Over the past few weeks, I've been trying out a new skincare routine. Prior to beginning this, school was just ending, everything was hectic and very emotional, and unfortunately my skin reflected that. I had a lot of redness, some breakouts, and discoloration/uneven skin tone. I was at my wits end, because my foundation was looking horrible, and I didn't know what to do. So, I dug through my medicine cabinet to see what oldies but goodies I could try out.
I got this Clinique liquid facial soap at a CCO about a year ago. I really do like it, but I can only use it in the summer time, as it is way too drying for me in the colder months.
I LOVE the original Neutrogena deep clean cream cleanser. I picked up this one a few months ago because the pink grapefruit smell is FABULOUS!
Now, for the key to this whole new routine... The STAR of the show... What makes it all work miraculously.
And, the best part... it only costs about $2!
Now, this is not the exact one I have. Mine is a Rite Aid brand one and it is pink. I personally recommend checking Rite Aid for theirs first, because they come in a 2 pack!
Here's my night time routine using all these products.
1. Remove face makeup with astringent & cotton ball.
2. Remove eye makeup with eye makeup remover.
3. Use makeup wipe to get any excess.
4. Wash face with warm water and Clinique soap. **Make sure you are using warm, not HOT. The hot water is too harsh, and will REALLY aggravate your skin in the next step with the sponge!** Rinse clean.
5. Rub Neutrogena cleanser all over face.
6. Wet your facial sponge and squeeze out most of the excess. Rub this GENTLY all around your face over the Neutrogena cleanser. (Avoid eye area). This should take no more than 20-30 seconds.
7. Rinse well (I use cool water) and follow this up with a moisturizing eye cream and night cream.
Now, a few words of warning: This sponge will feel VERY rough at first. Be gentle of your skin!! Rub it on your face very slowly and do not use a lot of pressure. As time goes on, the sponge kind of softens up a bit and it is much easier to take.
Remember: The goal is to exfoliate the dead skin - NOT remove the entire outer layer of skin! Ouch!!
The results: I've been doing this same routine every night for about a month. (This is just what works for me. I like exfoliating every night. If that doesn't work for you, or you have sensitive skin, try only 2-3 times per week. Whatever you are comfortable with! :-)
I've noticed a DRAMATIC improvement. My skin tone has evened out. There is little redness. (It can be a little red right after you do this, as you've just got all the blood flowing under your skin!) Also, the breakouts are gone! My skin is soft, even, and glowy!!
I can't even express how much of a dramatic difference this routine has made for me. I'm sure that any sorts of facial soaps and cleansers you have would work wonderfully with this routine. For me, the sponge is the key. And at around 2 bucks a pop, what's there to lose?
Let me know if you try this out, and how it works for you!
Have a lovely evening!!
Becky xoxo
