My Current Routine as of May 2014

     If you're one of the people mentioned in the last post who don't even wash their skin, just go ahead and skip this. I don't need your judgement and you don't need an exhaustive treatment plan for problems you don't have. Have a good week and I'll catch you with my next post.

     For the rest of you, those of you who are members of the "I hate the way my skin/pores look" club especially, I now call the meeting to order. On today's agenda, I'm going to share my skincare routine. These are the current products I'm using to get my skin as healthy as I can. These are only topical, however, and I also make every effort to drink 80 oz of water every day, eat a primal diet, and get plenty of exercise and sleep. Your skin reflects on the outside the shape of your body and mind on the inside. It's all connected.

Morning:

1. Cleanse with Paula's Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser or Clinique Take the Day Off Balm and my Clarisonic Aria
2. Pat skin dry and apply PC 2% BHA Gel or PC BHA 9 depending on skin
3. Once dry, apply Skin Active Bright-I cream all over my eye area, upper and lower lid
4. Apply Esteé Lauder Advanced Night Repair II Serum
5. Once dry, apply Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream or KS Nourish Daily Moisturizer or PC Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask or Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Sorbet Creme depending on my skin and the season
6. Finish with Boscia Self-Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisture SPF 30
7. Move on to makeup or go barefaced

Evening:

1. Cleanse with Clinique Take the Day Off Balm and a warm wet washcloth
2. Cleanse again if wearing makeup
3. Pat skin dry and apply Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treament
4. Once dry, apply PC 2% BHA Gel or PC 4% BHA Foam or PC BHA 9 depending on skin
5. Once dry, apply Skin Active Bright-I cream all over my eye area, upper and lower lid
6. Spray with The Body Shop Aloe Calming Toner
7. Apply Esteé Lauder Advanced Night Repair II Serum
8. Once dry, apply Skin Actives Vitamin A Twilight Awakening Cream (about every other night)
9. Once dry, apply SA Every Lipid Serum or Jojoba Oil to the outer portion of my face if it feels dry
10. Apply Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream or KS Nourish Daily Moisturizer or PC Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask or Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Sorbet Creme depending on my skin and the season

     Yes, this is an enormous product list. It only takes about 10 minutes in the morning. It takes about 15 minutes in the evening. Sometimes longer because I'll get distracted while waiting for products to soak in and dry. The most important things are that I use a gentle cleanser, always follow with a BHA (and sometimes an AHA), and end with a moisturizer to lock in the products and protect my skin. I "listen" to my skin, change up the strength of products as my skin texture changes. If it's feeling dry, I'll go lighter. If it feels rough or my pores look like they are congested (they're always congested, but if the ratio of clogged to clear pores is increasing) I'll increase the strength. During the winter and early spring when I'm on anti-histamines I use a heavier moisturizer. In the summer I use lighter products because I sweat a lot and have oily skin. The routine isn't carved in stone, but the important steps are always present and in the proper order.

     This is my skin. THIS IS NOT YOUR SKIN! Be careful when introducing new products into your routine, and slowly build up to higher strength acids. Listen to your face and pay attention to what its telling you. The products listed above are products that I've tested and approved. They work. Period. They may not be the right product for your specific problem, but if you have oily skin with large congested pores, this routine would probably help your skin mightily.