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Let’s talk skin! Since we have been home, I have been extremely heavy on my normal self care routine. Recently I started upping the anty a bit in the skincare department.
Pre-quarantine, my skincare routine was pretty thorough yet basic in the same breath. I did weekly face masks, jade rolling, exfoliating, creams and serums. You name it, I probably have done it one way or another. The issue has never been taking the steps to take care of my skin. The real issue has always been staying consistent. Come on, I cant be the only one that has forgotten to wash her makeup off a night or two.
Being a woman of a particular age *cough cough* I truly realize + OVERstand the HUGE benefits of a solid consistent face routine. Ok, truth moment? Its not like I didn’t know what needed to be done. What gave me a gentle nudge in the right direction was an interview that I saw with Halle Berry. In this interview Halle gave the in’s and out’s of her face routine step by step. And guess what? All of the steps that she takes + the products she uses, anyone can do + has access to. The only difference is she is consistent.
The Steps
In this interview Halle mentioned a 4 step process that she completed twice a day every single day for the last few decades. The steps as simple as can be: 1. Gentle Cleanser 2. Gentle Exfoliate 3. Hydrating Mask 4. Moisturizer.
I decided right then and there that it was time to get serious and CONSISTENT about my skin care routine. Now while I didnt go out and pick up the exact items that Halle mentioned in her interview, I already owned a product in each of the steps so there was nothing holding me back from getting started.
The Process
Gentle Face Cleanser: I am currently using PerriconeMD Nutritive Cleanser and I really love how clean my face feels after each use. This cleanser is perfect for my combination skin because it not only conditions but it also adds moisture with each wash, preparing my skin for the next steps in my routine. TIPS: 1) Use outward + upward motions when washing. These motions increase blood flow and circulation to the face. 2) Don’t forget your neck!
Exfoliate: Let me be honest, I was a little hesitant of this step just due to the notion that you shouldn’t exfoliate every day because it causes drying or makes the skin raw. I honestly do not know where I got that information. I started using Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant ,a very gentle daily exfoliant. Another great combination skin product (see a trend?). This exfoliant absorbs oils while removing dead cells and smoothing the skin. Antioxidant + vitamin C rich via Pink grapefruit coupled with Peppermint leaves makes this exfoliant my all time favorite. Using this product twice a day, I have not noticed any drying or irritation to the skin.
Hydrating Mask: So very essential in any great skin care routine! I rotate between 2 different masks depending on the time of year or what my skin needs. During the winter my skin tends to be more dry while in the summer/spring Im more oily (yikes). Right now I adore the Wish Blue Matcha Purifying Mask , not only is it extremely moisturizing but it also detoxify + purifies the pores by balancing the skins pH. A HUGE plus is this little jar of magic also is very antioxidant rich which can slow down the process of damage cells, i.e. anti aging.
Moisturizer: I love a great moisturizer and have a few that are in my skincare rotation right now. I have 2 serums that I combine during my morning routine. Taking a small amount of Perricone MD Face Firming Serum and Physicians Formula 24k gold collagen serum, I mix both in my palm before applying to my face and neck. These two combine provide me with the perfect moisturizer that is both firming yet plumping in all the right ways. During my evening routine, I opt for Dermelect self esteem beauty sleep serum that is packed with glycolic, salicylic and L-ascorbic acids. Basically all the good stuff used to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and so forth.
Sampling Cost Effectively
Very similar to hair products, finding the perfect combination of skin products that work can be tricky + pricey. I have been using FabFitFun a seasonal subscription service for the last few years for this exact reason! I will be doing a full review on subscription boxes that I love in the future, but FabFitFun is an OG favorite of mine. Each season you are provided with FULL Sized products that are high end. The products range from skin care to beauty and even fashion. What I love of course is getting the full sized skincare products to try before I go out and purchase. Most of every high-end face product I have purchased I received in a seasonal box beforehand.
Skin
Whether you have the products for each step or not, consistency in how you care for your skin is needed for your skin to thrive. I’ve been following this routine twice a day for a few weeks now and I can tell a huge difference! A solid skincare routine, healthy habits + nutritious eating equals very happy skin indeed.