Oh, how I wish I were that girl who says, "I only use soap and water to wash my face." I've had skin issues ever since I can remember. I've been on Accutane, Retin-A, and Ortho Tri Cyclen; I've had chemical peels, microderm and every kind of alleged skin-changing facial there is; I've run the gamut when it comes to skincare products--from OTC favorites by Neutrogena to pricier potions from Clarins. Nothing seemed to work. Until I paid my friends at
The Posh Spot, an Atlanta-area boutique skin and nails spa, a visit.
Dawn, the fab owner, took one look at my face and recommended that I start using the
Dermalogica line, with the
oily kit as my jumping off point. That was three months ago and I'm happy to say that I can tell a MAJOR difference in my skin. Here are the steps I follow during my daily routine:
1. Cleanse skin day and night with a facial brush. I use the
Clarisonic Mia2 with the deep pore brush head (LOVE IT)
. I can't say enough good things about this brush. I bought one for my mom, converted my sister, and now all my besties have bought one as well! I use it in the shower and it saves me a bunch of time when getting ready in the mornings. There are, however, a few less expensive options on the market by
Oil of Olay and
Proactiv. Whichever you invest in, washing your face with a pulsating brush makes a heck of a difference than with your hands and washcloth alone.
2. Exfoliate every morning. Dermalogica has a great
facial scrub that's less abrasive than some on the market. Using a facial scrub is also a good way to deep clean and get rid of impurities in your pores.
3. Apply toner. I didn't always use a
facial toner, but now I'm so happy I do. It helps remove all the residue from your cleansers and scrubs. Plus, it hydrates the surface of your skin.
4. Use a GOOD moisturizer. This is probably the biggest step in your skincare routine. Even though I have really oily skin, oil free moisturizers don't seem to work for me. I received a bottle of
Josie Maran Argan Oil that came with my Clarisonic gift set, so I used it all until it was gone. Now, I go for a less expensive, yet equally effective one that I found at Whole Foods. All you need is a little bit (and i mean LITTLE) as this oil goes a long way.
5. I also try to
clean my makeup brushes on a more regular basis (with every other application) with witch hazel and Cetaphil, and only use a light BB cream during the week and reserve glamming it up with a face full of makeup on the weekends. Your pores need to breathe!
6. On the weekends, I
apply a charcoal-based mask by Origins. I swear this stuff is like a vacuum. It sucks out all those nasty impurities like nobody's business! I also use a glycolic peel by
Ole Henrisksen as preventative care for lines and wrinkles.
Some other tips I suggest if you're trying to work on your skin:
1. Use makeup remover wipes. . . especially with heavy makeup. This takes off all the surface gunk. Then, call in the big guns (facial brush) to get down to the nitty gritty and deep clean.
2. Hydratae from the inside out by drinking lots of water. A simple rule, but you'd be surprised by how much of a difference simply drinking 8 glasses of water a day makes!
3. Change your pillowcases regularly. If you're a tosser and tuner like me, then your face is in constant contact with your pillow...a hotbed for germs and microbes!
4. Always wash your hands before touching your face. Point. Blank. Period.
5. Apply an SPF to shield skin from the sun. I never thought I needed it as a woman of color, but sunscreen is a BIG step in keeping skin safe during the summer months.
So that's all I have. It might seem like a lot (and sometimes it feels that way), but the results are totally worth it.
Do you have a skincare routine that you follow? What are some of your favorite products? Leave a comment for me below!
{If you're in the Atlanta area, be sure to check out the ladies at The Posh Spot, as they are a certified Dermalogica spa. And also, ask for Cameron--her skincare services are amazing!}
