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Sunday, February 3, 2013

My Daily Skincare for Winter Dry and Acne Prone Skin


Here is my daily winter routine on how I keep my skin well hydrated, acne prevention and moisturized.  After trial and error on a lot of skincare products I narrow down to these products that work well for me.  Please remember that what works for me does not mean it works well for everyone, we all have different skin. 

Note: I have combination skin, dry on the chin area, oily on the t-zone and sometimes dry patches on the nose and occasional breakouts on the chin. 

Morning

Cleanser: 
First thing in the morning is I use a simple cleanser to remove any oil build up on my skin from overnight while sleeping.  I like using “Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser” because it’s mild, non-fragrant and non-irritant on the skin and it doesn’t feel over drying after cleansing.  One way to find out if the cleanser is too drying is to wait a few minutes after cleaning your face.  If you skin feels tight or dry and needs immediate moisture that means your cleanser is too harsh and you may need to switch to a gentle cleanser. 

Toner:
 Toner is optional, I know quite a few people who don’t believe in toners but for me I like using a hydrating toner in my routine.  I enjoy using the “Haruhada Hyaluronic Acid Lotion” although it says “lotion” I use it as a toner since the texture is very similar to a toner.  It gives an extra boost of moisture and preps my skin before applying serum and lotion. 

Serum:
 After toner I let it wait and sink into my skin then apply a serum.  In my opinion serum is essential in my skincare routine.  Serums can address needs that aren’t covered by a moisturizer whether if you’re concern about dry or oily skin, anti-aging or blemish/acne skin.  Serums are generally lighter in texture than moisturizers. They may also have a higher level of active ingredients compared to their moisturizer counterparts.  The serum I’m currently using and enjoying is “De Herbs 100% Hyaluronic Acid Serum” It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin instead it feels very smooth and hydrating. 

In the future post, I will explain the wonders of Hyaluronic Acid

Eye Cream:

My under eyes are very dry especially during winter so this step is very important for me.  I use the Lancome Eyecream with SPFs.  You can also use a good non-scented face moisturizer under the eyes instead which I heard works the same. 

Lotion: 
 Final step in my morning skincare is I apply a lotion with SPF.  I am currently using Origin’s Perfect World White Tea Moisturizer with SPF 25. 


Night

Makeup Remover:
 After work I remove all my makeup before I cleanse my face.  It’s very important to remove all traces of makeup so you skin can breathe when you go to sleep.  I don’t know how people are able to sleep with makeup on, ugh!  I use the Missha makeup remove along with Neutrogena makeup removing wipes. 

Cleanser: 
I use the same cleanser as the morning routine, “Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Masks:
 At least 2 times a week I treat myself to a sheet mask for extra hydration.  I use a variety of brands, most of the sheet mask I purchase is from Sasa.com, I think their price is more reasonable then anywhere else.

Exfoliate:
 I exfoliate my skin 2 times a week, if you have sensitive skin you can do them 1 times a week.  Exfoliating you face is very important, it is designed to remove dead cells on the outer layers of the skin and speed cell turnover, restoring a healthy glow and even skin tone.  Exfoliation eliminates the dead surface skin cells and oil that plug sebaceous pores—the leading cause of blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne flare-ups—and leave skin dull and listless.  The product I use is the very popular and affordable “St. Ives Apricot Scrub”

Toner:
Same toner as the morning routine, “Haruhada Hyaluronic Acid Lotion”

Treatments:
 Every night I use two treatments that help me with my acne.  I use the Target brand dupe of the “Clean and Clear Persa Gel” which contains 10% benzoyl peroxide gel all over areas that I break out the most, which is my chin.  I find this more effective then salicylic acid on my skin.  Afterwards I apply the “Alpha Hydrox 10% Glycolic AHA Gel” all over the face.  Glycolic Acid which is form of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is a chemical exfoliate, they help to remove the dead skin cells that give skin a rough, dry texture and allow new, smooth skin to emerge.  Some people can’t handle AHA however my skin can handle a higher percentage of AHA, you can start off with a lower percentage and work your way up to see how your skin reacts. 

Lotion: 
Final step I apply “Alpha Hydrox Enhanced 10% Glycolic AHA Lotion” and by next day my skin is smooth and well hydrated. 

So far this routine really helps with my acne control and dryness during winter.  If you have any product recommendations that you think I should try feel free to let me know.

Thank you for reading!

Disclaimer: I purchase everything

2 comments:

Mickey said...

Is the cetaphil really that great. My mom used to use it in the past and she said that it's good.
Thank you very much for always commenting on my posts. I really appreciate it.<3

Cake-Pie said...

I can't tell what face q mask that is in your post, but now I'm curious ^_^

It's pretty great to see your routine, because I like to learn about what people actually use, and it helps me find out about new products to try ^_^

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