My skin care routine and a few tips to help you with yours!!!
I wanted to start my first blog but had no idea where to start. Then it came to me, skin care. The thing I worry about before applying make-up is trying to create the most pefect canvas possible.
This is why I thought skin care would be a great topic for my first blog. There is only so much make-up can do. This is why skin care and prepping the face is so important, I am going to share with you my own personal skin care routine and a few tips I have learnt.
I'm sure you all know the clearer the skin you have the better results you will have when applyong make-up. The clearer your skin the less time and product you will use to create your perfect look. Imagine having beautiful clear skin, meaning no need to waist too much time color correcting and concealing trying to hide those blemishes, acne, pigmentation and other unwanted spots and marks.(although I will be writing a blog soon on how to color correct and conceal blemishes, acne, scarring, rosacea, redness, pigmentation and of course those dark circles under your eyes).
I always say prevention is better than cure. It is better to try and stop your problems or atleast try to control them so they don't become worse instead of trying to hide them and cover them up. Trust me Im 28 and wish I had of payed a lot more attention to my skin a long time ago.
I have suffered from mild acne, blackheads and uneven skin-tone a since I was a teenager. I also have always disliked my freckles. Now I also have a pigmentation on my cheek, large pores, dry skin and acne scarring to go with it.
Image of my right side of my face, freckles, pigmentation, acne, large pores and scarring.
I have also had a lot of sundamage over the years so now I try not to leave my unit without applying sunscreen first. Not only to my face but to my chest as well as. If you have a look at some people's chest it is darker than their face or neck as the chest receives a lot of exposure to the sun. your neck is the lightest part. The sunscreen I have been using is Clear Skincare sunscreen oil free SPF30+. I advise to apply sunscreen all over if going outdoors. Sometimes the sun doesn't seem very hot and radiant but it can still be damaging your skin.
I have also learnt I can not apply any oil on my face at all otherwise it makes me breakout really bad. This does not mean you can't use oil everyone is different.
I have friends who are make-up artist and they use olive oil or coconut oil in their D.I.Y face masks and they are great for removing make-up.
I have tried so many different acne products that seem to do nothing at all or make my skin and acne worse and completely dry out my skin. I have tried acne face washes, scrubs, creams, and more.
When I spoke to my dermatologist one thing she said to me that really stuck to me " always keep your skin care routine simple". Now this is something I was definitely not doing, like I said I have tried so many products on my face D.I.Y masks, brought masks, scrubs, serums, lotions, creams, moisturisers for acne, pigmentation and anti wrinkle. (I will do a blog with my review on some of these products soon also.
Before I tell you my personal skin care routine, I thought I would share a couple of things that I think are great for skin care and will help with acne, large pores, uneven skin-tone, wrinkles, lines, rosacea and redness.
Face Peels also known as Chemical Peels- Can improve the skins appearance. Some may feel a little discomfort and tingly or burning sensation. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, wich makes it dry and eventually peel off. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Chemical peels can be done on the face, neck, or hands. These are very good, they do leave your kin fresh and smoother and helped with my acne.
LED Light Therapy treatments- Is also completely pain free. This treatment is great for people who suffer from, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, pigmentation and Rosacea reducing redness and inflammation. It also helps reproduce collagen. Collagen helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles naturally.
This treatment is great, I highly recommend. I was having light therapy and believe I was seeing improvement in my skin. My acne was reducing and my pigmentation and lines were fading, however this needs to be an ongoing process and can become a little expensive if on a budget. This is why I went to see a dermatologist and now i have a new personal skin care routine I would like to share.
So My Skin care routine consist of four products
Cetaphil Cleanser- For all skin types. Dermatologist recommended. Softens and cleanses the face. No soap or fragrance. This is also great for a make-up remover. easy to dispense comes in a pump. Can be used for your face and body. I highly recommend this product i don't think i would use another cleanser again.
I used to use Bio Derma meliscellous water I do love this product it is a great cleanser and make-up remover especially if you have oily skin. This is why i had to stop using this product as the retinyl and face wash I am now using dries out my skin. Available from Supermarkets and Pharmacies
Cetaphil Cleanser
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion- For all skin types. Dermatologist recommended. Light hydration for everyday use. Fragrance free. Can apply to face and body.
This has made my skin more softand less dry and what's great about this lotion it doesn't block your pores. It's non greasy. available in Supermarkets and Pharmacies.
Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
Neutrogena OIL FREE Acne Wash- Deep Cleanser, contains 2% salicylic acid wich helps reduce pimples. I have to admit when the dermatologist first suggested this product I was a little sceptical whether I should try it or not. As I said I have purchased many products that don't work. I think this helps although it does dry out my skin. I always put lotion on afterwards. I only use this twice a week. Available from Supermarkets and Pharmacies.
Neutrogena OIL FREE Acne face wash
Retinyl Epiduo - You must have a script for this, it cannot be purchased over the counter so have a chat with your /gp or dermatologist today about a retinyl suited for you. This retinyl is used to help clear up breakouts you have now and to prevent future pimples, unclogs pores, decreases redness, swelling and inflammation that all go with acne. It comes in a convenient pump.
Retinyl Epiduo
My Routine
Every morning- Every morning after I have my shower I use the Cetaphil cleanser and cleanse my face, after that I rinse my face under cold water.
Never rinse your face under hot or really warm water it damages your skin, the cooler the water the better.
Then I pat my face dry and apply Cetaphil Lotion. When the lotion has absorbed into my skin I apply my Skin Care OIL FREE Sunscreen. Now I'm ready for my make-up application.
Night Time Routine- This is more time consuming but I'm willing to put in the effort to try and have long lasting results.
After my shower I cleanse my face with the Cetaphil Cleanser, then apply Cetaphil Lotion.
When the lotion has absorbed a little I apply my Epiduo Retinyl. I leave this on my face as long as I can up to three hours per night.
As it's a new product my face is sensitive to this product so I had to work myself into it. First week I left it on for 15 minutes the next week I doubled the tyime and so on. This retinyl can be itchy and irritating while o the skin.
When the time is up for my retinyl I cleanse my face again with the Cetaphil cleanser, rinse my face under cold water, then apply Cetaphil lotion.
For my lip exfoliate- I mix a little honey and raw sugar together then use my finger and gently rub over my lips.
I will keep you posted with results.
So this sums up my skin care routine and I hope it helps you with yours.
