Hello Glams and Geeks! On a daily basis, we expose our skin
to so much. Walking outside, whether in a polluted-area such as an urban city
environment, or even in the suburbs, where you’re outdoors all the time. While
commuting to and from places, touching things along the way. The layers of
makeup that you apply to your face in the morning, touching it up at varying
times of the day. The sweat from that intense workout you did this afternoon.
These are the activities that have built the routines of your life. These are
also the contributing factors that play a big role in the condition of your
skin. So, much like your daily routine, today we will talk about creating a
skin care routine to help you put your best face forward as you take on the
day!
First things first, know your skin! Do you have natural
skin? Or do you find oiliness along your T-zone? Whatever the case may be,
knowing your skin is the first step to achieving your best skin yet!
Normal: This skin type is neither too oily nor too dry, as
it is perfectly balanced between the two, never having too much of one or the
other. It has minimal to no imperfections (redness, irritation, blemishes,
etc.). It has no extreme sensitivities to products and rarely becomes
irritated. Pores for this skin type are barely visible and complexion is
healthy and radiant.
Oily: This skin type is prone to having large, visible
pores, as the skin is constantly producing and releasing oils. The complexion
may seem shiny, or dull, and can experience breakouts, black heads, and other
blemishes. People with this skin type should bear in mind that depending on
certain factors, this skin type can worsen. Changing of the seasons, weather
conditions, and aging may determine how much oil is produced by your skin, as
well as hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause),
stress, and hot/humid weathers may impact your skin type as well.
Dry: This skin type has a very dull complexion, and may
appear very chapped, or dehydrated. Pores are practically invisible, as they
are almost closed, and are barely releasing the skins natural oils. Dry skin
may have less elasticity due to the lack of oil production, therefore leading
to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. People with this skin type should
bear in mind that factors such as aging, hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual
cycle, pregnancy, menopause), harsh weathers, UV radiation from indoor tanning,
hot showers, and alcohol-based skin care and cosmetic products can worsen this
skin type, so please be aware of these conditions!
Sensitive: This skin type is pretty hard to define as it is
not known what specific things are harmful or worrisome for this type. It is
crucial for people with this skin type to become familiar with what works well
for their skin, and what doesn’t, by observing the ingredients of what is used
in order to prevent any rashes, irritations or severe reactions from occurring.
Also, people with this skin type may suffer from extreme allergies, and should
consult their dermatologist to determine what ingredients/products should be
avoided. This skin type may experience redness, irritation, burning or
itchiness, and dryness.
Combination: This skin type is a mix of normal, dry and oily
skin types. The oiliness usually occurs along the T-Zone (Forehead, nose,
chin), while the rest of the face is either normal, or very dry. People with
this skin type may experience enlarged pores, shiny skin along the T-Zone, and
black heads. See skin types above to see what may worsen this skin type.
If you are still uncertain of your skin type, click here to complete Fitness Magazine’s
skin type quiz.
Next, what are your biggest concerns? Do you experience
breakouts, such as stubborn blackheads or noticeable whiteheads? What about
sensitivity? Does your face become irritated easily? Addressing these concerns
while tending to your skin can help to relieve the problem, as well as diminish
these concerns overtime.
Rosacea or Redness: Rosacea is a skin concern that affects
thousands of women and men. There is no one specific cause or reason as to the
development of Rosacea, but dermatologists have been trying to figure out the
exact reason why this occurs in peoples skin, and how to properly treat and rid
of it. Below, I have provided a link for anyone who may have Rosacea, or may
know someone with it, who may have questions, or may want to know more about
it. Now, as far as helping to soothe and prevent irritation, here are a few
things people with Rosacea should avoid in their cosmetic and skin care
routines: Alcohol, Fragrance, Witch Hazel, and Menthol. These have been said to
irritate the skin, and cause a skin reaction upon contact. (Rosacea.org)
Dull Skin: This can be caused by a number of things, but can
be fixed in a number of ways! If you are experiencing dull, lackluster skin,
you should give the following things a try to bring back your glow:
·
Take some Vitamin C! Vitamin C has skin
brightening benefits that can help to revive your dull skin, so whether taken
in the form of a pill or applied in the form of moisturizer to your face, make
sure to introduce this into your daily skin care routine to start seeing an
improvement in your complexion.
