I have been getting a lot of questions about my skin lately, so I figured this would be the perfect time to share the skincare regimen that I use for my (over 30) skin. 🙂
November has been declared National Healthy Skin month by American Academy of Dermatology and healthy skin is always my goal.
Licensed Esthetician Rachel O Beauty says “If you focus on a great skincare regimen you really won’t need a lot of makeup.”
I don’t wear a lot of makeup on a regular basis, so having the best skin I possibly can is important to me.
First let’s get the disclaimers out of the way. I’m a not a dermatologist, esthetician or skincare expert. I just try to the best care of my skin as I possible can. There is no guarantee that my regimen will work for you.
As you know I am a huge fan of using ingredients from my kitchen in my skin care regimen. My aim is to have a completely natural skincare regimen by the end of 2015.
READ THIS POST: Skincare Ingredients from Your Kitchen
At 35 my skin can be temperamental. I have normal/combination skin. My biggest issues are random breakouts and dark spots (even if I don’t pick my face) and of course (mild) hyper pigmentation. I try my best to drink a lot of water, get my heart pumping and my skin glistening (read: sweating), and I incorporate a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables in my diet.
No matter what products I use, I always stick to the same steps in my routine. Here is my current skincare routine.
CLEANSE – African Black Soap from Coastal Scents. I have tried all kinds of Black Soap but this is one of the best (for my skin). The Shea Moisture African Black Soap is a close second. A few days a week (especially if I wear makeup), I use my Clarisonic Mia 2 as part of my cleansing routine.
EXFOLIATE – I exfoliate at least twice a week using Simple Skincare Exfoliating Scrub. It’s a very mild but effective scrub. I first picked it up for my vacation earlier this year and it worked pretty well so I’m finishing up the tube. I sometimes use honey and brown sugar as my scrub as well.
STEAM – Every weekend I steam my face using my “beauty water” as I like to call it. I add dried rose buds and a green tea packet to boiling water, cover my head with a towel and allow the steam to work its magic. Steaming is great for opening your pores, softening dead skin cells and increasing circulation.
MASK/MASQUE – Once a week (usually on the weekend) I treat my skin to a face mask. Most of the time I use Bentonite Clay mixed with Apple Cider Vinegar (and a dash of Turmeric)
TONE– I never skip this step. I’ve been using Dickinson’s Skin Perfecting Toner for a long time and it always delivers. Inexpensive and effective. BONUS: It’s also really great for freshening your scalp while wearing a protective style.
MOISTURIZE – If you do none of the steps after cleansing, this is one you don’t want to skip. Pick the best moisturize for your skin type. I currently use Neutrogena Visibly Even Moisturizer (daytime) and Exuviance Evening Restorative Complex at night. I mix both of my moisturizers with Exuviance pure Vitamin C booster. Adding Vitamin C to my regimen has really made a huge difference in my dark spots and hyper pigmentation.
CHECK OUT THIS POST: Exuviance Illumination Duo Review
TREAT – I use Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye cream for my under eye area. I gently tap a small amount on the area to keep it moisturized.
On lazy Saturday mornings when I’m not leaving the house, I like to apply two drops Bobeam’s Balancing Facial Oil to my damp skin and just let my skin be “free”
So there you have it. These are the steps to keep my skin as healthy as possible.
YOUR TURN: Do you use any of the products I use ? What steps do you take to keep your skin healthy.
Until next time
*This post contains affiliate links*
I have really been abusing my face. I have to try your beauty water for steaming and a few of these products. You always lead me in the right direction.
No abuse that a little steam and TLC can’t fix 🙂
I live by my black soap. But I’m pinning this for the clay mask. Also, does the tea and rose petals help in the steam or is that just for the smell?
Thanks Dee Dee. I think you’ll like the clay. I think they help. My skin certainly feels even better when I add them. The Rose Petals are said to be great for softening and the green tea has antioxidants. So I guess it’s similar to using them as a toner. I like it better with them 🙂
Have they removed the parabens from the Neutrogena and Simple products?
My Simple Scrub doesn’t have any. The Neutrogena has two.
I never thought about steam on my skin. I thought that my shower would be good enough. But exfoliate and moisturizing is so essential!
Yes girl, no ashy over here lol. The shower does help but I love to do dedicated beauty steam 🙂
Loved this post! I am all about skin health too although I’ve fallen back on my water consumption. I like the Sheamoisture black soap as well but I will love too check out some of the other products that you mentioned.
Thanks Adanna. Water is the first line of defensive. Get to it 🙂
I can not agree more with tips to exfoliate and moisturize! With winter months upon us, my skin could use the extra love!
Yes ma’am! Thanks for commenting Sarah 🙂
I LOVE black soap and have been working on steaming my face on a more consistent basis. Will definitely try a few of the other products! GREAT post!
Thanks Dionne. Yep, steaming makes a huge difference 🙂
I’m approaching 30 myself, and i’m just beginning to notice how having a dedicated regimen does wonders for my skin.. especially having an organic, moisturizing night cream! I’d really like to try adding vitamin c to my regimen. Just as you’ve stated above, it can add so much to your skin’s overall health! Thanks for the info!
Yes girl, we have to keep our skin in good shape. I’m in search of a good organic day and night cream now 🙂