It’s been a little over six months since I shared my blog post all about my struggle with my skin! Since then, I have been implementing a ton of healthy habits and lifestyle changes in addition to switching up my skincare routine.
First off, before diving into my routine and changes I wanted to mention a few things. Some photos might not look “that” bad. My skin might seem clear enough, but it’s something I’ve majorly been struggling with. Everyone is different. Like I mentioned in my initial post, my skin has been almost crystal clear up until over a year ago. So watching it change so much, and not being an overnight fix has really affected my confidence.
Also, I have seen results after finally nailing down a routine, BUT nothing that I’m truly 100% happy with. Or at least yet. The thing with skin problems is it takes time, and patience. So it’s not completely where I want it to be, but I think the in-between updates are important to share! It is overall more clear, less textured, and even but still has a ways to go.
Back in July, I started out with a new routine and tried it for about a month and didn’t really notice any type of change. Then, I actually ordered a ProActiv system, and was kind of bummed out that my skin was so bad I had to go that route. But, almost immediately after ordering, I cancelled my order. I had been curious about essential oils for awhile, and tried a few from my mom. Long story short I saw my friend Cassidy post about how she was using oils in her face wash and glow serum so I was curious! I grabbed my starter kit from Young Living, and have been trying a more natural approach ever since!
I have slowly implemented other non toxic skincare brands and feel like I FINALLY have a routine nailed down that does the job!
SKINCARE ROUTINE
MORNING ROUTINE
Rinse face with water and apply my DIY glow serum.
glow serum: jojoba oil, blue tansy, frankincense and lavender essential oils
- blue tansy: reduces the appearance of blemishes, hydrates, cleanses and gives a healthy GLOW
- frankincense: known as the fountain of youth, helps with scarring and overall tone and appearance
- lavender: gentle and calming, helps with redness and evening skin tone
Then a few hours later, after my serum has fully sunk in I apply Tula’s protect + glow sunscreen.
NIGHT ROUTINE
Every night I’ve been cleansing with an acne calming cleanser. In addition to cleansing, about 2-3 times a week I’ll also exfoliate with this microcrystal exfoliator.
After cleansing, when my skin is still damp, I apply a clarifying serum. I give this product FIVE STARS! I struggled with a lot of breakouts that just sat on my skin every month, that would never get worse, but would never fully go away! This serum truly cleared them up and made them finally go away, and no longer raised.
Once the serum is completely sunk in, I apply my glow serum again.
DEALING WITH SCARRING
Now that most of my breakouts are gone, and my skin is clearing up I’m dealing with what is leftover. Acne scarring. Something that I never thought I’d have to deal with, and honestly has had me in tears a handful of times. But, something I’m trying to tackle!
I have kind of been trying out a few different methods to help with post-acne marks. I’ve been switching between Vitamin E oil, niacinamide and applying frankincense directly to the marks. I’ve seen a few areas start to fade, so there’s hope!
I do all of this as my last step!
MONTHLY ROUTINE
About once or twice a month I use a tinkle razor to get rid of all the peach fuzz and dead skin on my face! This helps a lot to ensure your products are actually penetrating your skin and not just sitting on top.
I also have been using two different masks from Versed that I’ve been loving. I use them once a week and just switch between the two!
PROGRESS PHOTOS
SEPTEMBER | overall complexion wasn’t bad, but texture bumps all over
OCTOBER | the best I had felt about redness, but obviously still dealing with breakouts that were just sitting on my face
DECEMBER | lifestyle + eating habits were off so skin was kind of freaking out on me
JANUARY | currently what my skin looks like. Am I that happy with it? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It seems like it’s ever changing at this point.
DIET CHANGES + HEALTHY HABITS
I think I mentioned most of these on my initial post, but this is what I’ve been doing over the past few months!
- dairy, egg, and meat free 85-90% of the time
- low sugar
- limited alcohol (really only wine on the weekends)
- silk pillowcase
- at least 90 ounces of water daily
- celery juice weekly
- staying active
- vitamins
- skin supplements
- ningxia red
It might seem like a lot, and honestly it is! But I feel like for the first time in months that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Truly, I don’t know what’s working and what’s not but I think it’s just a combination of everything! So, not going to take any risks and cut something out haha.
MY NEXT STEPS
In addition to my current routine and habits I’m planning to add a few things!
- monthly hydrafacials
- look into acne scarring treatments
- high frequency wand at home
SHOP MY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
