I know what you're thinking....."How many times can a person really change their skin care routine?" The answer is......A LOT. Especially if you're a product junkie such as myself. Although, I do try to keep it as consistent as possible with the basics, while introducing some new products along the way. My skin is a bit sensitive so I have to be very selective on what I choose to add to the routine. It's important to know that whatever products you're adding will work well with what you're already using. However, sometimes it simply comes down to trial an error.
As I mentioned before, I LOVE to read skin care posts. I find it very interesting to see what other people are using on their skin! I'm excited to find out about new products, different tips on how to use them, etc. It's just fun!
For the most part, my skin care routine is pretty much the same but I have switched up some things and added a few new products to the mix.
Just a reminder, my skin type is combination that's a bit more on the oilier side and I tend to have an occasional breakout every now and then. I am also using more products that are geared towards anti-aging as well. Let's get on with it!
The brands that I have been using are
La Roche-Posay,
Kiehl's, Lancome and
SkinCeuticals. I've had nothing but success with these brands and highly recommend trying some of the products if you haven't already.
Clarisonic Mia (
Link!)- Not sure how on earth I forgot to mention this in my last post! This cleansing brush is really where it all starts. It cleanses your skin 6X better than your hands alone! It cleanses, exfoliates, and really gets deep down into your pores to get all of the dirt and makeup out. I highly recommend getting this brush if you don't already have one. It will change your life! It's an investment, but think of it as investing in your skin's health. At least that's what I tell my husband!
*La Roche Posay's Effaclar* line (
Link!) is for Acne/Oily skin and is absolutely fantastic! I use the cleanser, toner, acne treatment, and sunscreen from this line. I used to suffer terribly from acne in my teenage years and throughout my 20's. Now it's more hormonal acne that I'm experiencing these days and I find that this line really helps to control it.
Effaclar Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream is the cleanser that I have been using both morning and night. It deep cleanses, unclogs and tightens the pores without over drying the skin. I use this with my Clarisonic brush and the two together are amazing.
Effaclar Toner is a micro-exfoliant toner that helps to instantly unblock and reduce pore size. Very refreshing, exfoliates and removes any residual product on the skin. I use this at night.
Effaclar Duo is an acne treatment that has a patent-pending combination of Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide [5.5%] to reduce acne and Micro-exfoliating LHA [0.4%] to exfoliate and even texture. I use this only at night. I must say, this product is a real game changer if you suffer from acne, whether it's an occasional breakout to severe acne. It's the combination of both the LHA and the Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide that does the trick. I absolutely cannot live without this product!
Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid (
Link!) is 100% Mineral Sunscreen with Cell-Ox Shield: a patent-pending combination of UV filters and a powerful anti-oxidant complex to further protect your skin. I love this sunscreen so much because it's light, it leaves a matte finish, and it doesn't cause any breakouts.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (
Link!) regenerates, repairs, and replenishes for smoother, healthier skin overnight. It smells absolutely amazing and absorbs quickly into the skin. You will wake up with the most beautiful, hydrated skin ever. Lovely product!
Lancome Progres Eye Cream (
Link!)- This is a very simple yet effective eye cream. It simply minimizes the appearance of premature aging around the eye area. Since it's a bit on the "thick" side and very moisturizing, I use this eye cream at night.
Lancome High Resolution Eye Refill-3X (
Link!) - I have some fine lines under my eyes and I find that this eye cream really smooths them out. It's effective, wears beautifully under make-up and it doesn't irritate my eyes at all.
Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Cream (
Link!) - Previously, I was using the Bienfait Aqua Vital cream as a daytime moisturizer. As of late, I'm finding that my skin needs a bit more moisture these days with the weather being so cold and dry, so I wanted to try this one out. I just bought it the other day so I can't really give you a full review, but I like it so far. It's very moisturizing, has an SPF, full of nurturing vitamins/antioxidants and does't leave my skin feeling greasy.
SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Oily Moisturizer (
Link!) - This is a FANTASTIC night cream! The Hydroxy Acid really exfoliates the skin making it smooth and radiant, while the purifying botanical extracts really help to clear acneic, congested skin. This is all done while you sleep! It doesn't get any better than that!
SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque (
Link!) - This is a really good mask to use on all skin types, but if you have combination or oily skin it's really awesome. I use it about once or twice a month depending on how my skin is doing. The Hydroxy Acid blend exfoliates while the clay draws out the impurities in the skin. It's also really good to use as a quick spot treatment on a pimple. Just dab it on the pimple with a Q-Tip and leave it on over night.
- Whatever treatment that you are using on your face, be sure to bring them down the neck and onto the decolletage. A lot of people forget about their neck and I don't understand that. Think about it...what you'll have is a beautiful, young looking face and then a turkey neck??!!?? I don't get it.
- Don't rush your skincare routine. We are all busy with work and our families, but take the time to let your skincare products work. Really massage that cleanser into your skin, let your serum absorb for 3-5 mins before putting on your moisturizer, and massage the moisturizer into your skin in an upwards motion to really get the blood flowing. DON'T FORGET YOUR NECK!
- Always, Always, Always....remove your make-up before bed. Your skin repairs itself at night, so if you leave the make-up on that you've been wearing all day while sleeping, it will penetrate deep into the pores causing breakouts. YUCK!
- Wear....your.....SUNSCREEN!
- I love make-up remover wipes, I really do. They are an effective way to remove make-up prior to cleansing but please be gentle with them. Especially around the eye area. You never want to tug and pull the skin anywhere on your face. That's what causes wrinkles. Take your time.
- Exfoliate-but don't over do it. All of your products will work so much better with freshly, exfoliated skin.
- Most importantly.....you are what you eat! Green juice never hurt anyone!
