Beauty Tips For Body Care
selfie shelfieSo I've been working on this master post for a couple weeks now. Below you will find my very in depth routine, reviews, products I want, and more. I have been up and down trying to control my skin and I'm finally at the point where I'm happy enough with it. I still have imperfections, but if I could only have this skin the rest of my life, I would be more than okay with that. I don't have a good before (cause hey, when you have acne like I did you AVOID pictures.) I had the large pustules with multiple heads in one area, deep cystic acne, and so much PIH. THIRTEEN years is what is has taken to get the skin I have today. A lot of money has gone into my skin. I have wanted to give up SO many times. I am here to say, I see those of you who feel hopeless. This post is less about celebrating my clear skin and more about to illustrate how HARD one needs to work to get it. For some people, less is more. For others, more is necessary. What's important is listening to your skin and giving it what it's asking for. This is what I'm currently doing for my skin. As I notice negative changes, I adapt. I try new products constantly. I empty a bottle and pick up something else. Because this might work now, but the next one may work better. To help me keep track of the products I'm using and when to use them, I use SkinSmart. It allows me to see my skin history over time and how products/environment/life events affect it.Skin type: normal/drySkin history: super fair skinned and never cared about sunscreen until I was mid twenties. I grew up on a working ranch and like to kayak/etc. So yeah, sun damage. Mostly in the form of freckles and tight feeling skin if I'm not moisturizing. Living in North Texas (sun and pollution are issues.) Work in front of a computer all day. Glasses/contacts. I suffer from seasonal allergies and usually when my allergies flare up I get acne due to the extra face contact and I get milia on my cheeks. I am on an oral contraceptive (combination hormone) and usually skip my periods. I don't struggle with acne anymore, but occasionally get something cystic on my chin that is large, painful, and deep or blackheads on my lip I pissed off that flared up. I do struggle with closed comedones on my forehead and have always chocked it up to poor skin texture until I saw my doctor. Now I say anymore because back in the day, ya girl needed some help. Neither Accutane or Differin made a difference then. I've been on a thirteen year journey and have finally found pretty clear skin. I luckily avoided scarring (by not picking/popping/aggravating any of it.) So I only had to deal with uneven skin texture and hyperpigmentation. Until last year, I was on tret 0.1% to help treat everything and this was the real game changer I think. I've had a handful of peels done at my derm, resurfacing treatments, and some other random stuff. It has not been easy and don't be too hard on yourself. Remember, YMMV!!Skin concerns: dull skin, CC's, PIH, large pores, flushed appearance, mild scarring, allergy induced milia, aging, and KP.Non-routine skin choices/behaviors:Drinking at least 48oz of water a dayPillow cases/face towels changed every two daysMakeup is always removed by a wipe prior to cleansing (I have various wipes, lol)I don't pick at my skin, will use (sterilized) tools when extractingConscious of face touchingMakeup brushes/blenders are washed weeklyAdmittedly, I have a terrible sleep schedule. Usually up after midnight and at work by 9am.I am pre diabetic so I already limit carbs/sugars and it's improved my skin a lot!Face towels changed every other dayI use a lot of different lip balms, some of my favorites are Vaseline Lip Therapy, Burt's Bees, and Eos.Taking a probiotic specifically to help with skin healthUsing Amlactin Daily on my KP spots and exfoliating in the shower, huge improvement!I recently saw my derm and got a script for BP + Clindamycin and 0.05% tretinoin. The routine below is what I've been following BEFORE getting on these. I followed with my new routine as well.Daily AM:Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-one (blue, no rinse, applied w/ a cotton ball)Clean & Clear Essentials Deep Cleaning Toner (0.5% salicylic acid, applied w/ hands)Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence Energizing (Vit C and Bergamot)Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer (Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat)Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream (Sun/Thu)Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50 + / PA +++Daily PM:Bliss Makeup Melt Dry|Wet Gentle Jelly Cleanser with Rose FlowerBliss Fab Foaming 2-in-1 Cleanser and Exfoliator