Beauty

7 Things to Do For Your Skin, Right Now

beauty-and-lifestyle-blog

beauty-and-lifestyle-blog

Spring is a great time to declutter and deep-clean your home- and that includes your beauty stash.

When was the last time you went through all your makeup and skincare products and got rid of everything that was expired? It’s definitely been a while for me and when I did finally get to it, I was surprised at how many expired products I was forced to throw away- especially body care products which I kind of tend to hoard. I’m awful, I know.

Many years a go, I made a mistake of (unknowingly) using an expired body lotion and my skin went nuts. You’d think I’d learn my lesson, but I was shocked to see how many expired products I still had laying around. Some of your products might have a “use by” date somewhere on the bottle/jar, if you can’t find it, try to locate this little icon that displays number of months (or years) for which is safe to use the product after opening it.

Here are a few more things you should be doing for your skin.

USE SUNSCREEN

Years a go, I’ve read a magazine interview with Dita Von Teese who, undeniably, has the most stunning, flawless, porcelain skin. When asked what her secret to such gorgeous skin was, she replied “A great dermatologist and a good sunscreen.” It seems that by now, everyone is well aware of the importance of using sunscreen, yet so many of us still didn’t make it a habit to use it on daily basis: “but the sun isn’t out today”, “but it’s not hot”, “but we’re not going to the beach?” If you want your skin to look great, even as you age, you need to wear sunscreen, even on those gloomy, cloudy days. Sun causes skin damage as UVA rays cause your skin to age and wrinkle much faster than it would, had it not been exposed. This means photoaging, sun spots and, of course, wrinkles. With things like these, it’s much better-and easier- to prevent, rather than treat. If you want to find a good sunscreen for your face check out this article. You should always use 1/4 teaspoon on your entire face, applying it AFTER your moisturizer. The earlier you start incorporating sunscreen into your skincare routine, the better, but it’s never too late to start! Use of sunscreen is especially important when using AHA/BHA or Vitamin C products (pretty much anything that helps fight hyperpigmenation- not wearing proper sun protection while using these products can leave your skin vulnerable, and produce reverse results e.g. your acne scars will get darker, instead of getting lighter).

Clarins-true-radiance-foundation

EXFOLIATE

From head to toe. I love using a Coconut Oil Scrub I make myself as a body scrub in the shower. Now that spring is here, we’re all going to show more skin the warmer it gets, and I’m about to introduce a self-tanner to my routine (don’t want to blind anyone when wearing a dress) so exfoliating is a must. The nice thing about using a coconut scrub is that while exfoliates, it also moisturizes skin at the same time. When it comes to your face, exfoliating is just as important, but I definitely recommend trying chemical exfoliants instead of physical ones (like scrubs and peelings). When using scrubs or exfoliating cleansers it’s very easy to over-exfoliate your skin which can strip its protective barrier, basically making thousands and thousands of tiny, microscopic cuts (microtears) on your face. This can leave your skin looking red, sensitive  and it can also cause major acne flare ups. Scrubs, like a lot of things in the skincare world, do have their limits, too: they only treat the top layer of skin and unfortunately, most of the trouble-making build-up cells are way beyond their reach. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, dissolve the bonds and intercellular cement between skin cells, allowing it to ease away. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs i.e. glycolic acid)  and Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA- salicylic acid) are chemical exfoliants that are most commonly used in skincare. I personally love using Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel. I mention this peel here on the blog quite often, and it’s because it’s just that good. I’ve been using it for years and if you have acne-prone skin, I guarantee that you will love it. An awesome drugstore alternative to these are St. Ives Daily Exfoliating Pads– unfortunately they have been discontinued, but you can still find them on amazon right here.

TREAT

I’m great at following a good routine, but I suck when it comes to using special treatments on my skin like face masks. I own so many of them, but have to constantly remind myself to use them. When I do use them on regular basis, my skin always looks better. I love face masks that work quickly so for the last couple of months I’ve been reaching for Bobbi Brown Radiance Boost Mask quite a lot because it works in only five minutes and is a perfect quick pick-me-up for my skin. A few other ones that I love are Derma E’s Purifying Charcoal Mask, and Nügg Exfoliating and Deep Cleansing masks. During spring I also really like going for lighter makeup, especially when it comes to my base. After winter your skin can feel a bit dry and dull, so it’s important to have a good moisturizer as part of your routine- applying a thick layer and blotting excess before foundation application will make a big difference if you find that your foundation always looks less than perfect, despite using primers. Personally, I’ve been absolutely loving Purlisse PurMoist Hydra-Balance Moisturizer– this was sent to me along with other products and I have to say that I am very impressed. My skin is currently very dry because the acne meds I’m on, but this moisturizer works like a charm. I have to say that more and more Asian skincare products I try, the more I love them (and if you have any recommendations, please let me know!!).

