I've been wanting to share my facial skincare routine for a while now. However, I wanted to wait until I had it all together with a clear, consistent routine, and most importantly one that has proven to work for me. Being the super-mamas that we are, it's often easy to forget about our own self maintenance. I was a stay-at-home mom for 11 months and even then, I remember everything that had to do with me taking care of myself was easily put on the back burner. Now, with all the extra time we are spending at home, I think it's the perfect opportunity to start dedicating some time to incorporating a facial skincare routine into your lifestyle. Let's get that flawless skin ready for that perfect Summer glow!
*I have linked some of the products I mention below that are available for purchase on Amazon. You can also find the items on my amazon "Super-Mama Beauty" list. Others that are not available through Amazon, I have linked in the text.
Let's begin with the facial mask: (Before applying the mask, make sure to cleanse your face well with a wash. Even if you just woke up in the morning, it's always good to wash your face before applying any mask. I usually use the "Cetaphil Daily Skin Cleanser" in the morning.)
Ingredients:
-1 tsp Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
-1 tsp 100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay *The brand I've been currently using is the "Health & Beauty Aztec Secret" however, there are many other brands you can use as well.
1. In a small plastic bowl or container, pour in 1 tsp of the bentonite clay.
2. Pour in 1 tsp of the raw apple cider vinegar.
3. Using a plastic utensil, not metal, mix it together.
4. Once it's evenly mixed, start applying it onto clean face, making sure to get under-eye areas and below the chin. Be sure to apply a nice thick amount evenly allover the face.
5. Leave this on for about 10-15 minutes.
Face Wash
Once, the mask has dried completely and hardened (10-15min. after application), begin to remove the mask. I usually start by just adding water only to my face and gently begin scrubbing & massaging in order to soften up the mask. After softening it up and massaging the mask in then I start actually removing the mask. Next, I do a complete face wash to make sure I get the mask all washed off. I use the "Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser" along with my "Tao Orbital Cleansing Brush" to wash off my face. By the way, I highly recommend this cleansing brush. I've been using it for about 3 years now since my husband gifted it to me and it still like brand new. There's a million other facial cleansing brushes out there, what could possibly be so special about this one? Well, I could go on and on about why I love this brush but, I'll let you do your research on this and just give you the main reason why I've continued to use this brush for so long. The charging dock station that is included with this brush has a built-in dryer and 360 halo lamp which keeps the bristles of the brush dry and germ free! Need I say anymore? Didn't think so!
Steam
The next step in my routine, is to do about 5-10 minutes of facial steaming with my "Pure Daily Care Nano-Ionic Facial Steamer & Humidifier". This helps to unclog and open up my pores in order to do a deep extraction of blackheads and dirt. Adding a facial steam session to your regimen will also help in allowing your serums and creams to penetrate better in your skin.
Extraction/ Microdermabrasion
Now it's time to start extracting. For this part of the routine, I use the "ProTragen Microdermabrasion Blackhead Remover" to extract all the blackheads and whiteheads in my skin. I use this tool for a few minutes in all my major problem areas such as my nose, forehead and, chin. I then use my steel blemish extractor tools to manually get any spots that were not removed by the electric extractor.
Microneedling
Once extraction is complete, I then spritz a few pumps of the "Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater" to prep my face for microneedling with my "Linduray Derma Roller". Before beginning to use the roller, it is important to always sterilize the needles by soaking the roller in isopropyl alcohol for about a minute and drying it off. Be sure to follow instructions on how to use your roller as the needles can cause damage to your skin if used improperly.
Moisturizing
The last step in my regimen is moisturizing the skin. I begin with a few more spritz of the "Mario Badescu Facial Spray". Next I apply "Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera" facial toner. To follow, I take some of "Mario Badescu Hydromoisturizer with Vitamin C", mix it with two drops of "Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum" and two drops of "Caritas Wild Rose & Coconut Facial Elixir". I massage that mixture allover my face and neck. Next, I apply "Leven Rose Coffee Eyelift Cream" under my eyes. Finally, I apply some of "Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub" to my lips, scrub it in for a minute or so and wipe it off with a wet wipe.
**I recently tried the "Yes to Grapefruit Vitamin C Glow Boosting Bubbling Mask" as a quick 5 minute facial mask right before adding all my moisturizing products and I couldn't leave it out of this post. This mask was absolutely perfect for the next step after using the microneedling roller. The bubbling, soapy solution in the mask is very refreshing and leaves your skin feeling super soft.
Daily Morning & Nighttime Routine
The above facial routine is something I do at minimum twice a month, every two weeks. Now, I'd like to share the daily routine I do to maintain my skin healthy and moisturized before and after applying makeup. In the morning, I wash my face using the "Cetaphil Daily Skin Cleanser". I then repeat the moisturizing procedure I described above.
Before going to bed, I start by removing any makeup I may still have on my face from the day using a wet wipe. Next, I wash my face using "Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser" and Tao's brush. I apply a few sprtiz of Mario Badescu's rose water spray and Thayer's witch hazel toner. I apply "Mario Badescu Night Protein Cream" and Leven Rose's eye cream. I then take a small pea-size amount of "Murad's Post Acne Spot Lightening Gel" and apply it to any dark spots on my skin. To finish off, I make sure to moisturize my lips with "Caritas' Healing Salve/ Lip Balm".
All of the above products I have been using well over 6 months now and others over a year. By maintaining this consistent daily routine as well as a deep facial cleansing regimen every month, I've noticed a huge improvement in my skin. I used to have a lot of issues with reoccurring acne, uneven skin tone, and dark spots. After doing my deep facial regimen, my skin is always left feeling super refreshed, well moisturized, smooth, and radiating a natural glow. As you know everyone's skin is different and the issues you may be having may not be the same as mine. You can take my ideas and incorporate things as you wish based on your specific skin, goals, and whatever it is you believe will work best for you. Now, let's make sure we give ourselves that self-care we deserve...
...Sew This is Life!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that earn me a commission, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on the items listed. However, all opinions and ideas are based solely on my own experiences with the products.