with Bamboo Buffers (very mild exfoliant, used w/ a spin brush similar to clarisonic)Actives go here on applicable daysClean & Clear Essentials Deep Cleansing Toner (0.5% salicylic acid, applied w/ hands)Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence Energizing (Vit C and Bergamot)Microneedling goes here on applicable daysSerums, see list belowJade RollerMasks go here on applicable daysCetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream with Hyaluronic AcidBliss Drench & Quench Cream to Water HydratorEcolips Lip Scrub in mint (as needed)Etude House My Lash SerumOdd Steps:Paper/gel mask (sun/tue/thu)Bliss That's Incredi-peel (10% glycolic acid pad, cleanse with Daiso Aloe Facial Cleansing Foam instead of the Bliss 2-in-1 with no brush, skip the Clean & Clear Toner, follow with Soroci Calming Essence, also skip Olay Mist, tue/thu)Microneedling (0.25 needle length, follow with Soroci Calming Essence, Mon/fri)First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra Firm Sleeping Cream (as an occlusive after moisturizer, sun/tue/thu)Clay/Mud Mask (removed with wet konjac or spin brush, mon)Steaming followed by extractions (immediately after cleanse, 10 minutes, pure water, tue)Lip and eye mask (gel type, wed)Stridex Maximum Pads (2.0% salicylic acid, sun/wed AM)Vasoline (when I feel I need an occlusive)Curology (4% Niacinamide 1% Clindamycin 4% Azelaic Acid, sun/wed/Fri)Serums and order:Peach and Lily Glass Skin Refining SerumNeutrogena Hydro Boost Multivitamin Booster with Hyaluronic AcidCeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid SerumTretinoin 0.05% routine!AMGarnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-one (blue, no rinse, applied w/ a cotton ball)Bliss What a Melon Replenishing Watermelon Toner (applied with cotton pad)Clindamycin + BP gel (1%/5%, RX, only as spot treatment)Bliss Drench and Quench Cream to Water HydratorEtude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sunscreen SPF 50PMPond’s Cleansing BalmCeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (no spin brush!)Bliss What a Melon Replenishing Watermelon Toner (applied with cotton pad)WaitTretinoin 0.05% cream (RX)WaitHydro Boost Gel Cream for Extra Dry Skin OR Bliss Drench & QuenchLa Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5Vaseline, if I'm desperateI'll be quitting all physical and chemical exfoliants for the first couple weeks. No serums, no other actives. Just gentle products. I've used a lot of these before and really like them! I'll carry my rose water spray and Johnson's Baby Lotion with me to use during the day to keep my skin hydrated. I will also probably exclusively use my Vaseline Lip Care these first few weeks and up my water intake even more.Additional products I have that I may or may not have tried yet. Most I obtained either as samples with a purchase or in a subscription box (I get a skin care focused Ipsy Plus and Facetory Lux Plus.) I'll include reasons why I am excited to try them, hesitations, my initial thoughts, and where I would plant them in my existing routine:Generation Clay Purifying Pink Clay Mask ($29 USD) - So this has a slight rose scent and I'm a sucker for floral scents in my skincare. It is a kaolin/bentonite clay blend. Clay masks are supposed to be good for oil control and helping to shrink pores (if your large pores are because of excess sebum production.) I will use this on Mondays and remove either with a wet konjac or the low setting on my spinbrush/using a manual brush to help loosen up the dried clay. It has an aggressive minty sensation when you apply it. It subsides pretty quickly so don't be alarmed! This mask dried me out a bit but not so much that it was uncomfortable. I had a noticeable reduction in pore size after one mask.Aperire Spa Relief Be Frozen Pore Mask - The package, with the exception of the name, is entirely in Korean. Luckily, Facetory sent me a handy guide so I can talk about it. This mask has menthol in it. I thought the pink clay was aggressively minty? Prepare thyself! Just like with any clay mask, don't panic when you try to take it off! I like to use a wet konjac or a brush to help work the clay off. I would use this on Mondays. I tried hard for where to find this in the US, no luck. I got it in my Facetory Lux Plus Summer 2019. If anyone has a link, please share!Hey Honey Sweet Treat Wild Berry & Honey Yogurt Recovery Mask ($48 USD) - So this is a gel type mask and I plan to incorporate it right where "paper/gel masks" fall. Though it's a "recovery" mask, I will likely save it for when I've been ultra stressed, sleep deprived, or partied too hard.Soroci Lycomato Super Restorative Sleeping Mask ($16 USD) - I will switch to this when I've used up