Today’s blog post is all about my P.M. Skincare Routine that I do religiously every night before bed. Before the routine, I am sharing the journey that led me to finally develop a routine perfect for my skin.
Before getting into my current P.M. Skincare Routine I want to share the journey that I want to finally develop a routine that keeps my skin consistently clear.
My Journey From Acne To Clear Skin
Growing up I always had pretty clear skin regardless of a few normal breakouts here and there. In the middle of my college years, I started to get more interested in skincare and began experimenting with my routine. You would think that this would improve my skin, but actually this is when my struggle with acne began.
I was following skincare fads that I saw online and buying products recommended by different beauty influencers/bloggers. Then, I had no knowledge of my skin type or of how to understand the ingredients list of different products. I was buying blindly based on other’s mere recommendations.
My past struggles with acne can be contributed to two things. 1.) The improper use of oils, which were clogging my pores. And 2.) The overuse of harsh and drying acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid.
I created a very vicious cycle for myself that went a little like this. 1.) Use an oil such as rosehip that would clog my pores and cause fungal acne to develop. 2.) I would then try to heal the fungal acne I caused by over-using anti-acne products. This would strip my skin of all-natural moisture, cause extreme dryness, and only result in inflaming my existing breakout. 3.) To resolve the dryness and inflammation I would then use more oils or some trendy fragranced moisturizer at that time. The cycle would then repeat.
The most important advice I can give you:
I struggled like this for longer than I care to admit. This struggle could have been easily avoided if I would have done one very powerful thing for myself at that time and that is .. go and see a dermatologist.
If you are struggling with your skin there is truly nothing better you can do than make an appointment with a dermatologist. You may not want to spend the extra money or take time out of your busy week. However, it will save you so much time, stress, and money in the long run.
I could have paid for 10+ derm appointments and bought great medical-grade skincare with the money I wasted experimenting with products that were destroying my skin! Learn from my mistakes, go and see your derm if you are struggling with your skin.
Honest Skin Care Advice I Live By:
- ) Just because something works for someone else, does not mean it will work for you! Your skin is unique. The best thing you can do for yourself if learn your particular skin type and what ingredients compliment and harm it.
- ) Everyone should know how to do their own research regarding ingredients and how to read product labels. Once you are informed yourself is when the skincare journey really gets fun! You can see recommendations online or read product labels and know when something is going to work well for you. You can make smarter purchasing decisions and truly enjoy experimenting without accidentally buying products that are harmful to your skin type.
- ) If you are truly struggling with your skin seek professional medical health from a dermatologist rather than looking for online content from influencers, etc!
- ) Do not be afraid to hydate your skin and make sure you are not over using harsh drying ingredients. In the past, I thought hydration = moisture and moisture = breakouts, but I was completely wrong. Properly hydrating your skin is one of the most effective ways to PREVENT acne, aging, and improve overall skin texture.
My Current P.M. Skin Care Routine
I am so excited to share with you my simple and affordable P.M. skincare routine. This routine has transformed my skin and that I will be sticking to for the long run! All bolded product names are direct links if you are interested in trying any for yourself.
1.) Cleanse
I cleanse using the La Roche Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser. If I am wearing makeup I will double cleanse using this product both times. Once to remove all of my makeup and a second time to ensure my skin is completely clean! I love this product because it is gentle but effective enough to remove makeup. It can break down even the toughest mascaras. This product is inexpensive, formulated with thermal spring water, has a balanced pH, and does not dry out my skin.
2.) Facial Mist
I use rose water as a facial mist. There is no need to go out and buy overpriced rose water. I use a Lebanese product by the brand Cortas. It can be purchased online (linked) or most likely at your local middle eastern grocery store. I add the rose water to a small spray bottle and then spray it all over my face & neck. Rose has so many benefits for the skin including redness reduction, soothing properties, anti-inflammatory, excema reduction, and acne-fighting. This is also a wonderful dose of calming aromatherapy to my otherwise fragrance-free P.M. skin-care routine!
3.) Hydrate
I moisturize using the Cosrx Hyaluronic Power Essense. What is Hyaluronic Acid? It is like a giant glass of water for your skin. HA can hold up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water. It does so by binding water to your skin cells. This hydrates and plumps your skin giving a youthful look, naturally.
Applying after the facial mist makes a small amount of product go a long way!
This is the ONLY HA serum you will ever need! I have been through four full bottles! It’s has a Ph of 6.5-7.5, under 10 total ingredients, and is around $20 for over 3fl. One bottle typically lasts me 4 months! I cannot say enough good things about this product.
4.) Hydrate Some More!
I then apply The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane Oil. I find that applying after the HA essence really locks in all of the moisture. This is the first oil I have ever been able to use on my skin and that is because is it not like typical oils. Let’s break it down: Squalane is a version of a Squalene: a compound that occurs naturally in our skin glands. This version is made for incorporating into skincare products through a hydrogenation process. Since Squalane is a natural part of our skin’s sebum, it absorbs quickly because our skin recognizes it. This keeps the skin moisturized and hydrated. Squalane can help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce natural water loss. If you are prone to acne or oily skin I would consult your dermatologist before adding into your routine.
5.) Eyelash Maintenance
The last step of my P.M. skincare routine is to apply castor oil to my eyelashes. The purpose of this is to maintain their health, length, and volume. This is a beauty trend that really does work! I apply a small amount of oil to my eyelashes and lash line every night before bed. My lashes are the fullest and longest they have ever been! The results do not come overnight. However, I promise if you use castor oil consistently you will see improvement in your overall eyelash health and beauty! I also like to use this oil as a cuticle cream. I massage whatever is leftover on my fingers into my nail beds and cuticles.
That is all! Thank you so much for reading. Please let me know in the comments what are some of your favorite P.M. skincare routine products are.
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Love,
Jordana
