Ace & Jig Johnny Jumpsuit (small) | purchased with credits I earn at Shopbop
James Perse slub crew neck tee (2) | few years old
Birkenstock Birko-Flor Arizona Sandals
It’s basically summer here again for a few days, so my toes are out again (yay!!), in spite of their unpolished state.
I’ve had this Ace & Jig jumpsuit for a couple weeks and have worn it a few times already; it’s wonderful. I went with the size small after a friend generously let me try her medium, and this is definitely the right size. The tie straps don’t bother me at all, and this is so easy to layer, even a jacket on top works as long as it’s not very fitted. Also, LOVE the duchess textile. Yay for color 🙂
Also, I’ve noticed recently that the little white bumps (millia) I had on my face have pretty much disappeared, which is awesome. I had one in a very noticeable spot that was starting to really bother me, and I thought about going and getting it/them all removed. Now I don’t have to.
The only things I’ve changed with my skin routine is using a new cleanser in the mornings – the Movis face bar by LUSH. I don’t know why I got it originally, I certainly wasn’t thinking that it would get rid of the millia, but I did know that exfoliation is supposed to help minimize them. Prior to that I only rinsed my face with water in the mornings.
I also added in the Josh Rosebrook hydrating accelerator right after cleansing morning and evening. Oh, and I switched from Suntegrity to this AKT stick for my sunscreen, although I don’t think that has anything to do with it. I really think it’s the exfoliation in the mornings.
Whatever it is, I’m pleased, and won’t be changing my routine again any time soon.
Oh, except I’m about out of my Kypris Antioxidant dew and am thinking about not buying it again. I’m on my third bottle, and I did think it made a difference in my skintone, etc., but I wonder. I’m not entirely convinced. Do we really need to do much to our skin besides keep it clean and moisturized (and protected from the sun)? Convince me 🙂
Happy Monday!!
I have no idea about the serum, but I do think the things I’ve incorporated into my routine really help! Namely
1. Vitamin C in the morning. I love the Drunk Elephant, but I am using Paula’s choice C15 right now and it seems really similar and is cheaper.
2. Chemical exfoliation. Makes my skin so bright and smooth! Love Paula’s choice AHAs in the evening.
3. Retinol! Indeed retinol is well-priced and works great for me. I put it on just before I go to bed, and it has made my skin so bright.
I got my mom onto all of this stuff and I can see a difference for her. So there are my two cents! Love the jumper!
thanks pam! if i may ask, what is it that you think your routine “helps” with? just brightness? what is your skin type?
I am relatively dry, with redness and some discoloration.
thank you for the suggestions.
Grechen, after having many years of problematic skin (sensitive and allergic), I read a book called, Beyond Soap, by Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, who is a 20 year dermatologist based out of Toronto. It has changed my life. Her basic argument is that we spend too much time (and money) on special soaps, serums, moisturizers, etc, all resulting in stripping our skin of the good bacteria. This results in lots of different skin conditions, allergies and problems. Her book also lists all the products you need to de-tox your regimen, and why they work better than others. I followed most of her advice and it has helped me a lot. Plus, it has saved me a lot of money. She doesn’t get profits or kick-backs from recommending certain brands and products, she is just speaking from 20 years of experience. Give it a shot.
I recently tried out micellar water, because I thought it would help keep my skin moisturized, but all it did was give me an allergic reaction, a small breakout (on my cheek of all places), and DRIER skin. My theory is that the glycerin in it acted as a sealant and kept my skin from absorbing my lotion/face oil. Now I’m back to regular old cetaphil cleanser and lotion mixed with a bit of SW Basics oil. So much better.
I’m with you, Grechen. I love pretty things in bottles, but the best thing for my face, which my dermatologist and I agree upon, is a gentle cleanser and a great moisturizer. If our faces are properly moisturized, then our skin looks healthy. A lot of products can interfere with skin, which leads to all sorts of problems.
I’m with Pam! Vitamin C, retinol, and chemical exfoliation have made the absolute biggest difference to my skin. And all of the above– but especially the exfoliation– has helped significantly with redness and dryness issues. Plus, I’d add good cleansers that respect the acid mantle.
In my mid-to-late 30s (I’m 43 now) I had issues with sky that was so dry as to be painful. One time I forgot moisturizer in my gym bag and had to run into a store with samples to put something on my face, but moisturizer never solved my issues. I blame the crappy, foaming cleansers and aggressive stuff I did back then.
I’ve got my glow back, and I don’t wear foundation, concealer, or blush anymore, since the redness, dark spots, and unevenness have been sorted by the vit c, vit A, and acids.
I agree 100% with Pam’s observations! I suggest that people look at what a dermatologist uses (Minus the ones that are hawking their products!) and you’ll probably find the things that really work: 1) Exfoliants – Chemical as in an exfoliating toner (I love Biologique Recherche P50 1970) or physical as in a gentle scrub (Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser is awesome!). Depending on skin type, use several times per week and you’ll find a new smoothness to your skin and probably fewer clogged pores/acne. (If your skin is red, I’d consult a dermatologist. You may have rosacea and require a prescription. If it goes untreated, excess tissue can grow.) 2) Antioxidants – which is where the serums come into play. They can prevent and correct environmental damage. You’ll see fewer dark spots, less redness, and greater smoothness. 3) Retinoids – I prefer the real thing – Prescription Retin A. I’ve been using it for close to 20 years and I truly do not have wrinkles at age 58. It helps boost collagen, the only product that does. (A NY Times article from 12 yrs ago, still as relevant today: https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/30/fashion/30skin.html).
You can just wash your face and use sunscreen, and that’s fine, but if you want to go to the next level with your skincare, it’s all about proven ingredients. And if I only recommended one, it would be Retin A by a MILE!
Ohh. Skincare!! I highly recommend an acid toner. I’ve fallen in love w the Moon Juice new one. There’s another one I’ve enjoyed too. Schriver or something. I’ve not been a fan of Kypris products, I’ve tried a few and don’t think they do anything for me. And a hylauronic product for hydration. I don’t use Retinol, as it thins my skin too much and acid toners have done the trick for me w enough cellular turnover. I try to stick w gentle that does enough.
I love the jumpsuit on you! Great colour too.
I have found the less I do to my skin the better – these days I use a washcloth with water first thing, then a light moisturiser and that’s it for the day. Unless I wear make up, of course, but I hardly ever do.
What really makes the difference however, is plenty of saturated fat in my diet. No I know conventional wisdom tells us we shouldn’t eat much of it, but I have done a lot of reading and investigating before concluding that that advice is wrong, for me at least.
Anyway, my skin is the best it’s ever been at the moment.
Thanks for your post!
I had dry skin before, but now I would say it’s “normal”. I’m 36. The vitamin C helps with brightening. The acids made my skin soft and took away flakiness, and helped reduce redness. I had a flakey forehead before, and now it’s completely gone. The retinol made my skin so much brighter and smoother! My texture is smoother and my fine lines are better.
Everything I mentioned is also fragrance and essential oil-free, as I cannot handle smells on my skin.
I would say if you want to try stuff and keep it simple, get everything from Paula’s Choice- maybe they have a set? If you’re worried about “eco” or “clean” products, you could try a Drunk Elephant minis set. Honestly though, I used to read the Environmental Working Group site and compare everything, but it seems like their main issues are always with fragrance, dyes, and chemical sunscreens.
Fun!
In regards to redness, have you ever been evaluated by a derm for rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis? Because that will influence what your skin can tolerate.
My derm told me recently that the redness in the center of my face is seb derm. I’ve had to completely change and pare back my routine, but my skin looks and feels (sometimes it would hurt!) so much better.