Skin Deep
The changing of the seasons means it's time for your skin to freak the eff out
If your skin is anything like mine, it reacts. To a spike in temperatures. To sweat. To a sudden burst of cold air. To stink eye from a woman at the thrift store, mad I got something before she did.
Over the past month, I’ve been doing a bit of traveling and the in -and-out of airplanes, Ubers, hotels and Airbnbs has done a number on my skin. Fortunately, I think I’ve sorted things out.
While in Atlanta recently, I went to Heyday for a facial and got some really good advice on skin congestion. The aesthetician told me about oil-pulling, wherein you basically rub oil on your face as a way to decongest it (at Heyday, they don’t use steam). My skin looked miraculously clear after so I’ve been adding more oils into my routine to really great results.
Obviously, everyone’s skin is different and what works for me might not work for you. My skin is ultra-sensitive, very fair, and my biggest concerns are breakouts, wrinkles, and dryness (so literally everything is my concern). Below, I’ve rounded up everything I’m using because it truly works for me and has been the result of many lessons learned.
Did you know Goop just came out with a line of skincare that’s only available at Target and Amazon and is incredibly affordable? I was so excited because I love many of their skincare products (not the peel, it literally gave me welts and I’ve now tried it three times expecting a different result) but they are typically very pricey. Anyway, I bought the daily cleanser and it’s great. A little goes a long way, it’s sudsy, and it’s under $20.
I use these complexion renewal pads as recommended by my aesthetician. They are basically like a grown-up version of the Oxy-Pads you used in middle school. I swipe one on at night after cleansing just to get all the makeup/dirt/grime off my face. I also cut the pads in half because they are expensive and this makes them last twice as long.
I love vitamin C and think it’s amazing for its ability to brighten and clear skin but it’s very finicky and has a short shelf life. This serum (I know, it’s expensive, but it actually works. This isn’t even a commissionable affiliate link but I have to be honest it’s a great product) comes in a sealed pump, so sunlight doesn’t degrade it. And it truly works at combatting texture, dullness, etc.
Here’s the thing about red light: I think it’s kind of pointless unless you’re using it frequently. For instance, if it’s included in your facial, that’s fine, but if a spa is trying to upsell you $40 to use red light for five minutes, it’s pointless. You need to use it several times a week to reap the benefits. I try to remember and use my red light mask once a day but if I’m honest it ‘s more like once a day for a week then I forget it exists for a week, and so on. Still, I truly believe this has made a difference in my dark circles and any residual redness from breakouts. I would 100% recommend this.
I love this drugstore brand for skincare and use both their mineral sunscreen and this eye cream, which contains vitamin C and is therefore brightening (I also like that it doesn’t pill beneath makeup).
This handy at-home dermaplaning tool is very affordable and really amazing. It works kind of like a razor, removing any peach fuzz on your face, along with dead skin, etc. This makes your skin feel so soft, so exfoliated, and it helps your makeup glide on more easily.
I love a face oil. This one works well as a step in a layered routine or on its own. (Tip: I always apply oil early in the day, so it has time to sink into my skin before I apply makeup or anything else.)
I have shared this body wash before but I’m doing it again because it’s great. It’s kind of an oil-like consistently so it really helps moisturize your skin. And it comes in a giant pump bottle that will last months.
I’ve used the Goop dry brush for a couple years now. I don’t know how accurate all the talk is about dry brushing being detoxifying, but it does help exfoliate your skin. I use it on my skin pre-shower then apply this body oil after, while my skin is still a little damp. It smells invigorating and feels great.
I love this lotion, which helps gradually darken your skin into a tan (without the harmful UV rays). I don’t use it every day but I’ll use it for the days leading up to a big event or maybe twice a week otherwise.
Rapid Fire
A show I’m watching: Platonic. Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen play two forty-somethings who were best friends in college and reunite to hilarious results. This is just an easy, fun show that makes me laugh out loud.
An article I read: An overlooked map at the Getty estate sale wound up being worth $7.5 million.
A recipe I am dying to make: These griddled mushroom melts (from Daniela Galarza of The Washington Post, who happens to be my old boss and an incredible person!) look outstanding. Caramelized onions, meaty mushrooms, rye and Swiss… what could be better?
and I’ll leave you with this…