my FAB sleeping mask and then make a decision on which to purchase full size. I got both as samples so I want to compare and see which works better for me. I love this brand so I am excited to try a sleeping mask from them.Garnier SkinActive Glow Boost Illuminating Moisturizer - Came as a sample with my micellar water. I like the scent and the brand has always been good to my skin. Still haven’t tried it yet but once my skin is adjusted to the tret I will likely use this as an AM moisturizer.Commleaf Rose Blooming Mist ($25.30 USD) - I use this whenever my skin needs moisture during the day, has a lot of irritation, or just looks blah. I definitely like it better than the Mario Bandeau rose mist. I have used it as a hydrating toner and as an essence. Definitely a HG product!Pure Foret Centella Multi Lotion ($25.19 USD) - The word is Centella Asiatica extract has acne healing properties. I don't suffer from the big pustules or too much cystic acne anymore. I used this recently when I had a breakout and oh no, it smells awful. My skin felt really nice after and the smell dissipated rather quickly. I won't be using it in my regular routine, but may switch to it when I have breakouts. It’s best as your final layer since it’s a thicker cream. The only thing I’d put on top would be a sunscreen or an occlusive!Daiso Sake Milky Lotion - This was an impulse buy. Cute bottle and all. I haven’t tried it out yet but this is a pretty watery moisturizer and I’m not sure I’ll like it. It was only a $1.50 so if it sucks (and it probably does) I won’t really feel guilty throwing it away.BRTC Vitamin Powder Cleansing Tea Bag - I’m actually super excited to try this! But also sort of nervous? The directions say you can use it a few different ways, as a cleanser, a mask, or to soak in (like bath or foot soak.) And I guess I’m worried I will do it wrong. It’s a sachet of different things (I’m not very technical, sorry) and you either let it steep like tea or use the pouch as a foaming net to cleanse. I have like 5 of them so I need to just take the plunge.Masks in my drawer: (I have a problem, not sorry)The Beautiful factr. Water Shield Barrier MaskXOY Calendula MaskMeg. Two Step Jelly Mask Firming and RadianceNohj Intra Gold 24K Modeling Mask PearlIschia Miracle Marine Collagen Magic Gel Siren MaskBRTC Aqua Rush Pearl MaskKeeome White Mulberry HydrationReason Y Jet SetterNaisture Aqua 3 Step Moisturizing MaskNaisture Aqua 3 Step Brightening MaskThe Medius Heart Ppyoung Ppyoung Eye PatchToGoSpa Coconut Lips Lip LoveToGoSpa Bamboo Charcoal EyesTaste Beauty So Meowgical Hydrating Face MaskTaste Beauty Just Peachy Hydrating Face MaskMaskology Under Eye Gold Gel MaskMaskology Colorshine Peel Off MaskRiley Rose Peony Collagen MasklookATME Look At My Foot Heal Maskby nature Calm + Restore 2-in-1SooAE Hydration Alert Sensor MaskMaskology Watermelon Moisturizing MaskSooAE Cactus Soothing Gel MaskItems you see that are my husband's…Biore Deep Cleansing Pore StripsClean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer (0.5% salicylic acid) - guilty of using this when I’m desperate, but usually it is way too drying for meClean & Clear Night Relaxing Deep Cleansing Face WashFreeman Pore Cleansing Volcanic Ash Peel-Off Gel Mask(He also uses the Clean & Clear Essentials toner. His routine is minimal if at all, lol.)I swear by the Bliss Drench & Quench Cream to Water Hydrator ($20 USD). The jar is very light so it feels cheap, but it's a great product. I've noticed if I'm heavy with it, it will cause pilling. But a light coat is all you need. I've been using it as my night mask but I'll probably be switching that up soon. Not because it's not great, but it's not giving me the moisture boost I want overnight. (I will likely finish the Yes to Tomatoes and use the Bliss in the AM.) But this product just sort of melts into your skin and that's what I really love about it. I can feel a lot of moisturizers on my skin, whether it's a sticky/tacky feel or sometimes like oil/sebum.Since adding the jade roller I have noticed a reduction in my pores. No other products added with it. I also feel like my face is slimmer now. I feel like that's due to it being cooling and helping depuff. I got mine at five below and am happy enough with it. Will definitely upgrade cause this one squeaks sometimes and I'm wanting a pink one, lol.The spin brush I have is actually from five below. For $5 it's actually a decent brush. I complain I can't get new heads but for $5...I will say that the kit comes with an exfoliating disc (nononono don't use that on your face,) and sponge disc (what is the purpose?,) and a massager disc (which I definitely use on my home facial days.) It's cheap, it's not waterproof, but