About two months ago my face was going through a rough time – it seemed that over night it had transformed into the dry and breakout prone skin of a teenager. So dry that my regular routine was causing me to get a symmetrical rash on both of my cheeks that looked terrible. I consulted my new coworker (who has flawless skin) about what to do and she sat me down and gave me a stern talking to… “You’re face is so parched I can see it from 3 feet away and you are literally burning your skin with the acne treatment you’ve been using – your face is in pain.” Um, wtf. How could I have let this happen? I was mortified to tell her that at the time I was using no moisturizer or lotion on my face. She held my hand, told me everything would be okay, and instructed me in the path of what I now consider my skin saving routine. Oh, and I now consider her my “skin whisperer.”
01. Neutrogena Naturals, Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover: I use this gentle wash at night to remove all my make-up including my waterproof Dior mascara. It smells so fresh and I’m always amazed that it removes all traces of makeup without any forceful rubbing on my eyes. Highly recommend for those who like to get eye-makeup off while washing your whole face.
02. Willa Girl Foaming Facial Wash: This product was sent to us by one of our favorite beauty PR teams and although it’s part of a new all natural skincare line created specifically for girls ages 7-18 I decided to give it a try… After I use the cleanser above I put the foaming wash on my damp skin and use with my Clarisonic. My face feels amazing afterwards and so squeaky clean – the natural formula is hydrating and did wonders to tame by inflamed skin. This is the cleansing product I use every morning.
03. Clarisonic Mia: My favorite. I got it for Christmas and have been religious about using it everyday in the morning and evening. It’s not for everyone but I love how it buffs my skin and leaves it feeling super clean and soft.
04. Clarisonic Delicate Brush Head: Even after I added moisturizer to my routine, my skin was still so angry and the ugly rash would not seem to go away… The skin whisperer told me that my regular Clarisonic brush head might be to blame and told me to invest in the “delicate” brush – the most gentle in the line. I took her advice and it was like going from sandpaper to feathers. Well, not really, but you get the idea. My skin thanked me and the rash disappeared.
05. DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbeavin‘: Sally has blogged about this stuff before… Before my skin care woes of 2012 I used this morning and night. Hence the “burning of my skin.” It’s powerful stuff guys – not the best thing to use twice a day if you don’t have true acne. I now only use a teeny tiny bit if I get a flare up and I only apply it a small area and not my whole face. Powerful I tell ya.
06. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer: Do you have sensitive skin? Buy this. Hydrating to the max, sinks in fast, not greasy, light and clean scent – I love it. I put it on three separate times before I leave in the morning because I love it so much. No spf for me here either, I found tested a sample with and without and the spf made my skin red.
07. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream: The woman at the Kiehl’s counter tried to talk me out of getting both the moisturizer and the cream but I insisted I needed the cream for night. It was worth the battle – the cream is a bit thicker and richer and I can almost hear angels singing when I put it on after washing my face at night. My skin loves it.
08. Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: If you’re looking for a good eye cream I highly recommend this… It’s very light and delicate but very hydrating. I’ve noticed a huge difference in how my skin looks around my eyes since using it.
09. Ilia Balmy Days Lip Care: Also sent to us by our beauty guru PR loves, I made this lip care mine all mine. It’s the first thing I put on my lips before my lipstick or gloss and the last thing I put on before bead. Clear and conditioning, it goes on like silk and is so much better than any chapstick I’ve ever used.
Obviously these products might not be the answer for everyone but they work wonders for me so I thought I’d pass them along! The older I get the more I invest in taking good tare of my skin…
(Novel: An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin // Image taken by MBM for A PIECE of TOAST)
I love Kiehls. This is a great post! I'm always in-between products myself and will have to try a few of these. Skinceuticals products have always helped me!
http://thepumpkinspot.blogspot.com/
Love your blog! I'm heading to Sephora now to get the Dermadoctor products now! I have done everything for my super mild acne, but ya adult acne- not hot!
Thanks for sharing!
Xo N
I had horrible adult acne! Nothing over the counter worked until I saw a doctor. I use a prescription retinol gel and it works. =) But my sister uses Glytone products and she loves them.
You have such pretty natural light in your apartment. Ahh… Liz uses the Neutrogena face wash too! Sounds like I better jump on the bandwagon. xo
ok i'm having these exact skin issues now! my skin feels so dry and bumpy, i might need to test these out!
in dramatic fashion
I was spoiled for years by working for plastic surgeons, dermatologists and med spas, but I just can't afford Skinceuticals or Epionce any more. I am really excited to try Kiehls and appreciate you sharing your regimen with us! I have dried out my skin, big time, trying to keep breakouts at bay and keeping pores clean, so this moisturizer is about to find a place in my medicine cabinet.
And the Clarisonic is a must-own, in my opinion. Makes such a huge difference and is great for cell turnover!
I keep hearing about people changing out the brushes to their Clairisonics and I'm so tempted to change mine. Like you, I have both dry and acne prone skin so I'm torn between their gentle brush head and their acne one.
Thanks for this post. I have been a Clinique 3 Step System girl for my whole life, but have recently concluded that now I am in my mid-20s I should step up my skincare regime. I too have combination skin, and can't wait to try out some of these products!
xx
isn't the clarisonic like a mini god?! i just got one about a month ago and i love it! When it comes to face products I'm all the about the Kiehls!!!
This is so funny! I just had a conversation with my facialist about my skin and was using a similar over-drying regiment. I think for the past 10+ years for fear of breakouts, I've gone from daily Proactive scrubs and Salicylic treatments to more moisturizing, cetaphil cleanser and serums. Using heavier moisturizers and a once a week exfoliation routine has completely transformed my skin. I need to purchase a clarisonic and she also recommended that our skin really only needs it once or twice a week, as opposed to daily or twice daily-use.
I just recently started getting monthly facials too, which has made a huge difference for me! With all of the spa offerings on sites like livingsocial and groupon, it's easy to find deals.
I've been spreading this wisdom to my friends as well! More moisture has all but eliminated my breakouts. Preach sister.
My mom gave me a Clarisonic for Valentine's Day — washing my face is now a highlight of my day! Wtf is with this adult acne crap…same thing happened to me last year. I'm still trying to perfect my skin care routine so thanks for sharing!
LOVE kiehl's ultra facial cream…i have really dry skin that is also pretty sensitive and this stuff has been a lifesaver! within a few days i was seeing a huge difference in how my skin felt and looked. and since it is so thick, you don't need a lot…which makes the jar last forever. i'll be buying this stuff until they stop making it (god forbid!)
I love my clarisonic too!! Love your photo! and styling
[...] – this time last year I was self diagnosed with it. And it was not pretty… I tried this routine as a way to remedy things and my face did look better for a while. Until it wasn’t. [...]