Health & Wellness: Skincare!

So, as a part of my "Ginger in Progress" themed blog, this counts, right?!  I may start to do more health & wellness posts.  But here's my first one, and it's about skincare.  This can apply to guys or gals, but probably mostly the ladies who suffer from acne-prone skin, oily skin, or very sensitive skin.  And here we go!

Daytime Cleanser:

Cetaphil Oil Control Foam Wash (about $10)

What it does: the BEST cleanser for reducing oily skin that I've ever tried.  And you can ask anyone who works at Walgreens, I have tried almost everything on their drugstore shelf.  Clean & Clear, top name brands, even Proactiv (which did help for a while but eventually was too harsh for my skin).  This really does cut down on the oiliness and your foundation will feel less "gross" after a few hours of wear.  Usually, I have to use one of those oil-wiping sheets to blot the greasy sections (especially in summer) or reapply powder.  This gives your face a clean feeling and I do notice my face stays less oily throughout the day...and with less oil to clog your pores, voila!  Less acne showing up!  I do recommend this to anyone looking for a new cleanser.  Very foamy texture, doesn't over dry the skin, and doesn't irritate even my very sensitive skin.  (We all know redheads are extra sensitive!)

Nighttime Cleanser:

Usually I repeat the Cetaphil from the morning, or I use this: Prescribed Solutions Customized Skincare: Glycolic Anti-oxidant Cleanser ($30-40)

Now, this is something you can't get over the counter.  I did have to see my dermatologist for this cleanser, and it's mainly for reducing the appearance of acne scarring.  7% Glycolic acid, it also has salicyclic acid, and some antioxidants such as lutein.  There's aloe for its soothing properties, lemon for the acidity (acidity will lighten the scars), etc. It sits on your face for one minute, very sudsy, and you rinse it off.  It replaces an exfoliator, so if you ever DO use this, please don't exfoliate.  The high percentage of AHA and BHA (alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid) does the job in helping any post-acne marks or scars you have.  I'm not sure about deep scars as mine are only on the surface, but please consult your dermatologist if you think you need a prescription-grade cleanser.

Side-note: Ultra-gentle Cleanser... CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

CeraVe, the cleanser and hydrating moisturizer, were recommended by my dermatologist as well, and do a very good job of cleaning your skin without making it feel dry, so this is a good option for the winter months where you may not need oil-control from the Cetaphil cleanser I mentioned.  Or, just on days where your skin feels super dry and flaky. (I know my skin needs different cleansers on different days! It's not always the same thing!) You can find this at CVS or any local drugstore. 

Toner: Perhaps the most overlooked step...? (About $8)

Neutrogena, oh how I love thee! The Pore Refining Toner also contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which is great!  The smell is kind of rubbing alcohol-y but it doesn't bother me.  It leaves my skin feeling very refreshed and improves the texture a bit too.  I use this as my 2nd step after I cleanse when I wake up, after I use a masque on my face (I use the tried and true Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask), after exfoliating (I use the St. Ives Apricot Scrub), or after using a microdermabrasion at-home (I use the kit from Neutrogena).  It doesn't over dry your skin, it's gentle, and tightens pores.  (For me to say it's gentle, it's GENTLE! ;) I have super sensitive, easily-irritated skin, and this toner works great so far.  I recommend this over other toners I've tried because it makes a difference in how my skin feels (smoother) and even when it's pretty dry from using a clay masque or exfoliating, it seems to smooth over the dry areas effortlessly and make less dry/tight-feeling, I'm assuming because of the AHA & BHA formula, also it's non-comedegenic (won't clog pores) and is quite soothing. PS - always look for "non-comedegenic" "oil-free" "won't clog pores" "hypoallergenic" "dermatologist tested".

Acne Treatment: what I use (Rx: consult your dermatologist)

So, this is a prescription acne treatment that works for me, and I've tried everything OTC (over the counter) as well as numerous other dermatologist prescribed treatments.  This works the best, because of the ingredients.  Benzoyl peroxide is at a high, but not too high, percentage: 5%.  This ingredient is in almost all acne treatment products for sale, whether drugstore or Rx.  There is Persagel, which is a spot treatment you can find at Walgreens, that has 10% benzoyl peroxide.  I couldn't use it all over my face, it was just too strong.  This 5% works on my whole face without making it burn, unless I apply too much.  Now the second key ingredient is clindamycin, which is a topical antibiotic.  See your dermatologist if drugstore/OTC acne products aren't working for you, you just may need to take a step up to prescription level. 

On to moisturizing! There are three I love:

Super lightweight, has broad spectrum SPF in it, botanicals that are actually good for your skin, and it doesn't feel greasy at all.  It does everything it says.  And... OIL-FREE!  Woohoo!  That's my biggest problem with moisturizers, is getting one that won't make my face get greasy and feel like I'm going to break out from it.  This brand, Simple, is lovely.  The only con is that it smells sort of like sunblock to me, but I guess if it had a pretty fragrance, it wouldn't be so gentle because fragrances can irritate sensitive skin.  It's also a good size for the price (around $13 I believe) 4.2oz is decent.  Great for daytime or before you put your foundation on.  Love, love, love this new brand!!!

Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion (around $15)

SPF 15?  Great!  Green neutralizers?... AWESOME!  This stuff almost makes me look like I'm wearing foundation because it significantly reduces any redness on your face.  It also helps during winter months when your dry skin is bugging you, or when you're feeling too dry from any acne products you've been using, it makes your skin very quenched with moisture while getting rid of redness.  A bit pricey for the amount they give you (1.7oz) but you don't need to pump much out, and you don't need to have Rocasea to use this.  I'm not sure if I have Rosacea but my skin is always either pinkish or reddish so this really makes my skin the color it should be, white! (Yeah, I'm really pale...)  Continuous use shows more results, so if you like it, use it daily!

And its nighttime follow-up...!

(Around $15) This "Soothing Night Creme" has a gel-like texture, very nice and calming on your face before bed.  I only use this at night when my face is feeling dry or looking a bit pinky from the acne products.  The reason I like to have a cream dedicated for use at night is because of the lack of SPF.  SPF does contain chemicals and I don't need sun protection when I'm sleeping.  It doesn't make me break out, it's lightweight yet very moisturizing, gentle, and from a trusted brand.  1.7oz doesn't seem like a lot but a little goes a long way! 

I hope I helped anyone who may try any of these products I recommended!  I was not paid to endorse anything and am doing this product review/skincare routine because I wanted to share some great products I found that I really love.  Sensitive skin?  Dry?  Acne-prone and oily?  Redness or Rosacea?  Hopefully these reviews have been helpful.  Leave a comment below if you have any questions!