I’m participating in #InstaSpaWeek on Instagram this week and yesterday’s topic, “The Skin I’m In,” motivated me to do a post on my full skincare routine. I’ve always had somewhat sensitive skin, but it wasn’t until I moved to New Orleans in 2010 that I developed textbook combination/oily skin: oily t-zone, dry cheeks. As a result, I’ve been battling breakouts constantly and trying to find a balance that keeps my entire face looking and feeling healthy.
I recently re-discovered Dermalogica and have since found, what I believe, is the perfect routine for me. That’s not to say that I don’t have nights where I wish I could pay someone to take my makeup off and give me a mini-facial before bed. But..who doesn’t?
*Disclaimer: I’m obvi not a dermatologist, so please don’t go out, buy all of these products and then try to sue me if they don’t work. I’m only speaking from my personal experiences with my unruly combination skin. This is what’s currently working for me.
I start my nightly routine with Dermalogica’s Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover. I absolutely hate oily eye makeup removers so I was so happy to find this gel one. It’s really easy to use, takes off all of my eye makeup and doesn’t sting or irritate my eyes. If I’m having a lazy night, or if I’m traveling, I’ll use these Neutrogena cleansing wipes and be done with it, but I really try not to do that.
After removing my eye makeup, I use Dermalogica’s PreCleanse to take the rest of my makeup off. This is an oil-based cleanser that removes makeup and greasy residue. After that, I follow with either the Dermal Clay Cleanser or the Special Cleansing Gel. The clay cleanser is my favorite part of my skincare routine. It’s a thick, minty-smelling cleanser that deep cleans my skin without leaving it dry. When I wear a lot of makeup, or have a breakout, I’ll use it twice. The cleansing gel is a simple cleanser that leaves my skin feeling fresh. I normally use it in the mornings just to refresh my face before I apply my makeup.
I alternate between using Dermalogica’s Skin Refining Masque and the Skin Prep Scrub every other night. If it were up to me, I would use this masque every night because it leaves my skin feeling super clean and I’ve definitely noticed a reduction in breakouts since I started using it. I’m not really in love with this scrub, but that’s only because I just don’t really like scrubs. I use it because I know that exfoliation is important to keep my skin healthy. {If anyone knows of a great scrub to try, let me know!}
This looks like a lot. I know. But these are the most important parts of my routine. I am obsessed with moisturizers. Even with combination skin, I understand the importance of moisturizer and I absolutely hate it when my face feels dry. So after cleansing my face, I spritz some of Dermalogica’s Multi-Active Toner all over. According to the website, it preps your skin to properly absorb moisture. I just like the way it feels to be honest. I then apply a thin layer of Murad’s T-Zone Pore Refining Gel all over my t-zone, especially my nose. (I only do this if I’m not using Laura Mercier’s oil-free foundation primer that day.) Then I’ll either use Dermalogica’s Active Moist or Clinque’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. I love how lightweight the active moist is, but sometimes it leaves my cheeks feeling a little dry, so I switch back and forth between that and the Clinique moisturizer, which I really like. I finish off with Dermalogica’s Total Eye Care (during the day) or Clinique’s All About Eyes (at night). I use the Total Eye Care during the day because it provides sun protection and the Clinique eye cream at night because it’s richer.
And that’s my routine! It’s pretty thorough, and some nights I just can’t force myself to do it, but I always feel so much better when I do. I have a few other items on my wishlist to try {including a Clarisonic!}, but for now this routine is working really well for my skin. I’m always open to suggestions though, so please leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite products are!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Just want to confirm whether Dermalogica and dermology are same or is there a difference between the two.
I’ve never heard of dermology so I’m gonna say no. You can find Dermalogica at http://www.dermalogica.com
Dermalogica makes a scrub called “Mircoexfoliant…something” – it comes in a powder form and you tab a little into your hand then add a little water to make a paste. Then you apply to your face. There is no over scrubbing because the paste dissolves and leaves your face really soft and smooth. It’s kind of expensive but I was able to get a travel size on amazon for about $8 to test it out and I’m really liking it! You should give it a try if you don’t like scrubs!
Thank you! I’m definitely going to try it out. I’ve heard good things, but hadn’t tried it because it’s pretty expensive and I couldn’t find a small size. I’ll definitely check Amazon though!
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