Yall -- get ready for a long one :-)
Particularly in recent years, I've been plagued by inconsistencies with my skin. The older I have gotten, the lazier I've become about my diet and exercise, I've made multiple moves to different parts of the country, and spent my fair share of time in the sun just like any other southern girl. To say that my skin has suffered is an understatement. I've notice wrinkles deepening, skin sagging, bags forming, redness surfacing, vessels breaking, blemishes burgeoning faster than I can say salicylic acid -- you name it, I've experienced it. To top it all off, I was fighting all these battles before pregnancy, so my recent haywire hormones certainly haven't helped. I've tried every product and facial and in the end I'm convinced they all made it worse. Actually - I know they did because I had the worst breakout of my life the week of my wedding and they day off was just awful. So for the last 6 months I've made it my mission to get to the bottom of what my skin needs. Unfortunately, I'm sure things will all change again after the baby arrives, but I am taking solace in the fact that for the first time in years (yes, literally YEARS!) my skin is clear. No redness, the broken vessels around my nose are diminishing, my puffy eyes are evening out, my skin tone is nowhere near as red as it was, and my skin is actually soft. I might just cry tears of joy if it didn't mean it would make my eyes all red and puffy ;-)
So here's what I do:
1. I am religious about washing my face every morning and every night, no exceptions. I don't sleep with makeup on, I am never too tired to take care of my skin. That alone has made a world of difference.
2. Mornings: First I dampen my face with warm water, and smooth over a little of this:
I've been trying to go the more natural route since Baby T came in the picture, and I love this line. You'll see more of it in just a minute, keep your britches on!
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| I use my Clarisonic to work in my cleanser. This alone has made such a huge impact on the appearance and quality of my skin! Keep an eye out for Sephora sales to get a discount. I just have the first addition and it works like a dream, I don't really see the need to spend the extra money for an additional speed, but do what works for you! |
I rinse with warm water, pat dry with a towel, and then it's product time:
When I remember, I use a toner. I have a bottle of Boots no. 7 skin brightening toner from Target (bought it ages ago) that I don't think they carry any longer. SOOOO I'll be on the hunt for a new one, but it's really not essential to my routine in all honesty.
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| I use this moisturizer because it is the only one I have ever tried that hasn't made me break out. At night I use the Yes to Tomatoes cleanser instead of the carrots, and so far this routine has worked pretty well for me, so why change it?! |
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| I've mentioned this before (like, in my last post...) and it is worth mentioning again. I follow my regular moisturizer with this one just around my eyes, keeping my distance from my water line. I pat it in with my ring finger and then smooth it out just a bit, working against the direction of any fine lines/wrinkles (crevices...trenches...whatever you like to call them...) It has made such a huge difference in making me look more awake! I apply it morning and night. |
To combat my redness, I use:
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| I eat grapefruit like my life depends on it. I just love the stuff. I cut off the rind, and just go to town, I eat the membranes and everything (they're good for your heart and arteries). This serum is only $19.99 at Target and let me tell you IT WORKS! It leaves my face feeling smooth and silky and with no redness at all, which can often be an issue when using the Yes to Tomatoes line. Get this stuff!!! Any old acne scars have healed almost entirely, my skin tone is even |
OK! That's it! Every now and again at the end I'll spritz a little bit of this:
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Mystic
Oil-free, anytime moisturizer for all skin types
It's good for oily/acne prone skin and can be used at any time that a little moisture boost is needed! |
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Finally, once a week (every Friday...) I use this mask:
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Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
I've mentioned this too, but it's just so great :-) |
Happy Skin Soothing!
XO
