Lifestyle Medley : Skin Care

You can find the Less detailed version by clicking on the videos below :)

Part 1

Part 2

Background

If I just laid out the products I use and how I use them I don't think that would benefit anyone so I am going to give you a little bit of background on my skin, it's type, and the struggles I have had.
I have had problem skin since my early teen years which is relatively common considering puberty. But as I got into my late teens and into college my acne developed a life of its own. After realizing that the common drug store brands were not working for me, I decided to invest in Proactiv. I used it for about a year and realized that my skin was not as bad as it was before, but not completely clear. I decided to upgrade to the Extra strength version and it worked for a while, but with consistent use my acne started coming back. It also became extremely cystic in nature and it got progressively worse month after month. The extra strength Proactiv was becoming too harsh and the more I used it the more sensitive my skin became without getting rid of the breakouts. I decided that the money for proactive was not worth the investment. With a little more research I thought I would be able to find something cheaper and better at the drugstore. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Everything would work for 2 weeks and then become too harsh for my face or stop working. I went to the dermatologist and was prescribed a few things but they didn't work. Around this time I was on a healthy body mission and I started exercising consistently, eating clean, and I lost 40 pounds. I also did a total body and organ cleanse which completely cleared my skin. It was the best my skin ever looked! I realized how important our food is to the over all health of everything on the outside. I did however still have many scars from my acne battle so I used this microdermabrasion kit from Olay and it really and truly did work! By the time I was done using the kit, most of my scars were completely faded. If you don't have sensitive skin, I would highly recommend this kit because It did wonders for my skin.

I also started using Lancome's Genifique and Teint Idole foundation. One of my clients from work works at lancome and I decided that I would buy at least one item. Lucky for me, they had a promotion and I got to try the genifique and other products with the purchase of the foundation.

I also have EXTREMELY oily skin so I learned about Dr. Houschka's Normalizing day oil which works to prevent excessive oil production from the sebaceous glands (I Know! I will get into it a little further down.) The oil was the Icing on the cake because my pores stopped oozing oil.

My skin was GLOWING! I got so many compliments.
The problem was the fact that these products are very pricy. I started thinking that I could go back to drug store items. But at this point it was just a thought. I decided not to repurchase the microdermabrasion kit from Olay because I wanted to find something new. I also decided that I wasn't Aging yet so maybe I could try a cheaper serum. I also decided that 45 bucks for a foundation was excessive so I was on a mission to find a cheaper foundation for everyday use and save the Teint Idole for special occasions. I had so quickly forgotten that I have already tried ALL foundations in the drugstore near me and they all broke me out.

All of these factors contributed to my downfall... again. I decided to try the Mac Studio Fix Fluid since I use the Studio fix powder for setting. It broke me out. BADLY. HORRIBLY. I think the worst part was the fact that I didn't realize that the foundation was breaking me out so I continued using it for 2 weeks! One day I decided to switch to the lancome foundation and my skin immediately thanked me. But the damage had been done. I had to start from square one again. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures at it's worst but I did take some pictures when it started calming down. I will include them at the end of this post.

I started trying drugstore cleansers again but everything felt like it was burning. It was horrible. Whatever I was allergic to in the foundation had made my skin extremely sensitive. It was very painful and I wanted to stay home in my bed all day. It was like having a head ache concentrated on your face. Anyway, I had to figure our something fast.

I heard about Cetaphil for very sensitive skin so I picked it up and thank God it didn't burn my face. I was so happy. I went back and bought the moisturizer with SPF so that my scars don't keep getting darker. It definately helped to calm my face down a whole lot in two weeks. It didn't however get rid of the acne and the cysts on my face. Conveniently, my awesome cousin who has equally as severe skin issued called me up and told me about an awesome new discovery which was helping her tremendously. It took me about 2 weeks to be convinced but she kept hammering at me until I ordered the sample size of The Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser. She told me to wash twice with it. I was nervous because of my extremely sensitive skin. Supprisingly it didn't irritate my skin and It was very refreshing. I decided to just go ahead and try the moisturizer that goes with it. After a week, I also purchased the exfoliator (daily microfoliant.) I can honestly say that these products have been life savers for my skin.

I decided that I would just continue to use them from now on since they work. I WILL NOT deviate from this regimen until something stops working or one of these products is discontinued.

Now that you know a little bit of my skin background, I will go into my regimen .

Regimen. All the Products I Use will have pictures and DETAILED descriptions below.

