Of all the things to come back to blogging for, I figured skincare would be a good option! Ha! You guys know that this is not a beauty blog, but I have received a lot of questions about what I use on my skin, and I always love to know what other people are using. Here’s some background on my skin. I used to have acne – not terrible, but it was consistent for many years. Then fertility hormones and pregnancy brought on some bad melasma. My main objectives the last year have been to reduce melasma, work on wrinkles and acne scars, maintain a clear complexion, and hydrate and brighten. For so so long I was ashamed to go out in public without makeup. Now I leave the house makeup-free all the time. I do work with an expert esthetician, and I do have one prescription face cream from my doctor.
Here’s the deal, y’all. Not all of these products are clean. My skin has been a source of insecurity for years, and I really wanted to feel comfortable about it. These products have helped more than anything ever has. Right now it is working for me. I am not saying I will do these things forever, but for now I am seeing great results.
I truly believe that what I eat and drink affects my skin. Once I stopped eating dairy and reduced my chocolate intake, my zits were gone. Do I eat dairy and chocolate occasionally? Yes. But if I eat those things around my period, I am guaranteed a couple of breakouts. As far as hydrated, plump skin, I think healthy fats (like avocado, coconut oil, salmon, etc), drinking plenty of water, incorporating collagen, and eating antioxidant-rich foods, and limiting processed foods and sugars truly helps your skin health. Also, sleep helps. I’m not always great at that one.
I have gone over this routine with a skin expert. Everyone’s skin is different, so keep in mind that this is what works for me. Also, most of these products need to be used once a week at first, then gradually build them up. My skin is dry, so I have to be careful not to overdo it, especially with the Mela-Fade, the retina-A and the glycolic product.
Washing My Face/Removing My Makeup
My favorite product for washing my face and removing my makeup is the Beautycounter cleansing balm and a warm washcloth. I am currently out, and I wanted to see how my skin would do with Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser. I do like the cleansing balm better, but I was using it up too quickly. So I will rub some of the Cetaphil cleanser on my eyes, without wetting them first. Then get a washcloth wet with warm water, and gently remove my makeup.
Morning Routine
My morning staples include Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, Elta MD sunscreen, and moisturizer. Every day. If I remember, I use this Skinceuticals eye serum. And the Environ products are a step 1 and 2 process, and they are made especially for melasma and skin darkening. So I do the vitamin C, the eye serum, then the Mela-Fade products, A then B, then SPF, then moisturizer. Lately I have used Cerave moisturizer, but for a long time I used the Drunk Elephant protein polypeptide cream, and that was great, too. Next time I go to the esthetician, I am planning to try the moisturizer that she recommends.
Vitamin C serum | Eye Serum | Sunscreen | Melafade Products | Moisturizer
Night Time Routine
This varies, depending on what I’m focusing on at the time. Last fall, my melasma really started to get better when I introduced prescription Retin-A. I got this through my doctor. I have the lowest dose. I used it sparingly at first, then I was able to use it nightly. I know it is controversial, but it changed my skin. I did not use it at all this summer, because I was out in the sun more. And I have only recently used it on a couple breakouts.
Currently I try to do the Environ derma roller, that I heard about through my esthetician, followed by the Skinceuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight a couple of nights a week. I am supposed to do it nightly, but to be honest, I haven’t used it consistently enough yet. It’s a current goal, because it absolutely helps my skin. On those nights, that’s all I would do, plus some of the same eye serum I use in the mornings.
Once or twice a week I use a Tinkle razor, then follow with the Glycolic serum again.
If my skin is dry, I will top that with a moisturizer (same as morning), but that is rare, because I am still paranoid about breaking out.
Extras
If I am feeling like my pores are clogged, I need a refresher, or I have hormonal breakouts, I use one of two masks. I like the Beautycounter charcoal mask and the Egyptian clay mask.
The times that I use self tanner (which is rare – mainly for special occasions or trips), I use these tanning drops in light/medium on my face. I just put one or two drops in my hand with a little moisturizer and mix then apply on my face.
And don’t forget the Tinkle razors. I’ve used them for years and am a loyal fan.
I hope this was helpful!
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