S k i n C a r e ; it’s important

Hi, hey, hello! Let’s talk about an important topic. –S K I N

Confession Session: I haven’t always been the nicest or the most responsible when it comes to my skin. I was 100% that girl in high school {& even college} simply washing her face with a random cleanser and no rhyme or reason. I didn’t know what exfoliating meant and I certainly had no understanding of the importance of a face moisturizer. I didn’t have super flawless skin, but I also didn’t have acne. I had {& still have} a ton of problem pimples. Raise your hand if you can relate on any {or all} levels. 

Your girl has fully entered her mid-20s and is F I N A L L Y realizing the importance of skin care. However, it’s not just the skin care that’s important! It’s the regiment as well.

How do you know what works?

If only there were a better way than simply testing any and all products that tickle your fancy. Like everything else in life, it’s all about trial and error. Take notes or pictures to document the way products react with your skin. Know what you’re putting on your skin. No two products will contain the same ingredients, so if something starts to bother your skin or you develop some sort of allergic reaction it’s easier to trace it back. Personal note//I’m a firm believer in: “If I can’t pronounce it I probably don’t want it on my face.” Keep in mind, expensive DOES NOT mean better quality. Drug store brands can easily be your holy grail, even if they’re not someone else’s! A big deciding factor {personally} is always reviews. Seeing how products have worked for others with similar skin types and similar concerns as well as different skin types and different concerns can push you one way or the other. It’s the best lead into trial or error.

Some products aren’t for everyone, so how do you know what is for you?

Staples to have: cleanser, toner, and face moisturizer. One product doesn’t fit all, but the concept does! It’s important to wash your face at least twice a day. There are so many types of cleansers {& brands} out there. Focus on what you want your cleanser to do. Are you simply washing the day away? Or are you trying to tackle those problem pimples? Maybe you’re struggling with oily skin {& if you are, SAME}. Establish your expectations and go from there. So, a toner may not seem like a total necessity, but it’s a true game changer. Think of a toner as a backup, making sure all the excess grossness of the day is taken care of. Flashback to .5 seconds ago when I mentioned oily skin, well dry skin is also an issue. Did you know you could have both at the same time? Cause it’s a rude awakening when it happens. However, keeping your skin nice and hydrated helps a lot! You might still be wondering how to navigate it all and like same, BUT places like Sephora and Glossier offer skin quizzes to better understand what you’re looking for. So, they know exactly what to recommend. Who doesn’t love a good quiz?

It’s not all about the products!

What you use on your skin is super important, but so is what you put in your body. Is it just me or does everything come back to food//water? Different foods can impact your body differently. Dairy! This is a big one {personally} that ALWAYS upsets my skin. I typically don’t consume a lot of dairy, but I do notice on my chin and up my cheek when I may have gone a wee bit to crazy with the cheese. THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU NEVER HAVE CHEESE AGAIN {unless that’s what YOU want}. It means cutting out or cutting back on dairy could be a great place to start healing your skin. Sugar! Sugar is definitely another one that can agitate your skin. So, the take away: everything in moderation! Enjoy those sweets, but balance it out with water. You would think I would have learned by now how important water is. Still working on it! Hydration is key for EVERYTHING.

Protect!

Who is guilty of neglecting to wear sunscreen on a daily basis? Me! I am, I’m not ashamed to admit it. Your girl is calling herself out. There is true admiration for the people who ALWAYS wear sunscreen and have made it a part of their routine. If you’re not one of these people, it’s okay! There is no better time to develop a sunscreen habit than summer. It only takes 21 days to develop a habit, right? Some sunscreens are made specifically to go under your makeup or to be worn totally alone. Either way, it’s crucial to protect your skin and prevent skin cancer.

Keep it clean!

Now, it’s time to get to the real nitty gritty of taking care of your skin. DO NOT SLEEP IN MAKEUP! We’ve all been there. After a long night, a nap that lasted way too long, or maybe you just wanted to save time the next day and reuse the look. No, judgment here! But it’s so important to keep your face clean, especially for health reasons.

I am by no means a skin expert, but I’ve had my fair share of trials and errors. Find products that get you excited to take care of your skin. Develop a regiment that you want to do. Drink all the water! Remember the sunscreen. And always, ALWAYS take your makeup off!