Clear Skin

Before I even dive in, please know that I am not a dermatologist nor esthetician. The following products and methods are simply what I have found to be effective for me. Also, note that my skin type factors in. I am 31 and my skin would be classified as dry. I have persistent blackheads on my nose and melasma on my forehead and cheekbones.

In the past, when someone would compliment my complexion, I would just laugh and say “Oh, it’s just good makeup!” Now, when someone remarks that my skin looks pretty, I actually believe them. I’ve recently taken notice that my skin is in it’s best shape ever. I started thinking about why that might be, wanting to share it with you guys, and here is what I came up with!

1. Soft Water While I do drink a lot of water, it is actually the water coming out of our shower and faucets that I think has made a difference! When we moved to our new house this year, we were told the water was extremely hard and we needed a water softener. While it certainly takes some time to get used to, I’ve seen a big difference in my skin’s moisture levels. Hard water can actually leave a buildup on your skin!

2. Trader Joe’s Nourish All-in-one-facial Cleanser This is still my favorite cleanser of life. I have raved about it before and I’ve still yet to find a reason not to be totally in love with it. It’s gentle, effective, affordable and can be used on the eyes too, which I love.

3. EcoTools Pure Complexion Sensitive Skin Facial Sponge I wrote more about these here, but I really believe a less abrasive cleansing method has done wonders for my skin. I’ve noticed much less surface redness. You know when people have perfect skin and you ask them their secret and they say they never even wash their face? While I certainly don’t recommend that, the lack of abrasive scrubbing might have a little something to do with it!

4. Olly The Perfect Women’s Multi-Vitamin Sassy Citrus Gummies I used to be pretty good about taking vitamins but got out of the habit for some reason. I’m on my 2nd bottle of these and I’ve noticed my skin looking much better for it!

5. Organic Mineral Peel My method of forgoing manual exfoliation for chemical is working great for me so far. This peel is made of natural fruit acids and gives me the softest skin I’ve ever felt in my entire life. I gave more details on it here. Removing dead skin cells keeps skin looking vibrant and prevents pore congestion.

6. NUDE ProGenius Treatment Oil This product is the reason I fell in love with facial oils in the beginning. I know it’s expensive but damn, is it good stuff. I’m about to finish my 2nd or 3rd bottle. I’ve talked about it a lot before.

7. Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum I’ve sung retinol’s praises many times before and I still believe it’s the one product that has truly transformed my skin. Retinol speeds up your cell turnover which impacts a myriad of issues from breakouts to wrinkles to discoloration.

8. Root products Since working with Root, I’ve learned a lot about ingredients in beauty products. Not only are parabens found in breast cancer tumors, but they aren’t necessary! Not only are synthetic fragrances and colorants not necessary, they can irritate many people’s skin! I’m almost through my 2nd bottle of the Organic Peppermint Toner–obsesssssed. It contains white willow bark, a natural ingredient that I’ve always had awesome results with for keeping breakouts away. I love all of Root’s skincare and makeup! It really is the cleanest, safest makeup out there. I can assure you of that.

Other contributing factors

Eye Cream I really don’t have any wrinkles, fine lines or crow’s feet in my eye area. I believe this is due to my usage of eye cream since I was 24. Any eye cream is great really but make sure it’s nice and gentle and you are tapping to apply, not rubbing.

Hormones I have taken birth control for many years and I believe that has helped to regulate my hormones. I also used to have a thyroid condition called Grave’s Disease and my skin was very unhealthy looking at the time. Since that has been regulated, it has been much better.

Sleep I wish it weren’t true, but it really is amazing what the proper amount of sleep can do for your skin. Since I’ve cut way back on staying up until 2 a.m., I have noticed a significant improvement in my skin’s luminosity. When I don’t get proper sleep, my skin is dull and lifeless, my dark circles are of course much worse, it’s dry and it looks older.

Pillowcases Our pillowcases accumulate dead skin cells, product residue and oils from our hair and skin. If you sleep on your side or stomach, they’re definitely transferring onto your face. I find it helps to keep a stack of fresh pillowcases in your nightstand and to switch out once every 2 weeks.

Not using makeup wipes While it’s ok to remove heavy makeup with one first, you should still cleanse your face afterwards, but even then, you’re cleansing twice. I don’t use makeup wipes because I feel that they inevitably leave a residue on your skin. A lot of them contain propylene glycol-similar to lighter fluid and I find they just make my skin more irritated. I just remove my makeup and cleanse my skin all in one step with my Trader Joe’s Nourish All-in-one-facial Cleanser.

Clean Makeup Brushes If you don’t remember the last time you did this, chances are, ya need to! Brushes hold onto oils from your skin, product residue, and if you really put it off, eventually bacteria! Let’s clean our brushes once every 2 weeks at least, shall we?

I hope that some of these suggestions help you out but just know that skin types differ and what works for me, may not always work for you. Once you find what works though, the angels will sing!