"With skin care, every day is everything." -Dove

poledanceromance started this discussion · 1/11/2011

What do you do EVERY day for your skin? Me: Wash with an exfoliating face wash. Then proactiv toner followed by proactiv lotion. I follow with bare minerals skin rev-er upper and prime time face primer. Then I do my bare minerals foundation because it is spf 15 and I always put spf chapstick on under my lip color. (Even if you are very dark skinned you should be using spf on both face and lips every day; just because dark skin doesn't always appear to burn doesn't mean you're not getting sun damage and increasing your risk for skin cancer.) I'm open to suggestions on the exfoliating part of my routine. I do it because I get really severe clogged pores on and around my nose, jawline, and chin. Those nose strips haven't worked for me in the past because I don't get big blackheads but little firm oily plugs that won't come out. Sometimes I actually pick and squeeze at them to try get them out. This furthers the irritation from the exfoliating which is why I use so much moisturizer...my skin is constantly red and raw from the scrubbing and scraping to try to unplug those pores. Other than that I COMPLETELY keep my hands AWAY from my face to avoid putting more oil in my skin. I occasionally have way too much oil on my face from my body overproducing to compensate. I know I need the spf but I feel like my daily routine can be way simplified...if I can only find something that actually works to unclog my pores and prevent the resulting breakouts. These adult acne breakouts are very different from my teenage acne and I feel like it's extremely unsightly. As for body skin, I get hives in the shower so I use no soap of any kind except in the areas you really want to use soap on and/or shave because soaps make it worse. I have my boyfriend put lotion on my back and shoulders and tummy to combat the hives because if I get the lotion on my hands I can't pole (extremely sweaty/oily hands naturally) Anyway, what's your daily skin routine? What works for you? How do those with extremely fair skin handle it?

25 replies

JennyBacardi · 1/11/2011
I wash my face day and night, always putting water based hydrating cream on my face aferwards. Once a week i exfoliate my face and body and i always put hydrating cream on my body after showers.
Runemist34 · 1/11/2011
I've got some pretty picky skin, and it's quite fair as well. I live in a wet, cloudy climate, so sunlight isn't one of those things I have to deal with. That said, I found my skin is REALLY picky with what I do, and how often. When I was younger, I didn't do anything for it; I just got it wet when I had a shower. When I started to get zits, I learned of the wild world of face cleansers. I didn't use it often, but my cleanser of choice for a while was the Neutrogena stuff. However, since learning more and experimenting, I have found that I have limits to good things. I cannot exfoliate more than about once a week, and even then, I have to be careful about it. If I exceed the tolerated amount, I get...problems. They look and act like mini zits, they're usually white, and they hurt like hell. It's only ever happened to me when I exfoliate too much, so I know they aren't zits. Otherwise, I use toner sometimes (usually before I wear makeup, which is extremely rare), I use a high quality makeup remover (again, very rare) and I try to cleanse every once in a while. If I find I'm getting dry or start breaking out, I moisturize. My 'brand' of choice right now is stuff from Lush. I like natural things. But...every day? I get it wet in the shower. I rub it with my hands, and then dry it with a towel. Oo;
Runemist34 · 1/11/2011
Erm, I suppose I should mention that the above is for my FACE, not the rest of me. I shower every day, sometimes twice a day (it's so warm and nice!), and I always use soap. I've found that certain ingredients will moisturize better than others, such as Shea and some kind of nut...butter...thing. I forget. It's been a while. During the winter I get very dry all over, so I shave less, I moisturize more, and try to deal with it.
Danielle Tillie · 1/12/2011
I use Olay Regenerist exfoliating face wash. I like it because the microbeads in it are so tiny, the exfoliation from it is not too intense. Then I use Estee Lauder anti-aging serum around my eyes, followed by Neutrogena spf 15 moisturizer. That's about it unless I'm going to use makeup. With makeup, I will occasionally wear a light foundation, with a mineral powder over top (followed by all the other colorful things!). I have found with my skin that using acne medicated products only irritates more. All of those medications are acids, and can be an irritant if the inherent skin issue is not actually acne anymore. For me, my skin can get dry, and redness will occur. I can break out during times of stress. I find just making sure my face is clean and moisturized is all I really need.
