take care of my skin

I’ve taken to marking whether or not I’ve washed my face each night in a notebook I keep near the sink. (Complete with colorful markers!) I’m also doing this for flossing. The accountability is really helping me to get back into the habit…

Well, I’m not doing so hot – I don’t often wash my face before bed anymore – but I am washing, exfoliating, and sunscreening/moisturizing every morning. My face hasn’t improved necessarily or been particularly stunning lately (need to make myself wash before bed) but it’s certainly been stable with no acne, not too dry or oily, etc.

Wash: Cetaphil
Exfoliate: Paula’s Choice 1% BHA Lotion
Sunscreen/Moisturizer: Oil of Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30

My skin has been dry all winter, so I’ve had to make moisturizing a regular ritual, and I recently downgraded (upgraded?) to using plain Cetaphil (not Cetaphil for Normal to Oily Skin). It’s helping.

However, I haven’t been as good lately about washing my face every night before sleep (and applying BHA/lotion at that time). I need to keep that habit! I’ve been excellent about washing my face every morning, though, and applying sunscreen every day.

Current Products:
-Cetaphil
-Paula’s Choice %1 BHA
-Dove Essential Nutrients nighttime moisturizer (would not buy again)
-Oil of Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30 (pretty good – wish it was a bit more moisturizing, though)

I need to find a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate and burn my skin. I was originally using Coppertone Faces Oil Free SPF 30, but (some days more than others, more often when combined with my face wash/lotion) it makes my face turn red and burns my cheeks. It’s pretty odd, because the reaction isn’t consistent, and often comes when I’m washing my face at the end of the day. I’ll be looking for sunscreens with different active ingredients and see if I can’t nail the suspect down through experimentation…

I recently found Paula Begoun’s book “Don’t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me”, and it’s really changed the way I think about skincare. I am now convinced of the importance of wearing sunscreen every day, and that BHAs really do help your skin (and aren’t scary). It’s wonderful to read a book that explains the hype the beauty industry tries to feed us, and sorts out the good products from the bad. I’ve actually reduced my whole skin care routinue to a pitance.

My current routine is now:
Morning: Clean, Sunscreen
Evening: Clean, 1% BHA Lotion
I use extra moisuturizer if my skin ever feels dry (and only where it feels dry), and I occasionally use a clay mask if I’m feeling extra-oily. I am thinking of adding an antioxidant serum at night.

I feel my skin is starting to look better already. It’s incredible.