If you know me, you know I’m religious about my skin care routine. Skin care is not only essential to healthy and pretty looking skin, but it can step up your makeup game and make you look and feel refreshed. After A LOT of trial and error, I’ve found a few products that really work for me and my skin. Although these tips may not work for EVERYONE, they have really made a huge different in my skin!
Cleansing Your Face
Okay this is an obvious step. If you don’t cleanse your face, you’re ultimately going to end up with clogged pores, acne and dark spots. It’s ESSENTIAL to remove your makeup off your face before sleeping to prevent build up and that dreaded acne. Personally, I choose to wash my face twice a day with a gentle cleanser in the morning and an acne cleanser at night. If you have sensitive or dry skin, try sticking to cleansing one time a day in order to prevent stripping your skin of its natural oils. Try washing your face with cold water to tighten your skin, prevent puffiness and inflammation and lock in moisture! Some of my favorite cleansers are the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($10), Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit ($7) and First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay ($24).
Exfoliating
Exfoliating is an extremely important part of any skin care routine. Exfoliating is great for removing dead skin cells and dry patches from the skin, making way for fresh, baby soft skin. Keep exfoliating to once or twice per week, especially if your skin is on the sensitive side. If your foundation seems to be patchy or uneven, consider investing in an exfoliant! My favorite high-end exfoliant is Lancer’s The Method: Polish exfoliant ($75). If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, try a DIY facial scrub. My personal fav is a mix of brown sugar (yes found in your pantry!), some water and a squirt of honey to make the scrub less harsh and smell amazing!
Oils
It seems counterintuitive, but oils really are amazing for the skin! They are my obsession in skincare! They are hydrating and leave the skin supple. I tend to go for oils that leave my skin looking glowy and soft, or oils that make my dark spots and red marks fade. At the moment, my favorite oil is Rosehip oil! The oil has anti-aging agents and is light on the skin. I use rosehip oil to preserve a natural glow. I put a few drops on at night and massage it into my dull areas in small circular motions. In the morning I wash it off and really notice a glow. The next oil I absolutely adore is the popular Argan oil. Not only do I use Argan oil on my skin, but on my naturally dry curls. Argan oil is known for its super hydration, and hydration is key to healthy looking skin. In my regular routine, I commonly use two higher- end treatment oils. Tarte’s Maracuja Oil ($48) has done wonders for my skin. This oil has helped my skin to glow, and smoothed out my skin. I’ve noticed a reduction in dark spots, and an overall healthier look to my complexion. Last but not least, one of my favorite oils is Sunday Riley U.F.O Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil ($40). This oil is expensive for such a small bottle, but it really works! I put a VERY small amount on stressed or acne covered skin and within a few days noticed my skin is extremely clear. However, this oil is really drying so I recommend limiting use to a few times a week and only using a tiny amount.
Moisturizer
You’ve heard it over and over, moisturizer is so important if you want a clear, hydrated and pretty complexion. Some people with oily skin shy away from moisturizers, but they are really important for al skin types. If you are concerned with oil build up, stay away from heavier creams and moisturizers and opt for a water-based cream. I moisturize my face twice a day. In the morning I use a lighter moisturizer as a base for my makeup. At night I use a heavier cream to restore moisture in my face and to really penetrate my skin while I sleep. My favorite daytime moisturizer is CeraVe moisturizing lotion ($10), and my go to nighttime moisturizer is First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($12).
Face Masks
It’s been up for debate lately if facemasks actually work, but I believe they have for me. Facemasks pack a punch and really sink deep into your skin. Different masks have different benefits making it easy to find one that works for your personal skin issues. If you’re like me and have a few different problem areas, try multi-masking to hit all of your trouble spots! My favorite masks include Quick Fix Facials Calming Clay Mask ($20), First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask ($30) and First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask ($24).
Water
Okay this isn’t necessarily a product, but it is necessary for awesome skin. Personally, I try to drink at LEAST eight 8-ounce cups of water per day. Water is important for maintaining hydration in both skin and nails, and helps to clean out the toxins in your body. Ever since I started tracking my water intake and switching out juices, coffee and sodas for water, my skin has never looked clearer. Everyone’s body needs different amounts of water so try do your research or consult a doctor to know how much you should be drinking!