Hi all, welcome to my third blog post! I have some exciting things to share with you all today. As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I wanted to share my A.M. and P.M. skincare routines with you. This year, my skin has been having a tough time. My skin has been dull and oily to the point that it caused me to battle pimples almost everyday. I couldn’t figure out if it was my diet or if the products I was using weren’t meant for my skin type. So I ended up doing a little research to determine what factors contribute to skin trouble and the first thing I came across was “Diet!” Thus, finding out this piece of info, the first step I took to address my skins’ issues was to limit how much refined sugar I was eating (Oh my macarons), as well as incorporate more detox and herbal teas into my diet. In addition, I started eating more fruits and veggies and drinking more water. Sometimes if your skin looks dull or oily (Yes even if it’s oily) it could be that you aren’t hydrated enough. I slowly started to see the formation of pimples decrease once I changed my diet. The next thing I did was eliminate all the skincare products I was using and start over with new products that would target each issue I was having. I’m going to jump right in and fill you in on what products I’ve been using for my daytime and night routines!

A.M Routine

A normal morning routine should consist of oil cleansing, foam cleansing, or both (Further detail on how to double cleanse can be found in my previous post). Followed by  using an exfoliating facial brush or sponge. Next you want to use a toner, Acid (BHA, AHA, Vitamin C), Cream (Thick consistency that targets specific skin concerns like hyper-pigmentation or dullness), Serum,  Sheet masks (You can skip this step if you don’t have time), Emulsion (Lotion like consistency, like that of a moisturizer), and lastly sunscreen. Never forget your sunscreen. Even if you are darker-skinned, you can still be susceptible to sun damage.

The routine I mentioned consists of 10 steps, but you can forgo certain steps if you deem it unnecessary. The steps I believe that aren’t crucial to your A.M. routine are double cleansing and sheet masks. If you have previously cleansed your face at night you won’t need to provide your skin with as much cleansing. Also, it is wonderful to use sheet masks anytime during the day, but it’s much easier to incorporate that into your night routine. Also, I didn’t mention essence which is the step always found in Asian based skincare. For me personally that step didn’t help me and I use products that could be considered as an essence, so it wouldn’t make sense to use two similar products that yield the same results.

The routine I follow is a little lengthy, but it’s worth it at the end of the day when I see my skin looking radiant and healthy.

My A.M routine consists of these steps:

1. Oil based cleanser (Olive oil or coconut oil)
2. Sky’s Organic African Black Soap or Innisfree Brightening & Pore-Caring facial Wash
3. Ecotools Face Complexion Sponge
4. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
5. Mizon AHA 8% peeling serum
6. Innisfree Blemish Care Emulsion (This particular product has to be used earlier in your skincare routine instead of the second to last step)
7. Innisfree Brightening & Pore-Caring Cream
8. Innisfree Intensive hydrating serum
9. Dr. Jart Water Drop Moisturizer
10. Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream (Sebum Care) Broad Spectrum SPF 35 (Mattifying)

My P.M. Routine

1. Clinique makeup remover (Also I like to use makeup wipes, Skinfood Rice Brightening Facial Tissues is a good one to use)
2. Oil based cleanser (Olive oil or coconut oil)
3. Sky’s Organic African Black Soap or Innisfree Brightening & Pore-Caring Facial Wash
4. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
5. Innisfree Blemish Care Emulsion (This particular product has to be used earlier in your skincare routine instead of the second to last step)
6. Innisfree Brightening & Pore-Caring Cream
7. Innisfree Intensive Hydrating Serum
8. Sheet mask
9. Dr. Jart Water Drop Moisturizer

 

I want to mention a few things about the products I listed for extra clarification. I just started using the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner after hearing great things about it. It’s supposed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, stop pimple from coming to surface, and reduce the appearance of blemishes. So far I’m liking this toner a lot. My skin feels a lot softer after use and my pores look like they have diminished. Whenever you use a toner you want to make sure it’s close to your skins P.H. level, so between the levels of 3 or 4. Using the right toner is essential as it preps you for your next step in your skincare routine. If you use acids then you definitely want to use the right toner so that your skin absorbs the acid better. That’s why I opted for the COSRX toner as it prepares me to use the Mizon AHA 8% peeling serum. I’ve had this serum for about two weeks now. I’ve been switching the times of day I use it so see how my skins reacts to it. If you use it in the daytime make sure you wear sunscreen. Any product that contains AHA or BHA must be used with sunscreen to eliminate the risk of sun damage. The Mizon AHA serum must be used right after your toner, that’s when its absorption rate is better. This serum doesn’t exactly peel your skin like it says, but you will notice that your skin may look flaky if you wear makeup. That’s because that dead skin is falling off. This is exactly what you want from an AHA serum. AHA serum is working to get rid of that dead skin, impurities, uneven skin tone, and fine lines to reveal a new layer of fresh and supple skin. I will continue using this product and show you all the results along the way. Another product I didn’t mention in my skincare routine is Vitamin C serum. I cannot say enough good things about Vitamin C Serum. I ran out of this product a month ago and haven’t had the chance to purchase another yet, but I will definitely buy it again. The brand I purchased was Pure Vitamin C 21.5 Advanced Serum by Wishtrend. I will provide a review at a later date so you all can find out all this details of this wonderful serum!

What is AHA and BHA

AHA and BHA share similarities but they function in a different manner and provide different results.

AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic and lactic acids). These acids are known to treat concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, dull and dry skin, uneven skin tone, hyper-pigmentation, and dark spots. AHA basically helps to exfoliate your skin gently to treat these concerns.

BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid/ salicylic acid. This acid targets underneath the skins layers and inside the pores. BHA is recommended for those who have trouble with oily skin, bumps, pimples, enlarged pores, and blemishes. The use of this acid can also help dull skin, even out skin tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and work to improve the texture of skin, just like AHA.

If you want to incorporate these acids into your routine do a bit a research and make sure it’s right for you. Those that have sensitive skin may find that these acids may be harsh on the skin, so do a patch test first to see how your skin responds. If your skin responds well to these acids try using them every other day.

If you want to learn more about these acids click here.

 

Sheet Masks

I’m extremely fond of sheet masks. I don’t always have time to use them, but I try to use them 3 or 4 times a week. Right now the sheet masks I’m testing out are peach slices by peach & lily. I really like the brighten mask. I typically apply it at night and wake up to radiant and bright skin.

If you would like to know more about sheet masks and facial masks, then look out for next blog post in which I will review some of my favorite masks to purchase and to make at home.

Until Next time

May your skin glow and may your coffee be strong

xoxo,

Aminah♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey guys!! Hope you all had a delightful weekend. I know I sure did and it’s time to give my skin some TLC after all the excitement I had. So let’s dive right in to today’s post.

Let’s Get Started

Today I want to focus on cleansing skin and what you should do following cleansing. Cleansing is a very important step in your skincare routine. Not cleansing properly can result in leaving excess dirt and oil on your skin. I have combination skin, that becomes especially oily in my T-Zone, so if I don’t cleanse properly I notice that I end up forming new pimples the next day. If you happen to wear makeup then you definitely do not want to skip proper cleaning steps and have leftover gunk on your skin! That only leads to clogged pores and the formulation of pimples and whiteheads. (YUCK)

First Steps

So to get started with cleansing your skin, always use an oil based cleanser first, followed by your preferred soap. I typically use organic coconut oil or olive oil. You don’t have to use those oils, you may also opt for argan oil or whatever suits your needs. However, I find that coconut oil and olive oil work best for my skin. Both contain antibacterial properties which can help to eliminate pimples. Not to mention, they penetrate the skin to provide a layer of moisture that helps to preserve the skins youth! Since I have oily skin I take an additional step when using my oil cleanser. I add 3 drops of the essential oil, tea tree to my coconut or olive oil.

A Little Information on Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is used in many cosmetic products. It’s known for it’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help reduce inflammation that’s caused by swelling of the skin. Tea tree oil, also penetrates deeply into the skin to cleanse pores and remove excess oil, that may be contributing to excess oil production from the sebaceous glands. Not to mention, this little miracle oil helps lighten scars and blemishes caused by acne.

How to Use Oil Cleanser on the Face

After I add tea tree oil to my carrier oil, I rub it between my hands and make gentle circular motions on my skin. Never rub or harshly scrub the skin. Make sure you add a little warm water to this mixture so it will spread evenly on your face. Once you have cleansed for 60 seconds take a warm towel and wipe off oil. If you believe there is still dirt on your skin after the first cleansing attempt , then apply the mixture again. If you are a heavy makeup wearer you will need to cleanse your face twice the with oil method.

If you find that making your own oil based cleanser mixture puts you off, then I recommend the tea tree gel cleanser by evanhealy. It smells heavenly and it does a wonderful job of cleansing your skin. If you have oily skin that is acne prone, this gel cleanser will definitely work for you.

( If your interested in any of the cleansers I mention, the links for these items will be provided at the end of my post)

What do I do Next

After you have finished your oil cleansing, select your soap. Select a soap that foams easily. I have used many different soaps, but right now my all time favorite has to be Organic African black soap, by Sky Organics. It tightens my skin, shrinks my pores, reduces oil production, brightens skin, and fades blemishes. If you would like to know more about African black soap then click here to find out more.

After your Foam Cleanser

Once you have finished cleansing your face with a foam based cleanser; exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Exfoliation is the key to brighter, even, and fresh skin. It helps rid your skin of dead skin cells. You can purchase the complexion sponge by Ecotools, which does the job pretty well.

After Exfoliation

Now that you have finished cleansing your skin you will want to apply your toner, serums, and moisturizer to add moisture back into your skin.

Until Next time

I’m a strong believer in ABS ( Asian beauty skincare) and found that it has worked best for my oily and acne prone skin, so in my next post I will mention some staple facial products that have worked for me and talk about my skincare routine for A.M and P.M. I will also be submitting a picture of my skins progress under my weekly routine so you all see the results.

Until tomorrow

May your skin glow and may your coffee be strong

 

Xoxo,

Aminah♥

 

 

 

 

Hi guys! Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog. Let me start out by mentioning why I created this blog. As a college student, that’s currently employed, I know how hard it can be to take care of your skin at times. You get home from work or school and you’re just ready to crash, even if that means leaving your makeup on. But that’s the last thing you want to do! My routine when I would get home from work or school late at night, would be to just fall asleep in my makeup at times, and I definitely watched my skin suffer as a result. My pores became clogged and as a result, pimples would form daily. Not to mention the stress I was experiencing from school and work caused my skin to look distressed. After looking at how harsh and blemished my skin looked in the mirror, I decided to form a skincare routine. A routine that focused on eliminating blemishes and bringing back the natural glow to my skin. With this blog I hope to share skin routines that you can easily incorporate into your lives, to make your days a little less hectic and to give your skin that extra boost that it needs! I want to focus on using natural remedies and using products that consist of gentle ingredients that you won’t mind putting on your skin! I look forward to this skincare journey with you all!

xoxo,
Aminah