The way I go about skincare is almost completely based on instinct. That is, I wake up and I choose my cleanser, serum, face oil and moisturiser based on how it feels, the things I've been putting into my body, and just plain old guessing.
I realize that is the most unhelpful and unclear advice I can give, but I do think that everyone should get to know their skin. As a person with problem skin, I tried a number of treatments to help my skin clear up. I probably tried too many things too quickly, but having a skin issue helped me familiarize myself with my skin's habits.
A few things I've learned about my skin...
- My skin hates benzoyl peroxide and acetyl-salicylic acid. It was fantastic having cystic acne, because both those things are pretty prominent in acne treatments. I talk about the acne treatments I can use here.
- My skin loves to be exfoliated in times of crisis. The Clarisonic is one of the things that helped me through The Great Acne Crisis of '10. That said, it's been a couple of years and I don't use my Clarisonic nearly as often anymore. I find a gentler exfoliation to be more helpful -- I use a muslin cloth, an enzyme exfoliant or a glycolic acid treatment.
- Despite having extremely oily skin, my skin loves to be moisturised, especially with oils. I'll talk more about my moisturising masks later, but here's how it goes: I'll use a peel then cover it with an insanely thick layer of moisturiser and face oil.
- I love serums. My moisturisers feel lost and lonely without then.
- My lips do not respond well to central heating. Here's what I use to keep them happy.
To check out what I'm using, click 'Watch on YouTube' for a full product line-up. Hope you don't mind that I ramble!
That's a ton of products you got there :-O :-)
ReplyDeleteI know, my skincare addiction is so unhealthy! I like having options though.
Deletegreat items :)
ReplyDeleteNew post is up on my blog you should have a look :)
oxoxoxo
Marie
Great post and great items... I wish I knew my skin that well. ;) x
ReplyDeleteIt takes time, but the effort is so worth it!
DeleteAlso, there seems to be a strange script on your page...my malware won't let me go to your blog =S!
DeleteWhoa - awesome post & amazing collection!!! I cannot agree with you more about everyone getting to know their own skin...it's one of the BEST things I've ever done!!! Though I'm not as ocd about it anymore, I still do keep a skincare journal, and it's really helped me identify problem ingredients and recognize patterns. I so wish my skin had been as successful with the Clarisonic, but it actually made my skin go from really good to terrible and completely changed my skin. Anyway...really enjoyed your post and video :-)
ReplyDeleteOooh, a skincare journal, what a great idea! The Clarisonic is definitely finicky, I would only recommend it for problem skin. If your skin is already good, I say skip!
DeleteGreat post & I really enjoyed watching your video! My skin is a bit similar in that it can get very oily but loves face oils, and I always seem to reach for exfoliating products when it starts to play up - always helps me too! x
ReplyDeleteEvelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves
Thanks! Face oils make me less oily =)
DeleteStill gotta try Pai skincare! Other than that it seems like we share similar skin care regimes except I have super sensitive/combination/dry skin! I could NOT live without my Josie Maran Argan Oil, Bioderma, Avene Thermale Water ( I use it to help blend in my foundation I just find it diffuses the intensity of the foundation to make it less coverage which I love). Also love Caudalie skin care, its amazing.
ReplyDeleteOoh, our routines really are similar! Caudalie is one of my favourite skincare lines to date! What do you use from them?
DeleteYou have awesome picks, hon--really great taste in skincare! A lot of your picks are items that I have, items that I have been meaning to try, or items that I wish I could try (but can't because I just know I will break out). Oh, on another note, I tried the Bastiste dry shampoo yesterday. Dude, the Fresh one smells AWESOME--it's seriously the best smelling one I've tried. The smell of those aerosol dry shampoos has always been a huge, huge problem for me but this one was amazing! I didn't buy it though because I went on a depression shopping spree and spent wayyyy too much and am broke and in need of a job...all not good. But I do plan on purchasing it one day (when I run out of my Oscar Blandi one that just won't die!!!)
ReplyDeleteI see some of my favorite products in your stash! Really need to try Estee Lauder ANR and more from Bioderma!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to start looking into some Institut Esthederm things -- they're the creators of Bioderma.
DeleteWhat a great collection! How do you like Josie Maran argan oil? I heard somewhere (can't remember where) that the argan oil content in skin care products currently on the market isn't enough to make an impact. But I'm so curious.
ReplyDeleteI think that's true -- you really do have to look at ingredients. On the Josie Maran one, it says 100% Argania Spinosa (Kernel) Oil. I don't use it every day on my face, but it really is a miracle worker on the days that I do need it. I also especially love it on my hair.
DeleteAmazing skincare collection! My skin actually sounds quite similar to yours. It hates benzoyl peroxide, too and loves exfoliation and glycolic acid. I'm thinking about adding an oil into my routine at the moment and I'm thinking about trying a few things from the Pai range, too after reading your reviews. I noticed naturismo.com actually sell little sample sizes of some of the Pai products, which is quite handy, so I'll definitely be grabbing a few of those soon.
ReplyDeleteThe sample size pack looks great for someone who's never tried it before. Let me know how that goes!
DeleteGreat post. You are right on the money with exfoliation and essential oils. I think we need to refresh our complexion with a natural exfoliant (I love lemon juice and cornmeal). Essential oils do a myriad of great things for the skin. Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil and Emu Oil are my favorites!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried those! I've heard that Emu Oil can be a miracle worker though! What sort of skin do you have?
DeleteExcellent post! By the way, you do have a lot of products. Indeed, it’s vital to know what your skin type is. Having delicate skin means that there are many limits on which product to use. It would be wise to have natural products for the fact that it’s healthier for our skin. Still, some products prescribed by a doctor is more useful for it contains the vitamins and nutrients that our skin needs.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit of a hoarder! I also completely agree with your skin philosophy!
DeleteFull knowledge about your skin and body can help you in selecting the appropriate beauty products. You'll be aware of those chemicals that will damage your skin, and those that would improve your look. Anyway, thanks for sharing your skincare products. I might try one of them one of these days.
ReplyDeleteMathew Triano @ US HealthWorks