With all the body positive movements that are currently going on, not enough people are talking about skin care.
As someone who's always had awful skin, I feel like quality skin care on top of self-love is super important. On top of face acne, I also have Dyshidrotic eczema, insanely sensitive skin and a severe benzyl peroxide allergy. So, here are some of the things that I've learned to help clear up my skin: I hope that it helps.
1.WASH YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES!!
This is something that I always read and always kind of ignored. I used to wash my brushes like once every two or three months. Now I wash my brushes every week with Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash and its noticeably cut down on breakouts and overall redness. And when I say wash your brushes, yes, I mean all of them: including your mascara wand and the wand that you groom your eyebrows with.
P.S: Ditch your beauty blender. They're way harder to clean than normal brushes and hold a lot more yucky bacteria.
2. Adopt a steady skin care routine for your face.
This one is kind of a pain in a butt. If I'm being totally honest it's the most important. As far as my face goes in order to combat my acne I have a decently extensive routine but being able to go out makeup free and confident is worth it. Before I shower I take my make off with an oil-free Neutrogena makeup wipe, then wash my face with Dove sensitive soap, then while I'm in the shower, I wash my face (yes again) with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub. After my shower, I use Neutrogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads, Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner, and then Neosporin.
3. Drink Water.
It makes a bigger difference than some people realize. Not just in the way your skin looks but also in how you feel. There's no negative to being hydrated so go buy yourself a cute water bottle and start slaying, baby girl.
4. Wash your face before/after you go to the gym.
Girl, I promise you no one at the gym cares what your skin looks like (if they do they're shallow and you don't need that negativity in your life). You're not there to work on your face-- you're there to maintain your physical health. More importantly having your makeup mix with your sweat clogs your pores like no other. And letting your sweat dry on your face after a workout clogs your pores even more.
5. Clean Eating.
Yes, this helps clear up acne but I mostly do it for the benefits it has in clearing my eczema. I find that whenever I avoid bread and processed sugars my eczema clears up quickly and I get bubbles and dry patches less frequently.
6. Find a good moisturizer for your problem areas.
My dyshidrotic eczema is the worst on my hands but sometimes I have flare ups on my legs after shaving. My favorite lotion that I've found is Exederm Intensive Moisture(ultra hypoallergenic, for really sensitive skin). 10/10 would recommend.
7. Don't wear makeup if you don't need to.
If you're laying in bed watching Netflix: wash your face. If you're taking a nap: wash your face. If you're not going to leave the house: wash your face. Bottom line: wash your face. Unless, of course, you're meeting the Queen or the love of your life.
8. Don't give up.
I'm so bad about this. There are certain times where I know my face is prone to breakouts and when I know my eczema is going to flare up. That's normal. Don't get discouraged and stop caring for yourself properly. Push through times of insecurity and discomfort. I promise it's worth it.
Even when you're happy with the way your body looks physically it's so hard to be confident in your skin when that skin is covered in acne and bubbles and dry patches. There are so many great products out there for people with sensitive skin.
So always remember ladies salicylic acid and self-love are two things you need in your life.
