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July 19, 2011

Skin Care Help!

I have a dirty little secret!

Ok, it's not really that juicy. But, here it is!

I have NO skin care routine. And, here's the worst part, I never wash my face/ wash my make up off before getting in bed.

Yep. I'm one of those people that has nasty mascara stains all over my pillow case. One that just gets in the bed and says to hell with washing my face.

I've always had good skin - never had major breakouts, never had dry skin, never had oily skin. I think that's why I don't have a routine. It's hard (at least for me) to dedicate time to something (my skin) that doesn't have any issues. My wash/exfoliate in the shower worked great for so long!

Things have changed. My skin looks terrible. I'm not sure if it is the stress, the post-pregnancy hormones, the insane heat/ humidity, the new meds I've started, or the fact that I'm lucky if I get one shower over the weekend. Did I just admit that? But something is causing me to break out and have somewhat oily skin.

So, I need your help! I would love to hear what works for you!

My requirements:
*Something easy. I'm about to move into a hospital for 2 months. I don't have 30 minutes to spend on my face now and I know I won't then.
*If something cheap works, great! But, I have no problem putting money towards skin care. However, don't bother recommending your $150 eye cream!
*I have combo skin - it seems my problem areas are my chin and the edges of my face/ hair line. That is where I break out and am oilier. Everywhere else is pretty normal.

I can't wait to see what suggestions you guys have! And, I'll be sure to keep you posted on what I try! I've just got to get these breakouts under control!

32 comments:

Megan and David said...

Arbonne re9, hands down.

I use the skin cleanser, day moisterizer with spf, night cream, and eye cream. It is expensive. But it smells great, keeps my skin break-out free, and is just a great line all around!

The re9 line comes with a lot of other stuff, but I only buy the things I mentioned. It is all you need, I think.

FYI, you sound like David. He never washes his face and has great skin!

Brittany said...

When I was in the hospital on bedrest with the twins I used the skin cleansing towelette things from Neutrogena, I really liked them and they were super easy and not messy.
I love Clinique's gel moisturizer, it is made for oily skin but I like it because it feels so much lighter then their regular moisturizer does.

Julie said...

I use the Cetpahil face wash for oily/combo skin in the morning and night, and the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (the one for oily skin) at night, or the Aveeno tinted moistuizer w/spf 30 in the morning. Quick, easy, and keeps my skin looking good!

I will ditto the suggestion about the Neutrogena towelettes though. I keep a package on hand for the nights when I'm too lazy to actually wash my face before bed.

Jen said...

For cleansing I just use Cetaphil cleanser. I also can't live without Clinique's Take the Day Off makeup remover. I have very sensitive eyes and it is the only remover I have found that doesn't make my eyes burn.

Shannon said...

Honestly, I use one thing and one thing only and it has been an absolute blessing for my skin.

This:
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P246800&categoryId=B70

Philosophy - Purity

I use it any time I wash my face. Once waking up, and once before bed. I use to have TERRIBLE skin and I swear this has worked absolute wonders. I have combo skin that breaks out pretty easily and ever since starting this three years ago I almost never see a blemish. I wear 1/2 the makeup I use to thanks to this. Sorry to ramble on and on but I honestly cannot tell you how much this one product changed my skin. It is amazing.

Anonymous said...

I would recommend the clique line works wonders on my skin its a wash toner and lotion not very exspensive either just got to a counter and they will help u it's wonderful I promise I have already gotten a few mommies on this and now they swear by it !

Hope this will help !


Cori from the bump!

Christie said...

I have terrible skin - super oily and prone to breakouts. I have tried every face wash, cream, and would even take shots of straight flaxseed oil - but nothing ever worked until I tried a 3-step face wash, toner, and cream called AcneFree. I think it's like $30 at local drugstores (I always buy it when it's on sale). It works wonders for my skin! Then again, I've always had problematic skin so I think it just depends on a person's specific tendencies. The only thing I don't do is exfoliate/moisturize, which I know I should - but my face is oily enough I don't think it needs any extra moisturizer!

