Less is more- that is my biggest skin care moto lately.
I went down a road where I was trying out several masks, cleaners, toners you name it and I truly NEVER knew why my skin was breaking out! HA! Until my aestitican told me “Mika, less is more.” I know it sounds so simple but it took someone telling me that to realize that I needed to ditch everything and start over.
Last year (wow how weird is it to say that) I have really started invested in my skincare. I would rather spend money on my skin then clothes at this point. Giving you guys authentic reviews and advice on what is working for me is more important than posting a sale on clothes. Don’t get me wrong you wont stop seeing me post clothes and things like that but my goal is to share with you more skincare hacks, tips and advice from professionals. I always heard to start taking care of your skin in your 20’s and I may be a little late to the game being 27 but better late than never.
Let’s get to talking about my AM and PM skincare routine- you can head to my instagram [HERE] if you feel inclined to see the video on my stories 🙂
AM Skincare Routine:
Obagi foaming gel cleanser– I use the Obagi Foam cleanser I find this to be very gentle, light and has a fresh smell ( for all skin types). I have tried many products over the counter and some other medical grade ones and this one has been my favorite!
Obagi Toner: Obagi toner I use in the Am to brighten my skin and help balance ph levels.
Eye cream (optional in the AM)- I am a sucker for eye creams now! For about 8 weeks I have been religiously applying in the morning and at night. Now that my skin is getting used to this product I will probably continue to just apply it in my nighttime routine. The trick to eye cream is you want to let it set for 5-10 minutes so I usually brush my teeth in between eye cream and my final lotion.
Elta MD SPF Lotion– I always have applied lotion to my face even before commiting to a routine but I realized it never had SPF in it. This is CRUCIAL even when it is a gloomy day our skin is being exposed. If I am not working or attending an event I have a goal to start wearing ball caps to help protect my face!
PM Skincare Routine
Obagi foaming gel cleanser- I use this in the PM as well.
Toner: Obagi or rose water I tone off in my nighttime routine.
Eye cream: As mentioned above I have been using eye cream religiously the past 3 months and now will start just wearing at night. I use a half of pump for around my eyes and above my eyelids. *Pro tip- you can apply above your lip to help fine lines 😉
Obagi Vitamin C Serum– I pat this and rub it in my skin after my eye cream and before my night cream. This brightens away hyperpigmentation and encourages the growth of collagen and elastin fibers. Hyaluronic acid binds moisture to your skin to prevent dryness.
**I either choose to do a vitamin c serum or peel pads * do not do them in the same routine at night, both are very strong so it is not recommended.
Peel pads: I love a good peel pad I love the dr. dennis gross ones. They have 3 levels which help slowly introduce your skin them and that is one thing I really enjoy about these. I personally use the level 2 ones and I do these about 2-3 times a week. They help with Dullness and uneven skin tone, Pores, Fine lines and wrinkles.
Currently I have been trying Rejuvenate by Skin Better Science: which is a triple-acid (glycolic, lactic and salicylic) formulation, enhanced with patented retinoid, AlphaRet, exfoliates skin, leaving it smooth and bright. *these are in store only at Monarch where I go. At first they were intense, they stung a-little and tingled but I only used them a couple times a week and I am gradually using them for my skin to get use to them. I ALWAYS layer with a good night mask because they can tend to dry your skin out the first couple weeks. You can find these at Monarch.
Night Cream: I am currently using the Elemis Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream, but exploring a couple medical grade night cream from my aesthetician Jessica. My skin has been very dry with winter and I have been layering. I love lathering a good thick moisturizer on at night.
Night Mask: I apply my Summer Friday’s jet lag mask probably 3 times a week.
You can view and or shop all products here: * by all no means am I a professional. I would consult with a professional if you have any skin concerns or questions regarding your routine! You can call and order the eye cream and peel pads through Jessica at Monarch Skin Rejuvenation center and you can follow her on Instagram [HERE]
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