I know skincare may seem like a very boring thing that you don't need to pay much attention to. Before I really started getting involved in makeup, I thought the same thing. I really thought that my skin would always look like it did when I was a kid. I grew up in southern Ohio and if you live there, then you know the weather varies a lot . It will be 100+ degrees out in summer and then below 0 in winter. We also get a lot of wind and a decent amount of rain. Growing up, I never applied sunscreen when I was out in the sun like when I went to an amusement park or water park. My mom would always lecture me, but I never really saw the need to put on sunscreen, despite her wishes. Sometimes I would just to keep my mom happy, but that didn't always happen. I would get itchy, red sunburn all over my face and shoulders and I always complained.
When I got sunburn, I didn't really think too much about it. All I knew was that it burned, I didn't think that too much sun exposure could give me skin cancer or other diseases. When I was old enough to care, I realized that sometimes my skin would become itchy and lightly sunburned even when I wasn't outside all day. That's when i realized that you don't need to be outside all day to get sunburn- or to cause sun related damage to your skin.
What you may not know is that your skin is like a moth to a flame when it comes to sun damage. You skin absorbs and attracts the sun's rays. So when the sun hits your skin, it isn't going to protect itself. It's up to you to stop the damage before it starts.
Happily, I was pretty obedient when my mom told me to apply sunscreen as I got older. Once I was about 9, I realized that it was easier to put on my sunscreen versus dealing with the sunburn. But I never wanted to put sunscreen on my face, since it was so oily and runny. I tried stick sunscreen, liquid sunscreen, even spray sunscreen. it just didn't cut it for me.
When I was 11, I started wearing makeup. I immediately loved it and it was something that I just instantly had the knack for. I started off with lip gloss and light eye makeup, no face makeup. When I did start to wear face makeup, I realized moisturizers, foundations, and tinted moisturizers with SPF in them. Since I hated putting sunscreen on my face (and rarely did) I decided to try out a moisturizer with an SPF and put that on my face before my makeup and before I hit the pillow. Lo and behold, my skin is in so much better condition because my face has an SPF on it at all times.
I then started realizing more and more skin care products out on the market. I figured that since I noticed such a big difference in my skin after only one skincare product, trying a few more would make my skin even better! I started with the cheapest of the cheap, and jumped from brand to brand. Years later, I finally have what exactly is the right skincare routine for my skin.
Everyone should use a cleanser,exfoliant, makeup remover, toner or astringent, and moisturizer. If you need it, you can also use an eye cream.
So, what's the importance of these products? Well, I know it seems like alot, but trust me that if you use these skin care products, your skin will be in much better condition in no time. Plus, it will save you from future problems like wrinkles, dark spots, skin diseases, etc.
Exfoliant- Exfoliators will scrub off all dead skin off of your face. It's super important to use an exfoliant at least once a week (but no more than ever other day) to get off the dead skin. You should never use an exfoliant more than every other day or the scrubbing particles will become too abrasive for your skin and may cause scratching to the skin or even removing skin that should not be removed.
I recommend- Clean and Clear Morning Burst Face Scrub.
Makeup remover- Makeup removers come in all different formulas from everything from liquid to cloths. I recommend using a cloth since you can get your lipstick, face makeup, and eye makeup all off in one easy step. Makeup remover should never burn your skin, it is supposed to be delicate and get your makeup off your skin so it does not clog pores.
I recommend- Epielle Green Tea Cleansing Tissues
Cleanser- Cleansers are to be used after makeup remover to clean your face and get off any remaining makeup. Cleansers should not be used to take off all makeup though. Some people do this (since you can skip a step) but it is not a good idea. The cleanser should moisturize your skin, and make it healthier. But if you use it to remove your makeup, the makeup will put up a barrier and the cleanser will take off the makeup but not help your skin at all. Plus, face cleansers are much too harsh for the eye area.
I recommend- Clean and Clear Finishes Even Tone Cleanser
Toner/Astringent- These are basically the same product. Except, toners are mostly to make skin more moisturizer and smoother. While astringents will only detoxify the skin. I like toners because they are generally less harsh. Plus, my skin needs all the moisture it can get.
I recommend- Bliss Daily Detoxifying Toner
Moisturizer- Moisturizers are generally the skin care product that will have and SPF in them. Everyone needs a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin and think that these will only make your skin oilier. That is not true! Oily skinned girls suffer from the oil glands going into overdrive and producing too much oil. Moisturizers are not oily though, if you get an oil free version. Sometimes, the oil can actually cause drying damage to your skin even if it feels like an oil slick. So moisturizers are needed for everyone!
I recommend- Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture SPF 35
I hope this post helps all of you realize how important skin care and SPF are!
Thank you for letting me do this post Kelly!
Thanks Aly for submitting this great post! Make sure to check Aly's blog out here!
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