My Skincare Routine

Throughout my entire post-puberty life, I’ve battled with my skin. I had tons of acne in high school that continued through college and then into my twenties. After my pregnancy with Ada, somehow I’ve noticed fewer breakouts. When I do get some zits, they’re usually those huge ones on my jawline. Come to think of it, though, I haven’t had any of those in quite some time.

Regardless, I thought I’d write a quick ditty on my skincare routine because I received some serious compliments yesterday. The kind that made me blush and nervous giggle. Mind you, these comments weren’t from guys looking to flirt or anything like that. The first was the 30-something woman at the hospital lab desk and the second was the checkout lady in her fifties at Wegmans.

After seeing my license, they each said something like:

“You’re almost 32? I thought you were in your early twenties!”

Wow. I mean, just . . . wow.

CLEANSING, ETC.

OK. So, bragging over (but -- c’mon -- I’m struggled with my skin for SO LONG, it’s nice to hear something flattering!), I have made some changes in my skincare routine this year. I’m wondering if it has had any positive impact on my overall complexion. (FYI: My skin is generally combination with more oil on my forehead and nose.)

Here are the products I use on a daily basis. I usually wash my face with the cleanser before bed, followed by the toner and moisturizer.

• Avalon Organics Vit. C Gel Cleanser
• Avalon Organics Vit. C Balancing Toner
• Avalon Organics Vit. C Oil-Free Moisturizer

The line consists of a number of other products, including this Avalon Face Serum I’m thinking of ordering to try out. I noticed a change in the softness and clarity of my skin almost immediately after using all the things in combination. What I like best about these cleaners and lotions besides the results is that they’re 100 percent vegetarian and 70 percent organic. No animal testing either!

EXFOLIATION

After working out in the morning, I usually use St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Now, I’m kind of angry after doing a little research for this post. I’ve been using this scrub since I was a teenager. I’m talking half my life, and it wasn’t tested on animals back then. I haven’t thought to look at the package in ages, but I just uncovered that somewhere along the way, they started testing on animals! I guess after I use up my last bit I’ll try to find a new (sans-microbeads) exfoliator. Grr.

Anyone have a good recommendation?

MAKEUP

Most days, I don’t wear foundation or anything besides moisturizer or sunscreen on my face. (And mascara. Always mascara.) If I’m going to go do something nice or just feel like putting on makeup, I use Too Faced Beauty Balm in vanilla glow.


They don’t test on animals according to this PETA database, so that’s always a bonus. But that’s pretty much it. I’d say I put on BB cream about three or four times a week.

SUNCARE

As far as the sun goes, I try to seek shade as often as possible. I run before 10AM or after 6PM on most days. When we go to the beach, I’m under the umbrella 90 percent of the time. I wear hats otherwise. If I can’t avoid the sun, I usually just slap on some of Ada’s Babyganics Sunscreen SPF 50. It goes on pretty thick and white, but if I rub in in well, it’s not terribly noticeable.


I may check out Lavanila’s Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40. Like Babyganics, it’s mineral-based -- but has less white residue. The only problem is that it’s really expensive and I’ve read it doesn’t handle well with sweat.

I’d love recommendations for a good sport sunblock that is natural, handles loads of sweat, and is cruelty-free.

OTHER STUFF

Otherwise, I just drink lots of water, try to eat loads of fruits + veggies, and get good sleep most nights. I don’t drink any caffeine, I exercise, and -- as I already mentioned -- I do try to stay out of the sun when I can avoid it. I also use the Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Mask (that’s why my face is blue in that first photo) every week or two just for fun. I like how it smells. That’s good enough reason, right?

What’s your skincare routine?

* Links to products above are Amazon Affiliates. Thanks for supporting (never)homemaker. And I genuinely hope you found this post helpful. These are all products I have purchased and tested myself and have used everyday . . . in some cases for over a decade. 

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

Read more...

Foodie Face Cures: Apple Pie Mask

Ever since we got back from camping (and, if we're being honest here, in life in general) my skin has been incredibly broken out. Blame it on genetics or hormones -- whatever. I just want it back to normal, and fast. But I've been trying all these drug store washes, masks, and moisturizers, and none of it seems to be working. In fact, they all seem to make it worse. So, I took some time to research natural ingredients that are good for skin and rushed to the kitchen to mix up a blemish-fighting mask.

What's inside?

• Apple Cider Vinegar: According to Detox for Life, apple cider vinegar has "excellent cleansing properties as a powerful skin detoxifying and purifying agent." I've seen it sited again and again for helping to clear up breakouts. It's even just good on its own as an astringent.
• Banana: I have a ton of bananas on hand at all times. So, naturally I looked it up to see how it might work for skin. I kept getting the result again and again and again for a banana mask for oily skin. I don't know the science, but I read it helps narrow pours. After giving it a try, I'm thinking it works.
• Oats: According to Beauty Tips Hub, "oats can help to deal with multiple skin problems such as acne, pimples, dryness, wrinkles blemishes, dermatitis, shingles, eczema, and excessive tan." I think in this mask, the oats serve to moisturize and make sure the other ingredients don't dry out the skin too terribly much.
• Cinnamon: If you skin is very sensitive, I wouldn't suggest adding this ingredient to the mask -- it may be too strong and cause redness (though it's only temporary). However, across the web, a mixture of cinnamon and honey is touted as a great acne remedy. I added a dash for good measure. I think it made the mask tingly. If nothing else, it made it feel like it was working.

APPLE PIE MASK

What you'll need . . .

• 1/2 banana
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Method . . .

1. Simply put all ingredients in a bowl (or mortar and pestle) and mix well. Use a fork or spoon. Just make sure everything is well incorporated.
2. Then wash your face with a mild soap. Take about 1/3 to 1/2 of the mixture and place it on your face and let sit for between 5 and 10 minutes.
3. I recommend washing the mask off your face in your kitchen sink to avoid clogging your drain (from experience!). Then pat dry with a towel.
4. Store the remaining max in a small container. Refrigerate. Use within three days.

Did it work? Well, in the photo above, I'm in all my no-makeup glory . . . and relatively zit-free. Though there's no super-cure for skin -- acne, specifically, I would say yes, actually, it did improve my issues. After I washed the mask off my face, I noticed my skin was far less oily and less inflamed. Even this morning, my skin remains in better condition. I also have been using the apple cider vinegar as an astringent (I mentioned this earlier). And I really think that's helping.

Stephen laughed at me the whole time when I basically was wearing breakfast on my face. But the apple pie smell helped me ignore him. So, give it a try and let me know what you think! Also, I thought you all might enjoy this other mask I found in my online searching -- a CAT LITTER mask! What's up with THAT? I don't necessarily think I'll be trying that one any time soon.


Do YOU have any home remedies for skin issues? Or any other foodie beauty tricks up your sleeve? I've love to hear about them! Just leave a comment or email us at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!!

Read more...