Whilst I do like wearing and using makeup, nothing feels as great as being barefaced. I like the simplicity of washing my face, applying a moisturiser and heading out. Maybe its because I spent most of my teens without makeup that its really not a crutch for me and despite the "oh you look sick/why are you not wearing makeup/lipstick?" comments I get on makeup free days I'm more than comfortable bearing my imperfect blemishes in public. However lately I felt that I've been feeling awfully tired, ill and I feel like my skin & mind could do with some much needed tender love and care.
So yes my dears - I've sat down and finally made a skin care routine. Its taken me a few years, bouts of hay fever that has blessed me with puffy eyes and under eye bags (staying up too late and waking to early also to blame), influenza, low moods etc. but I've finally made it.
The roads been long ... but since I'm finally taking about skincare - I thought we could take a trip down memory lane ... where I will bore you alot little and overshare sans free makeup pictures of me (you're welcome). Plus I'll whizz through my current skincare routine and explain the (brief) ins and outs of basic products in a basic routine.
So yes my dears - I've sat down and finally made a skin care routine. Its taken me a few years, bouts of hay fever that has blessed me with puffy eyes and under eye bags (staying up too late and waking to early also to blame), influenza, low moods etc. but I've finally made it.
The roads been long ... but since I'm finally taking about skincare - I thought we could take a trip down memory lane ... where I will bore you a
My Skin History
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| A collage of my suffering. |
Like most people my skin woes began when puberty hit me with its wicked stick. In my adolescents I suffered from mild acne on my forehead (whiteheads/blackheads - rarely did I get cysts) that left scars (blemishes), later on in my late teens the acne travelled to my cheeks and other areas of my facial skin like my chin and under my neck etc. Currently (mid 20s) I still get spots and can suffer from rashes, tight dehydrated skin and bouts of general oiliness (although my skin is normal/combination) depending on the weather, my diet and what products I've been using. I think one of the greatest things I've learnt about my skincare is to keep it simple.
Personally when I have done too much (see collage above and pictures below) my skin has suffered. I've learnt that cream cleansers can burn my skin, acne facial washes (esp. citrus based ones) can cause severe dehydration that leads to itchy, tight, flaking skin around my mouth and that stress can be my skins no.1 enemy. Thus, I have learnt to adjust my preferences to what my skin can tolerate and to use more simple "natural" products.
The most recent skin reaction I've had was when I decided to boost my skincare by establishing a more lavish routine. I bought various makeup cleansers and treatments and unknowingly, rubbed and scrubbed my face into a painful rash-ful condition. My skin broke out in tiny grainy bumps, my face was severely dry and tight and I had burnt/bruised/sore skin around my upper cheekbones (near my eye). I thought I was helping my skin by using so many products but, I couldn't have been further from the truth. My skin has always been relatively sensitive to climate changes and products but, nothing has made this clear to me, as my recent documented episode. I've included up close pictures of my skin so you can see what an "overzealous" skincare regimen can do.  |
| Close up shots of my uncomfortable grainy skin from very inflamed, to calmed down a little, to getting better |
Needless to say, I've learnt my lesson. These days I keep things super simple. I wash my face two times a day - more if I'm playing around with makeup and I tend to avoid makeup wipes (they dry parts of my skin out). I run away from acne fighting facial washes, use oil cleansers sparingly and treat spot outbreaks on the spot and not my entire face. I'm gentle with my cleansers and I always moisturise (always have). Oh and if things burn or are too harsh, I don't carry on keeping on - I'll stop using it and go back to my tried and true faithfuls. So there we have it, the story (and pictures) of how my skin stopped me being a skincare experimentalist. It was a painful trip that I tried to style out (see pictures below) but, I'm glad that I haven't had an episode like this lately and that I've found a comfy balance of products that my skin works well with.
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| Y'all I was trying to style the rash out |
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| #You know that time when you're determined to get a decent picture even with a rashy itchy tight dry-dry face |
Here's some music to get your through it *Show No Shade*
Cleanse twice a day - followed with a toner
Scrub once a week (if necessary)
Moisturise after toning and or scrub
Apply a face mask 1-3 times a month
Treat acne spots when needed
Remove makeup with gentle makeup removers and or oil
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| A selection of my everyday/weekly potions n' lotions n' oils |
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| Cleanser |
Cleansers: are designed to clear skin of built up sebum, dirt/debris and makeup. A good cleanser will cleanse the skins epidermis and leave it clean and comfortable. Signs that your cleanser is too harsh or ineffective is if your skin feels tight and itchy afterwards and or still greasy. Irregardless of your skin type choose a cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils and is gentle. Trial and error is the best method but, make sure to listen to your skin reactions and cease using anything that causes any averse painful symptoms.
Cleansers I use: Simple Refreshing Facial wash (I just decanted it in a Neal Yard bottle - Neal's Yard Rose facial wash - is also good too but pricey). Personally I like to use facial washes to cleanse my skin daily and as a last step to makeup removal. Generally I use a cleanser twice a day but on makeup free lounging around the house days ... sometimes I'll only cleanse once.
