I’ve mentioned the random desire to take care of my skin in a previous post. It’s been working really well for me in more ways than one so I thought I’d share what I currently use.
When I was growing up I never took care of my skin regularly. I’d say I would start but it never really stuck, I think mostly because I was one of the lucky ones that didn’t have acne issues. Yes I’d have a pimple here and there but no real big break outs.
Last year was really really rough for me and no matter how much I tried to be ok on the outside I was battling so much within. In fact I still struggle with it today. But one day after I came back from the Philippines I wanted to do something to take care of myself. Something small that would just help me take a tiny step toward a positive mindset. I just woke up one morning and decided that small thing I would do is take care of my skin. Random, I know.
Because of my family’s history of cancer my main concern is to use products that are as natural as possible. On top of that, something that isn’t too expensive and works with my sensitive/combination skin. After scouring the internet I decided to go with a combination of Burt’s Bees, Lush, and Neutrogena products.
In the morning I use the Burt’s Bees Brightening Daily Facial Cleanser, Burt’s Bees Brightening Refining Tonic, Imperialis moisturizer by Lush, and Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30. I’ve been eyeing the Imperialis moisturizer for a while and decided that could be my little splurge. It absorbs into my skin really well and feels light while still moisturizing my skin. The only thing I’m not excited about is the sunblock by Neutrogena. It just kind of feels heavy and it’s not natural, but I don’t think there is a natural sunblock. If there is an all natural sunblock I don’t know about please comment below and share with me!
In the evening I’m currently using Burts Bees Renewal Cleanser, the same toner from my morning routine, and Burt’s Bees Night Cream for Sensitive Skin. I love the way the redefining cleanser gently scrubs and softens my skin. The night cream does wonders too, it’s really hydrating and doesn’t irritate my skin. Thankfully none of the products I use do.
At first I started this regimen because I wanted to just maintain the “ok” skin I had, I figured it would be better to maintain good skin that try to repair it after I start to notice issues right? On top of that, I just wanted to do something small to give myself a .00000001% confidence boost. But it did so much more than that.
Creating a morning and evening routine has forced me to do a little something for myself 2x a day. It gives me a little structure, too. I made a commitment to get up earlier in the morning and get ready for bed a little earlier so that I can make time to do my skincare routine. The structure makes me feel like I have a constant during my crazy work weeks.
It’s also had a positive effect on my confidence. It hasn’t completely changed but it has helped me to see I’m worth 10 mins in the morning and the evening at the very least. I also noticed my skin feels better, my skin tone is more even, and I even get up early enough to put on a little eyeliner/mascara and fix my hair.
I feel like it was a ripple effect to start making small changes toward a positive life. Since then I started eating better and I even went to the gym this past week. Whhhhaaaaattttt?! Go me! Lol. On top of that it has also helped me with my productivity and motivation to get things done. Some friends and family have even noticed I carried myself differently.
It just goes to show that a small positive change can help the other aspects of your life. Do something that will encourage you to be better and allow it to spread into other aspects of your life!
Xoxo,