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanse with Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser 2x

2. Moisturize with Dermalogica Pure Light and let sit in for 2 minutes

3. Apply Dr. Houschka Normalizing day oil

Night Routine:

1. Remove eye makeup with L'Oreal gentle eye makeup remover

2. Cleanse with Cetaphil Cleanser and Olay Professional Cleansing Brush (If wearing makeup)

3. Cleanse with Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser 1x (2x if I didn't use the Cetaphil/brush combo)

4. Apply Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer

5. Apply Lancome's Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

6. Apply Lancome's Eye cream

Extras

1. Use the CVS Mint Masque as an overnight spot treatment if necessary after Genifique on my spots only.

2. Use Dermalogica's Daily microfoliant 1x a week At night INSTEAD of the Dermal Clay cleanser to Exfoliate.

3. Use the Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser as a Mask 3x a week after my first wash at night

Other Important factors that play a huge role

I have to make sure that my face and everything that touches it is clean. I change my pillowcase once a week and I flip it mid week.
I change my face towel once a week so I am not transferring bacteria back onto my face
I wash my face makeup brushes once a week to prevent bacteria transfer
I wipe my phone down with alcohol once a week with alcohol to prevent bacteria transfer
I keep hair products away from my face/tie my hair up at night
I try my hardest to keep my hands off my face all day.

That is ALL I do. I tried my hardest to keep things as simple as I can since my skin is extremely sensitive. I tried to listen to my skin and give it what it needs. Every single product on this list has a specific and necessary purpose. I am well aware that using too many (and unnecessary) products can further damage the skin. There is no need to use two of the same types of products if one is doing its job.

DISCLAIMER. Now, before I go into details about each product, why I continue to use it, and it's value, I feel like I have to do a disclaimer. Firstly, All the products I talk about were purchased with my own money and I am just sharing my personal experience. What works for me might not work for you especially since everyone has different skin. Some people can use drug store skin care and it works amazingly. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. After suffering through another cystic acne/ scarring breakout I never want to have one again. Since I have found Products that seem to be working well with my skin chemistry, I will stick to them and stop trying anything else that could potentially break me out.

The worst part about this regimen is the price. I hate the fact that almost all of these products are EXTREMELY expensive in my opinion. But I am just learning that it is an expense I am going to have to deal with. Ultimately, I think if I stick to these specific products I might actually save more money. The products last a very long time and a little goes a long way. I have spent so much money collectively on items that have not worked and I end up throwing them away. I am just happy to have found something that seems to be working. I will let you know if anything changes.

Also, Just because products are expensive, does not mean I have to pay full price. I usually get most of these products for half price or less by shopping on Amazon and Ebay (carefully and making sure they are brand new and sealed.) That definitely gives my wallet a little bit of relief.

I will also be taking some of the product descriptions from the official websites. I will link them here if you want to do more research on the brands. I tried going more natural with my skin care and Dermalogica stood out to me because they pride themselves in non harmful chemicals.It was also developed by the International Dermal institute so I feel like I can trust the products. Also I tried out the oily skincare kit from Dr. Haushcka and I fell in love with their normalizing day oil. As for Lancome, I have no clue what is in their products. All I know is they work for me.

Dermalogica: http://www.dermalogica.com/us/

Dr. Hauschka: http://www.drhauschka.com/

Lancome: http://www.lancome-usa.com/

Ok, enough rambling. On to the products.

1. Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser.

This truly is a miracle/lifesaving product to me. It "single handedly" calmed down the angry acne on my face. It soothed my face gently while cleansing it deeply. As my cousin suggested, most of the time wash my face with it twice. The first time really gets all the dirt off. The second time gives me that clean, tingly, refreshing feeling that lasts for a good 5 minutes after you wash your face. It feels Sooo good!! Since It is a clay cleanser, It also doubles as a facial mask (so convenient for me; no need to get a separate mask.) I use it as a mask 3x a week after my first wash at night only. I will go into night time masking and exfoliating when I talk about exfoliation. Anyway, I am in love with this cleanser and I am so glad I started using it. A little really does go a long way so I know it will last me for a very long time. Here is the Description from the site:
Purify and refine oily skin with this deep-cleansing clay formula, containing oil-absorbing, water-soluble Kaolin and Green clays. Calming Cucumber and Sage soothe, while refreshing Menthol revitalizes even the most tired skin. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.
8.4 Oz retails for $34.00. I can usually find it on amazon or ebay for cheaper.

2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

As the name of this product states, it is so gentle that you can use it to exfoliate everyday. Now, because my skin is very sensitive, I decided not to do that. I decided to ease into it and start off with once a week. I also use it INSTEAD of my Dermal clay at night when I do use it because it does end up lathering up into a cleanser. It is actually an amazing consistency. It is made with finely ground rice powder and other chemical exfoliants which are water activated. I keep it far away from water in my bathroom. I apply a small amount of the powder to my palm and I slowly add drops of water and work it into my face for about a minute until it becomes foamy. It does not physically "scrub the skin so you are not tearing your skin surface. This is also another dual action product which makes me love it even more. It also acts as a brightener which will help fade all these acne scars I have acquired.

