Game Changing Skin Care

Skin care was a very distant thought in my teens and early 20's. I remember sleeping in makeup and never even considered using a moisturizer. When I did wash my face before bed, I remember grabbing the Dove soap bar. My how times change. My habits changed in my late 20's and really made a turn in my mid 30's. Here I sit at 38 and I marvel at how much my skin has changed for the better. I spent most of my early to mid 30's puzzled by break outs while noticing those fine lines increasing. 

Let me just stop and say...the change was not really for aesthetic purposes...it was how my skin felt and how I felt about it. Below, I am breaking down the products and habits that made a HUGE difference in my skin. I know that everyone's skin is different and the products that work for them will vary. I am just sharing what worked for mine in hopes it may help someone else. I am not selling products and this post is not affiliated in any way.

My skin breakdown:

Combination (oily ad dry)

Breakouts and aging 

Super sensitive

My goals were:

feel confident without much makeup

preventative measures (gracefully age)- I know I am 38 but I wanted to start putting in the work now

decrease breakouts

So, here is the line up...

1. Curology-I would say this was the biggest piece of the puzzle. You take a skin quiz pointing out what your skin needs are. They send a customized bottle (you can choose the frequency) and you can even contact them if you think your formula needs to be changed. Mine is targeted for fine lines and to prevent breakouts.

*Use it every night

2. Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Cleaner-I saw this recommendation from the adorable Sister Studio's IG. I was skeptical because my skin is so sensitive. I use this twice a week (usually the nights I use my self tanning drops) with my face cleansing brush and it has helped so much. 

*Use 2-3 times a week at night with face cleansing brush

3. Tula 24-7 Moisture-a reason I had so many breakouts was that I had such an uneven distribution of moisture. I use this each morning before my makeup. It gives skin a glow and I love that it is not greasy.

*Use it every morning

4. Tula Beauty Sleep-the creator/founder of Tula shared this is the one product that is a must have for her and I can see why. It contains probiotics and helps minimize the appearance of fine lines. 

*Use it every night

5. Tula Rose Glow & Get It Eye Brightening Balm-this is magic and I look forward to putting it on every morning after I wash my face. It helps minimize fine lines, is cooling, and helps my undereye look refreshed in the A.M.

*Use it every morning

I didn't add this in the graphic but one thing I love right now are the Isle of Paradise Tanning drops. I just add 5 drops to my moisturizer and I love how it is NOT orange based. I use shade medium.

I usually only have to replenish the products every 3 months. My curology comes every 3 months, as well. I have learned you don't have to use a ton of a product and I am able to make it last longer. 

These products have worked wonders for me but another huge piece is that I made some changes to my habits. 

1. Drinking More Water

I went from only drinking a bottle of water a day and drinking tons of caffeine to drinking around 50-64 oz of water and limiting it to 2 coffees a day. 

2. Limiting Dairy

I love ice cream but I had learned to limit it to a few times a month. I would say this is the biggest impact to my skin. I switched to almond milk in coffee and cereal and limit my dairy intake. Not only has this helped my skin but how I feel. 

I hope this post was able to help someone who may be struggling with their skin. I know it made me feel so self conscious. Interested in posts like this? Leave a comment below.

Melanie