I will admit...I am terrible about caring for my skin. I'm now in my 30s and need to start taking better care of it! But, I need some help! I was just online doing a little research and there are just so many things out there! I thought I would come here and see if you lovely mamas have any ideas/suggestions for me! I think my biggest problem is my pores! They seem huge! And from looking online, I believe I have combination skin. I know there are a ton of homemade products out there that I would love to try...gotta love cheaper stuff...does anyone have a good recipe? I'm thinking of picking up some books at the library this weekend to help me through this...I grew up a tomboy and still am...so I never went through worrying about my skin, but I think I need to be better about it now!
Thanks mamas!
I spent money on clinique. My skin still was gross. I am 32 and I have acne. Not bad, but just bumps. I switched to Walmart's brand of clean and clear, and my skin is finally clean and clear!!!!
I bought a Clairsonic, and I'm telling you, the difference was incredible in how my skin looked. I also have combination skin, and lately I just love Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel for washing my face. The combination of the Clairsonic and the Boscia cleansing gel has been a really, really good thing for my skin. The best part about it is that the Clairsonic takes literally 1 minute to get my face really, really clean. Add a quick moisturizer/sunscreen, and I'm good to go! If I were you, I'd head to the nearest Sephora or Ulta and ask them for some samples to try out, and definitely get yourself a Clairsonic. You won't regret it. :)
If you are looking for natural, witch hazel is an astringent (closes the pores). Do you have a friend who sells for a company, like Arbonne, who would give you samples? That is my favorite way to find a new product.
I don't do much to my skin (I'm 29). I think the more I do to my skin, the more prone I am to irritation and acne. I use a mild cleanser, every single day (CeraVe facial wash). It's mild enough that it doesn't over-dry, but it cleanses well. I don't wear makeup, I don't apply any creams, etc. I do use a very light sunscreen occasionally, but I have not found one that doesn't cause me to break out (anyone?). I used to suffer from severe disfiguring cystic acne, so I'm a minimalist when it comes to my skin.
Hi K..
Whatever you do: be gentle.
and less is more.
I can almost afford to buy the most expensive. But I dont. (and would not :))) I buy simple and good:
1. Cetaphil cleanser (there are generic brands) -- good from baby to forever.....
2. no alchohol, lemon, menthol, citrus or heavy fragrances on my face. period.
3. good moisturizer. neutragena makes a simple one for sensitive skin that is no greasy. can use it around the eyes.
4. as for the pore. you cannot shrink. but you can just keep them clean.
5. most importantly: SUNBLOCK!!!!
as an aside. I am 45. have combo skin. most people think i am in my mid 30's. I am not vain and do not spend much time in front of the mirror altho i care about looking my best...from inside and out.
hope this helps.
Hi there.
For years I used Neutrogena (the orange cleanser) and a toner and that was fine through puberty and my teen years but now that I am in my late 20's things have changed and my skin was breaking out pretty badly with zits and under the skin acne. Through lots of trial and error here is what I use:
Proactiv Cleanser and Toner every day, with the clarifying mask as needed.
Say Yes To Tomatoes Moisturizer
Murad spot treatment as needed
I tried an all natural organic cleanser from Whole Foods that had all of the ingriedients you were supposed to have without any of the bad stuff but it was far too harsh. It left my skin literally stripped clean of every trace of makeup, dirt and oil which was great but then my pores over compensated and produced too much oil and the breakouts were horrible. I even tried making my own toner but it ended up being more trouble and more expensive than it needed to be once I assembled the ingriedients and put the concoxtion together.
Also, get an eye cream! Every girl should have one!
Look into Beauticontrol. For the first time ever, I have found a skin care that actually produces the results that they promise. Love it.
Pores usually enlarge for 2 reasons: 1. as we age our skin stretches which, in turn, causes our pores to stretch and 2. If the pores have dirt in them they overproduce oil causing them to enlarge. A cleanser and exfoliator would help. Microderm Abrasion would also be great for that. Make sure you moisturize also.
I am a Mary Kay consultant and we specialize in helping women who are overwhelmed by all of the options find products that work for them. You can find a consultant local to you by going to the website www.marykay.com. Everyone offers a free consultation. Or, if you prefer you can send me a private message with your address and I can mail you samples based on what you've described.