Now, a little more about why masks and exfoliating is best done at night. When we exfoliate/mask, it takes off the top layer of our skin and the dirt and gunk. If we do it in the morning, we expose that fragile layer of skin to makeup, dirt, and most importantly the harmful rays of the sun. If we do it at night, not only is our skin protected from the daily elements, but our skin can benefit more from the night creams and serums we use. Regeneration of the skin happens when we sleep so if we exfoliate at night and use a night cream we are getting the maximum benefit of all three.

The description of this product from the site is as follows: Our number one exfoliant! Gentle, Rice-based exfoliating powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors. This product retails for $50.00 for 2.6 oz... Yikes!! Again, I always look for a cheaper way to purchase it.

3. Dermalogica Pure Light Spf 30

Spf is a crucial part in my skin care regimen. It protects against the harmful cancer causing rays of the sun and it helps to prevent hyper pigmentation and a darkening of the scars on my face. This moisturizer is truly amazing. I have tried almost ALL of the spf moisturizers in the drug store and I always had that greasy sunscreen feel and look left on my face. I always felt like my pores couldn't breathe and they just helped the bacteria on my face thrive more. This is the first sunscreen moisturizer that will actually protect your face with its high spf but also not clog your pores and not feel greasy or break you out...at least that is what it does for me. It has a very light liquid-y consistency. 2-3 drops spreads evenly across my face. I use this moisturizer in the morning only because I don't need spf at night. Again, it doubles as another brightener so I get to fade my scars while protecting my skin all day. Since two of the products I am using from this brand are brighteners I won't use anything else. I will be patient and allow them to do their job. Description from the website: A brightening, conditioning SPF moisturizer with an exclusive blend of peptides, minerals and botanical extracts to help treat and prevent cellular discoloration for unsurpassed skin brightening and tonal balancing. Contains UV Smart Booster Technology for enhanced photoprotection against pigment-inducing UV light. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.

This product retails for $60.00 for 1.7 Oz. Ridiculously expensive. I got half price on amazon.

4. Dermalogica Active Moist

Sometimes people with extremely oily skin think they need to use drying products and skip the mositurizing. That will only leave you with more oily skin and dry patched at the same time. I needed a regular oil free moisturizer that didn't irritate my skin so I decided to pick this up as well. I love it. I use It after I wash my face when I am not going outside (mostly at night). Sometimes I get home from work in the afternoon and it comes in handy after I wash my face. It is very light and moisturizing at the same time. Not much else to say about it. Description of this product according to the website: This oil-free, lightweight moisturizer in a sheer, easy-to-apply formula helps hydrate combination skin. Contains Silk Amino Acids and a unique combination of plant extracts that help improve skin texture and combat surface dehydration. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors. It retails for $38.00 for 1.7 oz. Yet another extremely expensive product which I try to get for a cheaper price.

5. Dr. Hauschka Normalizing Day Oil

This is my solution to oily skin and It has been for close to a year. When you try out a million products that claim to help reduce oil production with nothing working, you tend to keep an open mind. I got a sample kit from this holistic brand from whole foods last year and I fell in love with this oil because it actually works. It is a different and counter intuitive approach to fighting oil. You see, Oily skin is caused by over active sebaceous glands. This oil works because when you use it in the morning after cleansing your face, it "tricks" your sebaceous glands into thinking that they have already produced enough oil causing them to slow down in oil production. I think it is the special mixture of plant oils in this particular product because I have tried other oils (EVOO, EVCO, Carrot...) and they did not work! I massage 1-2 drops ONLY on my T zone after my Pure Light moisturizer in the morning to ensure that I don't produce any oil through the day. If you have oily skin, trust me and try this out! I was skeptical at first but here I am one year later and still in love. Also, notice the amount in the bottle is about one year's worth of use... so you can imagine how long this will last! I definitely think it was worth the investment. Description from the website:

Plant extracts blend with plant oils to balance excessive oiliness, diminish the appearance of pores and visibly reduce blemishes. Provides protective, fortifying benefits to mature skin.

Light oil is quickly absorbed by the skin
Calms and balances excess oil production
Rich in natural antioxidants to calm redness and strengthen skin
Softens the appearance of hypo- and hyper-pigmentation
Used as directed, Normalizing Day Oil lasts approximately 5-6 months

This product retails for $42.95 for 1fl oz. I bought mine from whole foods on sale.

