Finding the Self-Love in Skincare!

Now, I’m going to be completely honest, my skin has never really been “bad” per se. As teenagers, my sisters saw dermatologists regularly and used products like Cetaphil and Proactiv for breakouts. Meanwhile, I just kind of skated by using my discount Clean and Clear or Noxzema cleanser, never really giving skincare a second thought. I only just now started taking my skincare regimen seriously when I left my full-time job a year ago. My job at the time was very demanding and the schedule very inconsistent, late nights, early mornings. I kept my skincare routine super simple so I could rush out the house in time to catch the train to make it from Brooklyn to Manhattan as early as 6am sometimes. I would wash my face with a discount cleanser and follow with a basic moisturizer and go about my day. On my days off, I just wanted to be in a vegetative state, bingeing Netflix or sleeping in, self-care was the last thing on my mind! Sometimes I would be so tired, I would just fall asleep in my makeup and not wash my face at all, which is a big No No! The stress from my schedule and job and my diet of sugary foods and drinks would show up all over my face in the form of breakouts mostly on my chin and forehead. All the breakouts ultimately led to pimple popping which resulted in dark marks all over my face. Life was running me at the time and not the other way around and it was showing up on my skin.

Becoming a full-time entrepreneur created a complete mindset shift. I suddenly had time to tend to the things I had been neglecting like my skin, diet and hair. I started my current skincare routine about 6 months ago and I have seen a reduction in dark marks and breakouts. My skin has been more even and moisturized throughout the day. It feels softer and smoother and I feel more confident when I go out makeup-less. Okay, okay, I know you want to just jump into this routine now BUT Before I begin, it’s important to tell you that this not a sponsored blog post. These are products I actually use.

I start my morning routine with Urban Skin Rx Even Tone cleansing bar, (contains Kojic acid to brighten), leave it on for a few minutes then rinse it off and pat it dry with a clean washcloth. Then I follow that with Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner on a cotton ball using upward strokes. I put a few drops of Urban Skin Rx Super C Brightening Serum on my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, rub it in and give it a few minutes to soak into my skin. Lastly, I moisturize with Trader Joe’s Enrich Moisturizing Face Lotion with SPF 15. I top it off with my every day go to makeup, Black Radiance True Complexion BB Cream in the shade Café which also contains SPF 15 and gives me a natural look. The SPF is good for protecting the skin because both the Cleansing bar and vitamin C serum can make your skin more sensitive to the effects of sunlight. For my night time routine, first I remove my makeup with Trader Joe’s Micellar Cleanser and Makeup Remover Towelettes (works like a charm)! And then I repeat the steps from my morning routine but instead of using TJ’s moisturizer at night, I use Neutrogena Hydro Boost water gel which contains Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds vast amounts of moisture keeping collagen levels up creating anti-aging benefits for your skin! I also use an eye cream that I will not name because I’m still on the search for one I love!

FLY TIPS:

1. My night-time secret weapon is to put tea tree oil on my chin every night, diluted with coconut oil so my chin breakouts don’t even stand a chance and the coconut oil helps to fade dark marks.
2. If you MUST pop a pimple, cover that sucker with honey or Aloe Vera gel for faster healing.
3. Keep your dirty hands off your face unless you’re cleaning it.
4. Feed yourself live fruits and vegetables for maximum results.
5. Do your RESEARCH and experiment with your routine until you find the right skincare fit for you!

So, I know you’re probably saying, what does all of this have to do with self love?? All you did was give a skincare routine! But this post is about what having a new skincare routine taught me. I was finally taking the time to do something special for myself. I was checking in on my skin every day and feeding it vitamins, oils and creams. I was giving it attention and love. I began to notice any little changes in my skin’s appearance and I could be proactive in eliminating any new breakouts. I started exfoliating it twice a week to get rid of the old dead skin and make way for the new! That’s when I realized, having a skincare regimen is very similar to the practices we should follow in our own lives. We should CLEANSE our spaces, circles and thoughts of any negative energies that could be blocking our progress and blessings. EXFOLIATE: Gradually rid ourselves of our old unproductive habits to create new lives and experiences for ourselves. And lastly, stay MOISTURIZED! Continue working at it daily, feeding yourself affirmations, therapy, reading or meditating. Whatever works for you to nourish your spirit. Check in with yourself regularly, pay attention when you’re not at your best. Work to heal your BREAKOUTS! Give yourself attention and love. Make the time for it. And if something isn’t working, change your routine. Just like with a skincare routine, there’s a million different combinations you can try to get the results you want out of life. I didn’t get it right on my first try, it took research and experimenting with different products. But once I saw my skin clearing up, looking younger and brighter I began to wonder: what else could I improve in my life if I focused on it? My diet? My hair? My relationships? My finances? It really is true what they say, whatever you focus on expands. Feed your body, mind and spirit what they need on a regular basis to truly see positive results in your life. Are you ready to try a new routine in your life?