Allison said...

I used to use Pro Active...it's good if you have bad skin but it bleaches everything. Now I just use Cetaphil. It works well and is easy enough. Otherwise it's just removing eye makeup with remover (you can also buy almay or other types of towlettes that do this), wash, and moisture with Purpose by J&J.

Given that you're about to be living in a hospital I'd be careful of anything too drastic just b/c you'll be in a different, more controlled environment.

Claire said...

I use a French range called Avene - very pure and light, and speedy too (if it takes more than 5-10 minutes, it's not for me!).

Cxx

Kristin said...

I am a Clinique junkie! My skin has definitely changed post-baby, too. I had more oily skin before and now I have more dry/combo skin. I use the Clinique three step system - don't be afraid of the three steps - it's super easy! I love love love all of their products! You can even go online and take a skin assessment to help you make sure you are getting the right combination. Let me know if you want any more information.. I use their make up, exclusively, too. I'm a serious junkie!

Anonymous said...

Another Clinique user here! Definitely recommend the make up remover wash and then their 3 step- except I don't use the yellow lotion. I use a redness lotion, it's lighter I think and doesn't clog your pores. Has made a significant difference in my skin and doesn't take more than 5 minutes.

Catherine said...

Arbonne Re9 is awesome...its very simple to use, pre measured so you dont waste it, its expensive but worth it, everyone I know who has it looks great! My skin is a lot better since I started using it.

Jen said...

I use Purity by Philosophy as well and Greased lightning by Lush. I go back and forth with using moisterizer. I use a philosophy product in the winter, but not much during the summer. This combo has actually shown the best results for me so far.

Jen said...

I will also say that many times when you first try something, your face has to adjust a bit. Give whatever you use a bit of time to see if it will work for you. Just something a dermatologist told me back in the day!

Anonymous said...

MH is a dermatologist so I pick his brain all of the time about skin stuff. Chin (and sides of face, jawline, etc) are hormonal and specific to women. Soooo, until your hormones level off you'll have to figure out what works for your skin. I used to have the same problem and used a salicylic acid wash (neutrogena) both day and night, benzoyl peroxide wipes once a day(oxy makes a good one) and a gentle moisturizer without oil, (neutrogena or cetaphil) that combo seemed to work for me. Don't overdo it at first though. Start with the face wash and moisturizer for a couple of days, then add the peroxide wipes every other day until your skin gets used to it. Your skin *might* look a little worse for a few days no matter what route you go but give it time.

SweetSpiller said...

I work with a company that sales a skin care kit for 16 bucks. Email me and I can set up an online presentation about what we're all about!

Sweetshannaawu@live.com

Mrs. B said...

I also have hair line breakouts as well as my forehead.

I use the Clarsonic brush, Target brand Cetaphil face wash and a daily moisturizer with SPF 15 (Target brand). At night I use AcneFree zit cream. Works well except when I have my "monthly" friend!

NoPermanentAddy said...

I LOVE http://www.rxskintherapy.com/ I use the daily creams (one for day, one for night) and the skin firming serum. You can ask them for samples too!

Anonymous said...

Just get some pre moistened face wipes, no water and washing required. I use the neutrogena ones available at Costco. Otherwise I'd never wash my face before bed- I'm way too lazy to soap up!

Shannon said...

I LOVE CellCeuticals- it was created by a plastic surgeon and it's just great! first off it comes in the mail on auto pay- so no running to the store because you run out of something. It's very easy to use and get into the routine. It's great for fine lines (the the begainning of fine lines) I am 30 and am terrified of getting wrinkles and lines. I LOVE it, my skin feels smoother and always feels so clean! It's around $40 a month, and every 60 days you get a 2 month supply.

Ali said...

I have combination skin too. I'm pregnant and I have a toddler with a few (relatively minor) medical issues, so I can relate with the desire to keep it simple.

