You may not know this, but I am a skincare junkie. The beauty aisle in Walgreens is my wallet’s worst enemy. My routine was down to science but after 30 my skin started to change, and I had to change my regimen. It is important to notice differences in your skin as you age because you want to focus your skin’s ever-changing needs.
During my twenties, my skin was more prone to breakouts and oily and now that I am thirty I have combination skin (some parts of your face are dry or flaky while the center part of your face, nose, chin, and forehead are oily). Before I changed my routine, I was treating my skin for a breakout that wasn’t happening which was drying out my skin. I noticed my skin looked dull, and I was having issues with hyperpigmentation which left dark marks on my skin.
I am an original gangster of skin from way back ( I had Noxima on deck in ’95) I have been into skin care systems for as long as I can remember. The three steps to remember are cleanse, tone, and moisturize. You can cater all three of these steps to dry, oily or combination skin.What you chose to use for each step is based on what works best on your skin.I’m sharing my current obsessions below:
Cleansing
I have used every variation of cleanser, foaming, exfoliating beads, and cream cleansers. My favorite cleanser delivers on its promise without all the bells and whistles. Formula 10.0.06 Best Face Forward is a gel cleanser that delivers, I would not recommend this product to anyone with dry skin. Formula 10.0.06 gets my skin super clean without stripping my skin of its natural oils
I have also added a facial brush into my cleansing routine, and I like to call it my poor woman’s Clarisonic. I apply a small amount of my cleanser and few drops of water and scrub in a circular motion with the facial brush. The brush helps the cleanser penetrate deeper into the skin, and it also exfoliates.
I never understood why your daytime skin care should differ from your nighttime routine until now. When I want to take off my makeup at the end of the night, I want it all off in one easy step. I have been using Neutrogena Cleansing Facial Oil for about three months, and I am completely addicted to washing my face with oil. Washing with oil is so gentle and is effective it even takes off my eye makeup.
I have also tried washing my face with extra virgin olive oil. It did remove all my makeup, and if I had dry skin I would continue washing my face with extra virgin olive oil, I prefer Neutrogena because it is lighter than olive oil but it’s worth giving a try, just be sure to rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water.
Toning
I love toner even when I am strapped for cash I use Witch Hazel as an inexpensive option. I recommend using a toner if you use SPF on your skin (that should be everyone) or wear heavy makeup. Toner removes oil and traces of excess dirt that your cleanser did not remove.
I have opted out of traditional toners and started using micellar water. I’m head over heels in love with micellar water it’s so refreshing sometimes traditional toner can be abrasive.
I’ve tried two different brands Simple Cleansing Micellar Water and Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water. I used the Simple brand first and I if you don’t wear heavy makeup then you will like this product. I prefer the Granier SkinActive water because I do wear makeup and it is great for cleansing my skin on a morning when I’m running late and don’t have time to go through my whole regimen.
Moisturising
I have no loyalty when it comes to moisturizers because I live in the Midwest so depending on the season my skin needs different things. I do look for products that promote brightening skin because of my hyperpigmentation. Right now I am using Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter with SPF 15. I do like it and it’s light and efficient but depending on how hot it gets this summer I may have to transition into a lighter moisturizer.
Once again my nighttime routine has changed I have read that your skin absorbs more product in your sleep than while you are awake. I love Loreal Age Perfect night cream, and I see an improvement in my skin since adding a night cream into my regimen.There can be times when the day takes a toll on my face and at the end of the night I apply my night cream, and when I wake up the next day, my skin looks refreshed.
What’s your skincare routine? Tell me what is your standby product in the comments below.
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