Skin Food

I prefer bare skin, especially when its in optimal condition.  When it’s not, I take out an arsenal of camouflage.  The problem with that, for me anyway, is that it feels like camouflage – layers and layers of it – and I hate that feeling.  I’m also not as skilled with it as I’d like to be.  And I’m too proud to watch all the tutorials that are available on you tube.  So I try to avoid camouflage.  And the best way is to take care of the skin I’m in.

I’ve tried more than a few skincare brands.  My skin, as well as my savings account, has suffered for it.  But along the way, coupled with several trips to dermatologists, I’ve learned a few things.

  • More doesn’t necessarily lead to great results (learned from the Korean several step regimen – definitely not for my skin).
  • Less is definitely the way to go (for me).
  • Knowing skin type and what it needs IS KEY.

I didn’t realize until recently that my skin type is normal to oily.  Thinking back, I wonder why it took me so long to figure this out.  There were so many signs.  Like – camouflage would be nonexistent after just a couple of hours.  And – I have a younger sister who once joked that she could fry an egg on my forehead (It  inspired the featured image for this post).  Also – during an important  reception, my older sister discreetly held up her powder compact and motioned to me.

Had I realized my skin type earlier, I would have known what to stay away from (facial oils and thick creams) and it would have saved me a bunch of money, not to mention space in my medicine cabinet.

It’s okay though.  I’ve figured it out.  Better late than never, I say.

Here’s my regimen, complete with links to products that I’m using.  I also mention how long I’ve been using them and what the products do for me.

  • Prescription Strength Retin A that I get from my general practitioner.  Three times a week, applied at night and slept in.  One tube lasts me about a year.  It’s pricey (I think I paid about $160) but considering the results that I get, it’s completely worth it.  I consider myself a long time user (about 7 years).  I believe the hype when it come to Retin A (not to be confused with Retinol which comes from the same family but is a much milder version, doesn’t need a prescription, and not nearly as effective as quickly).  Retin A prevents wrinkles and fine lines and provides continuous cell turnover.  There are some drawbacks (like flaky, irritated skin, dry patches, and light sensitivity) but I’ve been using it for so long that I’ve learned how to deal with it – such as using it 3 times a week instead of every night.
  • A night balm – not a cream but a balm.  Used sparingly and only when my skin starts to show signs of dryness from the Retin A.  This is the one that I use.
  • A Vitamin C Serum – applied daily and in the mornings before the moisturizer.  It fades dark spots -especially when used in combination with Retin A.  Really. (I’ve been using this particular brand for 4 months now and I’ve seen considerable lightening of a small sunspot I had on my upper left cheek).  This is the one I use – expensive but worth it.
  • A moisturizer – This is a cream but it works for me.  I’m on my second jar.  The first one lasted 3 months.  I’ve tried all brands – from Neutrogena to LaMer to Sisley.  This is the only moisturizer that I’ve finished and bought again. There’s something about it, I’m not sure what, but that word ‘magic’…yeah. Here’s where to buy it to get free shipping.
  • Sunscreen – Applied daily.  Religiously.  Especially because I use Retin A.  It has to be at least SPF 30 and definitely broad spectrum UVA/UVB.  This recommendation comes with a caveat because there are so many sunscreens out there.  Knowing your skin type really helps when choosing the right sunscreen.  Also, if you’re darker complected, some sunscreens out there will produce a whitish cast that may not necessarily look natural.  This one works well for me.
  • A spot mask – for times when I feel a blemish coming on.  Thankfully, this is not often but it’s nice to have something handy for such times.  I’m on my second jar.  I’ve been using this product for more than a year.  It works…especially well when I catch a blemish early.  It works so well that my SO asks me to spot treat his skin whenever he feels a blemish coming on – that doesn’t happen very often either.  This stuff works better than a prescription as far as I’m concerned.

Full disclosure – This skincare regimen, considering the number of times I re-buy products, has an annual cost of $1,650.  This does not include visits to a dermatologist or my General Practitioner for my Retin A Prescription.

Reminder.  Know the skin you’re in!  This regimen won’t work for someone with dry skin.  It won’t work for someone with acne prone skin.  It may not even work for someone with normal skin.

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