Was it the workouts? Or was it the products I was using? Was my new hair heat-styling lotion to blame? I had been testing various sample-sized serums and cremes--could it have been one of them?
I decided to pare things down to the absolute minimum. Instead of switching products around, I decided on the bare minimum to keep my skin moist, protected, treated, and clear. I decided for a month, I would only use one foundation, so I settled on a Beauty Balm for moisturizing, SPF, coverage, and treatment during the day. At night, I was going to use some kind of acid to keep my pores from getting clogged.
Results are in, and my skin has been perfectly happy for the past month.
This is what I've been using:
Pre-gym, or first thing in the morning
Post-gym
After my post-workout shower, I apply a silicone-based anti-aging serum as a primer. I'm not trying to do any heavy-duty moisturizing at this point. After I work out, I don't really feel that I need to, what with my circulation being all full of youthful vim and vigor and all. The idea is to get my skin ready for foundation--and if the silicone-based primer also contains wrinkle-fighting ingredients, so much the better.I'm currently using Boots No 7 Restore and Renew serum, but Boots has apparently discontinued it. I'm sure Olay's Regenerist Regenerating Serum or Boots's Protect & Perfect Intense serum would work as substitutes.
I let the serum sink in for a minute, then apply Dr. Jart's Beauty Balm. Beauty Balm replaces moisturizer, sun screen, and foundation. For it to work, though, you can't apply it too lightly. I use a blob about the size of an almond.
Evening
If wearing a full face of spackle, I double cleanse. First I remove my makeup with DHC Mild Touch Cleansing Oil
Then I apply Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Overnight Peel.
This is a glycolic acid peel which claims to
- Fade dark spots
- Even skin tone
- Brighten skin
- Smooth texture
I can't say that I've noticed any fading of my dark spots. On the other hand, my skin isn't clogged or breaking out from the Dr. Jart's Beauty Balm. I believe I have my cleansing routine and the glycolic acid in the overnight peel to thank.
Extras
Now that it's getting colder out, the heat is on. My skin feels much dryer, so I'm adding eye cream
But that's it.
Pretty sad that I feel like I'm being this amazing minimalist--and I'm still using about 10 products on my face!
for undereye, I've been using Benefit It's Potent for about a year, and it's wonderful. Not too pricy when you consider the little tub lasts a long time.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a lot of bare minimum! I'm inclined to think a single zit is a one-off but could it be possible that it's the number and variety of products causing an issue?
ReplyDeleteI have oily skin (drying a bit as I edge toward 50 but still almost as bad as it was when I was a teenager) so I am very careful about what I put on my face. I use philosophy Purity Made Simple facial cleanser morning and night. In the mornings, I use philosophy Eye Hope under my eyes, a tiny dab of cortisone cream on nose, cheeks and chin in the morning (I've read it helps calm rosacea redness), and Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer on face and neck. That's it!
I often receive compliments about my nice skin. I credit good genes (none of my grandparents or parents were/are very wrinkly), fat, my oily complexion, and a happy disposition.
It's easy to get zits if you mix products or try something too rich for your skin. That's why I always test samples before I add a new product. I've used the L P eye serum for 26 years. I added CDLM when it first came to the West Coast. My products are pricey BT I use them forever.
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