Hi Beauties!
Hope you're staying warm and aren't freezing like we are here in this New York weather (winter finally showed up).
For today's post I decided to do a quick overview of my current skin care routine.
I don't mix it up too much; once I find products that work effectively I keep using them.
But when I have a new skin concern I will look to add another item.
I talk a lot about makeup on this blog, but makeup can only take you so far.
If your not taking care of your skin, your makeup's canvas, your products aren't going to look the best.
It all starts with skin care and skin care isn't just the products you use topically.
It also involves proper nutrition, hydration, and adequate sleep and exercise.
So read on for my skin care journey, what I found that works, and some overall skin care tips that you may (or may not) know.
You can watch my video review of my skin care product preferences here
My Biggest Skin Concern: Acne
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Acne. I had it as a teenager. It cleared up pretty well with the products I used.
But around my last year of college I started breaking out again.
The products I had used as a teen didn't work as well on my adult acne.
So I tried a few different acne regimens to no avail.
One dried out my skin so much I felt like a mummy.
My skin type had always been oily, I noticed now it was leaning towards combination.
So the search continued...
Finally I found an acne product line the cleared up everything.
Clinique's Acne Solutions 3-Step system.
I bought the trial size set because I wasn't terribly optimistic about it and didn't want to spend a lot.
But after using it morning and night for a few weeks I noticed my skin starting to clear up.
I bought the full size products when I used up the trial sized and within a few months my acne was virtually gone! I was thrilled!
I have been using Clinique Acne Solutions ever since.
I'll get the occasional zit now and then from stress or using a new makeup product that my skin doesn't like, but overall I have had so much success with these products.
I have added a few additional products over the years but Clinique Acne Solutions is my main staple.
A Few Thoughts on Skin Care in General
* Everyone's Skin is Different
I'd love to tell that all of the products that work for me will 100% work for you, but there is no way I could possibly know that.
We all have different skin types, sensitivities, and needs.
Before I found my skin care routine I followed one that my favorite makeup artist used.
It didn't work and dried out my skin. It worked perfect for him though.
So, the point is, there is going to be some trial and error as you find your perfect products.
*Most Skin Care Products Need Time
You don't typically start seeing results from a product the next day.
It can take a few weeks of use to see visible results from a skin care product.
So don't lose heart and discontinue use if you don't see results in two days. Give it time.
Side Note: However, if a product causes pain, sensitivity, or extreme redness definitely stop using it immediately. You may be allergic to it or its ingredients.
*Always, Always, ALWAYS Remove Your Makeup Before Bed
And I don't mean with a quick face wipe.
Yeah, your tired, yeah it's annoying, but not removing your makeup is only going to cause you more aggravation down the road.
Not only will it clog your pores and stain your pillow case, it will age your skin faster and cause a host of undesirable skin concerns related to it.
Plain and simple: remove your makeup, your skin will thank you later.
(Keep reading to see the makeup removers I use)
*Clean Your Makeup Brushes Regularly
I've been guilty of not doing this on occasion.
If you don't keep your makeup brushes clean you are going to keep reapply old, dried makeup and oil onto your skin and cause breakouts.
Plus, there are other scary bacteria that can build up if you don't clean your brushes regularly.
Best to just make a schedule for brush cleaning.
*Skin Care Starts with a Healthy Body
You could use a shelf full of skin care products, but if you aren't taking care of yourself you aren't going to see the best results.
It all starts with the basics: eating a healthy balanced diet, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and proper exercise.
I know, it's impossible sometimes with our busy schedules.
I haven't been doing the best on the sleep part for the last few weeks and need to get back on tract myself.
But by making yourself a priority your skin will thank you, now and in the future.
With all that being said, here is a break down of my current skin care routine.
I take you through my nightly routine because my morning one is pretty quick.
I also show you the products I use in addition to my daily ones.
Again, you can watch my video review here
Clinique Acne Solutions™ Cleansing Foam
Step 1 of both my morning and nighttime routine.
It foams up nicely and is gentle on my skin while combating
acne with its 2% salicylic acid.
I massage it into my skin for about a minute, a minute
and a half and then I rinse my face with water and pat dry with a towel.
Now
I’m ready for Step 2.
Clinique Acne Solutions™ Clarifying Lotion
Step 2 of my nighttime routine.
Although it’s called a lotion, it is definitely a liquid.
This “lotion” works as an exfoliator to help unclog pores
and it also soothes skin when it feels a little angry.
You need to shake the bottle well because the powder
ingredients settle at the bottom. So I give it a few good shakes and then I
pour a small amount onto a cotton round, just enough to saturate it, then I
sweep it across my face.