·
Scrub away dead skin with an exfoliator! There
are so many different ways to exfoliate your skin, so the choice is up to you
in how you decide to bring this into your weekly skin care routine. There are
exfoliating cleansers, face wipes, moisturizers with gritty beads, and even
cleansing machines and sponges. But, please bear in mind, this is a process
that should only be done 2 to 3 times a week. Daily exfoliation can strip the
skin when it isn’t necessary, as you will be disrupting your body’s natural
function of producing new skin, and releasing old, dead skin (which is what
should be scrubbed away to reveal your new, healthy skin).
·
Moisturize morning and night! This is the most
essential step in your daily skin care routine, to moisturize in the morning
after washing your face, and at night right before bed. We will be discussing
this in depth later on in this series, but this is key to obtaining beautiful,
healthy skin, and I cannot stress this enough!
·
Last but not least, drink (and spritz!) lots of
water! Water helps to keep you hydrated and get your blood flowing, which in
turn, helps to bring that glowing flush to your cheeks, and helps keep your
skin nice and clear. So be sure to drink the recommended 6 to 8 glasses (or
bottles) a day! In terms of spritzing, a refreshing rose water toner works
wonders for dull skin! Rose Water is not only natural, but provides
antioxidants to lackluster skin, while acting as an anti-inflammatory for
tired, irritated skin. This can be found at supermarkets or skin care shops at
varying prices.
Acne: This can be brought on by a number of things,
including hormonal changes in the body (puberty, pregnancy, etc.), stress, poor
diet, and even dirt or pollutants exposed to the skin. Acne is very common, and
also can be treated if the right products are used on a consistent basis. An
ingredient that helps to treat breakouts and keep them at bay is Salicylic
Acid. Salicylic Acid helps to treat acne as it deeply cleanses the pores,
ridding of any pollutants that have seeped in from sitting on the surface of
the skin, or any dirt that may have entered your pores in the same way. It also
helps to prevent any lesions from occurring on the skin as it has
anti-bacterial properties and sterilizes the skin. I will get in depth on some
products that you should introduce into your skin care routine to help clear
and prevent any existing or oncoming breakouts later on in this series.
Blackheads/Whiteheads: Both black and white heads are a form
of acne, and are caused by similar things such as the propionibacterium (Acne
producing bacteria), dead skin cells which clog the pores, overproduction of
oil, impurities that have seeped into the hair follicles, and hormonal changes
(same as mentioned above). With blackheads, the follicle remains enlarged while
the pore is clogged. The same effects and causes occur for white heads, except
in this case, the skin closes over the pore, trapping the impurities within in,
causing bacteria to form and irritation to occur. Some ways to treat and
prevent these vary based on the severity of the acne. For example, for severe
cases of black heads and white heads, some dermatologists may recommend acne
medications that help to balance the hormone levels and improve the overall
health of the skin. For light to mild black/whiteheads, a consistent daily skin
care routine, using products that are specifically intended to help rid of them
will work just fine, and will be discussed later on in this series.
Dark Circles/Puffiness under Eyes: Darkness under the eyes
is such a common issue for many, especially those whose genetics make sure they
are passed down from generation to generation (which is my case!). It can also
be the result of an allergy condition, lack of sleep, thinning skin under the
eyes (lack of collagen), sun exposure, and stress. In regards to puffiness,
some of the same factors apply, such as the allergies, heredity, and lack of
sleep. But puffiness can also occur when an individual retains too much water,
if you’ve consumed foods high in sodium, or if you irritate your eyes by
rubbing them too rough or too frequently. Some quick fixes to these problems
are to try under eye gels containing cooling or soothing agents, using an eye
mask at night, applying an anti-inflammatory cream, and a few others that we
will discuss later on in this series.
While the list of skin conditions and concerns is endless, I
really wanted to focus on those that are most common and that can be easily
treated, cared for, and soothed using products you can buy anywhere. As I am
not a professional nor a dermatologist, I do not feel at liberty to discuss or
recommend any medications regarding these concerns, as everyone’s skin is very
different, and some people may experience their skin condition more severely
than others, and I do not want to lead anyone on with false hopes and
expectations, as I do not know how everyone’s skin will react to any one
particular medication/product. I can, however, recommend products that you can
purchase at your local Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Target, etc. in hopes that I
can help you find products that may work for you. My goal is to help address
everyday skin care concerns, as I know how difficult it can be to find
effective, affordable products that deliver promising results. I feel that
everyone should feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin, and I’m here
to help in any way I can.
Now, let’s talk about the essentials! With the knowledge of
your skin type and concerns at hand, you can now find products appropriate for
your skin type, as well as ones that will help with your concerns. Your
essentials, which you should always have on hand, are your cleanser,
exfoliator, moisturizer (day and night), makeup remover, toner, and a mask.