it gets the job done. I get a new one every month to keep the head fresh. I also use an Ecotools face brush ($5.99 USD) that I really like. The bristles on both of these are really soft. I haven't noticed any microtearing as I use a pretty light hand with either tool.First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra Firm Sleeping Cream ($38 USD) - Admittedly, I am not impressed with this yet. It has a strange smell I can't quite place (eucalyptus, duh) and I don't know if I don't like it yet. Thirty minutes later and it still has a feel on my face. I know sleeping masks are supposed to be heavy, but this is different. In the morning my skin was almost still tacky, but very hydrated and supple! Likely won't purchase the full size unless there is a killer sale on it. - I wrote this before I started using it two or three times a week. I've noticed a big improvement in my skin since using it! I actually really like the product and found it worked best if I put some kind of humectant under it. (I usually use my rose water spray.) May be a new holy grail. I am still going to try out the Soroci mask and see which I like better before buying full size.Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer ($8.69 USD) - This is my current AM moisturizer, but I will not be repurchasing. It is too light and when using acids it doesn’t provide enough moisture and my skin gets flaky. Now that I’m switching to tret, I may need to just push it aside and not use it. If you have oily skin it is awesome because it’s not too heavy. But for those of us on the dry side (whether dry type or normal with acids/etc) we shouldn’t put any stock in it.Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50 + / PA +++ ($10 USD) - I love this product. You’ll have to pry it from my cold dead hands. It’s cheap, works well, and is perfect for my “stays inside/works in an office now” life. If I was going hiking/spending all day in the sun, I’d still wear it and just add a hat. I wish it was ++++, but beggars can’t be choosers. No whitecast (but also I am so pale it’s dumb) and just melts into your skin. I used to see people say some sunscreens turn to powder after application and I was like, say what? Now I see! And it is amazing. My makeup sits over it nicely, though I only use concealer where needed and powder. I can’t attest to how a full coverage foundation would sit on it.So I actually really like the Bliss Fab Foaming 2-in-1 Cleanser and Exfoliator with Bamboo Buffers ($9.99 USD) for a basic routine. It has a very mild exfoliant so it doesn't NEED a brush or other type of tool. It's not overly drying, my skin feels clean but not...sticky (stripped) after cleansing with it. Before starting an advanced routine it was definitely my go to. I am considering switching to a cleanser without any exfoliant (so I don't need two for the days I use a chemical exfoliant, and the answer to this was the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser) and possibly something I can use in the whipping device I got. I love the way foam feels on my skin (and this doesn't foam into a whip like I wish it would.) Though it will always remain a favorite and definitely on the HG list.You'll notice I have a few peel off masks. I bought these before I knew they're sort of useless. They are fun for get togethers and if my husband wants to participate. However, they don't serve much of a purpose unless you just don't exfoliate. If you want real benefits, use paper, clay, or mud masks.Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream ($65 USD) - This moisturizer is kind of sticky. It has a light citrus scent, to be expected of a vitamin C product. I've got to complain that I can't get the seal off easily. I am guilty of leaving these on my masks and less used moisturizers to help save the shelf life. The one on this one creates a seal and it hard to get off. It comes in a heavy glass jar, which tbh scares the hell out of me since I am a klutz. Just due to the price, I doubt I will keep buying it. I got it in my Ipsy Plus box June 2019. I would rather use a vitamin C serum that is not the last thing on my skin. The feel of it went away when I applied my (mattifying) sunscreen.Curology 4% Niacinamide, 1% Clindamycin, 4% Azelaic Acid My flagship formula. I was hoping they would put me back on tret, but this is what I got. It's helping with my flushed appearance some and gotten rid of my CCs on my forehead. It does absolutely nothing for my allergy induced milia. Now that my derm has prescribed me the BP + Clindamycin I will probably get TO Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and the TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and just cancel my