Starting a Skincare Regime

Building a skincare regime was one of the hardest tasks I set before myself. Maybe it was because I didn't have the option of going to big sisters or a mother to teach me. I struggled so much through my teenage years, you try to impress a teenage boy with zits all over your face. Even worse with your dry skin flaking. Lord, take the memories away!

Throughout the last ten years of my life, I've gone through every acne treatment on the market. You name it I've tried it. None of them worked and I finally figured out why...

Did you know many big skincare companies add ingredients to your products that actually causes you to get more acne? Yes! That is why acne treatments seem to work so well at first but then you break out again. They add it just so they can continue to sell you the products.

So, since my natural hair journey has impacted me so much, I knew there was no other option for me but to look for all natural (or as close to it as possible) and DIY options. I knew the dangers of silicones and other added ingredients and I knew just like my hair my skin deserved the best!

 That's where Derma-E comes into play!

Derma-E was the answer to my prayers. All Derma-E formulas are free of: 

• Parabens
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfates
• Petrolatum
• Mineral Oil
• Artificial Colors

These products are also 100% vegan and cruelty-free (yes, that's important to me!)

I started using Derma-e Products two months ago, and within a week I started seeing results! Literally magic in a bottle. Yet, it wasn't only the quality of the products I put on my skin that helped clear it up so much and so quickly. It was the order in which I put the products on.

According to lead Derma-e Esthetician, Kate Tate, applying your products in the correct  order you are ensuring that you will receive all the benefits. You also have to take in to account that these products take time to work.

Look at Benzoyl Peroxide (the most common ingredient in acne treatments. That ingredient alone take 1-3 hours to work. As long as those factors are clear in your mind you're ready to start and modify a new skincare regime.

"But wait Adrienne, what's the correct order of the products?!"

Well, don't worry I was getting to that lol.

So, the correct order is super important and I'll tell you why as we go down the list:

 Cleanser:

The first step is cleanser. You need to cleanse your face of all the dirt, sweat, and oil that accumulates throughout the day. But remember if you wear makeup before this step you need to use makeup wipes or a cleansing oil to break down the makeup. If you don't your face can stay half dirty and your skin won't be able to breathe and heal as you sleep. So forget about those results! Remember acne feeds off of dirt and bacteria.

TIP: I love to use a spinning brush on my face to help get deep down into my pores. This way I ensure I get that clean feeling and I know my skin is ready to full absorb the nutrients of the rest of my regime.

The most recommended form of cleanser is oil cleansing (separate post coming soon). Reason being oil attracts oil and the oil is better equipped to remove all the oil and dirt your face naturally collects over the day.

 Toner:

Toner is the next step because it helps back up the cleansing stage of the regime. Toner helps wipe away any left over dirt and oil that your cleanser and brush left.

Toner often gets a bad reputation as being too harsh for skin but the truth is it's essential! The new toners we have today act as a delivery system to antioxidants to our skin. There are even specific toners to address certain skin conditions! So don't skimp out on toner!

TIP: I like to use a DIY toner (half Apple cider vinegar, half water, and vitamin E oil) because ACV is inexpensive and helps restore the PH balance of the skin.

Spot Treatment:
This honestly has been my saving grace. The spot treatment for those stress pimples or hormone imbalances works immediately. The purpose of the spot treatment is to dry up excess oil and kill the bacteria in that problem spot quickly killing it and helping the inflammation to come down.

TIP: For best and most effective results make sure your toner is dried before applying the treatment. Try to apply it as close to the problem area as possible and wait five minutes before layering on any other products, to ensure the benefits aren't wiped away with another product.

 Serum (Optional but highly recommended):

Oils are lifesavers and live givers! I never skimp on the serums and oils because these oils are what are helping my skin repair and regenerate so I can fade my acne scars. One of the most common ingredients, though, is vitamin C. Vitamin C performs a variety of functions within the skin, including stimulating new collagen, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, protecting the skin from environmental pollutants with its antioxidant properties, helping reduce visible discolorations on the skin  and providing enhanced protection against UV exposure. There's also the fact that skin naturally does not produce vitamin C, so you need to find a way to incorporate into your regime for optimal skin health.

TIP: Did you know Jojoba oil is the only oil that can mimic sebum (natural oil secreted by glands on your face) to help naturally moisturize your skin? I always incorporate jojoba oil in my regime and thankfully my acne scars are fading more and more!

Eye Cream:
Now, I know I am young but you are never too young to start caring for your eyes and preventing wrinkles! Applying an eye cream twice a day helps maintain the thickness of the eyelid. Improving your eye care regime will help keep the elasticity of the skin, keeping it vibrant and young looking. Regular use of an eye cream can also help prevent fine lines. Nothing is magic in a bottle but consistent use deems results!
TIP: Choose an eye cream with SPF protection to protect your skin from aging pre-maturely from the sun. And always wear sunglasses in the summer to protect from UV- rays.

Moisturizer/Face oil:

Finally! The end of your routine. Moisturizer should also be layered last since it is the thickest of all the products. Moisturizers are meant to be the last step of the regime because the thickness of the product is designed to be absorbed and do it's work over the course of a couple hours (which is why you should moisturize before bed and before applying your primer for makeup in the mornings) All those hours later where you have forgotten about it, it has not forgotten about you and is working its magic. 

TIP: When choosing a moisturizer, look for key ingredients like glycerin (or glycerol), hyaluronic acid, ceramides, coconut oil and other plant-based oils and Shea butter.

If you need a visual reminder of the routine here's a chart to help!