My Skin Care Routine!

                (This is a completely UNRETOUCHED photo of my face, to give you a good idea of my skin condition!)
                       
I get a LOT of questions and compliments on my skin. And believe me, it is something that took me a long time to figure out how to take care of! In fact, up until about 6 months ago, I didn't really take care of it at all. Heck, I didn't even take off my makeup or wash my face most nights!

So my first tip: If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it EVERY night! Also be sure to wash or cleanse your face in some way before you go to bed.

I know it can be annoying wanting advice, and getting a product list! But these product I have found are well worth investing in - and they are INEXPENSIVE anyway!!!! (I will have a few tips at the end that are product free, however!)

After I remove my makeup, these are the things I use every night.

1) ASTRINGENT: I prefer Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Astringent.
I just put some on a cotton pad, and go over my face with it. It stings, but in a good way! When you look at the cotton pad, you will be amazed at how much dirt and makeup that you missed before! It really DOES get down in your pores and get out all the junk!!!

2. MOISTURIZER: I prefer Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer.

The smell kind of reminds me of lavender, and the it feels fantastic on your skin. It makes your skin soft and moisturizes it (a GOOD thing - if you take all the moisture out of your skin, your skin works double time to produce more oil to replenish it!) but at the same time, doesn't let acne through!!!

3. SPOT TREATMENT: I just use whatever I happen to have at the moment! So just be sure to USE one if you do have a pesky spot show up. 

WHAT I USE OCCASIONALLY:

About every other night, as a matter of fact. Whenever I take a shower, I just put it on my face while showering! I prefer St. Ives Apricot Scrub (the generic brands work just as well, though! I've used them from Walmart, Smith's, and Walgreens, and they are all great.) I love the little apricot beads that are in it and are getting in there! Trust me, once you start using it, you won't ever want to stop!

REMEMBER: It can take as long as a month for a skin care routine to start working, so stay with it!!! Don't get discouraged, it takes time for your skin to respond. But you definitely will gradually see an improvement!

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS:

1. I know you've heard it a million times, but it's true - drink more water!!!! Toxins escape through your face, and if you're hydrating your body, the toxins will go...well, not to your face! They'll escape your body in a much healthier and better way! ;)

2. Choose a good foundation. Any makeup foundation I use, it will be oil free, or for oily skin. 

3. Cut back on the greasy foods. This is a given, but really, it helps! (I know, I know, I love them too! Just try to cut back!)

4. Give your skin a break about once a week, if possible. Your skin needs to breathe! If I have a day where I'm not busy or going out, I won't wear any makeup to give my face a break. =)



Good luck, and take care of your skin!!!

-Cait