 

As someone who has played far too fast and loose with retinoids and actives in the past, I love Rhode's Peptide Glazing Fluid as a gentle skin pick-me-up. The lightweight gel serum supports a healthy-looking skin barrier — something I desperately need — and improves overall skin texture thanks to a potent formulation of niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid and marula oil. 

I have tried many a vitamin C serums in my day, and many a vitamin C serums have broken me out — until now. Dermalogica's BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum is so good; so, so, so good. It's packed with vitamin C, lactic acid and hyaluronic acid — and targets fine lines, uneven texture and loss of firmness. It's expensive, so I only use it once daily, but it absorbs beautifully and keeps my skin clear and bright.