Finally Friday! Whoop Whoop!!!
So instead of a review today, I thought I would talk some on skin care. Now, I know a lot people know these things and are set in there ways, and that's totally A-OK! This is NOT some post saying 'you need to do this' or 'use that' or blah blah blah, I just thought that it would be nice to have either 1) a refresher of information or 2)if you are new to skin care(or like I was, pretty clueless & overwhelmed), learn what benefits your skin.
It's never too late!
You may have scaring or discoloration or damaged the crap outta your skin throughout the years but here's the good news, if you start taking care right now, it will not get worse. There are TONS of products out there designed specifically to those issues and most work great.....ofcourse, if it is extremely bad it will not completely take it away but why wouldn't you want to atleast make it better/less visible!?
Why am I doing this?
I never really had much knowledge other than wash, or wipe with a makeup remover cloth(which,to my surprise, wipes should not be your only removal aid, I'll explain further down).
I was overwhelmed by all the products, didn't know what to use first or what was the best for my skin, or what to use with what(like serums and oils). I figured my research and findings could possibly help someone else out or just refresh your skin-care knowledge.
I found out, to be honest, it's trial and error and will change from time to time because our body and the environment changes. But once you get the basics down, know your skin type, and how your skin reacts to certain products then it's smooth sailing my friends!
Story time
haha jk, My previous skin-care habits (and maybe you're guilty of it too)
So just a bit of background...
- I was extremely bad about not washing my face every night. If I had makeup on, I would use a hot washcloth to wipe it off and hit the hay. Whoops...
- Oh and I NEVER took my mascara off! How bad is that!?
- I occasionally would give my face a good washin' when I remembered but really, I just wiped and went. No wonder I always had breakouts!
- I would just wake up, put on make-up and be out the door(also, my makeup applying skills consisted of extremely fast,ruff pressing down with a brush and powder)
Now the Good Stuff
Okay, now that I have already talked your ear off (or wait, how would that work on here,maybe exhausted your eyes,lol) and probably bored you.....WAKE UP, it's time for the good stuff!I will give a step-by-step guide of which products to use in which order, and then a more detailed description of how-to use it, why/if you need to, and tips for each step.
Let's start with morning skin-care routines:
- Cleanse
- apply a serum (optional)
- apply under eye cream (doing this before your moisturizer helps give you a barrier if you're using a moisturizer with retinol in it.)
- MOISTURIZE!
- Apply spot acne medication if needed (doing this after a moisturizer helps protect that area from getting dried out by the benzoyl peroxide &/or salicylic acid)
If you just wear the regular makeup or want to do it the regular way here's those steps:
- Remove eye makeup
- Clean off makeup with a cleansing wipe(either pre-moistened or a dry one you wet)
- Cleanse (either by hand or with a facial cleansing item, like a clarisonic)
- Apply under eye cream, balm, etc.
- MOISTURIZE!
- Pat on an oil (optional, but very beneficial and your skin will thank you)
- Hydrate your lips (balm,serum,cream,butter,etc. whatever gives hydration)
- Don't forget the hands! That is the first thing that ages!!! And use SPF on them because think how much the sun hits the tops of our hands while we drive!
Descriptions, Info & Tips
First off, know it is extremely important to cleanse every morning and night. Even if you do not wear makeup; sweat, bacteria, dirt, and pollution in the air get into our pores through the day and need to be cleaned out in-order to prevent break-outs,dullness,dryness, etc.
Some skin types may not like being washed twice a day (ex: over dryness) and for those types it is best to use a cleansing water in the morning and doing the actual cleansing wash at night.
Make-up removal:
It is best to use a make-up removal wipe to take off all of your make-up because basic cleansers alone do not thoroughly dissolve sunblock or long-wearing makeup.
DO NOT have the wipe as your final removal step!! Those wipes may take everything off but many have harsh chemicals and preservatives that can cause irritation and dryness if not washed off the face. The safest is to use a natural product or something from the Simple line. But always, always, always cleanse afterwards!
- Begin with eye makeup removal: holding eye makeup removing solution on a cotton pad on your eye for 10 seconds so it can dissolve your mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, then swipe
- With a facial cloth, start with the center of your face, removing the makeup as gently as possible
- Even use the back if needed, until it wipes clear
Cleansing:
Any cleanser is great. There are plenty of different types to choose from, it's just trial and error to see which one your skin likes best.
- **For a TRUE clean, count to 60 while massaging into face and neck. It gives the best, fullest clean.(I know it seems like forever but it truly makes sure all dirt and oils are thoroughly removed)
- Rinse with lukewarm water because it breaks down residue better than cold and isn't drying like hot.
- Wet a washcloth and pat all over face and neck, do not rub, it will cause irritation.
>**Apply what ever products you use directly after cleansing, while your skin is still damp and pores are open!**<
Optional would be applying a serum right after cleansing, it penetrates deep into the skin and sets it for your moisturizer
MOISTURIZE moisturize MOISTURIZE!:
It is crucial to moisturize your skin if you care anything about it's hydration, aging, and over-all appearance. Whether it is a day cream, night cream, BB cream, any type of moisturizer helps nourish your skin. I have recently gotten into the specialty moisturizers like those with retinol in them. I will be doing a retinol post soon showing how they are actually amazing for your skin!
Oils:
These are optional but extremely beneficial for your skin! I am working on a post now for Monday about oils and how they work with our skin.
It is best to use an oil AFTER applying your moisturizer because it actually locks in that moisture and is a barrier so the air doesn't weaken it's features.
Posts on Oils, retinols, eye creams and more coming very soon!
I hope you found this informative! If you would like more skin-care posts like this please comment or like this post and I will gladly do more(I love it!)
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~All products shown, mentioned, or reviewed are purchased by
me. I will ALWAYS give my complete honest answer! Just a reminder: We
are all different, so what works for one may not work for someone else or vice-versa
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