Spring-beauty-tips

CLEAN UP YOUR DIET

After years of suffering from cystic acne, I discovered the dairy-acne connection and saw my skin transform within weeks of cutting out all dairy products from my diet. Cleaning up your diet (getting rid of processed foods, soda, candy) will help you get healthy, glowing skin. Go for foods that are packed with Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids- I personally love getting a bunch of skin-loving nutrients in my breakfast smoothie.

beauty-blog

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before trying any DIY treatments out there, please do your research! I see very reputable websites, “beauty experts” and even magazines offer horrible skincare advice- like using pure lemon juice or baking soda on your skin. Spring is that time of year when everyone wants their skin to have that healthy glow, but if you see anyone offer DIY advice on Instagram, please do your research and always patch test! See this post to see why most of those DIY treatments are a bad idea.

body brushingTRY DRY BRUSHING

Dry brushing your skin can help detoxify your body. Skin is the largest organ in the human body and a pretty awesome one at that. It helps us stay warm when it’s cold, helps us stay cool when it’s hot and its primary purpose is to protect our inner organs from outer elements. Your skin also plays an important role in detoxification and if it’s invaded with toxins and dead skin cells, it can’t do its job properly. This is where dry brushing comes in handy. It stimulates your lymphatic system, which in turn helps release toxins. It removes dead skin cells, stimulates blood flow and helps cell regeneration. You can dry brush your body right before you hop in the shower, when doing so, always dry brush your skin starting at your feet and always brush toward your heart. Bonus here is the fact that dry brushing also helps improve the appearance of cellulite, smooths your skin and allows your lotion to absorb A LOT better.

Do you switch up your routine or do anything special for your skin during spring? How about those expired products, how often do you get rid of them? Please don’t tell me I’m the only one who’s awful at that!

48 Comments

  • Reply
    Tuki
    April 22, 2016 at 2:14 am

    I love exfoliating and treating my face with mask every Friday night after long day at office, reading through my bloglovin feeds or watching videos on youtube.

    As for expired products, thankfully I’m quiet loyal so no full sized product go to waste yet. But I have 3 years old samples and I used them for photo props rather than throwing them away, because they’re so dainty and pretty. Same goes with some product I’ve used up, I just cannot throw them away so I keep them inside a separate box.

    Selene Addicted

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 26, 2016 at 8:37 am

      Ohh that sounds like such a lovely routine! I have so many samples too, I probably should go through them and get rid of the older ones!

  • Reply
    Yiotou_La
    April 22, 2016 at 2:15 am

    Sunscreen is so important, not only in summer days but in winter too. I read somewhere that we must use a sunscreen even when we are inside the house, not only in public. The best scrub I have ever used is one I make myself, sugar and honey! It is so amazing to my skin and I even used it on my face. :)

    Yiota
    PinkDaisyLoves

  • Reply
    Aleksandra
    April 22, 2016 at 3:00 am

    Even in the winter I hardly ever go outside without sunscreen lotion and a pair of sunnies in my bag just in case. I am extremely pale which makes me way more protective than others :)

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 26, 2016 at 8:42 am

      Same here! My husband always says that I act like a vampire during summer, because I don’t like being out in the sun haha :)

  • Reply
    Katie
    April 22, 2016 at 3:55 am

    Mmmmhmm a dermatologist once told me that you can spend millions on expensive make up but if you don’t look after your skin first it’s completely pointless. I’ve been a skin care fanatic since! I always wear sunscreen, do a face mask once a week and moisturize day and night. Have picked up some new tips here as well now…so thank you for that!

    Katie. La Coco Noire

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    April 22, 2016 at 4:19 am

    I don’t usually have very sensitive skin so I think I must’ve used the Dr Dennis Gross peel pads wrong because I tried them a month or so ago and my face just went as red as a tomato with all of these spots coming up! I don’t know if maybe that was just my skin getting used to it or something because they went down in about an hour, but it’s scared me from trying it again- though I know how much people love it!

    http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 22, 2016 at 7:34 am

      I wonder if you used the regular or the extra strength version? I started with regular and moved on to extra strength and my skin loves them. You’re also not supposed to use any products containing alcohol when using these. Maybe they just didn’t agree with your skin for some reason!

  • Reply
    Emma Louise
    April 22, 2016 at 4:28 am

    Over the past year I have definitely become more into looking after my skin. It has made a huge difference.
    Emmy | Emmys Beauty Cave | Bloglovin

  • Reply
    Kiss & Make-up
    April 22, 2016 at 5:02 am

    I rrrreally need to clean up my diet… all this naughty food is taking its toll on my complexion.

