The Importance of Routine for Problem Skin
As the seasons change here in New York I’ve been thinking (and talking) a little about routines. I’m a believer in not shaking things up too much when it comes to skin and hair care. I try not to change my products too often if I’m getting a decent result—or at least not getting a bad one.
As it stands, my routine has been pretty much the same—with the exception of a cleanser swap out and a few other non-essentials—since last November. Last November!
For day: I use a light hydrating gel on half of my face, and I use moisturizer-rich sunscreen on the other half (I will explain why I cut my face in half some other time, promise!). If I feel dry, I also use a brand new day lotion I quite like, which contains argan oil—my nighttime staple. I also take high-quality omegas upon waking.
For night: I cleanse with a new one I quite like, and slather the argan oil that I talk about all the freaking time, am trying a new eye cream because I’m out of the other one I loved), and a few nights a week I’ll do a mask. I have been hearing good things about the Kahina serum from my friend Erika, and want to try it some time too. But for now, I’m wedded to my routine. Again before bed, more omegas for a total of four capsules a day.
So that’s what I did yesterday. And the day before, and the day before.
Some people, particularly those blessed with less Irish skin, can play around a little more, but for me, after years and years and years of trying everything under the sun, not finishing products, replacing and experimenting at will, I have found that the single most important thing for my skin is routine. No sudden moves. No ugly surprises.
What about you? Do you stick to a routine?
I try to stick to a routine, but I believe that I am still in the process of finding just the right products for said routine.
Now that I sit to think about it, as much as I thought I had a routine, the reality is that I routinely changed products which did not work out so well. If I had an acne flare up, I’d add in a few extra products then stop once it went away. This cycle went on for a good 8 years of my life. Now that I’ve moved on the natural products, I am trying to stick to a routine.
My routine changes seasonally–I have the driest and flakiest skin during winter and summer, fairly even skin during spring and autumn. So I just go for heavier–on top of my argan-lavender-patchouli-blue chamomile oil during the dry months, I’ll add a layer of Shea butter at night.
Daytime routine rarely changes, though I’ll add a layer of olive-pomegranate-lavender oil prior to showering if my skin feels tight in the morning. After showering, the argan mix then my SPF 30-50 tinted moisturizer.
I also follow a routine and try to stick to what’s working for me for quite a long time. This is my routine for several months already:
Morning: I use a gel like cleanser since I have oily skin. I used to apply a toner right after but I realize my skin is quite the same with or without so I stop using it. After that, I use a moisturizer followed by a sunscreen. If I do have marks from a previous zit, I use a concealer and do spot correction on them. I refrain from touching my face as much as possible the whole day.
Evening: I use a facial scrub then use as little amount as possible of the gel cleanser. After that I put on a small amount of moisturizer on my face.
I do stick with a routine. I’ve been using the same products for many years and am really pleased with them. Although they contain a couple of the no-no ingredients, they have no added fragrances. I have quite sensitive (and also Irish) skin, so when I find something that actually works for me, I’m delighted and am loyal to it.
My routine is mostly cleansing, toning, moisturizing, with an occasional mask.
I stick to a routine, though it’s technically too harsh for my skin, it seems to work. In the mornings I just rinse, as I don’t want to dry out my skin too much. In the evenings I use a scrub followed by night cream. I also use a face mask once or twice a week.
I’ve been reading up on Argan oil since seeing it mentioned on this website and the article about Josie Maran. I’m fascinated, but I’ve also found some reviews saying it (may be) comedogenic. Does anyone know if this is true? Because I’d love to try this product, but I need something that will improve my skin (mild acne), not make it worse!