Before the Coronavirus pandemic started, I begun getting pretty into skin care. I did all kinds of research, talked to a few people, (shout out Mariah!) and even read a couple books about it. I had my skin looking clear, smooth, and even. I was finally confident going out in public with out foundation on. When the pandemic hit and we became required to wear mask, my chin (along with everyone else’s) began breaking out. I have since then got my chin to clear up and I don’t have any problems out of it as long as I am consistent with my routine. I wear a mask about 9 hours a day at work, 5 days a week. This is what works for me and hopefully it will work for you too! I do this twice a day, morning and night.
Double Cleanse
If you don’t already, you should always start your skin care routine with a double cleanse. One with an oil base cleanser and second with a water based cleanser. This insures that you get those pores as clean as possible. If you haven’t been already doing this, you could experience breakouts for the first week or so because its pulling all that stuff in your pores to the surface.
For my oil based cleanser, I personally love DHC Deep Oil Cleanser. This would be step one. (unless your wearing eye makeup, then you will want to remove that first. I would recommend a mineral water like PLUG) You don’t have to remove face makeup before this step bc it will take it off for you. You will want to put the oil on your face while its still dry, massage and rinse. Plus, the big bottle of this last forever.
Next, its time for the water based cleaner. I got a bottle of Dr. Brandt – pores no more Pore Purifying Cleanser in my boxy charm sometime around August/ September and it was a game changer. Before, I was using a basic cleanser that wasn’t anything special. Dr. Brandt’s Pore Purifying Cleanser has Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, and White Willow Bark Extract in it, all which help purify the skin and keep pores clear. I while this is a bit pricey at about $36 a bottle, I think its worth it. While my face is already wet from rinsing the oil, I apply a small amount of the Dr. Brandt Pore Purifying Cleanser to my PMD Clean and massage the product onto my face using the PMD Clean, and then rinse.
What is a PMD Clean and what do I use it for? PMD Clean is a facial cleansing device with a silicone brush and anti aging massager. Unfortunately, you will never get your pores anywhere near as clean with only using your hands. We have to relay on devices to help us really clean them out. I like this one because of the brush is made of silicone, you never have to replace your brush head. Also, you can use this one to massage in serums. The massage feature is fantastic because an area is massaged it increases blood flow to that area. The more blood flow, the better and faster the skin heals.
Toner
For your third step, you will want to use a good toner. I personally have been using Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater. I began using this when I started on my skincare journey because I was struggling with my skin being red a lot. Thankfully, since beginning to take care of it and use the correct products it needed, I don’t have this problem anymore. I have yet to change my toner because I like it and its working so I haven’t really had a reason to. This ones easy you just spray it on your face and allow it to soak in. This only takes a minute, normally I brush my teeth during this time.
SERUMS and stuff
I use different serums in the AM and PM. Mostly because some chemicals can cancel out each other so its a waste of time and money if you use them at the same time.
Morning: The Ordinary-Buffet – this is an peptide serum, it wont do anything for your breakouts but it is a great light anti-aging product.
Clean Skin Club Vitamin C Brightening Booster – I got this serum specifically in my boxycharm but had been using Vitamin C prior to getting it. While I really like how it feels on my face because its not heavy at all, it is a little pricey at $50 a bottle. The Ordinary and Neutrogena both make Vitamin C serums that are more budget friendly. But the Clean Skin Club Vitamin C Brightening Booster is helpful for acne because it has pineapple enzymes and green tea extract both of which have anti-bacterial and anti- inflammatory properties. But aside from that Vitamin C is good for the complexion of your skin and can help with fine lines.
After these two serums, I follow up with Clearasil Rapid Action Spot Treatment– This spot treatment is made up of 100% Benzoyl Peroxide which is a powerful acne treatment. I apply a thin layer over my entire chin, even if there is no visible pimples. I started doing this to combat the mask breakouts and it has really been affective. I use the Clearasil Spot treatment specifically for the price. Other brands of Benzoyl Peroxide can get very expensive.
Night: The Ordinary Lactic Acid – This item is only about $7 a bottle and a complete game changer. I found it while doing research on how to control hormonal acne. Lactic Acid helps reduce pigmentation and acne scars and helps improve overall skin texture. This is a chemical exfoliate that can be used daily. But if your new to chemical exfoliates you will want to start of using three times a week and build your way up to every night.
MOISTURIZER
One of the most important steps in your skin care routine! Moisturizer! There are many different moisturizers out there for all different skin types so you might have to try a couple to find the right fit for you. For me, my all time favorite moisturizer, that I use daily morning and night is Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb. It is super light weight but very moisturizing at the same time. I love that it doesn’t leave a greasy feel like some do. Moisturizer is different for everyone so use your best judgement.
In the mornings, I have been mixing a drop of 111skin pollution defense booster to my moisturizer. I haven’t seen any thing different visibly from doing so but hopefully this will help with anti-aging in the long run. This is a product I would not have personally bought myself as it is priced around $135 but I got it in my boxycharm and thought I would give it a go. I am sure there are other brands that have this for a better price, I just haven’t looked into it.
Eye Cream
I use two different eye products for the morning and night. In the morning, I use TULA- Glow & Get It. This is a brightening and cooling eye balm stick. Not only does it help with brightening up the dark circles until your eyes, it also helps with fine lines, wrinkles and the cooling helps wake up your sleepy eyes in the morning.
At night, I use Neutrogena – Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream. This is a great retinol eye cream that helps tremendously with wrinkles (amount other things). I like this one specifically for the value for the price. There are a lot of retinal eye creams out there and they can get pricey. This one not only works well but only cost around $18.
In conclusion
This is what has worked for me. Skin care varies dramatically from person to person so it may or may not work for you. I would recommend consulting your dermatologist if you have any concerns or issues. I am not a doctor so I can only tell you what has worked for me. Make sure you always finish your morning skin care routine with a good facial sunscreen. I hope this helped. 🙂
Krystal Lena 