The Fountain of Youth

Girls, we’ve all been here before...

You: “YOUR SKIN IS FLAWLESS. WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE? ”

Them: “GIRL, ALL I DO IS DRINK WATER! WATER IS THE ONLY ANSWER!!”

You:

Skincare is a touchy subject because it is so specific to the individual. It’s very difficult for anyone to suggest anything to anyone else due to the varying conditions of our individual skin types. From sensitive to normal, oily to combination, dry to acne prone, the list goes on. And so does the list of products that claim to fix all your skin problems!

I am NOT a dermatologist nor do I have perfect skin. But I do think taking care of your skin is very important. In this blog post I will be discussing some facts, myths, and tips regarding skin care; as well as listing (and linking) the products I use on my skin.

MYTHS:

1. Water is the be-all and end-all: While this is true for a select few, water alone is not the be-all end-all for most. We all hear the “the body is 75% water, so you’re just returning the favor” spiel, but we have to stop believing that chugging 4 gallons of water every day is going to be enough to erase problematic skin. Is drinking water extremely important not only for your skin, but for your body? Yes, but don’t think you can skip out on an entire skin care routine because of it.

2. Moisturizer makes you oily: For all my oily girls out there, we should be using moisturizers that compliment our oily skin. If you believe this myth, it’s probably because you’re using the wrong moisturizer (try a gel rather than lotion, or a cream). Regardless of skin type, the right moisturizer should act as a layer of protection, prevent wrinkles, and keep your skin youthful and hydrated.

3. SPF isn’t necessary for POC: WRONG. Due to the high amount of melanin in the skin of POC, we tend to skip out on sunscreen because our melanin serves as a natural protector against the sun (which subsequently causes most of us to be Vitamin D deficient, and most of us don’t even know it). This is also problematic because it causes most POC to believe that their melanin alone will protect them from skin damage in excessive amount of sun exposure. So, to be proactive and protect you skin, pick up a sunscreen!

FACTS +TIPS:

1. Water +Diet are apart of a healthy skin care routine: You are what you eat and drink. From personal experience, when I’m eating cleaner and drinking more water my skin glows. I can’t say the same for when I’m eating like trash. (Like Myth #1, this fact is solely dependent upon the person (some people can eat greasy foods and drink sugary drinks without a blemish! Some people just have naturally “good skin”), but it’s a good general rule of thumb)

2. Skincare is an investment and takes time to get right: If you want to invest in your skin, don’t be lazy. Skipping one day/night of a routine can throw your skin into a frenzy. Be diligent, be patient, and make sure you research exactly what you should be using on your skin. Remember, everything doesn’t work for everyone!

3. Picking pimples will haunt you: FACTS. This is the one fact that most people have the most difficulty with, including me. As annoying as it is to watch a blemish form and stay on your face for a couple days/weeks, please try your hardest not to pick at it. Your best bet is to let it take it’s course and keep your dirty hands off of it. If you do decide to pick at it, just be prepared for a prolonged stay and probable scarring.

WHAT I USE: Skin type: oily skin +it’s very sensitive.

1. Cleanser: Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash / Use: nightly, for a gentle removal of dirt and oil without stripping the skin

2. Exfoliant: Lush’s Self Preserving Ocean Salt / Use: every other night, gently massage in circular motions to refresh the skin

3. Refresher: Heritage Store Rose Petal Rosewater / Use: daily (any time my skin is feeling a little off but I don’t have time to wash it), for antibacterial properties and added hydration back into the face

4. Facial Moisturizer: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil Free Gel Cream / Use: daily (morning/night), for deep hydration and reduced shine

BONUS: More Face, Body, Lips, EyeLashes +Brows

1. Special items: Aloe Vera Gel +Vitamin E oil / to keep the fountain of youth look, ya dig?

2. Body Moisturizer: Jergens Original Scent Lotion / Use: daily, to hydrate the skin (after showers +in the morning)

3. Lips: Carmex / Use: all day, everyday! TO KEEP THE CHAP AWAY HONEY!!

4. Eyelashes +Brows: Castor Oil / Use: nightly, applied with a spoolie brush

I could end this by being cliche and saying “Learn to love your skin, and as long as you love it, who cares!”, but that’s easier said than done (especially for us girls, am I right?). Ultimately, there is no such thing as a perfect skin routine or perfect skin, but by being intentional about what you eat, drink, and put on your skin, it can come pretty close. And if you’re having trouble sticking the process out, visit Psalm 139:14-17 for a gentle reminder of how you are viewed in the eyes of your lovely Creator!

Peace +GLOW Always,

"Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."

-Psalm 139:14 NLT

#skincare #skin #glowgirls #health #beauty