Polecat88 · 1/12/2011
I wash my face with a facial scrub 3 times a week and with a moisturising face wash every day. I also apply doublebase cream every day. The double base is because I have very sensitive skin and get eczema. Admittedly I'm not always a good girl and I sometimes forget to follow this (like say over christmas 😀) but that's all I do. And of course sun cream in summer.
MichelleH · 1/12/2011
I know with my track record of doing very little for a long time, I havn't had the most experience (but form reading some of the other posts, it seems I'm not alone!). I remember being told that you should only use a face mask or exfoliant once a week. You do get gentle daily exfoliants but if it doesn't specifically say so, I'd be careful of using them too often. Then keep it simple, wash, tone, moisturise. Anyway, that's what I do.
chemgoddess1 · 1/12/2011
During the winter I really do not do much. I do not wear makeup daily so that is a big part of it. I am also blessed with pretty good skin. I moisturize daily (currently using a cream I got from Sally called Beyond Belief Vita A) after my shower and that is about it. When I wear makeup I remove it with coconut oil and usually a face brush and Neutrogena bar or Cetaphil and then moisturize. I use a 2% salicylic acid acne medication along my hair line because that is where I generally break out. When I do break out worse (typically summer and usually my chin) I use Bye Bye Blemish, which is 10% sulphur and dries them up almost over night. I only exfoliate when my skin is looking drab. During the summer I don't do much more but will use an astringent once in a while and tend to exfoliate more often.
verucablue · 1/12/2011
Let's see...I basically use SkinCeuticals in this order: Day: SkinCeuticals Cleanser CE Ferulic Serum (antioxident) Phyto Corrective Gel (natural alternative to hydroquinone) Physical UV Defense SPF 30 - sunblock Night is the same except I switch the Phyto Corrective Gel to Intense Line Defense (a 12% Hydroxy Acid serum) and the sunscreen to Oil of Olay anti aging lotion. when I get the occasional pimple I will apply some store bought acne gel to dry it up. Don't wear a lot of make up...no powder or base in the winter. Maybe Mineral powder in the summer. Lip gloss or lipstick and mascara during the day. Eyemakeup added to tht at night. That's it...42 and not a single wrinkle I might add :)
amy · 1/12/2011
PDR, have you thought about goign to a dermatologist and getting a prescription for retin-a? it helps increase cell turnover in the skin. i use a retin-a/benzoyl peroxide hybrid at night, and it keeps my skin looking a lot brighter and more refreshed than it's ever been. i also stopped breaking out completely! on a daily basis: i wash my face with warm water morning and night. mornings i apply a light lotion (i have super oily skin): http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P259407&categoryId=C22751 it absorbs instantly and keeps me from being so hydrated that i have a greaseball on my face by lunch. also- spf, yay. nights i apply the retin a/benzoyl. that's it =) oh, every week i put on the cosmetic warrior mask from LUSH. loooove this mask- tea tree oil, and keep it in the fridge to refresh and wake you up when you put it on. and instead of washing it off, i let it dry and rub it off to do a little extra exfoliating.
PinkyPower · 1/15/2011
Hey there ladies! I hate to say this, but I have dealt with terrible acne for the past 15 years. I have tried over 20 different regemens and facial products. (including: Proactiv, AcneFree, Neutrogena, Clearasil, etc.) I have oily skin, slightly large pores, Acne and 'some' soap allergies. (very few) Anyways, here are a few things that I have found to work and have been using for the last year with wonderful results!: Exfoliante/Masks: I have been using an asprin mask once a week. This is made using 3-4 asprin tablets covered in a small drop of water to allow them to dissolve, and a 'plop' of honey to allow the aprin to 'stick' to your face. (don't worry, it washes off beautifully!) leave it for about five to ten minutes then wash off. Reasons: Asprin works as an anti-inflamitory, allowing your face to be able to heal it's self faster due to the fact that it is a beta-hydroxy acid, as well as an acetate Salicyic acid. Honey in a natural moisturizer and healing agent. It also 'shrinks' pores. leaves your face feeling soft and lush. I also use ocationally, Clean and Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask. Sunblock: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch spf 30 feels clean an weightless! Face Wash: A soft soap and Clean and Clear Morning Burst Shine Control- oil free W/Bursting beads. :) green kind Moisturizers: (Face) Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Control Moisturizer - oil free (works Great!) (Body) Palmers Cocoa Butter: be careful not to use this on your face if it is sensitive, it will make it feel great for a time but the acne it causes is painful and ugly bumps! Spot Treatment: I use Clean and Clear Persa-gel 10 Maximum Strength. It is a 10% Benzoyl Peroxide medication. I know if I use too much Benzoyl it can have a drying effect for your skin. Make~Up: I wear make up at least four days a week. I am a broke ass so I use mostly Drug storebrands. I have found that so far, the best foundation and pressed powder for my oily skin and acne is the new Covergirl: Clean for sensitive skin. I also don't suggest you mix too many of the Clean and Clear Products at once. It might cause some irritation to your skin from all of the Salicyic acid in most of the products. Doing a morning and night regime or every other day would be best! Good luck to all you ladies! I hope that this has helped you in some way! If you have any sugestions for acne stuff let me know!
