Self-care Sunday: Let’s Talk Skincare
Beauty

Self-care Sunday: Let’s Talk Skincare

by Stephanie
Products and beauty tools used in my skincare daily/weekly skincare routine

Heyyyy guys!!! Hope all is well and that you are staying safe, and enjoying your summer (as best as you can), in our new normal. Now I don’t know about you all, but 2020 is still my year. Unlike the majority, I am embracing the unknowns and unexpectedness that this year is bringing. Do I like it all, OF COURSE NOT, but I have to roll with the punches. I say this to say that in my earlier post which focused on setting intentions for the New Year —taking better care of myself overall was a part of that, but when the unexpected occurred —Covid-19, we were all rocked in more ways than one. I was always a heavy water drinker, but when Covid hit I was drinking water in excess not realizing in the moment that it would be working wonders in other areas of my body as well —specifically my skin. I had been so focused on staying corona free, doing all the natural remedies and beyond that I hadn’t noticed the shift that had taken place on my face. When I finally took notice I was in awe like wow this is my skin, no makeup at all. Though earlier in quarantine I would wear some makeup here and there, but soon put an end to that and this was the end result. 

Moreover, I can’t say that my skincare journey has been completely the best in quarantine, though prior to I’ve never had any crazy breakouts or major skin issues, but it’s definitely got me paying more attention to every change in it. For example, I recently noticed that I maybe experiencing some hyperpigmentation on my forehead. I’m not sure exactly where it came from or how it just appeared, but something tells me that my then wig lol may have had something to do with it. I know strange right. I say my wig because I was wearing it a lot during the fall and winter months as a protective and low maintenance style. In addition to that the demarcation point from the hairline of the wig and where the discoloration begins are near. My only thing is, I’m an avid sunscreen wearer, so I’m still confused as to how this could have still formed, again this is just my guess. I plan to see a dermatologist if the products that I am using do not help. I recommend seeing a professional for any prolong skin issues which you have concerns about that OTC (over the counter) beauty products don’t treat. Remember to be patient with your treatment products before seeking a medical professional.

Furthermore, I haven’t perfected my routine just yet as different skin issues arise unexpectedly, and products change from my rotation as a result. With that being said, I am dedicated to paying even closer attention to my skin’s needs through educating myself and others with similar skin issues on what it needs based on my skin type and concerns. Details below.

Bare skin with a blemish or two and hyperpigmentation on my forehead. #Progress

My skin type and skin concerns

I have oily/combination skin and my skin concerns are:

  • oiliness
  • dullness & uneven texture
  • puffiness around the eyes
  • occasional whiteheads and blackhead
  • hyperpigmentation (as of recent on my forehead)

Things I have learned to look for in my skincare products based off of my skin needs:

  • Vitamin C – an antioxidant that naturally helps to brighten & even out your skin tone
  • Hyaluronic acid – a skin hydrator that diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles while plumping the skin to restore its elasticity and firmness
  • AHA/BHA – Alpha Hydroxy Acids naturally exfoliates dead skin cells to improve moisture content. Beta Hydroxy Acids unclog pores to treat whiteheads & blackheads
  • Niacinamide – an antioxidant that naturally brightens & evens out skin tone, repairs skin barrier, and regulates oil production
  • Turmeric – reduces the appearance of dark spot to even out skin tone
  • SPF 30+ – sunscreen that filters UVA/UVB rays and prevents the enlargement of existing dark spots

My current skin care products used for my daily/weekly regimen:

Left to right/top to bottom (links to each product when you hover and click)

My morning and night skincare routine

MORNING

  1. Cleanse using spin brush and Neutrogena’s Oil-free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub
  2. Tone using Neutrogena’s Rapid Clear 2-in-1 fight and fade toner
  3. Serum applied Tru Skin Vitamin C serum
  4. Moisturize using First Aid Beauty 5-in-1 Fade Cream with SPF 30 or OleHenriksen oil control hydrator (it depends on the weather and if I’m going out and need the SPF)

NIGHT

  1. Cleanse using my spin brush and Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
  2. Tone using Dickinson’s enhanced witch hazel hydrating toner
  3. Serum applied Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum
  4. Eye Cream using Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to brighten and depuff
  5. Moisturize Glow Recipe watermelon glow sleeping mask

WEEKLY

  • Exfoliate using Peter Thomas Roth peeling gel exfoliant (2x)
  • Steam using Vanity Planet facial steamer (1x)
  • Remove blackheads using Hoposo blackhead remover/pore vacuum (1x after I steam)
  • Apply a face mask, O Naturals antioxidant lemon vegan get face mask (2x)

Although products and natural remedies can help a great deal, don’t forget to include these things to your daily routine in order to enhance your skin’s overall wellness and beauty.

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep
  • Eat a clean diet focusing on antioxidant rich foods
  • Exercise regularly
  • Wear SPF 30+ for face, 50+ for body
  • Treat yourself to a professional facial at least once month

As always I encourage you to like, comment, and share not just this blog post but your skincare concerns, products used, and regimens. If you have similar skin concerns, I hope this was helpful.