Guys, I'm the worst blogger ever! I know it's been FOREVER since I posted anything, but my latest skincare routine just has to be talked about! I have suffered from horrible skin since I was eleven years old. After years of trying every product out there and seeing several dermatologists, I've finally found the answer to my prayers! My everyday routine is completely all natural, which is such a bonus. The only thing that isn't all natural is the pore mask I use. I've been using these products for five weeks now and my skin has cleared up SO much that I just knew I had to share it with you. Anyways, that's enough rambling, here it is!
- Cleanse: I start by washing my face with warm water and organic raw honey. Raw honey is basically the greatest thing you could ever put onto your face. It's antimicrobial, chock full antioxidants, regulates the pH of your skin, and takes care of any breakouts while preventing future ones from springing up. This is perfect for any skin type and any age. Just take a small spoonful and rub all over your face in circular motions for about a minute and rinse off. Side note: This was recommended to me by my gorgeous friend Salina. You guys should check out her YouTube channel for amazing makeup tutorials! https://www.youtube.com/user/TheSalinarae
- Tone: I should mention here that I have extremely oily skin so toning is a MUST for me. Apple Cider Vinegar is the best toner I've ever used and it really prevents my skin from getting slick and oily. It's antiseptic so it helps prevent breakouts. Plus it further balances your skin's pH, minimizes pores, and fades acne scars and sunspots. However, you do not want to put just plain ACV on your skin. Always dilute with water! I typically do 2 parts water to 1 part ACV and use a cotton ball to apply to my entire face, except my lips and around my eyes.
- Moisturize: For years I have searched far and wide for the perfect moisturizer. My oily skin has made it super difficult since most moisturizers make my face greasy and slick. I purchase the pure, unrefined, cold pressed, 100% organic, extra virgin coconut oil because I use it for oil pulling (which I should really dedicate an entire post to because it's amazing) and this version has worked wonders for my face. Not only does it moisturize without leaving you greasy, but it's also antimicrobial, antibacterial, and full of antioxidants so its good for your skin! Just get a little on your fingers once your toner has dried and rub it in until you can feel it sinking into your skin.
- Mask: About once a week I do a mask to deep clean and tighten my pores. This Mint Julep Masque by Queen Helene has been my holy grail face mask for about 5 years. I've tried a billion other masks, such as the hugely popular Mask of Magnaminty by Lush, and nothing else has ever compared to the Mint Julep Masque. Plus it's a steal for less than $5 at most drugstores.
- Scrub: I make this scrub whenever I want a good exfoliating or my skin is looking dull, usually no more than once a week. It's a simple mixture: 1 TBS raw honey, 2-3 TBS organic brown sugar (just eyeball it, enough to make it "scrubby"), 1 drop doterra melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil, and 1 drop doterra lemon essential oil. I am obsessed with this scrub! The brown sugar sloughs off dead skin while the oils treat acne and tighten pores. After using this scrub my face is so soft, smooth, and bright. I typically make it thick so I can leave it on for about 20 minutes and then scrub it into my skin and rinse off with warm water. Side note: Quality is key when using essential oils! Doterra is the only brand of oils I trust completely as they are pure and put through strict protocol to become therapeutic grade. I've been using their oils for years and I can't say enough good stuff about them! If you already use a specific brand of oils then go ahead and use those, but if not, I highly recommend doterra.
So there you have it, my entire skincare routine. This is a routine that is great for all skin types, but especially if you have oily, acne prone, or combination skin. I can't even tell you how much my skin has improved over the past month. There's no way I'll ever go back to expensive, chemical laden products that break me out and make me oily. This is it for me, the end of the skincare rainbow. I hope this routine works for you! Remember that it can take 3-6 weeks to see results when switching up your skincare routine so don't give up if you don't see results overnight. Honestly though, you will be able to see results overnight, it's just that good!
Xoxo,
Ashley