meaganoff · 1/15/2011
I had had acne since I was 16... And about two years ago, on the advice of my gen prac., stopped eating dairy. It cleared up about 80% of my blemishes within 2 weeks. I had a bad outbreak once when I tried to switch my birth control as well. Switched back to my normal stuff and it cleared up. I recently stopped using all hair product; that seems to make my skin happy too - it's glowier
meaganoff · 1/15/2011
Oops! Pressed reply too soon! Anyway, my best advice is check out what you're putting in your bod, not just what goes on your face. Oh, and I wash with water only on my face, once a day in the shower.
JenLFG · 1/17/2011
about 6 weeks ago i started using miracle worker by philosophy. i am only 27 but i wanted to go ahead & be proactive about this whole aging stuff so i did a little research on sephora & the miracle worker has wonderful reviews from women of all ages! i was $110 for a 2 month supply (not including eye cream) i have to say it is well worth the money! i have always had large pores on my cheeks & in the last few years i have noticed little lines on my forehead have started to appear :( since i started using the miracle worker kit i have noticed my pores are much smaller & those little lines are fading a bit too! this is what they claim on the package: "Research results: Based on a 12-week, daily-use consumer study, 90% of women said they liked and would continue to use the routine. Clinically proven to visibly improve the signs of aging, including lines, elasticity, discoloration, pore size, sagginess, clarity, rough texture, and dullness." i am very happy with this & already see dramatic results! i will continue to use this forever! lol! & OMG the lotion & serum feel like silk! i have never felt a cream that feel anything like this, it is amazing! i have very sensitive skin this hasn't bothered me at all. i did try their sun screen & it broke my face out so i sent it back :( & i break out very easily so i have continued to use my epiduo on my "problem areas". i also got one of the philosophy lip glosses in peppermint bark & it has become my favorite lipgloss EVER! i am a lipgloss ho! lol! i seriously have like 50+ & i have been diggin' lipglosses for about 15 years now. i have never found one that i like this much. i never finish a tube of lipgloss & i usually don't even use enough of them to tell any is even gone from the tube :( i have had this one for about a month & i have used 3/4 of the tube! that tells you how much i love this gloss! i am addicted! they come out with scents/flavors to go along with the seasons & i love that!!! i need to go to sephora soon to pick up the "sweet on you" gloss, it is candy hearts flavored :) candy hearts are something i look forward too each valentines season so i am super excited to see a gloss in that flavor!
