The most important thing I have learned in my research is WEAR SUNSCREEN! Holy crap. I had no idea the sun was that big of a factor in wrinkles. Other than genetics, UV rays is a huge reason that we develop wrinkles as we age. It is called photoaging. So wear your sunscreen! I use EltaMD Clear and I like it a lot! It isn't super oily or greasy and I can wear my makeup over it really well.
So mineral oil is the bees knees. I gave up on my whole castor oil/jojoba oil deal because jojoba oil was clogging my pores. Jojoba oil has a comedogenic rating (basically how likely something is to clog your pores) of 2 so I decided to just use mineral oil which has a rating of 0. So far I've had awesome results! I can actually feel the sebum plugs and grittiness in my palms when I rub the oil onto my damp face for a couple minutes. It is disgusting and awesome all at the same time. I use it to remove my makeup at night. You can also use baby oil, which is just scented mineral oil. Some people have sensitive skin but if your skin doesn't react to fragrances then you could use baby oil. I found my mineral oil in the laxative section (I know, weird) or you can find it in the cutting board section at bed bath and beyond. (also weird, I know) Or you can buy it here if putting an oil marketed as a laxative on your face is too weird and scary ;)
Then I use a cleanser, I found this awesome tea tree cleanser from GoW and so far I am really loving it! Tea tree oil has really helped my acne in the past so I have high hopes! I have only been using this product for a week so can't say much about it yet. The Garden of Wisdom site is awesome though! They have a ton of oils there and give descriptions of all the oils and what there benefits are here. I want to get a good moisturizing oil from them since my skin didn't like jojoba oil.
Then I use a chemical exfoliate. There are a lot of types of acids for chemical exfoliates but the two most common are AHA (glycolic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid). BHA is helpful for acne, congested pores, blackheads and problematic skin and AHA is good for dull skin, uneven skin tone, dark spots and fine lines. I use stridex wipes that have 2% BHA. The murad system had a 1% BHA gel that I would use, and I have used that for the past year and a half so not too much of a difference, just the stridex pads are much cheaper :)
Then I moisturize! I finally finished off the Murad lotion I had, which I didn't like very much. It was so thin and didn't feel very moisturizing. Now I have started using the Cerave lotion in the tub. I looooove it. My skin just soaks it up. It is fragrance free and so far hasn't made me break out or anything. Then I cover that up with a thin layer of vaseline. That may seem crazy to some people but its not! Vaseline is noncomedogenic and forms a barrier that keeps moisture from leaving the skin. So it helps moisture stay in my skin! So far my face has been loving it. Mineral oil is a good alternative to vaseline/aquaphor if you really hate the thick/waxy texture. Mineral oil, although not as awesome at preventing water loss, does a pretty dang good job and the texture is far lighter. This is definitely something to consider to apply post moisturizer.
I have also been doing weekly masks/chemical peels.
I use a benonite clay mask called the Aztec Healing Mask and it RULES. Oh my goodness. I was so distraught from all the clogged pores on my forehead and it was driving me INSANE. I would just stand in front of the mirror glaring at my forehead. As soon as I used this mask, the morning after half the bumps were gone and the remaining ones were much smaller! The mask sucks out all the gunk out of your pores. You mix the powder with Apple Cider Vinegar and it has to be Raw Apple Cider Vinegar... apparently that is important. There are a lot of nutrients in the raw vinegar that get filtered out. But I don't know if it is really that big of a deal.
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| Dallas can't help but smile when I walk into the room with this on ;) |
^Sexy face mask picture^
I have also started using a 15% Salicylic acid peel from Make Up Artist's Choice. Chemical peels keep your skin fresh, promote collagen growth, and when you do your own you save tons of money over getting it done at the dermatologist's office! I have only used it once so I haven't really seen results yet. After several peels I should notice a difference.
Anyways. I am so excited! I have had a lot of awesome results and can't wait to see more :) Also excited to share more skincare knowledge with you guys in the future!
