Summer Skincare Routine



I wanted to share my current skincare routine with you since it’s been awhile since I’ve done so.  I’m outside a lot as I take a lunchtime walk every day in the heat and the humid weather has been wrecking havoc on my skin.  When the temperature rises, you should adjust your skin care routine a bit. I did a re-evaluation of everything I’m using to get the best results. I see skincare as a major investment, as your face is the first thing people see. But one of my goals has also been to try using more products that are less expensive so you'll see a mix of things here.


AM Routine

Wash
It’s important to cleanse your skin twice a day in the summer.  I do think it’s okay to save money on cleansers since you are just washing it off. I use Skinfood Egg White Pore Foam as my cleanser. This is a Korean beauty product and is a very thick deep cleanser that is perfect for the summer when my skin is more oily. It’s made of egg whites that help with the appearance of  pores and refine skin texture. I use a Clarisonic brush a few times a week.


Exfoliate
I rotate between these two:
TARTE Knockout Tingling Treatment It's a resurfacing toner with niacinamide & lactic acid.

CosRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid Contains 7% glycolic acid that exfoliates the skin.


Serum/Oil
Next I apply my Vitamin C serum, I used to use $100 1-oz bottles, so I’m giving this affordable option a try. After applying this I wait 15 minutes for it to soak in. I've tried a half dozen brands out there and they all leave my skin looking a little shiny the first hour of work except this one dries my face. Your vitamin C serum should be white in color, once it turns yellow it's starting to oxidize, and if it's brown, it's time to toss it. A couple other affordable options are Derma e and Maelove. Any extra product I have left on my fingers after applying to my face, I put on neck. 

I also have this Vitamin C serum but found it too strong to use in the morning (and I don’t have sensitive skin), but when I go on vacation I don’t bring my whole skincare routine, I only wash my face and use this at night.

Kora Noni Glow Face Oil I do not warm it up rubbing in my hands as instructed, I feel that just wastes product. I talked about the benefits of face oils in this post.
                              
Moisturize
Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer I’ve only been wanting to use lightweight products during the summer and this is an ultra-light gel. But to be honest I don't remember to use this everyday since I don't have dry skin.
                                                       
Sunscreen
Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 - Cucumber Matte  I bought the cheaper version of Coola from Target and hated it because it was too runny. I’ve been using Coola for years, they have free shipping from their website and ship fast. I wear sunscreen everyday, have for many years, and in the summer carry it in my purse so I can reapply at lunchtime.



PM Routine

Wash
When I wear makeup I like to use Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm with Echinacea GreenEnvy A cleansing balm is made with various oils and it literally melts away every trace of makeup from my face with little effort from me. You can find cheaper ones at the drugstore but all the ones I’ve seen got mixed reviews.  My skin feels soft and hydrated after using this so the price is worth it for me. The main ingredient is coconut oil but its listed on the label as caprylic/capric triglyceride. Next time you’re in Sephora ask for a sample of it, or buy the mini size and add this to your list to get during Sephora’s fall sale.


Exfoliate
Azelic Acid is a powerful product can diminish the appearance of skin blemishes, refine your skin’s surface, and help with uneven skin tone.

Prescription Retinol from my dermatologist. Retinol is an antioxidant, not an exfoliant so using retinol with an effective AHA or BHA product increases the benefits of each. Vitamin C actually helps retinol work better. So you can use all of these products in conjunction with each other.

Eye cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream I just started using eye cream as I know you're supposed to but its not a problem area for me yet, so I buy the cheapest one I can find. 

My eyelash serum is the part of my nightly routine that I can’t live without that!

Sometimes I'll add an oil to my skin as well. I try to do this an hour or two before I go to bed so all the ingredients can soak into my skin and not my pillowcase.

A couple times a week I do a face mask. My favorite mask right now is the Origins Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay. It’s made with jojoba beads for exfoliation and the rose clay absorbs access oil.



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