I (semi) recently shot a series detailing the products I use on a daily basis and my general routine. And then I realized that my routine changes constantly! Ha! It's taken me awhile, but I seem to have landed on a pretty solid combination of products and habits, so over the next couple of weeks, I'll be sharing my routine and what I use for hair, make-up, and skin care.
Today, I'm sharing my daily skin-care regimen and the products I use on my face and body. Up until last March, I typically used much harsher cleansers to deal with deep-seated blemishes on my face and exercise-related skin problems, I would usually then have to compensate somehow for the dry patches those products left behind. After cleaning up my diet (and by 'diet', I mean what I eat day to day) - eliminating most dairy, sugar, and processed foods and upping my water intake by a lot - most of my skin problems went away, which was super freaking awesome and made life so much easier. To me, forgoing certain foods (cheese and milk) is worth it just to not have to fight my skin on a daily basis. So, that's what I do for the inside of my body, and this is my routine for the outside:
A.M.
Wake up: I don't use cleanser on my face in the AM, usually just a few very reluctant splashes of freezing cold water to wash the sleep from my eyes and stimulate my skin, or sometimes I'll do the exact opposite and use a steaming hot washcloth to massage my face (I'm not sure how great this is for my skin, but I like it anyways).
Treat: I received a sample pack of Boscia products at Lucky FABB in November, and I've been using the Clear Complexion Gel in the mornings. Despite my skin clearing up significantly, I still have some blemishes from time to time. These products contain no preservatives or sulfates, and so far have been working really well, I'll be investing in them once the set runs out.
Moisturize: This winter has been so harsh, a friend at work turned me on to Egyptian Magic, and it has been a savior this season. I use a pea-size amount, first warming it on my hands and then massaging onto my face. Since it's a little greasy, I do this right when I wake up to allow it time to soak in while I make coffee and eat breakfast. Once it has soaked in a little, it provides a smooth base for my make-up. It is more of an oil than a cream though, so it may not be right for those will oil-prone skin. I love it though. In the summer, I use Alba Botanica Even Advanced with SPF.
P.M.
Remove makeup: Always. I've never understood how anyone can sleep with makeup on. It takes 30 seconds to remove it, and it's better for your skin. Seriously. This has been built into my routine forever since I shower at night (I work out in the evenings, so this just makes sense, but I also cannot understand why anyone would want to go to bed with dirty feet). I've been using a bit of coconut oil on a cotton ball for this lately, which seems to work better than anything else at removing Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara, which is some serious shit.
Cleanse: I've been using Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser, from the same set I previously mentioned, and I love it. I saw a noticeable difference in my skin's texture after just a few uses, plus it's great at removing any excess makeup (and, magically, also amazingly good at removing Benefit mascara). After, I spray my face, neck, and back with the Clear Complexion Tonic. For body, I like African black soap, though I'm not tied to a brand (I want to try this one next). Because of my gym routine, I'm still prone to occasional breakouts on my chest and back, but black soap does a really great job of keeping me clear naturally with no harsh astringents or cleansers.
Moisturize: For body and for face (at night), I use coconut oil. It goes on smooth, smells amazing, lightens scars, heals etc. etc. to infinity (just Google "benefits of coconut oil" for millions of articles extolling its virtues). I scar really easily (I have some cat scratches that look like stab wounds), and since I've started using coconut oil, many of my darkest scars have lightened significantly. Just be sure to do a patch test on the back of your hand to make sure you're not allergic before using, and always purchase organic virgin coconut oil. Also, be aware that you will smell slightly like an Almond Joy bar at all times.
+this is what works for me, opinions expressed are my own. I do not claim to be an expert and recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist if you're unsure about making any major changes to your routine. But yeah, coconut oil, check it out.
A.M.
Wake up: I don't use cleanser on my face in the AM, usually just a few very reluctant splashes of freezing cold water to wash the sleep from my eyes and stimulate my skin, or sometimes I'll do the exact opposite and use a steaming hot washcloth to massage my face (I'm not sure how great this is for my skin, but I like it anyways).
Treat: I received a sample pack of Boscia products at Lucky FABB in November, and I've been using the Clear Complexion Gel in the mornings. Despite my skin clearing up significantly, I still have some blemishes from time to time. These products contain no preservatives or sulfates, and so far have been working really well, I'll be investing in them once the set runs out.
Moisturize: This winter has been so harsh, a friend at work turned me on to Egyptian Magic, and it has been a savior this season. I use a pea-size amount, first warming it on my hands and then massaging onto my face. Since it's a little greasy, I do this right when I wake up to allow it time to soak in while I make coffee and eat breakfast. Once it has soaked in a little, it provides a smooth base for my make-up. It is more of an oil than a cream though, so it may not be right for those will oil-prone skin. I love it though. In the summer, I use Alba Botanica Even Advanced with SPF.
P.M.
Remove makeup: Always. I've never understood how anyone can sleep with makeup on. It takes 30 seconds to remove it, and it's better for your skin. Seriously. This has been built into my routine forever since I shower at night (I work out in the evenings, so this just makes sense, but I also cannot understand why anyone would want to go to bed with dirty feet). I've been using a bit of coconut oil on a cotton ball for this lately, which seems to work better than anything else at removing Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara, which is some serious shit.
Cleanse: I've been using Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser, from the same set I previously mentioned, and I love it. I saw a noticeable difference in my skin's texture after just a few uses, plus it's great at removing any excess makeup (and, magically, also amazingly good at removing Benefit mascara). After, I spray my face, neck, and back with the Clear Complexion Tonic. For body, I like African black soap, though I'm not tied to a brand (I want to try this one next). Because of my gym routine, I'm still prone to occasional breakouts on my chest and back, but black soap does a really great job of keeping me clear naturally with no harsh astringents or cleansers.
Moisturize: For body and for face (at night), I use coconut oil. It goes on smooth, smells amazing, lightens scars, heals etc. etc. to infinity (just Google "benefits of coconut oil" for millions of articles extolling its virtues). I scar really easily (I have some cat scratches that look like stab wounds), and since I've started using coconut oil, many of my darkest scars have lightened significantly. Just be sure to do a patch test on the back of your hand to make sure you're not allergic before using, and always purchase organic virgin coconut oil. Also, be aware that you will smell slightly like an Almond Joy bar at all times.
+this is what works for me, opinions expressed are my own. I do not claim to be an expert and recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist if you're unsure about making any major changes to your routine. But yeah, coconut oil, check it out.
