My Skin Routine

I sat down this weekend to write about my makeup routine, but I simply couldn’t proceed without discussing how I ‘prep the canvas’. I am not one of those girls blessed with perfect skin. I had really nice skin through my teenage years, turned wonky in my twenties. As such, my skin routine is very important for me because I am in the pursuit of having it look flawless and it all starts with taking care of it. After trying many different products, here is what works best for me and I doubt I will ever stray far from them.

Makeup Removal & Cleansing
‘Bobbi Brown – Cleansing Oil’: this is a ’2 for 1′ formula that gently removes ALL traces of makeup  (including waterproof) and cleanses skin while maintaining natural moisture levels. You need the tiniest amount (which is nice because the bottle lasts forever). I use about 2 pumps and apply to a dry face gently rubbing it all over. Be warned that it is the most foreign feeling ever and it feels kind of gross, but trust it. After you’ve gently worked it all over your skin, proceed by rinsing with luke warm water and watch the makeup just vanish. Since I’m not keen on leaving a slightly oily film on my face, I follow up with another cleanser by Dermalogica. I learned about this one from one of my dearest friends, Jenn (thanks Doppleganger). As I was visiting her last year, I figured I would try it and fell in love with it right away. As soon as I got home, I went on a mission to find a salon that sold it. I use the ‘MediBac Clearing’ system and the cleanser is called ‘Clearing Skin Wash’. Dermalogica is a skin care system researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute…they obviously know their stuff, because this is like a miracle wash for my problem skin. I have tried other products, including the popular Cetaphils, Neutrogena, Clearasil, Origins etc etc, but I found that all of those “skin clearning” washes over dried my skin causing it to over compensate by producing too much oil which led to a breakout. It took me a long time to realize, but I feel I’ve finally met my match. Before I move on, I need to give honourable mention to ‘La Roche Posay – Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel’. I used this one for a couple of years, still love it and it’s a great price point.

Exfoliator
I use an exfoliator about 1 – 2 times a week or as needed. I use the ‘La Roche Posay – Physiological Ultra-Fine Scrub’. This product smoothes and deeply cleanses skin, while respecting its physiological balance. It comes in a small bottle, but you don’t need a lot of product per use, so it should last for a while.

Masques
Staying true to my love for Dermalogica,  I buy two different masques they make - ‘Sebum Clearing Masque’: a cooling masque with oil-absorbing clays which helps clear and prevent breakouts while detoxifying skin. Salicylic Acid stimulates natural exfoliation to clear pore congestion, and cooling botanicals help purify, refine and eliminate excess oils. You really can feel a cooling sensation on your skin when you apply it. The other that I use is their ‘Skin Refining Masque’ which lifts surface impurities and wicks away excess oils that can trigger congestion and enlarge pores. It’s refreshing and calming without over-drying for smoother skin texture.

Moisturizer
I use the ‘La Roche Posay – Effaclar H – Compensating Soothing Moisturizer’. This one is made for oily skin weakened by drying skin care products – which is my exact profile. While I don’t have naturally oily skin, the products I use do contain salisylic acid, which tend to dry it out a bit. This moisturizer is perfect for rebalancing me. I use it every morning under my makeup.

Eye Cream
While I don’t have any deep wrinkles (yet), I am convinced it’s because I take good care of my skin. For example, I have been using an eye cream since I was 18. I love ‘La Roche Posay – Redermic [+] Eyes’. It is an intensive daily anti-wrinkle firming fill-in cream. I strongly recommend an eye cream, no matter what your age.

Blemish Blasters!
Okay, I saved the best for last (actually…not really because I love everything on this list equally). When I was having skin issues and getting super frustrated with it, I saw my doctor to get a referral to a dermatologist. After seeing my dermatologist for the first time and battling with him over not wanting to take medication because I simply felt as though my problem skin wasn’t that bad (+ he hardly gave me the time of day – he was so quick to write down a prescription without even really looking me in the eye), we finally agreed on a topical treatment. He prescribed me something called ‘Clindoxyl Gel’. I apply a very thin layer to any affected areas at bedtime. It took about 2 weeks to start working and I continue to use it as a preventative treatment. I stopped using it for a few months because I ran out and I slowly started seeing some issues creep back, so I quickly got a refill and vow to never run out again. Discuss this option with your doctor if you’re interested. Alternatively, I also always have ‘Dermalogica – Special Clearing Booster’ on hand. Only use this as a spot treatment because it is pretty strong. It’s fortified with Zinc Sulfate, Tea Tree and Sage, to help accelerate breakout clearing while soothing aggravation associated with breakouts – pretty much a miracle spot treatment.

While the following isn’t a list of products, they’re just as important as they are some of the all time best things you can do for your skin:

• Clean your makeup brushes regularly! I can’t stress this enough
• Cleanse your face every night and never sleep with makeup on
• HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE: Drink tons of water to help rid your body of toxins
• Exercise: it helps the blood transport vital nutrients to cells in the body. It can also dampen the testosterone-related hormones that result in breakouts.
• Curb sugar (not just those sour keys, but all highly refined carbs too): A chemical process known as glycation from eating sugary foods diminishes the elasticity of collagen in your skin
• Fish oils are fabulous for your complexion because of the Omega-3′s which help replenish your skin’s natural “bubble wrap” of lipids. If you hate fish, you can purchase capsules
• Take shorter, cooler showers. I am notorious for taking long, boiling hot showers and I’ve found that it dries the heck out of my skin, causing it to overcompensate by producing oils leading to acne
• Treat yourself to a facial at a quality salon
• Don’t touch your face. I often have found myself deep in thought at work with my face resting in the palm of my hand. No matter how much sanitizer you use, or the # of times you wash your hands, they’re still filthy dirty. Also, if you have a problem arising on your face, leave it and don’t pick! This can lead to prolonged healing time, makes it worse than it is and also can infect it or leave scars.
• Use sunscreen!
• Subscribe to this blog :)

What are your favourite products? Do any of you use my favourites? Next up, MAKEUP!

xxxo