My Skin Backstory
Before I tell you all about my routine let me tell you about my skin! My skin is pretty dry especially in the winter. My driest areas are between my eyebrows and on my chin.
I am so dry that without fail by the end of the day there is always a textured dry spot in those places. I also have large pores which also bodes well for applying makeup. Usually if foundation glides over my dry patches it sinks into my pores and vice versa. It’s not a pretty sight. My skin is not generally acne prone unless I am hormonal, under a lot of stress, or applying something to my skin that it really doesn’t like. Lucky for me the same spots that are really dry are also the spots that tend to breakout when I do have a breakout. I guess that’s all I have to say about my skin. On to the routine!
The Power Of A Facial
I recently found out how powerful a facial can be back in November when I was fed up with my skin, and out of ideas for how to fix it. First of all, this is a heavenly experience. It’s like a mini massage for your face! Facials also give your facialist a chance to truly see your skin and how it reacts to different products. After my facial, I showed my facialist what my skincare routine was and she was able to give me some recommendations.
My Routine
In the morning, the only thing I do is apply moisturizer whether I am applying makeup or not my face always feels pretty dry so a like to give it a boost of hydration in the morning. I don’t wash my face in the morning because I don’t want to wash away all the oils my body has built up over night.
Before bed I wash my makeup off using cleanser and then do one of two things. I will cleanse again using that same cleanser or I will use an exfoliator to double cleanse while exfoliating. I only exfoliate three times a week because over exfoliating can cause your skin to try and over compensate for all the stuff your removing and make your skin more dense and hard.
After cleansing I apply a moisturizer and then head to bed. However, on Saturday or Sunday nights I will apply a hydrating mask that makes me feel like I have new skin the next day.
The Products
Cleanser: Promise Organic Ultra Moisturizing Argan Crème Facial Cleanser
Right now, I am using a drugstore cleanser that I picked up at CVS and can’t seem to find anywhere else. I like it because it boasts not having water as the first ingredient, instead the main ingredient is aloe. I love finding new natural skincare products as well as products with less chemicals because I feel like it’s better for my sensitive skin.
Exfoliator: St.Ives Even & Bright Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Scrub
Luke actually found this one and I absolutely love it. Instead of the super grainy texture exfoliators usually have this one is completely different. It uses very fine granules to exfoliate, and it reminds me of wet sand. With this product I get the exfoliation without being too rough on my skin.
Moisturizer: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance
This is one my facialist suggested to me. She saw how dry my skin was and recommended I use a heavier moisturizer for the winter months. It is super moisturizing while still remaining lightweight enough to put on under my makeup. It is a little on the pricey side, but if you’re going to splurge on beauty it might as well be on your skincare.
Mask: Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
This is a product that my facialist actually used on me during my facial. After she used it, my face looked and felt more plump and alive! I knew I needed it. Every time I use this I feel like I got another mini facial! This is another one that’s pretty pricey, but I really see the results in my skin which is more than I can say for most of the skincare I have purchased in the past.
What’s Next
I am thinking about adding a serum to routine to give me that extra boost of moisture. Adding an eye cream to my routine is 2nd on the list to combat my dark circles. I also want to focus on making sure my makeup brushes are cleaned weekly so that they don’t contribute to any skin issues. Finally, I want to focus on is making sure the skin on the rest of my body is just as hydrated. I got a recommendation for the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream so that is next on my list to try.