How many times do you see yourself in the mirror every day? Are you thinking, “yikes!” or are you pleasantly surprised every time? As a new mom, my skin was drab and dull. Then I found an amazing combination of people and products that made skin care one less thing to worry about.
I am someone who was doing too much (scrubs, masks, products). That lead to over exfoliating my skin and cystic acne as well as the good old fashion breakouts. My number one complaint about my skin is congestion. I tried everything, and it was only making things worse.
Every trip to Target or Ulta was another purchase (or multiple) of the new product that promised to reduce blackheads and signs of aging. I spent a LOT on products that I really did not need. Then I found my amazing med spa, Famwell MD and the best esthetician in Jacksonville, Alyona a Famwell…and now I am saving money because I have invested it in the professionals.
Here is what I learned in the last two years of transforming my skin so that I am confident everyday and can focus on work and family instead of spending hours “fixing” my face.
Get Professional Help
I spend less than $100 monthly on skin care even with facials every six weeks. I buy products that last four-six months and only products that I really need. Regular facials have obviously made the world of difference (p.s. they are only $70 with tip and include a face, head, neck, and hand massage #winning). Alyona will assess my skin and make recommendations. Here and there I may splurge on Botox, a deep peel or micropen for wrinkles (about $300), but I am getting awesome results for my skin.
Keep It Simple
I know you’ve seen Rodan & Fields, Arbonne, and/or Beauty Counter. A regime is great for making your skin care routine mindless. I personally did Obagi NuDerm to battle scars, hyper-pigmentation, and slough off a lot of troubled skin at the beginning of this process. But, it’s very expensive and you cannot expose your face to the sun without doing more harm, I loved Obagi NuDerm to start the process, but transitioned into a similar regime with more affordable products.
My first step to skin I love, was using less. Without the benefit of an esthetician education or license, if you’re seeing a lot of breakouts – stop what you’re doing and just use (1) sunblock with SPF during the day, (2) a moisture cream (without SPF) at night and (3) wash your face with the right cleanser once a day.
(Note for people with oily skin: I know what you’re thinking: “I cannot use anything with oil of grease because it will make my skin more oily.” Think again. Your skin is oily because it’s craving moisture. You need moisture. Don’t believe me? Spend a few dollars to get a professional opinion.)
Morning Routine
The morning rush requires sacrifice. Don’t let your skin be one thing you skimp on to get out the door on time. Here is what I do:
(I don’t wash my face)
(1) Spritz of Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner in a spray bottle so I don’t waste it and it gets everywhere. I buy this from Nordstrom.
(2) Obagi Sun Shield Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50
(3) Beautycounter Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream (from Kendall Hannon)
(4) Beautycounter Hydrating Moisture in Citrus Mimosa (bonus: the smell is so good!)
Night Routine
(1) Cleanse with Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser. It has salicylic acid which is what my skin needs to decongest.
(2) Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream
That’s it.
I have weekly and bi-weekly products that I add here and there, but this is the day-to-day.
Stick with It
You skin takes time to stabelize. Give any change about 30 days to see if its working. And don’t let breakouts trick you into changing your regime too soon. You will likely break out if you make a big change, but once that breakout passes you will hopefully see results!
XOXO, Mrs. Make It Rainka
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