I let it dry for maybe 90 seconds, then I’m onto step
3.
Clinique Acne Solutions™ All-Over Clearing Treatment
Step 3 of my nighttime routine.
This treatment lotion (this one is an actual lotion)
contains benzoyl peroxide to remedy any acne you already have and help prevent
future blemishes. After repeated use it can be a tab drying, but using a
moisturizer (see next step) fixes that completely.
I use a few small dabs of lotion on my index finger and
apply a very thin layer to my whole face.
I rub it into my skin and give it
about a minute to sink in the rest of the way.
Now onto step 4.
Clinique Dramatically Different™ Moisturizing Gel
Step 4 of my nighttime routine (step 2 of my morning)
This moisturizer is incredible! It’s a gel instead of a
typical lotion and I think that makes all the difference.
It doesn’t clog my
pores or make my acne worse. It’s ideal if you have combination or oily skin,
but it works for dry skin as well (although the Dramatically Different
Moisturizing Lotion may be a better option for my friends with dry skin out there).
I use a few pumps on my index finger to moisturize my
entire face.
After I use it my face feels hydrated and smooth.
Now I’m almost
ready to go to sleep, but first step 5.
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Eye
Cream
Step 5 of my nighttime routine.
About a year ago I noticed a few tiny little lines around
the outer corners of my eyes (I smile too big).
So I decided it was time to start looking for a night
cream.
I tried a couple that didn’t really give me the results I was looking
for.
Enter: Smart Repair Eye Cream.
Within just a couple of weeks I noticed
that the lines weren’t as deep and since I’ve been using it regularly, I
haven’t noticed any new lines.
I use the smallest amount on my ring finger and gently
smooth it over the outer corners of my eyes until it is completely absorbed.
And that is my nightly skin care routine.
It sounds long, I know, but honestly, it only takes me about 15 minutes to complete it all.
Here are some of the other products I use on a regular basis:
I always use this to remove my eye makeup. It's gentle and soft for the delicate skin around the eyes.
I pour a little bit on a cotton round or tissue and swipe it across my eyes (from outer corner towards nose, try not to pull skin outward).
Then I move on to cleansing.
Clinique: Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
If I'm wearing face makeup I use this balm after I use the baby oil on my eye makeup and before I cleanse my face.
I use my finger tip to massage this balm into my face and it starts to break down any foundation, blush, etc.
Aveeno: Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum
As a result of wearing masks all the time for years, the skin around my mouth became dry and irritated. My usual moisturizer didn’t help much. After a little research I discovered I needed a ceremide.
When I looked
at Aveeno and read the ingredients I felt comfortable using it.
I just use about a drop from the eyedropper applicator
and smooth it on to the corners of my mouth and surrounding skin and let it
sink in.
I did this a couple of times a day for a few months. Now, it
has healed nicely.
I still use it a few times a month after wearing matte
lipstick or extra exfoliating.
Raw Elements: Mineral Sunscreen for Face and Body - SPF
30
(Step 3 of my morning routine)
I'm sure I don't have to tell you about sunscreen. But I will share one my favorites with you.
I love this natural sunscreen from Raw Elements.
True story: I didn't wear any sunscreen one day over the summer (really dumb, I just wasn't thinking) and I got a sunburn in the 90 degree weather. Ouch!
A few weeks after it healed I was in a similar situation and it was even warmer with more sun BUT I remembered to put on this sunscreen.
No sunburn at all, not even pink. I love this stuff.
GlamGlow: Supermud Clearing Treatment
For weekly exfoliating and unclogging pores I really love this face mask.
I will either put it just on my problem areas (nose, upper cheeks, chin) or I will put it all over my face if my skin really needs a detox.
I just use my fingertips to smooth the mask over my skin.
It has a black licorice scent that I don't love, but I don't hate.
I leave it on for 15-20 minutes and you can actually see some of the pores unclogging.
It sounds gross, but it's actually really cool.
I rinse it off with warm water and pat my face dry.
My skin feels so clean and fresh after I use it.
Biore: Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
When I have really stubborn blackheads I opt for the ever popular Biore pore strips.
They come in strips for the nose and around the face.
They pull the blackheads out of the pores to reveal clean, fresh skin.
I use these every few months or when needed.
And that pretty much covers my skin care routine lately.
I hope that there is something in there that you can use or just find interesting.
What skin care products do you love? Let me know in the comments.
Again you can watch my skin care review here
Thank you so much for checking out my skin care post!
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Thanks for stopping by!
See you next time,
XOXO
Ultima Beauty
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