Curology. My provider is against putting me on tret so I had my derm write me a script for it. I have little reason to stick with Curology now.Speaking of Curology, The Cleanser and The Moisturizer. I fell IN LOVE after the first use. But the price? Nah. Also, I am likely not keeping my subscription so I needed to find some dupes. So The Cleanser is super creamy and non-stripping, if anything my skin feels a lot more hydrated after I cleanse with this. I’d heard some murmers about possible dupes and purchased the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($11.99 USD) and oh my god, this is such an amazing face wash. I think I like it more than the Curology one! The moisturizer was a little harder. So I did some digging and purchased Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for Extra Dry Skin ($16.99 USD) and I don’t think I’ll look back. It doesn’t leave a feel on your skin like the Curology one does but my skin feels just as hydrated after using it. I used it before when it came out and never purchased again because if I’m being honest, I thought too much moisturizer was my problem with my acne.I need to be a little honest, the Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence Energizing ($9.99 USD) and Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence Calming ($9.99 USD) are really just water-y feeling. I know it’s a water-type product, but those of you who have used good facial mists know what I mean by this. It’s hard to describe, but it just lacks the feeling of benefit. I don’t notice a difference other than the momentary boost in hydration. I will not be purchasing these again, though I do like the scents they come in and the bottles look nice. I just don’t think it’s a very beneficial product when the Commleaf Rose Blooming Mist is such a game changer for me.Just a note: I know this sub discourages derma rolling, I am working along with my derm for this. I do not advise anyone do derma rolling without the supervision of their derm or just having the derm do it for you. I purchased a high end product (that I will not be linking) at the advice of my derm. So no, I won't tell you how to do it, where to get it, etc. I will say that if you struggle with things such as: circulation, skin texture, acne scarring, and tight skin, talk to your derm about if adding it is right for you.Skin Wish List: Products I'm DYING to try, why and where I plan to use them.Nurture by Nature Beauty Sleep CBD Infused Hydration Mask I have heard a ton of amazing things about CBD in beauty source and have been wanting to add it into my routine. What better way that as the final step? I don't generally use sleeping masks/packs or occlusives in the summer due to my increased water intake. But they're basically a nightly thing during the colder months. So I'll wait to buy a bottle until it gets cold here (I'm in Texas so it'll be November, lol.) It's only $19 and I've seen some well received reviews on this company's products.The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Caffeine is great for puffiness and dark circles. While I can't drink caffeine due to it making my jittery, I hope that applying it to my face will have benefits. I would replace my eye cream with this. I would give my eyes extra moisture by tapping my moisturizer on.Glossier The Balm Dotcom I have heard so much about their products. I'm a little hesitant to buy a $12 lip balm but the page claims you can use it on your face too as an occlusive. Has anyone done this before?A skincare fridge! I've had my eye on this one for some time now, mostly because it's cute and the right size. My bathroom is on the opposite end of my house from the kitchen. I also share that fridge! Many products keep better in the fridge (such as vitamin C, organic compounds, etc) and many others are just more refreshing when cold! This is sort of my end goal in skincare to preserve the products I'm not using daily such as serums and masks. Seeing as how most mini fridges like this run at this price, it'll probably be a gift to myself after a few more months of solid routine consistency.Where I source my products:WalmartTargetFrench PharmacySoko GlamYesStyleFacetory Luxe PlusIpsy Glam Bag PlusAmazonIf you made it this far, congrats, you're probably also obsessed with skincare or absolutely fed up with your acne. Thanks for taking the time to read and feel free to ask questions! I'll try to link a picture of my current (before this round of tret) skin for y'all to see! I suck at reddit formatting so I'll probably have to edit this as soon as I post it. Also, ask about anything, seriously. I want y’all to have good skin too!
Girls Blog 2015
Submitted by lewdshoes
No comments:
Post a Comment