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| Toner |
Toners: help to remove any left over dirt/makeup that your cleanser has not managed to remove as well as a chance to freshen, soothe and or treat your skin depending on the toners individual properties and your skin concerns.
Toners I use: Pixi Glow Tonic and Floral Waters. I like to use toners that remove traces of dirt/makeup from my skin, smell nice, don't dry my skin out and leave my skin feeling comfortable. Pixi Glow Tonic and floral waters (natural ones) do just that. Yet, part of me feels like if I do buy Pixi's toner again its because I've become accustomed to it. Glow Tonic is an exfoliating toner that I use every once in a while - otherwise I go strait to moisturising and or treating my skin.
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| Exfoliants |
Exfoliants: are used to remove dead skin, promote skin renewal and smooth the surface of the epidermis. There are many different types of exfoliants available on the market from physical exfoliants (scrubs) to chemical ones (acidic). Depending on your skin type and needs you could use a scrub a maximum of twice per week (no more). Sensitive skin types should be cautious about the type they use and its best for all skin types to veer to gentle methods of exfoliation oppose to harsh physical scrubs. Especially, oily skin which tends to get targeted unfairly to overly drying scrubs and products that strip the skin of its natural oils (the more dry your skin is the easier its susceptible to fine lines/wrinkles and negative reactions).
Exfoliants I use: Dr Organic Rose Otto Face Scrub, Skin Food Black Suagr wash off face mask and I guess Pixi Glow Toner is one too. I use a scrub at least once a week. If my skin has no makeup on it, sometimes I'll use a scrub first and skip using a cleanser first.
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| Moisturiser |
Moisturisers: can add moisture and comfort to the skin by soothing dryness and softening the skin. A moisturiser to be an essential part of all skincare regimens and no skin type should be without one. There are many types of moisturising creams, oils, gels and butters that can be used effectively as a moisturiser. Just like everything - trial and error will help you decide what moisturiser is the most effective and comfortable for you. Moisturisers with SPFS can be used to prevent sun damage and protect your skin from harmful sun rays (which can heighten your risk of skin cancer).
Moisturisers I use: Yes to Carrots Day Cream. I tend to like using more "natural" moisturisers with great moisturising properties, quick absorption but not an overtly greasy finish. I'm fond of scents so if it smells fresh and yummy that's a bonus. I do have some SPF moisturises but since they can make me iridescent and greasy I don't use them as often as I probably should. Shea Butter has natural SPF qualities so if you can't stand SPF moisturises that contain titanium dioxide which give off that iridescence - its worth looking into.
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| Oils |
Oils: can acts as a substitute to the skins natural sebum, cleanse the skin and or provide great facial bases for face/skin massages. Different oils have different benefits and or qualities that work better and or more effectively towards certain skin concerns and desired effects. Researching the various oils and products on offer as well as trail can help you decipher which oil(s) are best for you.
Oils I use: many different types although for my face I stick to Yes to Blueberries facial oil, Extra Virgin Coconut oil (I plan to try Jojoba oil real soon too). I like to apply oils in the evening and when I'm chilling at home (sometimes under makeup). I find facial oils really comforting and depending on the type of oil used they don't all feel greasy and their great bases for facial massages. Facial massages can help soothe your mood, improve circulation to your face and are reported to counteract prevent aging/promote a youthful appearance (although there is controversy about that kit does the opposite due to friction). I don't do facial massages every day but every now and then (twice a month with lots of oil).
Eye care: the skin around the eyes is very delicate and can be the first area on the face to show the signs of ill health and or ageing because it is so thin. Thus, in order to counteract things such as dark circles, puffiness, lines/wrinkles incorporating eye creams, oils and serums could be useful. Additionally, it is worth noting that when it comes to using products around the eyes irregardless of your overall skin concerns don't apply any face masks or acne treatments too close and opt for very gentle products to remove eye makeup.
Eye care I use: Handmade Naturals face and eye oil and Frankincense eye cream. Generally I prefer creams but the oil has proved to be useful. A great piece of advice about eye care is to identify possible reasons for ill side effects in order to counteract and or treat the problem/condition e.g. lack of sleep, genetics, hay fever, poor water intake/fluid retention etc. Also, when dealing with your eye care/products remember this rule "if it stings throw it in the bin".
So there you have it my mini skincare, history and etc. Great makeup starts with good skincare so I really should have tackled this basic issue sooner. Well I'm trying.
Till next time.
Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated!
Hope you're all well
Stay Blessed
:o)
x
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| Eye Care |
Eye care I use: Handmade Naturals face and eye oil and Frankincense eye cream. Generally I prefer creams but the oil has proved to be useful. A great piece of advice about eye care is to identify possible reasons for ill side effects in order to counteract and or treat the problem/condition e.g. lack of sleep, genetics, hay fever, poor water intake/fluid retention etc. Also, when dealing with your eye care/products remember this rule "if it stings throw it in the bin".
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| Makeup Removers |
Makeup Removers: there are many makeup removers on the market from micellar waters, makeup remover wipes, makeup remover oils, 2 in one makeup removing oils, cream ones, gel ones etc. Depending on your skin type and skin sensitivity through trail and error you will learn what product is effective and beneficial for you.
