A Skin Care Update

Well, it seems I am not the only one struggling with vanity worrying about skincare!  I really appreciated all the feedback y'all gave about what you use, what you like, etc.  I've had several people inquire about what products I ended up choosing, so I thought I'd share that here.

Here is my morning line-up:

I chose the CeraVe hydrating cleanser because this dermatologist recommended it--it's cheap and non-drying.  I don't know if the winter weather has a lot to do with this, but my skin has been pretty dry, so I need products that don't exacerbate this.  I think (?) it's pretty similar to Cetaphil's cleanser.

When I know I'm going to be exposed to the sun (even if only from driving in the car), I use elta MDs UV-Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 as my morning sunscreen/moisturizer.  It has a high level of zinc oxide, which I prefer over the more chemical-based sunscreens, but it doesn't leave your face white like the old school zinc oxide smear.  I know there is a camp of natural health folks who are wary of sunscreen, but I just don't want to mess with too much sun (from a vanity and a health standpoint).  I do welcome the input of those of you who may fall in this camp, as I'm certainly not an expert on all of this!

On the occasional rainy day, or if I know I'm not leaving the house (joy), I'll skip that step and just use L'oreal's BB Cream as my moisturizer.  I first read about BB creams on Little Green Notebook (I swear, everything I know I learned from Jenny :) and thought I would give it a try.  Let's just say I am in love!  BB Creams are basically like the new generation of tinted moisturizers in that they moisturize and give remarkably good coverage (I don't use any other foundation or powder!), but they also have skin-regeneration properties.  I really do feel like it gives my face a glow!  It feels great on my skin too. Definitely check them out if this intrigues you at all (There are lots of different brands!).

In the evening, this is my routine:

I wash again with the CeraVe hydrating cleanser, but this time I do it with my new Clarisonic Mia.  I was using the Clarisonic in the morning and night but I felt it was a little too much for my skin.  It does a great job of removing my make up (really, just the BB Cream and a little cream blush) and it definitely leaves my skin feeling softer.  I know there is a lot of hype about facial brushes, particularly the Clarisonic so I wanted to give it a try.  I've been using it for about two weeks now, and I do like it.  It's not cheap though.  I ordered mine from this site and saved about $25 off the retail price, but I still put down a big chunk of change for this thing.  I kind of expect it to blow my mind if I'm going to spend that much, you know?  I sort of want to try the facial brushes by Proactiv or Olay to see how they compare, since they are much cheaper.

Every other night or so, I then use the prescription product Retin-A Micro (only a pea size amount to cover my entire face, as it can be drying).  Are y'all familiar with the research behind retin-a products?  I just thought they were these really strong anti-acne medications that could wreak havoc on your skin.  I was pretty amazed to read that the newer retin-a micro products are much less harsh, but still provide the retinol benefits.  It can get sort of complicated, so you should definitely do some of your own research if you're interested, but the scientific data behind retin-a is pretty amazing.  In addition to treating acne, it's now commonly used to combat wrinkles, improve age discoloration spots, even out skin texture, and fade light freckles (source).  The product I'm using is prescription only (a generic tretinoin prescription is pretty inexpensive), but you can get some over the counter products that are similar I believe.  Apparently, you really need to wait 8-12 weeks to see the full results and people often give up using it because your skin takes some time to adjust and you are supposed to gradually increase your usage frequency.

Lastly, I apply the CeraVe Pm Moisturizing Cream (after waiting 10-15 minutes for the retin-a product to absorb).

The only issue with me being able to really provide a good review of all of these new products is that I basically started doing them all at the same time (so there's no real control).  I think my skin is still adjusting to the retin-a micro gel, so I should probably come back and give another update in a month or so.

Have y'all used any of these products?  Has anyone used a retin-A micro product long term?  I would love to hear about your experience.

I want to find a good sunscreen to use on the rest of my body as these warmer, sunny days approach...off to do some research :)

Thinking about Skin Care...

In all honesty, I probably should have titled this post, "Thinking about Vanity!"  Let me explain. 

I have not really been one to put too much time and energy into skincare products or make up.  Sure, I wash my face and I'll periodically stock up on some new make up, but for the most part, I'd prefer to spend my money elsewhere.  I would so much rather spend 50 bucks on some new fabric than on the newest facial scrub.  

That is until I hit my thirties.  (swallow)  I turned the big 3-0 this past July, and it was not long after that I spotted my first gray hair.  (gasp)  Side note:  I have recently not been able to spot the little sucker!  I think it may have disappeared?!  Anyway, in addition I have begun to notice that my skin doesn't seem quite as...shall we say youthful, as it used to look.  I realize this all sounds rather vain--and it probably is--but I'm telling myself there's something to be said for proper skin care, right? right?  

All of this to say, I have informed my banker (otherwise known as my husband :) that due to the fact that he has an aging wife, we are going to have to start allocating a heftier portion of the 'ol budget to my skincare!  You may have noticed this picture that I posted from Instagram over the weekend.  

I stopped by the Clinique counter where I received an impromptu make over from a young man named John.  Apparently, it was his first day on the job.  I nearly fell asleep I found the whole thing to be so very relaxing.  I told him I was happy to be his guinea pig, and I think he did a very nice job. Then again, I may not be the best judge. When I am given a couple free hours on a Saturday to roam around all by my lonesome, I get all sorts of giddy and adventurous.  

Moving on....My mom just started using Arbonne...rather fancy, and I'm quite sure my banker would not support its place in our budget.

Another friend reminded me of Mary Kay.  There's Wonderbar.  Proactiv.  Acne.org

There are so many different brands out there, it is completely overwhelming! What's a girl to do?

Currently, I use Neutrogena and some Trader Joe's moisturizer that has SPF in it.  I also love the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for nighttime, especially during the winter.  But I feel like I need to step it up a notch.  Not going to lie that passing by a mirror sans make-up has been a little alarming of late. I promise I'm not trying to hate on myself, just trying to keep things real :)  Also, I probably shouldn't assume that you want the nitty gritty on my complaints, but nevertheless--it's not so much acne, more dullness, and just a lack of that youthful luster I never knew to savor back when I was a wee one in my 20's.    

A google search led me to this website, which I found to be very intriguing.  Supposedly, this dermatologist does not have any financial ties to cosmetic companies, and she posts her favorite products in various categories.  What I found to be interesting is that she says you can totally afford to save money on your cleanser and your moisturizer (suggesting drug store products like Cetaphil and Cerave), but you should prepare to spend more on your sunscreen and your anti-aging products.  Seems to make sense to me.  

Currently, these two items are in my Amazon cart.  I think I'm going to pull the trigger on them.  

Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46

Vivo Per Lei Facial Peeling

I would truly love to know anyone's experiences with any of these lines or products!  I feel like personal testimonials are far better than any online claims!  

Do you have drug store products you swear by?  Which products do you spend more money on?  Spill the beans on your favorite skin care products and I (and my skin) will love you forever!