My skin story and pre-makeup skincare routine

Every time I receive a compliment on my skin, I think to myself, "if only you knew."  Then it hit me. You would know if I shared my skin story, so here we are.

Even to this day, my skin is FAR from perfect, but with a little self-tanner and make-up, it won't haunt you in your sleep.  However, there was a period of time when it might have.  Not really. I'm being dramatic.  But there was a time when I was REALLY self conscience about my skin.  Ahhh, the middle school awkward years, I don't miss you at all.

In case you are wondering, yes, that is a jean skort.

I started seeing a dermatologist on the reg at around 10-years-old.  I have been on almost every antibiotic pill there is for your skin, used every topical treatment, tried Proactive, given over the counter products a whirl and finally, my most extreme measure was going on Accutane in the 9th grade.

Prior to going on Accutane, I had several sessions of "acne surgery".  Basically this witch of a woman aka my dermatologist would clean my skin with this horrific tool.  I had tears streaming down my face the entire time because it hurt so bad and she would snarl, "Calm down, I didn't tell you this wasn't going to hurt."  OK mam, but I'm allowed to cry if it feels like someone is taking an ice pick to my face.  I hated her and switched dermatologists shortly after.

Accutane has some severe side effects, but it was the final measure after exhausting all other options and I was willing to do whatever it took. Accutane worked, but the results didn't last forever. I still suffered from breakouts all throughout college and almost went on Accutane again. I discontinued using prescription medicine for my skin a few years ago because it seems as though I've finally outgrown my acne days.  Knock on wood.

Don't get my wrong, I get breakouts from time to time.  However, I have to be very dillgent about how I care for my skin, and this is what I swear by. 

I've mentioned this before, but I use Johnson & Johnson's Purpose Cleansing Wash to wash my face every day and night without exception NO MATTER HOW TIRED I AM.  I force myself.

I love it because it is soap-free so it does not dry your face and it won't ever sting your eyes, so it's ideal for removing your eye make-up. I rarely ever have to use eye make-up remover.  Seriously, I have not used any other face wash since middle school and I refuse to waiver.  You can find it at Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc.

I don't religiously use toner, and I definitely try to lay off of it in the winter.  When I do use it, I love Clinique Clarifying Lotion in Level 4 for very oily skin or Level 3 for oily skin.  I use Level 4 during the day because it's stronger and helps control oil longer.  My skin is VERY oily so I like toner for helping to control the shine.  I really don't think toner is a skincare necessity, but I'm no expert.  Just my opinion.

For the longest I used Purpose Lotion too, but it was too heavy and greasy for my skin, so about a year ago I made the switch to Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel and I've never looked back.  This stuff is amazing.

This gel is designed to balance moisture in the cheeks but control oil in the t-zone.  The only downfall to this lotion is that it contains no SPF, but I use foundation with SPF instead.

If I know I'm going to be out in the sun for any prolonged period of time, I apply sunscreen because my skin is so, so, so fair.  During the summer I am psychotic about staying in the shade if I'm ever by a pool and I always wear a big floppy hat and a towel over my face if there is no shade available.  

I swear I've been burnt through a car window on a car trip before, but people tell me that's impossible.  I see your side-eye too, but I promise it happened!

My favorite sunscreen for the face is Neutrogena's Age Shield Face Sunblock in 110 SPF.  Yes, 110.  I am petrified of wrinkles and skin cancer.  I've found this sunscreen is the most lightweight formula with the best protection.    

That is my pre-makeup skin routine!  All the products I use are very affordable and my skin stays in fairly decent shape.  Please let me know if you have any questions or skin care secrets that you swear by.

I will share my face make-up and nightly skin care routine in upcoming posts.