It’s no secret that I have problem skin. I talk about it often on this blog, on social media, and in real life. Having problem skin sucks! You can read more about my skin woes here, but basically, I developed severe acne in the fourth grade that took me well over ten years to clear. I did clear it via diet but was left with a lot of scarring and uneven skin – which I am now working to clear and have improved greatly.
I’m very strict about my skincare routine. I never go to bed with my makeup on. I always cleanse, tone and moisturize. Most importantly, I never skip a step. My point is, with problem skin, you have to be pretty regimented in your routine to see results. They don’t happen overnight, but with repeated daily use over time, the results are amazing.
So far, I’ve managed to greatly reduce my deep, pitted scarring. It’s still visible, but much less so. I hate to use this term, but because it’s something people easily recognize, I will. I had what is commonly referred to as “crater face.” Those deep, obvious craters. It really took a toll on my confidence. I felt embarrassed to look people in the eye.
But thankfully I’ve been able to reduce the scarring and my skin is looking better and better. Here’s what I do every single night to keep it clear and healthy.
STEP ONE
I wear makeup most days. During the week, I’ve been wearing a homemade foundation I’m working on for Ancestral Organics that provides both moisture and SPF. For more coverage, I use my Beautycounter makeup. My showers always take place at night, so this is where I normally cleanse my skin. I let the steam from the shower open my pores, then I massage Clear Cleansing Oil all over my face and neck. I do this for about two minutes.
It’s important to me to massage the oil into my skin; face massages a great technique, massaging the cleansing oil into the skin helps remove all the makeup and any grime in the pores. After this, I run my washcloth under the hot water and wipe off all the cleansing oil and makeup. I’ve never found a better product for removing makeup, even eye makeup!
I also take the time to exfoliate my face with the washcloth, focusing on areas that get clogged easily, like my chin. This provides gentle exfoliation and is very effective. Don’t be afraid of using oil, especially if you have oily skin like I do! It’s a fact that oil dissolves oil!
(This is why if you spill too much essential oil on yourself, you have to use an oil like coconut oil to wipe it off. Soap doesn’t work!)
STEP TWO
After I get out of the shower, while my pores are still open, I tone the skin using Clear Toner. I never really thought I needed a toner, but my skin is undoubtedly better when I use one. This toner balances the pH of skin kills harmful bacteria and tightens pores.
Because I have a history of acne, I also have big pores (yay me!). Using a toner helps immensely with this. It also helps control acne and oil production.
STEP THREE
Moisturize! This is basically the holy grail of my skincare routine. I love my moisturizer. When I was younger, because I had such oily skin, I never moisturized. If I did, it was with “oil-free” products. I thought I didn’t need a moisturizer, that it would just make my skin more oily. The opposite is true!
Listen, the skin over-produces oil because we often strip it of its natural oils. Think about it – you wash your face, you strip away the oil. Many people often use a harsh toner on a cotton ball, stripping away more oil. People use those little blotter things to absorb oil. We’re constantly removing oil from the skin – which causes the skin to produce more oil!
Whereas using oils on the skin will cause the skin to produce less oil. Not only that, but because we’re using an oil cleanser as opposed to stripping the skin – this helps balance both oily and dry skin.
Now – back to the moisturizer. It’s the best I’ve ever used in my entire life. Beeswax seals in moisture, the tamanu regenerates skin cells and reduces scarring and fine lines, jojoba mimics the oil naturally produced by the skin (causing oily skin to produce less oil and giving dry skin balance). And the essential oils really take this moisturizer over the top.
Frankincense reduces inflammation and is the oil for reducing scarring and fine lines. Tea tree kills off any harmful bacteria and not only prevents acne but heals any acne that is present. Lavender soothes the skin, is anti-inflammatory and reduces any redness. Geranium balances the skin and helps with oil production, it also improves hyperpigmentation.
The skin rebuilds itself while we sleep, so using this moisturizer at night is insanely amazing for the skin.
STEP FOUR
Again, because I have scarring, I have to give those areas extra love. I’m also now in my late 20s, so I’m starting to get some fine lines under my eyes. This is the product I use for both scars and wrinkles.
This essential oil blend is made up of frankincense, helichrysum, and myrrh – all of which are incredibly anti-inflammatory and very effective at reversing scarring and fine lines. These three oils are basically the trifecta for fine lines and scarring. They’re anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, heal the skin and regenerate skin cells.
I massage a small amount into the scarred areas on my cheeks as well as the area under my eyes where the fine lines are beginning to develop. Because I sleep on my face, which scrunches the skin up around my eyes, I seal this essential oil in by using these overtop (I cut out the shape I need to apply under my eyes). Even if you don’t sleep on your face, I’d recommend this.
This seals the essential oils in and by morning, my fine lines are non-existent. If I go a night without using this, the fine lines are back. Try it for two weeks straight and see how much more improved your fine lines are. It’s insane. And way cheaper than botox.
Hopefully, you guys find this info helpful. I know how hard it is to have problem skin or skin that causes you to feel anything but super confident in yourself. With the right, non-toxic products and daily use, it’s possible to have great skin!
I do make these products myself from organic, non-toxic ingredients. You can order the Clear Collection here, or if you have aging skin, try the Youthful Collection. If you just have normal to combination skin, try the Balance Collection. I offer free shipping on all $50 orders as well as four weeks of meal plans for clear, healthy, vibrant skin! With every $75 order, I’ll also send you a bottle of my favorite relaxation essential oil blend!