I love philosophy skin products. I use their Hope in a Jar moisture & purity face wash & hope in a tube eye cream. I also use their microdelivery peel (it is really a scrub) occasionally (every few weeks). The peel is the most time consuming - 3 minutes.

They have a starter kit called Make-Up optional - face wash, moisturizer, eye cream & some facial firming stuff (I can take it or leave it, but the kit is the best deal) & a few samples of the peel that is a great way to see if it works for you.

BTW, I tried the kits for dry/sensitive skin and acne prone skin and neither worked as well for me as the regular line.

On an off topic side note, I was at our children's hospital today with my daughter and saw a tag on a stroller with a stop sign that basically said "Please don't touch me." It seemed like something that might be useful for you for public outings.

Anonymous said...

www.paulaschoice.com
Her stuff is awesome and has changed my skin!

Lindsey said...

So, I have battled acne for years. Been on meds, etc.

So after Connor was born, I visited my dermatologist for a mole check, etc.

Her best advice? Neutrogena skin care. She uses it. I switched from Cetaphil and wow! World of difference. I like how she was down to earth and willing to let me know the truth about even great skin care procedures she doesn't believe in.

Another confession? I don't wash my face at night, either. However, I rarely wear make up so I don't feel the urgency to do it at night either.

Anonymous said...

My dermatologist says cetaphil is the best thing for your skin.

Holly said...

I've tried it all. Philosophy is king. Look for the "On a Clear Day" line. Just get the wash and lotion. Do it in the am and pm. It will change your life.

Anonymous said...

I use Neutrogena Day/Night. Facial scrub/night mask. I love it and like you don't have much time to myself either.

Unknown said...

I totally recommend Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleanser. Its a creme anti-acne exfoliating face wash, seems like an oxymoron but it works for my combo, sensitive skin. Also, the price is hard to beat! I do occasionally use one of their spf lotions if my skin is dry or irritated. Hope you find something that works for you :)

Liz said...

I can totally relate as I have very easy skin and never had to bother with washing my face, removing make-up, moisturizing, etc. When I got pregnant I started to have issues and began to use the Clarisonic mia it's a device that basically washes your face for you and times out when you should be done (30 seconds I believe) and the best part is that you only have to use it a few times a week, some skin types can't handle it every day. It charges up and stays charged for weeks at a time, at least for me since I only use it a few times a week. It can be used in the shower or wherever. I use mine in the shower since I'm already in there and that works best for me. It's small and easy to take places.



For skin care products I rotate between Kate Somerville ( http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P232902&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5946 ) and Renee Rouleau ( http://www.reneerouleau.com/ ). Renee Rouleau is kinda expensive but lasts forever since you only use a tiny bit. I use the luxe mint Cleansing gel and the AHA/BHA cleansing gel and can't live without either of the. Both very refreshing!

Good luck with your new skin care adventures!

Anonymous said...

Cetaphil! You don't even need to use water...just rub on your face and wipe off with a towel. It saved me when I was traveling a lot. GL!

Stacy said...

I'm a big Lush fan, but their cleansers aren't always easy. I have easy skin too -- bordering on dry, and I'm spoiled with it.

Lush Angels on Bare Skin is lovely, or Aquamarina if it's feeling sensitive. The have a liquid called 9 to 5 which is super easy and gentle - smooth on, then wipe off with a cotton pad and toner or a wet wash rag. Their Breath or Fresh Air is nice to spritz on your face when it needs a refresher too...

I also love Philosphy's Purity Made Simple. It was good to my skin.

Kelly said...

Try Cindy Crawford Cleanse. Its quick and easy for the hospital and worked has worked great for me even through my crazy pregnancy hormones.

Anonymous said...

Milk of Magnesia on your face when you sleep, like a mask. Works AWESOME. I know it sounds crazy, but I don't care. Just try it for like 2 nights though. It really, really helps with the oilyness.

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