These will be your go-to products, the ones you will use consistently. You may
incorporate other products into your routine such as an eye cream or an acne
treatment, but as long as you have your basics, you’ll always be able to
achieve your best skin!
Let’s start with makeup remover. Whether you prefer
pre-moistened towelettes or wipes, or would rather a liquid remover than can be
applied to a cotton pad to remove your makeup, ALWAYS keep consistent with
removing your makeup prior to washing your face. By skipping this step, and
going straight to washing your face, you are still left with the residue of
your makeup, which builds up over time, and clogs your pores. This leads to
dull, lack luster skin. Harsh breakouts, and irritated blemishes. Pesky
blackheads, and acne along your face. It is the most crucial step in caring for
your skin, so never skip out on removing your makeup. And most importantly,
NEVER sleep with your makeup on!
Normal: Olay Fresh Effects Everything Off! Wet Clothes, pack of 25 wipes, about $5 at your local
drugstore
Dry: Yes to Carrots Nourishing Gentle Cleansing Facial
Wipes, pack of 25 wipes, about $6 at your local drugstore
Sensitive: Simple Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes, pack of 25
wipes, about $6 at your local drugstore
Combo/Oily/Acne: Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes for
Acne Prone Skin, pack of 25 wipes, about $6 at your local drugstore.
As part of your daily routine, your most important step for
both morning and night, is cleansing your face with a cleanser that is intended
for your skin type and/or concern. Bear in mind, if wearing makeup, be sure to
remove all product from your face with a makeup removing product beforehand
(wipe/liquid) prior to washing your face. This will help to unblock your pores,
and allow your cleanser to work at its full potential, delivering the best
results. Also, while cleansing in the morning helps to refresh the skin by
removing the product applied the night before, cleansing at night helps to
remove the toxins, dirt, and left over makeup from the day.
Normal: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Cleanser, about $7 at
your local drugstore
Dry: Garnier Clean and Nourishing Cleansing Oil, about $6 at
your local drugstore
Sensitive: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, about $6 at your
local drugstore
Combo/Oily/Acne: Biore Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser, about
$6 at your local drugstore
To keep skin looking fresh and vibrant, make sure to
incorporate a good exfoliator into your routine. Exfoliating is necessary as it
sloughs away dead skin cells, and reveals new, radiant skin. It is also helpful
in the prevention of wrinkles, as it keeps the skin in constant regeneration of
new skin cells. This is only necessary 2 to 3 times a week. Over-exfoliation
can irritate the skin, causing dullness and even blemishes to appear. Also, go
for a gentle exfoliator, one with microbeads that dissolve as you scrub. Ones
with seeds, such at the St. Ives Apricot scrub, although it feels wonderful,
can be harmful to the delicate skin on your face.
Normal: Olay Fresh Effects Bead Me Up Exfoliating Scrub,
about $6 at your local drugstore.
Dry: St. Ives Smooth & Nourished Oatmeal Scrub and Mask,
about $4 at your local drugstore.
Sensitive: Yes to Carrots Nourishing Exfoliating Cleanser,
about $9 at your local drugstore.
Combo/Oily/Acne: Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Facial
Polishing Mask, about $4 at your local drugstore.
For a deep cleaning experience, you may use a cleansing
brush such as a Clarisonic, or opt for something more affordable but just as
effective. The benefits of these brushes are that the bristles allow the
cleanser to deeply clean your skin, getting beneath the surface and extracting
any impurities that are there. If a brush doesn’t appeal to you, you may also
consider a cleansing sponge, much like the Boscia Konjac sponge.
Normal: Olay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid Cleansing System,
about $12 at your local drugstore
Dry/Sensitive: EcoTools Pure Complexion Sensitive Facial
Sponge, about $6 at your local Ulta or drugstore
Combo/Oily/Acne: EcoTools Pure Complexion Deep Cleansing
Facial Sponge with Charcoal, about $6 at your local Ulta or drugstore
After cleansing, you may follow up with a toner to close
your pores, or diminish their appearance if they are naturally large. Toners
are great to help seal in moisture, as well as prep the skin prior to applying
makeup, to prevent pores from being clogged by makeup or toxins from daily
exposure. Some toners even contain beneficial ingredients that make your skin
glow, or contain antibacterial properties to prevent breakouts and blemishes
while treating them.
Normal: Burt’s Bees Rose Water Toner, about $10 at your
local drugstore.
Dry: L’Oreal Alcohol-Free HydraFresh Skin Toner, about $6 at
your local drugstore.
