I'd say the number one compliment I've been getting since I was in my 20s is how great my skin looks. Not my super blended eyeshadow or my wing liner that's so sharp you "better not meet me in a dark alley" cause you might get cut...no, no, not my makeup skills, but my skin. It's something I take pride in because I make a conscious effort to really care for my skin. Mind you, I'm no expert, and I acknowledge that there are those of us who also work hard at maintaining your skin and still struggle with acne, pigmentation, eczema, and other countless skin complications. Skin care isn't as easy as giving you a regimen and list of products and bam, you're shining bright like a diamond. Everyone is different and all of our needs are different. So what I present to you are recommendations and what's worked for ME (a gal in my late 30s with oily/combo skin that hasn't really battled with major skin concerns). So read on, perhaps you'll learn a thing or two...or maybe you'll pick up some tips to share with a friend.
You are what you eat
I know, I know, you're probably thinking, "Gah, I've been hearing that line since I was a kid." But it's TRUE! How many times have you eaten something extra greasy, extra sweet, etc. etc. and the next day you have a new little friend bust up on your face? It's happened to me many a time and I'm reminded my body...my skin...loves greens, fruit, and water. The times when I eat the cleanest is when my skin is the clearest, most radiant, and well balanced. I'd say a majority of folks are especially not consuming enough water and it shows up on our skin. Dehydration affects so much, and when it comes to our skin a lack of water can really be aging, leads to oily skin or dry skin, and so much more. We should be drinking at least half a gallon of water a day. Yes you'll be visiting the little girls/boys room more often than you'd like, but you gotta do it for that glow!
Facials
Look in my closet and you won't see much designer anything aside from things gifted to me. My husband likes to tease me for being cheap, because I don't like to spend a lot on material things. But the one thing I will spend on is my skin care products and monthly facials. When I tell clients I get facials once a month, they're almost always shocked. "Really, I've never had a facial" or "wow, isn't that expensive?" is often the response. I've been lucky enough to have found an awesome esthetician who has a monthly member program so it comes out to $50 a month for a facial (check my FAQ page for Jennifer's info and deals). Mind you, most of us are on a budget, so that means I don't splurge on things like mani/pedis that often...all because the way I see it, we only have one face, it's how we make our first impression, and it's worth taking good care of.
Aside from my monthly facials, I also do an at home facial once or twice a week. I wash my face with my favorite gentle cleanser (Cetaphil $6.30) and then I use the Glam Glow ($43-$69) mask and apply it for 15-20 minutes. Every few days I also apply Manuka Honey ($19.85) to my face. Manuka Honey is from New Zealand and has so many benefits! It helps with breakouts, acne scarring, helps diminish fine lines and more (to read more about this magical honey, go here).
Daily Regimen
I often host workshops for young people, and the first thing I emphasize is the importance of a regimen. I start with the basics--the two most important takeaways being 1) wash your face at night and 2) sunscreen! Below are a list of products I use from morning to night in the order in which I use them:
1) Cetaphil Cleanser- such a gentle and effective cleanser. You don't want your cleanser to be too harsh because it can lead to more oil production or dry out your skin. 2) Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera ($9.14)- I use this magical product as my toner and apply it with a cotton pad. It helps ensure your skin is totally cleansed and balance the Ph in your skin. 3) Alina Skin Care Hyaluronic-Moisturizer (Vitmain C Serum $27)- In any form, vitamin C provides potent antioxidant protection, shielding skin from damaging free radicals—those pesky rogue molecules that promote premature aging. It also brightens the skin and helps with acne. 4) Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($12)-This brings me to what I mentioned was one of my two gems of advice, applying sunscreen on the daily. I can't tell you how many times I've heard clients who worshipped the sun with little regard for protecting their skin regret that choice once they hit their mid 30s and the sun damage starts to show. Even if you have oily skin, you want to add some moisture and protection for your skin.
At night...
I pretty much use the same cleanser and toner and then add my night time cream by Yonka. I use their Phyto 58 ($42). Not only does the cream smell like a spa, but it also has so many benefits. Refined and fast-absorbing, this cream rich in phyto-stimulating rosemary extracts is supreme in revitalizing the skin. It erases the signs of fatigue, refines skin texture, evens tone, and brightens the complexion.
Last tid bit to add, I don't wear much makeup on a daily basis. I don't wear foundation majority of the time, just concealer under my eyes and on blemishes. I like to let my skin breath...plus, makeup contains chemicals that just can't be great for our skin. So, if you're going to wear foundation, use a BB cream or mineral based foundation for some skin benefits...and the lighter the application the better.
That's all she wrote folks! This is pretty much how I care for my skin! I'm curious to hear if the info shared is helpful. Like I said before, I'm no expert and I'd love to hear what products you use that have been working for you. Better yet, do you have a skin care practice you'd like to share? We're all learning from each other, so don't be shy! Thanks for reading and sharing. <
