30 Under 30 Update-Take Care of that Skin!

One of the things I think is important as I launch into the next decade of my life is taking care of my skin.  So I thought it would be a good idea to include on my list of goals before I’m 30 a plan to baby my skin.  I have been a fan of Dermalogica for a few years now so I figured I would stick with that brand since I know and love it.  But in addition to the usual wash and moisturize, I thought I should do a bit of research to best protect my skin and also counteract the negative affects of the environment (and my passion for the beach!).

After doing some research and reading some articles, I decided to add in a wrinkle fighting serum (luckily no wrinkles yet but the preventative advantage of ingredients that make up these creams will help stave them off-or at least I’m told) and an eye cream (eyes are the first to go!).

So here’s my routine:

A.M.:  I wash my face int he shower with a gentle pH balancing cleanser, Cetaphil.  It’s gentle and helps balance of the pH in my skin which can get dry or oily based on the weather, heat/air conditioning and my activity level.

I also usually do my exfoliation at this time.  I have two-Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant and Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub.

The Daily Microfoliant is meant to be used, well, daily but I don’t actually use it everyday because my skin gets dry and too much exfoliating irritates it.  I do use it every other day or every three days.  It’s very light and gentle but still does a great job of getting rid of dead skin cells, build up and smoothing skin.

In the summer I throw the Skin Prep Scrub into the mix.  It’s too harsh and drying for me in the winter but in the summer when i am using more sunscreen, there is less dry air and I am outside sweating more and have more build up.  I need a bit more oomph so I use the Skin Prep Scrub once to twice a week and ease up on the Daily Microfoliant.

After showering I slather on moisturizer with SPF.  I really like Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30.  It has SPF 30 and also offers sufficient moisture without going on too thick.  In the winter when my skin, again is very dry, I add a base layer of Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream which packs in extra moisture and is good for normal to dry skin.  I then use the Eucerin cream on top so I still get SPF (SPF is a MUST even in the winter to keep your skin lookin young!).

I am then good to go and ready for makeup!

P.M.: Nighttime is always a little bit more labor intensive for me by I try to force myself to stay on routine even when I’m reeeeeeeaaaaalllllly tired (I’ve found that washing my face as soon as I get home helps.  Of course then I’m usually reeeeeeeaaaaaallllly hungry!).

I wear makeup to work so I start with makeup remover.  I use Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover to get off all the mascara, eye shadow and concealer.  I also sometime use a Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelette.  I most often use them when I’m heading to a fitness class after work.

After makeup removing is done, I move on to cleansing.  I use Dermalogica’s Special Cleansing Gel.  I pour a small amount onto this little whatchatmacalit pink thing that I got from Sephora.  It helps the gel get more foamy than with just my fingers and I feel it offers a better and deeper clean to really get all the makeup and debris off my face.

I then sometimes use Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner which is a nice mist toner.

I then added in my special ingredients for protecting and maintaining my youthful glow!  I added in Dermalogica’s Overnight Repair Serum which is meant to smooth fine lines and promote luminosity.  I dole out a few drops onto my fingers and massage into my face followed by moisturizer.  In the summer I use Dermalogica Active Moist which is a light, non-greasy moisturizer perfect for warmer months.

In the winter, I can’t tell you enough how dry my skin gets, I use Dermalogica’s Intensive Moisture Balance which really helps combat dryness.  I then added in my eye cream, Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair.  And voila!  I’m ready to hit the sack!

When I want to give my skin a little extra TLC, I add in Dermalogica’s Intensive Moisture Masque (which I totally cannot find on the website now??).

And when I really want some extra special treatment for my skin, I get a facial. 🙂  I did this regularly before my wedding (once a month for four months) relying on credit card points to get gift vouchers to local spas.  Now that my wedding is over I’ll be hitting up Spa Week for $50 facials so check back soon for updates!

Readers, do you have a routine for your skin?