Your skin is the largest organ that you have, and yet most people don't realize that it needs as much TLC as the organs on the inside. We expect our skin to be our first line of defense when it comes to keeping us healthy, but most of us tend to neglect it. To keep your skin in the best condition you are going to need a routine. Here is an outline to get you started on creating your own daily routine.
After You Wake Up:
1. Wash your face
When you sleep, your body is rolling around your bed picking up lint, dust mites, and dead skin cells. These all get stuck to your face... gross. How do you get rid of all this ickiness? Wash. Your. Face. You don't even need an expensive set up to do this. I recommend using a gentle cleanser such as Botanics All Bright Foaming Face Wash.
2. Moisturize your face
This can get a little pricey depending on if you have certain skin sensitivities or are (like me) bougie as hell. Since this is probably done before you go about your day, you might want to pick a moisturizer that has a decent SPF to it. I recommend Garnier Skinactive Moisture Bomb. Not only is it a good lotion but it also has a 30 SPF rating.
3. Moisturize the rest of your body
Now if you don't have time to put lotion all over your body, just hit up a couple of main areas: hands, elbows, knees, and wherever you have recently shaved if applicable. My go to body lotion is Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion.
4. USE SUNSCREEN
Even in the winter! Get a cheap bottle of that spray on sunscreen and give your exposed skin (at the very least) a little spritz before you leave. If you don't want to smell like sunscreen all day, I recommend using it at least 45 minutes before heading out that way you have time to 'air out'.
Throughout the Day:
5. Drink Water
I know you probably hear this all the time, but that's because it works. GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS! Do this and you will reap the rewards.
6. Reapply
Lips chapped? Put on chapstick. Hands dry? Use some more lotion. Starting to get a little sunburnt? Put on more sunscreen. Listen to your body and give it what it needs.
Before Bed:
7. Remove Make-Up (if applicable)
Leaving make-up overnight can lead to breakouts, dry skin, wrinkles, and eye infections (especially if you went heavy on the eye glitter). If you have $20 to drop at Sephora then pick up a Makeup Eraser which is pretty much a Shamwow for your face. If you need a cheaper option, try Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water (it's only $4 from Target).
8. Deep Cleanse Your Face
Before hitting the hay, use a stronger face wash to help cleanse your skin of all the gunk you have accumulated throughout the day. I use Formula 10.0.6's Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser and my face always feels so much better.
9. Use some rosewater
Rosewater can help reduce redness, acne, and eczema. Apply some to a cotton pad and rub very gently wherever you want to apply it. I use Burt's Bees Rosewater because you can get it from Walgreens.
10. Use overnight cream
If you are going to splurge on anything, make it a good overnight cream. My personal favorite isn't all that expensive ($8) but you may want something that does more than just hydrate. I use Yes To Coconut Ultra Hydrating Overnight Creme. Not only does it work well, but it smells delicious.
Anytime You Want:
11. Take a shower
It doesn't matter if it is in the morning or the evening, just make sure you are properly cleaning your body. Sweat and grime buildup can lead to infections and rashes, which greatly diminish your body's capability at fighting diseases.