6. L'Oreal Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover

I don't know about anyone else but eye make up is extremely difficult to remove with a regular cleanser (especially mascara.) I would always end up scrubbing my eyes more than is necessary and still wake up with mascara and liner smudges. I decided that I would be more gentle with my eyes and just use a gentle eye makeup remover before I wash my face. This is one of the Drugstore products that works for me. I chose this one for two reasons. Firstly, I used the toner version of this brand and I actually loved it. It was extremely gentle on my face so I felt like I trusted the line. Secondly, I am not a fan of the ones with oil. I always find some of the oil randomly and uncomfortably floating in my eyes. My only issue with this is the quantity. For 8.99 at my drugstore I feel like I should be getting a whole lot more than 4 ounces. I have had my eye on the Bioderma makeup remover. I might try it out at some point... especially since you get a whole lot more and it will last me longer like my other skin care products.

7. Lancome's Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

I did't go looking for this product because I would never seek out an extremely expensive product. But because I got to try it out through a Lancome promotion from one of my clients I can not run from it. I tried, but it was pointless. I don't know what is in this thing that makes acne magically disappear in a few days and leave me with gorgeous flawless glowing skin but since it works I will continue to use it. I don't know about anyone else's experience but it works well with my skin chemistry to clear my acne. I must admit that is the main reason I am using it but I am glad it doubles up as an anti aging concentrate. I am 24 and you might think I should not be worried things like aging at this age. I disagree. In fact I believe this is the perfect time. If i start taking preventative measures now, I might not need to worry about correcting as much when I get older. Aging is inevitable. I would just like to slow down the process as much as I can and It starts now. There is very little you can do when your skin is already droopy and damaged apart from surgery. Prevention is always better than cure. I obviously don't have aging skin yet so I can't speak on that aspect but I can say that the overall quality of my skin has improved over a short period of time and that is enough to make me continue using this miracle product. Description from the website.

Lancôme introduces Génifique - our serum that intensely hydrates and promotes skin's natural exfoliation, a characteristic of young skin.Result:Visibly younger skin in just 7 days. Skin looks as if lit from within – breathtaking radiant. Its youthful quality returns: cushiony soft and velvety to the touch. Drop by drop, skin is vibrant with youth, its tone becomes astonishingly even, its texture dramatically refined

This product is ridiculously priced. The prices vary depending on the size but I decided I was getting a better value by purchasing 1.7 fl oz for $100.00. I actually purchased this via Ebates and Sephora so I was able to get cash back. I look at this as an investment into my skin and my face; the first thing anyone sees when they look at me.

8. Lancome High Resolution Eye Refill 3X eye cream

Continuing on with the string of RIDICULOUSLY expensive products is another Lancome item. I am actually still in the deciding process with this eye cream. I don't really have dark circles or wrinkles around my eyes. Just a few small fine lines and I would like to prevent more. I got this in a Lancome promotion and it has fairly good reviews so I will use the whole jar and then decide if it made a difference. It has a creamy consistency and I apply a little all around my eyes before I go to bed. It does not irritate my eyes. Description from website: This staple formula, featuring the Refill-3X complex, helps reduce the number, depth and size of wrinkles for visibly renewed smoothness.Visibly diminishes dark circlesHelps reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness

It retails at $60.00 for 0.5 oz. I have not purchased this yet so I haven't felt the pain in my pocket!

9. CVS Purifying Mint Masque

Here is a product that I use only as a spot treatment overnight for stubborn pimples. It drastically reduces their size, redness and irritability. I think it also seems to dry them up very quickly with the mint aspect. It is too harsh for me to use on my entire face but the pimples can handle it. Again, I don't use it all the time. mostly for emergencies. I think any minty mask would work. I bought it from CVS and I want to say it was around $5.00. Worth the price and better than any other spot treatment I have tried.

10. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser and Olay Professionals Face Brush

I use these two together primarily as a first wash to remove my makeup at night if I used foundation. This is the only cleanser that has been gentle enough for my sensitive skin. Since it does not foam, the brush aids in really getting the makeup off my face. The cleanser and brush can be found in any drugstore. The brush has worked for me for almost 8-9 months and I replace the heads regularly.

I think I have covered every aspect of my skin care. Again, this is what works for me and I don't plan on changing anything unless it stops working.

Unfortunately I did not take pictures at my skin's worst state but I do have a few to show you of when I was using the Cetaphil and I just started with Dermalogica. Many of the active breakouts were already gone but since I scar very dark you will be able to see where all the pimples were. I will continue to post updated pictures of my face every month or so until it is cleared so you can see how these products are all working together.

My skin is no where near perfect but it has come a very long way. If you have any questions please leave them in the comment section below. I know this was long but I like to be very specific with what I use and why I use it. Thank you for reading and don't forget to follow my blog on the right hand side of the page :)

First pics I took