Sensitive: Simple Skin Soothing Facial Toner, about $6 at
your local drugstore.
Combo/Oily/Acne: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control
Toner, about $7 at your local drugstore.
Time to hydrate your skin! It is best to have two separate
moisturizers on hand, one for daytime and one for nighttime. A day time
moisturizer should be light, so as not to make your skin feel too heavy, and
should contain some SPF in it. At night, opt for something thicker, with added
benefits to help repair, restore, and nourish skin while you sleep!
Normal: (Day) Neutrogena Healthy
Skin Face Lotion with SPF 15, about $10 at your local drugstore. (Night)
Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Night Cream, about $12 at your
local drugstore.
Dry: (Day) L’Oreal Ideal Moisture Dry Skin Day Lotion with
SPF 25, about $7 at your local drugstore. (Night) Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration
Night Cream, about $15 at your local drugstore
Sensitive: (Day) Simple Skin Care Protecting Light
Moisturizer with SPF 15, about $9 at your local drugstore. (Night) Boots
Botanics Ultra Calm Skin Calming Night Cream, about $12 at your local Target
Combo/Oily/Acne: (Day) Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer with
SPF 30, about $15 at your local drugstore. (Night) Clean and Clear Essentials
Dual Action Moisturizer, about $5 at your local drugstore.
Firming/Fine Lines/Wrinkles: (Day) Garnier UltraLift
Anti-Wrinkle Day Firming Moisturizer with SPF 15, about $13 at your local
drugstore. (Night) St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Moisturizer, about
$4 at your local drugstore.
While this is optional, it is recommended to use an eye
cream to help preserve the skin beneath the eyes. As it is the most delicate
skin on your face, it is important to keep it firm and properly hydrated, as
this prevents fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles from forming.
Normal: Olay Fresh Effects Bright On Schedule Eye Awakening
Cream, about $12 at your local drugstore
Dry: Yes to Carrots Moisturizing Eye Cream, about $12 at
your local drugstore
Sensitive: Burt’s Bees Sensitive Eye Cream, about $12 at
your local drugstore
Firming/Fine Lines/Wrinkles: Aveeno Active Naturals
Positively Ageless Lifting and Firming Eye Cream, about $17 at your local
drugstore
Puffiness: Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller, about
$10 at your local drugstore
Dark Circles: Yes to Grapefruit Dark Circle Correcting Eye
Cream, about $13 at your local drugstore
Even though you are caring for your skin daily, be sure to
deep clean your pores by doing a mask every 1 to 2 weeks. This will extract any
impurities that your basic cleanser and exfoliator couldn’t reach, removing it,
and revealing smooth, polished glowing skin.
Normal: Freeman Face Masks, about $4 at your local drugstore
Dry: Queen Helene Refreshing Olive Oil Masque, about $4 at
your local drugstore
Sensitive: Nugg Soothing Face Mask, $2.99 at your local
Target store
Combo/Oily/Acne: Biore Self Heating One Minute Mask, about
$6 at your local drugstore
Before we conclude your daily skin care routine, here are
some additional products that can help improve the overall quality of your skin,
while tending to your concern-spots:
For Redness: (Cleanser) Neutrogena Oil-Free Redness Soothing
Acne Cleanser, about $7 at your local drugstore; (Day Cream) Eucerin Redness
Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion with SPF 15, about $12 at your local drugstore;
Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream
For Dullness: (Wipes) Simple Skin Care Radiance Cleansing
Wipes, about $5 at your local drugstore; (Cleanser) Yes to Grapefruit Daily
Facial Scrub, about $10 at your local drugstore; (Day Cream) Yes to Grapefruit
Even Skin Tone Moisturizer with Vitamin C and SPF 15, about $12 at your local
drugstore
Blackheads/Whiteheads: Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips,
about $8 at your local drugstore; Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Targeted
Spot Treatment, about $8 at your local drugstore.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read today’s post! I
hope you have enjoyed it, and will consider committing to a daily skin care
routine that is custom to your needs and preferences. Please bear in mind that
all products recommended are just examples of budget-friendly options ($20 and
less), and to show you what’s out there for each skin type, care, and concern.
I intended for them to simply give you a basis on where you can start, in terms
of purchasing skin-type specific products, and hope it was of great help for my
readers! There are hundreds of other brands that are wonderful and provide products
that can benefit you as well, so I encourage everyone to find skin care
products that fit your liking and your budget! Thanks again and be sure to
follow my Instagram for more of my beauty reviews, recommendations, and for
information on upcoming blog posts! @TheGlamGeekConfessional