CheeryBomb · 1/18/2011
Poledanceromance, It doesn't sound like you are using a moisturizer of any kind. This may be why your skin is over producing it's natural oils thus causing you to have clogged pores and breakouts. With all fo the 'take away oil' products you are using, you also need to add an oil free moisturizer to compensate so your skin doesn't go crazy from being so dried out. The most important thing is that the moisturizer is oil free. This may help your skin so that it doesn't over produce the oil. I used to use Proactiv, but my skin is too sensitive for it. Even their sensitive line is pretty harsh for me. I have had acne since I was a teenager, and I am now battling adult acne. I have had a huge breakout since August 2010, and I think it was due to a change in my skin care. Because the Proactiv was irritating my skin, I switched to Mary Kay's Classic Basic line for sensitive, acne prone skin. That was not a good idea. My face broke out even more, and now I can't get it to go away. I finally got fed up, and I am seeing a dermatologist. My doc is going to put me on Acutane to see if that will help clear up my skin once and for all. For now, I am using Clean & Clear Makeup Dissolving Foaming Cleanser (oil-free and not for the treatment of Acne so it's super gentle) because I wear makeup most days to try and cover my break outs, and I moisturize with Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel or just straight raw Coconut Oil (aka Coconut butter). The coconut oil is solid at room temperature, and has great healing properties. I usually use the coconut oil at night because my makeup doesn't really wear well over the coconut oil. I cleanse and moisturize morning and night. Below are the links to the products I use. I hope you can get it sorted out, PDR. Let me know if you have any questions. http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Clear-Dissolving-Cleanser-Oil-Free/dp/B001V0OI4M http://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Naturals-Coconut-Unrefined-liquid/dp/B000AN36I0/ref=sr_1_cc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1295351649&sr=1-3-catcorr http://www.marykay.com/skincare/moisturization/10031551/10031551/default.aspx
amazon.comAmazonAmazon
nymphdancer · 1/18/2011
I use Arbonne's RE9 advanced anti-aging skin care line. I love it and people never can believe my age they always think I'm much younger. They also have a line of product for people with acne problems, I don't have any personal experience with it, but I just ordered a couple of sample packs (I'm a consultant for arbonne's line) for my niece she is having terrible breakout problems. I like arbonne because it is botanical, natural and vegan (no animal fats or petrolum on my face or body ick!) But one of the keys to just about any skin care is to make it routine day and night.
PinkyPower · 1/19/2011
CherryBomb, You should be very careful using accutane!! I don't know if your doctor has told you about the side effects and warnings, or not. Either way here is one of the many web sites that I have seen warning against this drug. http://www.your-best-acne-treatment.com/accutane.html ; There are also commercials on the Television that are telling people to watch out for this drug because it has caused ulceratic colitis, bleeding, sever depression and thoughts of suicide etc. Not trying to scare you, just wanted to be the devil's addvocate and make sure you are completley knowledgeable about this drug before you start to use it. Good luck girl! I hope this helps. :)🙊 Be safe! Pinky Here is some more info: http://accutane.poweradvocates.com/fda_accutane_warnings.html http://www.naturalessentials.com/accutane.htm
amy · 1/19/2011
pinkypower-- there are def side effects to accutane, but in large part, the side effects are emphasized in the US because we are such a litigious society. a congressman's son committed suicide on accutane and had legislation passed that made getting a prescription very difficult in the US- you have to have monthly blood tests for pregnancy, pass a psych screening, etc. in asia and most of the rest of the world, there are no such limitations and getting a prescription to accutane is as easy as getting birth control or heavy painkillers, and they give none of the same warnings about depression etc that they do in the US.... i was on accutane and it was the only thing that worked for my skin, after working with a dermatologist for over 4 years. and the only side effect i had was that the inside of my nose got super dry.
Veena · 1/19/2011
I'm really low maintenance.... Wash face nights I wear makeup or after a workout. I use a Neutrogena bar. Then Loreal anti "old eyes" lol cream under eyes Then Aveeno face lotion. I'll do a mask once in a great while...... I drink lots of water 🌸
CheeryBomb · 1/20/2011
Pinky, Thanks for your concern, but I do know all of the risk involved. My Dermatologist is a professional and informed me of everything. I brought home a pretty thick manual that explains everything, and I read it cover to cover in the doctor's office before I signed my pledge agreements. I don't know if you know, but someone who is taking or wanting to take Accutane has to sign a pledge agreement (two if you are a women) stating that they will tell their doctor if they are having any weird symptoms, thoughts of suicide, depression, etc. The second pledge is for women who swear they will be on two forms of birth control at all times while on the medication and for at least one month after because of the severe birth defects it can cause. Also, as Amy mentioned, this medication is highly regulated in the US and there are multiple blood tests that check cholesterol levels, blood counts, cell counts, etc (and pregnancy tests for women) that have to be done every month with the test results in before the doctor can even try to prescribe the meds. The most common side effect is very dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth, dry nose, etc. The others are not as common. I understand the risks, and I trust that I am in good hands with my doctor. Plus, if I start to feel all weird, I will let him know right away. I'm going into this with a positive outlook on life, and I don't see myself being affected negatively in any way except the dryness. I believe the depression side effects of any medication depend on the individuals outlook before even taking the meds. Anyway, apart from that, I'm from an area not too far from you in Fla. If you participate in rodeos, I'm sure you've probably been to one where my Mom lives :)
eviltwinn1 · 1/20/2011
You guys with the acne problems should try Solodyn... At least if your insurance company is kind enough to cover it. It's a one-a-day slow-release minocyclene tablet. I was on it for less than a year and it (with the help of Epiduo and Aczone gel) completely cleared my face in about six months. Since I got married, my stupid new insurance won't cover the $800 a month for it (yikes!) so I'm on regular minocyclene, but the Solodyn was much more effective. Anyway, I wash my face twice a day with Olay Total Effects facewash. In the morning I apply Aczone gel and moisturizer, and take a minocyclene pill. At night, I apply Epiduo and take another pill, and add night cream only to my eye area because it makes my face break out. Stupid sensitive skin.
