One of my goals this year was to take better care of my skin and to become more in tuned with what works for me and what doesn’t as it pertains to my skin care routine.
The older I get the more my skin is giving me problems. Between my poor diet and hormones I just can’t catch a break. I have oily skin, particularly in my t-zone and it’s trying to ruin my life. I’ve read articles, researched, asked other women and watched skin care videos and the one thing I learned is that it’s no clear cut answer. I’ve spent more then I would like to admit buying products to no avail. The answer is what works for one person may not work for another! Everyone’s body and genes are different.
Growing up, I never really had acne but I did have minor breakouts. I can’t quite pin point what it was about the tiny heat bumps that lowered my self esteem as an adolescent but it did. My skin was never smooth but I was never taught about skin care or how to really care for my face. I thought washing my face with a rag in the morning was enough. Boy, was I wrong! I didn’t start to wear makeup until I got older and it was in those moments that I realized my skincare routine was not working for me. I’ve tried all the do-it-yourself skin care mask, such as, lemon, honey, baking soda, salt scrubs, you name it I tried it! However, what I realized is that it’s simple things that make all the difference. Although it’s still early, I’ve finally narrowed down some beauty habits that are doing me some justice and have finally put me on the path to better skin. My problem? I wish I had started them sooner!
You may also like: 10 Ways To Achieve Your Mommy Makeover Without The Knife
8 Essential Beauty Habits I wish I Started Sooner
Using Sunscreen Daily
Silly me, I thought I only needed to wear sunscreen when I was going to the beach or spending all day out in the sun. Apparently, the sun can cause some serious hyperpigmentaion and now I know why I’ve suffered from it. Hyperpigmentation is defined as the increase in the natural color of the skin. This can be seen with either dark spots or light spots that appear in areas of your face. My display of hyperpigmentation appeared with dark spots. I’ve finally started wearing sunscreen everyday. I apply it right after moisturizing and its been a game changer even with my oily skin. There are so many types of sunscreen for your face out on the market. The key is finding one that works for YOU! Note: Wearing makeup with SPF in it is not enough coverage! I use this sunscreen stick. It’s affordable and it works for me. I’ve also heard good things about this sunscreen water gel and its on my list to try next. Not wearing sunscreen can mean the difference between blemishes, moles, freckles, cancer or healthy looking skin. You decide!
Double Cleansing
This technique has been doing my face so right in such a short amount of time! I discovered the art of double cleansing while roaming in one of my skin care Facebook groups. Double Cleansing is when you wash your face with an oil based cleanser first and then follow it up with either a foaming cleanser or water based cleanser. My thoughts was why in the world would I use an oil based anything when my skin is already so oily. If this is your question, here’s why! Oil cleansing removes other oils, such as, makeup and sebum regulating oil production. While the foam or water based cleanser removes impurities like dirt, sweat, and residue. Combined both products removes all impurities leaving your skin feeling great and looking healthy. It’s also known that we sometimes strip the moisture from our skin with harsh toners so using an oil based cleanser can aid in replenishing the moisture in our skin.
The combination I use is Palmer’s Therapy Cleansing Oil and CeraVe Foaming Cleanser.
Washing Pillow Cases More Often
I literally didn’t change my pillow cases often enough! Its suggested to do so literally every couple of days. I would go a week, sometimes a little longer before I changed my bedding. This simple step is so important. Pillow cases can carry your dirt and oil build up. Laying your face in this build up day after day deposits those impurities right back on your skin. Gross! I also found out its best not to use any fabric softener or dryer sheets on your pillow cases because they leave behind a residue that can clog your pores. I’ve started being intentional about switching them out and i’m sure its adding to the healthiness I’m starting to see in my skin.
Stop Touching My Face
Touching your face throughout the day is effortless! If we have an itch we rubbing it, if our skin looks oily we rubbing it, if we tired we rubbing it, if we bored we touching it. You name it, our hands never leave our face. Our hands carry all types of dirt and germs and when we touch our face we’re putting those same dirt and germs on our face. We also need to stop letting other people touch our face. Their hands are dirty too! I’m still a work in progress but i’m starting to be more conscious about this. So, keep your dirty hands off your face!
Getting Facials
The best thing I did for my skin was going in for facials. This allowed me to talk with a Licensed Esthetician about my skin type and the problems I was experiencing. I found out my skin was congested, I had an oily skin type, hyperpigmentation, black heads and also some things I can do to remedy my facial issues. If it’s in your budget, I highly suggest going to a Dermatologist or Esthetician depending on your needs so that you can establish a treatment plan and get on the road to flawless skin, inside and out.
Washing Makeup Brushes Often Enough
I was not washing my makeup brushes often enough! I would apply a whole weeks worth of makeup before washing them. This extreme usage allows bacteria to build up and each day I didn’t wash them just added to the amount of bacteria I was putting on my face. Some people say you should wash them after every use. Some people say you should wash once a week. As a result of me being intentional about improving my skin, I’ve started washing them after every use. If you have sensitive skin, I would suggest you do the same.
I use baby shampoo to wash my makeup brushes. You want to use a gentle cleanser that is fragrance free because those added scents can irritate your skin.
Keeping Cell Phone Off My Face
These days everyone is addicted to their phones, including me! But, our cell phones carry so many germs and then when we talk on them we increase skin-to-phone contact. The germs are then transferred to our face. As a result, I’ve been more intentional about talking hands free. Sometimes, I can look at my phone and see the grease and dirt and my skin just crawls. Wiping your phone down frequently with screen cleansing towelettes can assist on your hands free journey.
Drinking More Water
It seems as if drinking water is the fix for everything! However, in your skin’s defense, drinking more water can indeed help your skin. This remedy is simple and so easy to do. My favorite combination for my skin is water and lemon. Combined with the other techniques, its a bonus and a perk for many other health challenges as well. Healthy, glowing skin is a glass of water away!
Do you have any other skin care tips that work for you?
What are you waiting for!?! GO OWN YOUR FANCY!!!
Keep in touch: Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter/ Pinterest
