Say Goodbye to Your Struggles With Skincare
What is it about summer time that makes skin breakout? I'm sure there's some scientific research behind it all, but all I know for sure is that it sucks. Clear skin shouldn't have to be a luxury. I've probably tried every cleanser and face product on the market, and I finally found what works for my skin.
The Dailies:
Wash face twice a day with an oil-free cleanser. I like this Neutrogena cream cleanser ($8.49) and this Neutrogena facial bar soap ($2.99). Philosophy also has a great cleanser ($22) that smells like cotton candy and sunshine, yet works hard to clear your skin.
Apply a toner. I use this one ($7.99). Apply a small amount to a cotton ball, and rub gently on to your face.
Moisturize. Add a drop or two of tea tree oil ($9.95) to your moisturizer ($9.49) and apply it to the whole face, just avoid your eyes. Tea tree oil will definitely make you cry if it gets in your eye.
The Weeklies:
Use a resurfacing peel. This Philosophy one ($40) takes the cake for me. I use it once a week, since it's a tad expensive.
Use a clay face mask. I use this avocado-oatmeal mask ($4.29) weekly- even Allure named it as a top beauty product. It's part of my Sunday night bedtime ritual.
I try to stick to this basic routine, but sometimes, you just have to break out the big guns...
The Emergency Quick Fixes:
​Spot-treat problem areas with tea tree oil. It sounds odd to use an oil to get rid of pimples, but it seriously works. Don't use too much though, because this oil really dries the skin out if you overuse it. Put a few drops on a Q-tip and zero-in on the acne. I press and hold the Q-tip on the pimple for about 20 seconds. Within 20 minutes of using this, the pimple will reduce in redness and size.
Use an Advil paste. This trick seems really strange at first, but if you crush up an Advil and mix it with an equal part of water, you'll end up with a perfect paste to apply over pimples. Simply put, Advil reduces inflammation, so it makes the pimple appear smaller. You only need just enough to cover the pimple. Then, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse off with water.
Ice Ice Baby. No seriously, ice it. Grab an ice cube from the freezer and hold it on the acne for a minute or so. Redness and swelling will go down.
Use an acne-spot treatment. I use this cream when I get a stubborn pimple. Be sure to use it overnight, or risk walking around with white spots on your face like Miley.
There you have it! My skincare secrets. Now, obviously, I don't have perfect skin, so if you have any recommendations leave a comment below!
xx