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Showing posts with label acne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acne. Show all posts

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

Friday, November 23, 2012

Fall Skincare Routine (2012)

It is pretty much the same as my last Summer skincare routine but a few slight changes here and there.  Usually in the fall my skin gets a bit dryer but still oily in the t-zone and occasional breakouts on the chin.

Morning
1) Target Brand Acne Cream:  After I cleanse my face I found the most effective way to prevent future acne breakouts is putting on a thin layer of acne cream on area where I breakout the most which is on my chin.  Now keep in mind that they can dry out the skin so I make sure I moisturized my skin well. 

2) Shiseido White Lucent Toner:  Before applying acne cream I apply toner, honestly this toner doesn't do much to my skin, I found other brands that does a much better job.  At the moment I try to use this up before I can more on to my favorite ones.

3) Naruko Rose and Snow Fungus Serum: Love this serum, perfect for Spring and Fall when I have slightly dry skin, it really does help moisturized my face.  It's not a heavy as some serum and it feels really nice on the skin. Highly recommend, then again I recommend a lot of Naruko products in general!

4) Lancome Bienfait Multivital eye cream with SPF 28: This is not the best eye cream but eye cream with SPF should be a daily essential if you go out.  Once I'm done with this product I would like to try out other brands in the market.

5) Merlot Grapeseed Moisturizer with SPF 15: Great day moisturizer, I use this all throughout summer and will continue to use it in fall but as the temperature drops into winter I will need a heavier cream as the formula in this product is very light. 



 Night
1) & 2):  Same as my morning routine.

3)Physician's Formula Hydrating Eye Cream: This is a good basic eye cream, it's in a thin gel like consistency so it feels very nice on the lower eye lids, great for warmer weather and maybe fall if you under eyes aren't dry. 

4) Alpha Hydrox Oil-Free Treament with 10% Glycolic AHA: this is more of a chemical exfoliate so I only use this before bed time and a little goes a long way.  I love this stuff it makes my skin really smooth in the morning, will definitely continue to use this in the furture.

5) Neutrogena Fresh Moisture: Unfortunately this product is discontinued but it does feels a lot like the "Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream" (Review Here).   I love the feel of this product on the skin at night, it feels very light and refreshing.

Disclaimer: I purchase everything and keep in mind that products that work for me doesn't always work for everyone, please do some research before you try out a new product.

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