monica kay · 1/25/2011
i second what Meaganoff says. 6 years ago, there was not one square millimeter of clear skin on my face. my whole face was bumpy with tiny unpoppable zits. and around my nose were those "under the skin" super painful pimples. I was vegetarian at the time and figured I had a healthy diet and could not understand why my face was so red and unhealthy looking. (I used to eat LOTS of cheese and dairy ice cream) I transitioned to vegan and after about 5 months, my skin was clear. It was so gradual, it actually took me awhile to realize it. No milk, no whey, no casein, no milk powders- I keep it all out of my body- i don't need it and I believe it was more harmful to me than healthful. I eat vegan cheeses or vegan ice creams now. I also dont get pimples anywhere else on my body- butt nor back. So, today, I dont have to anything to my face- sometimes i even forget to wash it before bed and it's totally cool. I use "Hugo's Face & Body Lotion" and that's it -except for an Alba spf 15 facial lotion for days when I know I'll be exposed to uv.
inkyfingers · 1/25/2011
I haven't seen any skincare regimen here that resembles mine. What I do - and it works - is drinking Greens+ (a chlorophyll drink by Genuine Health) every day. It alkalizes my body, and I don't break out anymore. There's plenty of other benefits to Greens+, it's a nutritional supplement that's good for so many things. Now I don't always have Greens+ in the house - it's not a cheap product, and I prefer to buy it when it's on sale (a rare event). When I don't have Greens+, I use 100% virgin coconut oil. I rub it onto my face, and it dissolves the oils in my skin. Oils dissolve oils, right? I don't know why french fry grease doesn't work, but I choose not to try it. Another thing I used to do when my kids were little, was use diaper rash ointment on my face - like Penaten. It clears up inflammation on baby bums, and it worked equally well on my face. Now that my kids are a little older, I no longer have Penaten in the house. I guess my methods are a little alternative, but that can be expected from a massage therapist. :)
poletrickster · 1/26/2011
exfoliate with lemon juice and sugar, then massage coconut oil and castor oil into my face and neck, either sit over a steaming hot pot of water or just apply a very hot towel and rinse. Skin feels heavenly!
Briannabohannah · 2/3/2011
Im a bit late posting but I have the very same problem with my nose, firm oil plugs that refuse to go away, as well as the same problem on my chin. I also seem to produce too much oil. Recently, on the advice of a friend, I made the switch to a Lush skin care routine and in the first week I saw significant improvement and now a month late the problem is nearly nonexistant. I start with Dark Angels for my face wash, use the Tea Tree Water for my toner (which I also take to pole class to spritz on my face and upper back to refresh my skin), and finally I use Vanishing Creme which is a low fat moisturizer with a touch of Witch hazel. It was initially expensive, 12 for the amount of wash i bought, 18 for the toner and 40 for the creme.However it lasts for ever! I use twice a day, everyday, and i have only used a third of the face wash, even less of the toner, and the creme pot looks like it will probably last, no joke, a year. I love this routine and whole heartedly suggest it to you.
Queenie426 · 2/7/2011
The OIl Cleansing Method. It saved my life!