Makeup Removers I use: Simple Micellar water and Coconut oil. Honestly I like makeup cleansers that are gentle, don't make my skin feel icky stick afterwards, don't sting and don't dry my skin out horrendously. I'm thinking about compiling a list of all my makeup removers and reviewing them in depth so I'm not going to yap about simples micellar water too much (its good). However I will say this ... Extra Virgin Coconut oil is really great at breaking down your makeup pre-cleanse and it doesn't sting my eyes (other DIY makeup oils did though i.e. extra virgin olive oil). I recommend trying EVCO out plus it smells and tastes yummy (get a separate jar for eating/cooking with).
Makeup Removers I use: Simple Micellar water and Coconut oil. Honestly I like makeup cleansers that are gentle, don't make my skin feel icky stick afterwards, don't sting and don't dry my skin out horrendously. I'm thinking about compiling a list of all my makeup removers and reviewing them in depth so I'm not going to yap about simples micellar water too much (its good). However I will say this ... Extra Virgin Coconut oil is really great at breaking down your makeup pre-cleanse and it doesn't sting my eyes (other DIY makeup oils did though i.e. extra virgin olive oil). I recommend trying EVCO out plus it smells and tastes yummy (get a separate jar for eating/cooking with).
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| Face Masks |
Face Masks: can soothe, treat and improve your skins overall condition. There are a variety of face masks on offer for various skin concerns and issues. For example, clay based masks can "shrink" your pores, refine your skin texture, treat blemishes and reduce pimples. Whereas Hydration masks may infuse your skin with moisture, brighten your skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Masks can come in squeeze tube bottles, jars, sheet mask packs, pumps and sachets. Yet, you can also make your own face masks at home with natural food products. If you do decide to DIY yourself a face masks always make sure that you are not allergic to any ingredients and the recipe is from a reputable source. If you find that any face mask gives you a negative reaction, do not continue to use it. If and where possible to a patch test on your face (jawline) to test any ill reaction.
Face Masks I use: Superdrugs Witch Hazel mud mask, Skinfood Black Sugar mask and Holika Holika Sleeping face mask. I rarely use a mask (maybe once or twice every month/2-3 weeks). Usually when I get a pimple - I apply Superdrugs mud mask to the area and on my "Spa Day" i'll apply one mask to my face whilst I'm at home - I wouldn't use all 3 in one day (did you see my last rash?). Each mask has a property (mud = clay/pimple calming, black sugar = exfoliating, sleep mask = hydration). I've also tried Tony Moly's sheet masks which I really like (very hydrating) and I'm totally exited to try more Koran skincare!
Face Masks I use: Superdrugs Witch Hazel mud mask, Skinfood Black Sugar mask and Holika Holika Sleeping face mask. I rarely use a mask (maybe once or twice every month/2-3 weeks). Usually when I get a pimple - I apply Superdrugs mud mask to the area and on my "Spa Day" i'll apply one mask to my face whilst I'm at home - I wouldn't use all 3 in one day (did you see my last rash?). Each mask has a property (mud = clay/pimple calming, black sugar = exfoliating, sleep mask = hydration). I've also tried Tony Moly's sheet masks which I really like (very hydrating) and I'm totally exited to try more Koran skincare!
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| Acne Treatments |
Acne Treatments: there are a huge amount of products targeted towards "fighting acne". Be cautious when considering products as many treatments towards eradicating acne can be overly drying and irritating to the skin. Opt for gentler products and spot targeting treatments as opposed to harsh facial washes, vigorous scrubs etc. Try to identify possible causes for your recent breakout and or skin issue: genetics, diet, stress, lack of hydration, lack of sleep, hormones etc. Think about long term routines rather than immediate fast treatments. If suffering from extreme painful cysts and severe acne consult a doctor or dermatologist for further help.
Acne treatments I use: La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo and a mud mask. I think La Roche Posay's acne treatment was partly responsible for my rash breakout along with Superfacialist's Cleansing Oil but, I do continue to use both products but, never together and not in the same vigorous routine. Whenever I get an angry inflamed spot or if I squeezed it and its still puffy I put Efffaclar Duo on and its makes it go down - its like magic. Alternatively, I put on Superdrugs mud mask on the spot - it calms it down as well but not in the same magical way. Personally I don't use Effaclar Duo on all of my face only on the spot.
Acne treatments I use: La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo and a mud mask. I think La Roche Posay's acne treatment was partly responsible for my rash breakout along with Superfacialist's Cleansing Oil but, I do continue to use both products but, never together and not in the same vigorous routine. Whenever I get an angry inflamed spot or if I squeezed it and its still puffy I put Efffaclar Duo on and its makes it go down - its like magic. Alternatively, I put on Superdrugs mud mask on the spot - it calms it down as well but not in the same magical way. Personally I don't use Effaclar Duo on all of my face only on the spot.
So there you have it my mini skincare, history and etc. Great makeup starts with good skincare so I really should have tackled this basic issue sooner. Well I'm trying.
Till next time.
Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated!
Hope you're all well
Stay Blessed
:o)
x
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