I’m a research person. Like a sleuth. I like evidence. I like science. I like actual proof that something is effective. Is it too difficult to find empirical evidence that documents the effectiveness of eye cream? Like what does current evidence say about ice rolling and the benefits of taking care of your skin. Am I a nerd? Don’t answer that. Anyway, I did some research. Thanks, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for being a reliable, credible source. If you don’t want to read about it, your two take-aways are sunscreen and moisturizer. The benefits of taking care of your skin are:
- Retain skin’s youthful firmness longer
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Keep complexion looking brighter and younger
- Avoid leathery skin
- Reduce skin cancer risk
I was really seeking out product that contains no synthetics, alcohol, astringent, parabens, fragrance, retinoids…my skin is uber sensitive! When I try anything new my skin gets all hot, red, and irritated.
Welp, this is what I found works for me. My clinical expertise in the area of skin care is minimal but hopefully the research I found helps make my routine a teeny, tiny bit more valid. Plus, results! My skin is changing from peeling flakes to glowing (-ish) goddess (-ish).
Skin care routine
am
- Ice ice baby. Ice roll. Ice rolling helps minimize redness and the appearance of pores. Cold temperatures have a lifting effect on the skin and reduces puffiness and the look of fatigue. Aka that mama life. Side note: Ice rollers are great for people who suffer from allergies. You can calm inflammation and reduce swelling caused by allergies. (1)
- Lather that cleanser up and rinse with not too hot of water. Make sure you use a good cleanser. Most face wash with synthetic gunk will strip your skin if it’s natural oils. Fun fact: Your skin is the largest organ of the body! (3)
- Spray Rosewater Toner. Rosewater is an anti-inflammatory and it naturally brings the pH of your skin down (and since all tap/sink water is too alkaline your skin wont get dry or oily if you adjust the pH with Rosewater). (3)
- Apply hydrating moisturizer. Because it’s the secret ingredient to anti-aging, duh! But for real that came straight from the AAD. (4) Moisturizer traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
- Apply sunscreen. Broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher please! According to the AAD, sunscreen is also imperative to anti-aging as sun’s rays can accelerate signs of aging. (5)
- After all that, I put make up on 😉 But if were having an at home day, then I just wash my face and slather on a moisturizing sunscreen.
pm
- Remove make-up. I use jojoba oil…it’s safe around the eye peepers.
- Lather that cleanser up, rinse, and pat pat dry.
- Exfoliate on a schedule with a gentle mask and be cautious of scratchy exfoliants. Don’t want to irritate the epidermis just say bye, bye to dead skin cells! How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and exfoliation method (e.g. mechanical or chemical/scrub). Generally, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this could lead to skin that is red and irritated. (6)
- Spray Rosewater Toner.
- Apply serum. Why you ask? Serums are meant to be applied before your moisturizer because they work on the lower layers of your skin, while moisturizer keeps the upper epidermis happy. Luminance’s serum includes a small amount of peptide and these are proteins that help our skin retain elasticity as we age. (3) Read more about peptides [here].
- Apply hydrating moisturizer.
- Lips. Moisturize those puckers too! Choose a lip balm that feels good on your lips. Some healing lip balms can irritate your lips. If your lips sting or tingle after you apply the lip balm, switch to one that does not cause this reaction. (7)
Leaving with some encouraging words and final tips: Give your routine some time to work and stick with it! One or two skin care product lines at a time. More expensive skin care is not necessarily more effective. Use a humidifier at night in order to add moisture to the air. Drink tons of water! Sunscreen and moisturizer.
PRODUCT– I did the research on EWG and ThinkDirty. And I am the guinea pig. Products are rated a 3 and below (low hazard).
- Image Daily Hydration SunScreen/ BeautyCounter Sunscreen / Luminance Deep Hydration/ ice roller/ Luminance Rosewater Toner/ lips/ Luminance Serum/ Luminance Cleanser/ Jojoba oil/ Young Living mint facial scrub/ Luminance papaya enzyme exfoliating mask
This post contains affiliate links to products I use and, if purchased, a very small commission goes to help our family. These products are truly things we love, would purchase/DO purchase, and fit our style.
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