It’s that time of year when I have no good post ideas check in with how I’m doing with my New Year’s Resolutions I Probably won’t keep. As a reminder, I like to set “Intentions” each New Year. They are things on my mind, goals I have, but not things that will make the world end if I don’t accomplish. I like the “set it and forget it” mindset when it comes to resolutions.
And the New Year’s Resolution I want to check in with today is the one where I take care of my skin.
If you’ve been around for awhile, you may recall my struggle with adult acne. An update on the horrors of being an adult that still does this:
(Except cystic acne doesn’t do that, at all). However, my face has been pretty clear now that my Doctor put me on a combo of Spironolactone Oral Tablet plus a Tretinoin .05% Cream (Retinol, basically). I’m supposed to take the oral meds 2x a day, but I’m terrible at taking medicine, so I’ve been taking it fairly regularly in the evenings only.
However, my goal is to be drug-free, so I cut out the oral meds cold turkey in the last 6 weeks. I currently have a large pimple in the middle of my forehead, but for the most part, I’m pimple-free. Fingers crossed I can stay like this.
So how am I doing it? I’m not. I have hormonal acne, so it’s totally coincidental (probably), but I have been using TOTALLY new products on my face to keep me looking fresh, young and moisturized, and I’m excited to tell you about them.
I’m getting Facials
I’ve shied away from facials in my life as I have broken out badly in the weeks after, in fact, I think a facial in my mid twenties is what caused my cystic acne to start. But I’ve heard such great things about facials so I found a place in Philly (Advanced Skin Care Solutions) that specializes in acne-prone skin. I had my first Deep Cleansing facial with my esthetician and broke out slightly the first time for the next week- ten days. But while there I invested in some good products and learned about some others. I bought some at Advanced Skin Care, and found the others online, so buckle up and get your pocket books ready.
This Facewash by Hylunia
Get this stuff! This brand is awesome and I want to try more from them. The cleanser does not create suds, which is weird, and I only use it in the evenings (sometimes twice). Hold on to your hats- In the mornings I DON’T WASH MY FACE!
I use a buff in downward strokes on my face when I’m in the shower. Similar buff.
This Evening Moisturizer
My face is in desperate need of moister right now. When I first went to see my esthetician, I was a peeling mess.
I’ve been using a combo of a few things, including some serums, but at night I use this Peter Thomas Roth Moisturizer they recommended:
Pros: It’s really thick and moisture-rich
Cons: It smells a bit like a hospital sanitizer and is $$$
However I bought my first 4oz bottle about 2 months ago and with just an evening usage, I still have some left.
Would I buy again: Probably. Or I might switch to something else for the less dry season (I’d love to try the moisturizer by the cleanser company)
Update: I just noticed it’s =half the price I paid my esthetician on Amazon. So Yes, would buy again. Find it here.
I have a Love Affair with Serums
I’m in love with serums. I tried a Vitamin C sample from my esthetician but ended up buying larger products from The Ordinary. Don’t know The Ordinary yet? Get ready to fall in Love.
These products are AMAZING, Affordable, Good quality and lathering on products that come from a tiny bottle with a droplet just make me feel like I’m doing good things to my skin.
My Current Serum Regimen:
In the Mornings: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
I put this on my face after my shower and before my morning moisturizer. It’s thick and delicious and makes me feel luxurious. I don’t know the benefits except that it’s good for moisture and anti-aging. Plus it’s only $12.65 on Amazon.
My morning Moisturizer: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
What is HA? We’ll never know. (Actually, you can probably google it) But this moisturizer is light enough for day and seeps into my skin. I was a bit concerned with the small size, but so far it’s lasted about a 6 weeks (at just 3.3 fl oz), and it’s so cheap that it’s fine if I have to buy it every 8 weeks! Get it here.
My Night Serum: 100% Plan Derived Squalane
After washing my face in the evenings, I slather on this serum (because I read it is good for nighttime and I believe things I read). It’s a bit lighter than the serum I use in the mornings. Plus it’s called Squalane, and that is just cool. Get some Squalane here.
Keeping those Wrinkles Away: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
I use this cream after my night serum, and it’s what I bought when I found out I should be using Vitamin C. However, I don’t love it. It sorta tingles/burns (which I’ve gotten used to) and is gritty. I’m officially in the market for a Vitamin C Serum. But don’t let me scare you, people love this stuff. Try it on Amazon for just $11.99.
Use your SPF
I’m the WORST at remembering to wear SPF. Plus it’s so thick. It smells like the beach which is a great smell when you’re at the beach and a terrible smell at 10 am at the office. So I picked up this powder SPF my esthetician used on me. It’s awesome:
Peter Thomas Roth: Oily Problem Skin Instant Mineral SPF 30
I had my second facial a few weeks ago (I went 5 weeks after my first trip) and she told me my skin looked much better. And the best part is— I BARELY BROKE OUT AFTER!
I know it takes awhile to get your skin used to new products, but I’m determined to take care of it, and look younger (and not break the bank).
I need your help
I’ve spent your money, now spend mine! What Vitamin C Serums do you use, have you heard or of should I check out? And why can The Ordinary sell serums for $5.75 and Whole Foods sell them for $55? What are you using? What do you love? Do I even know what the hell I’m doing? I just want to put things on my skin that feel good and make it pretty
Help!
Tell me what you’re using in the comments!