  • Reply
    Biana Perez
    April 22, 2016 at 9:08 am

    Oh gosh I should do a better job of checking expiration dates on beauty products…especially sunscreen!! Thanks girl! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston

  • Reply
    Kiran
    April 22, 2016 at 9:34 am

    Such a fantastic, informative post x

    ALittleKiran | Bloglovin

  • Reply
    Ambar Syed
    April 22, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Lots of great tips in this post – I definitely need to work on cleaning up my diet! :)
    – Ambar x
    http://www.herlittleloves.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Chelsey
    April 22, 2016 at 9:11 pm

    I love a good bit of exfoliating, I have also been trying out dry brushing this past few weeks and it is amazing the difference it is making already.

    Chelsey | http://www.chelseythornton.com

  • Reply
    Dagmara Klich
    April 23, 2016 at 4:57 am

    These are great rules to follow which I do, except dry brushing, I need to try doing it. And I am guilty of not wearing sunscreen every single day, although I try, but I just haven’t found one that I truly love wearing underneath my makeup. x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 26, 2016 at 8:54 am

      It can be a little difficult finding a good sunscreen you like! I personally love the SPF50 lotion from Paula’s Choice.

  • Reply
    Samileen
    April 23, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    I love dry brushing come spring summer, it’s so amazing and that makes me feel so relaxed and rejuvenated. Also I need to go through a serious makeup/sample cleaning spree. Great tips.

  • Reply
    It's Cultured
    April 24, 2016 at 4:55 am

    Thanks for the advice! Going to look at purchasing the Nugg face masks.

    Sophie | It’s Cultured

  • Reply
    TOUCH OF GUCCI
    April 24, 2016 at 7:46 am

    I love this post! Scrubs are definitely my favourite thing! x

    TOUCHOFGUCCI // BLOGLOVIN

  • Reply
    Samantha Frances
    April 24, 2016 at 8:17 am

    I never knew the fact that using AHA/BHA products without a sunscreen could have the reverse effect! That is such a helpful piece of information! LOVED this post xxx
    http://www.samanthafrances.co.uk

  • Reply
    Kangkan Rabha
    April 24, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    Nice post. :)

    http://www.thequirkyminimal.com

  • Reply
    Cassidy
    April 25, 2016 at 11:35 am

    All great tips!! I am working on getting in the habit of putting on sunscreen before my makeup everyday. It feels a bit weird at first, but it becomes habit pretty quickly!

  • Reply
    Laura Marie
    April 25, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    Some great tips here and all very important! Always use cream which contains a sunscreen.

    Also another tip, drink more water, it works wonders for skin!

    Laura xo

    http://www.shehearts.net

  • Reply
    Sadie
    April 25, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    I am terrible when it comes to skincare and am trying to get in a much better routine with it and start taking care of my skin more. These are great tips, I never think to use sunscreen separately as my foundation has SPF in it but I probably should :) xx

    eat-sleep-breathe-fashion.blogspot.co.uk

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 26, 2016 at 9:05 am

      Definitely! Sunscreen in makeup can sometimes be a little unstable, so I’d try using an SPF lotion underneath, if I were you Sadie ;)

  • Reply
    The Gossip Darling
    April 25, 2016 at 10:45 pm

    Love this post!!! I am drinking way more water, exfoliating, cleaning my makeup brushes weekly and I use sunscreen everyday. My IT cc cream has SPF 50 too which is awesome!!

    Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

  • Reply
    Chaste and Beautiful
    April 26, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    In all of these steps, I only do dry brushing, lol. Your tips are great and they’ve really set up my mood to follow these steps. Thanks for sharing. :)

    Chaste & Beautiful

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 28, 2016 at 9:35 am

      You’re welcome! I’d definitely start with a good sunscreen lotion! It’s always a lot easier to prevent, rather than treat ;)

  • Reply
    Julia Hickman
    April 28, 2016 at 9:46 am

    These are all excellent tips! I, myself, forget to spring clean my makeup/skincare products to see what’s expired. Great reminder to do this this week. If you’re in need of new skincare products that bring on amazing results, shop my site for Rodan+Fields:https://thepetitefastinista.com/shop-rodanfields-skincare/ !

    Julia

  • Reply
    Tailored and true
    April 28, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Love these tips! And I’ll need to try out that coconut oil scrub!!

    http://www.tailoredandtrue.com

  • Reply
    steff @ brighterdarling.com
    April 28, 2016 at 11:21 am

    THIS post is amazing! You covered so many important and truthful skincare-boosting facts. I need to share this with all of my f&f because I basically am telling them all of this info weekly… I have just incorporated AHA and a Vitamin C serum daily into my skin care and it’s made a HUGE difference in the tone/texture of my skin (and old acne scars). I’ve also had to make a diligent reminder to make Sundays my mask days… whether it’s a hydrating, deep cleansing, sheet mask or multi-mask haha. I also have noticed an improvement when being consistent with Sunday mask night. Great post, Paula :) XO!

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 30, 2016 at 12:20 pm

      Thank you so much Steff! I love AHAs and Vitamin C products, they work wonders for hyperpigmentation :)

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