I typically don’t wear makeup every day or often, but now having to wear masks throughout the day I have experienced blemishes that I typically wouldn't have along my jawline. However, I am very diligent in maintaining both my daytime and nighttime skincare routines and have figured out how to combat "Maskne". Below I have given a step by step overview of my personal skin care routine, and I have linked the products that I am currently using.
Using a newly washed mask daily is KEY!
Step 1
Makeup Removal:
Coconut Oil- As a natural anti-bacterial and anti-yeast cleansing oil, it works well as a makeup remover easily breaking down foundation, mascara, eye liner, etc… Liquify the coconut oil in your hands when it’s in its natural solid state, and gently rub onto dry skin, paying special attention to heavy eye makeup.
Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing wipes- Once your makeup has been sufficiently melted away, use two makeup wipes. The first wipe will remove the bulk of the makeup and coconut oil. The second wipe will remove any remaining makeup in crevices.
Step 2
Face Wash:
African Black Soap- I prefer to use ABS soap with my spin brush at night for a deep clean. ABS works well on various skin types ultimately balancing oil production and gently exfoliating. Also, be mindful that if left on the skin for an extended period of time can cause slight irritation.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser- This gentle cleanser for sensitive skin is great to use in the morning massaged with fingertips. Rinse and go!
Spin Brush- A Spin brush is a physical exfoliate and it the ONLY physical exfoliate that I use on my skin. Most people should exfoliate 3 times per week. I personally exfoliate nightly with my Michael Todd Soniclear Elite brush.
Step 3
Toner:
Astringent: After a good cleanse, I dampen a cotton pad with an astringent to remove any built up dirt or makeup that I may have missed in Steps 1 & 2. This also helps control oil production and will shrink enlarged pores.
Step 4
Serums:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)- Hyaluronic acid is also a humectant, which is a category of skin care ingredients that draw moisture from their surroundings. On damp skin, I apply a pea sized amount of HA to my face for quick absorption. This will have your skin smooth and plump in the morning.
Retinol- This is an over the counter version of Vitamin A or Retin-A. This product encourages the turnover of new skin cells. The skin will begin to glow and fine lines will diminish.
***Retinoids and Retinol should only be used at night***
Vitamin C- Helps to naturally brighten hyperpigmentation, helps to protect from UV rays and free radicals, also helps to induce more collagen and elastin. Vitamin C can be drying to the skin so it is important not to use this product at night with retinol. I apply my Vitamin C serum in my morning skin care routine.
Step 5
Moisturizers:
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion- This mild, gentle, and non-comedogenic moisturizer is excellent for those with sensitive skin. It also will not leave your skin feeling oily. I use this in my morning and night routine.
Rose Hip Seed Oil- This game changer is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which are integral for tissue and cell regeneration in the skin. This oils is composed of smaller molecules for easy skin absorption and will leave your skin glowing beautifully while locking in moisture. I use RHO mostly at night, but I will also use it in my morning routine if my skin feels dry.
Spot Treatment:
Tea Tree Oil- Tea Tree oil possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties which is a perfect natural spot treatment for pimples. Apply as needed.
RECAP:
Morning Routine:
Cetaphil with fingertips
Vitamin C
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Tea Tree Oil (If Needed)
Night Routine:
African Black Soap with Spin Brush
Hyaluronic Acid on damp skin
Rentinol
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Rosehip Seed Oil
Tea Tree Oil (If Needed)
This routine typically takes me about 3 minutes to complete. Over time the skin will begin to absorb the products more quickly, and you will begin to see dark spots and pimples diminish within days!