*This post was created in collaboration with Follain.
Aaaah February, the month of Valentine's Day and all the love that swirls around it. I, personally, love Valentine's Day. I eat up the hearts and chocolate and roses, mostly because I love to give little gifts to those that mean the most to me. This year, with a two month old at home, it was all I could do to buy a couple of super sweet books and candy for the toddler and some craft beers for my husband t be like "hey you guys, I love you!". I didn't expect anything for me, I just wanted to make sure that I was showing my affection any way possible. I take care of myself, in the very least, with my facial skincare routine, even on the days when I think I won't have the time. Since I've started having regular facials, the advice I was given was specifically for working on any discoloration, sloughing off any dead skin and keeping it bright- so far these four steps have worked for me and I make sure that I give my face a little love, every single day. Even if I can hear a toddler tantrum-ing or an infant crying, I leave it to my husband while I finish my business because it's important to take time to yourself, even if it's just a few moments.
I don't exfoliate while washing my face everyday, it's more like 2-3 times a week but it's an important piece of my skincare regimen. You can find an every day exfoliator if that's what your skin requires but for me, it's not something that I need to do with every face wash. It's important to exfoliate to get rid of the dead skin cells, clear clogged pores and is a part of the process of keeping your skin balanced. EXFOLIATE: $ Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub, $$ Vered Le Chocolat Citrus Foaming Face Scrub, $$$ Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
Using a toner was not a normal part of my skincare process until I got a "talking to" from my facialist about the importance of keeping the ph balance of your skin in check. If you're using a toner every day, your skin will be more hydrated and any inflammation can be quelled. There are a lot of great toners on the market and a lot of which are very affordable. I'll also sometimes use a skin hydrator (my fave is Josh Rosebrook's Hydration Accelorator) if I need a little skin boost during the day. Spritz Spritz! TONER: $ SW Basics Toner, $$ KPS Essentials Probiotic Toner, $$ Vered Herb-Infused Toner, $$$ Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence
There are still people that I talk to who are afraid to use an oil or serum on their skin. I have to keep myself from jumping up and down screaming "but it helps so much"! A great oil or serum can be an integral part of your skincare routine, bringing antioxidants and skin purifying elements, not to mention a great scent depending on which product you choose. I use my face oil in between my toner and my cream. I allow time for the oil to absorb and then apply my moisturizer. OIL/SERUM: $ Khaki's Bomb Balm Day Renewal Serum, $$ Bottega Organica Nourish Face Oil $$$ RMS Beauty Beauty Oil, $$$$ Vitner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum
You can call your moisturizer the frosting on the cake; I do! A good cream can provide not just moisture but protection against sun damage and the elements. I personally like my daily moisturizer to improve elasticity and promote healing, not just hydration but you'd need to find the right fit for your skin. MOISTURIZER/CREAM: $ OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream, $$ Alkaitis Organic Day Creme, $$$ Tammy Fender Antioxidant Creme, $$$$ Goop Revitalizing Day Moisturizer
At the end of everyday, I wash my face and apply a night cream (something heavier than what I use in the morning) and let my skin soak up the goodness. I firmly believe that if you implement a thoughtful skincare routine, you'll not only see results but you'll also be taking care of yourself, something that is important for your physical and emotional well being. Ideally, I'd love to have hours to myself every day but as long as I'm able to take care of my skin, I feel positively about the attention that I was able to give myself.
I don't exfoliate while washing my face everyday, it's more like 2-3 times a week but it's an important piece of my skincare regimen. You can find an every day exfoliator if that's what your skin requires but for me, it's not something that I need to do with every face wash. It's important to exfoliate to get rid of the dead skin cells, clear clogged pores and is a part of the process of keeping your skin balanced. EXFOLIATE: $ Derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub, $$ Vered Le Chocolat Citrus Foaming Face Scrub, $$$ Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
Using a toner was not a normal part of my skincare process until I got a "talking to" from my facialist about the importance of keeping the ph balance of your skin in check. If you're using a toner every day, your skin will be more hydrated and any inflammation can be quelled. There are a lot of great toners on the market and a lot of which are very affordable. I'll also sometimes use a skin hydrator (my fave is Josh Rosebrook's Hydration Accelorator) if I need a little skin boost during the day. Spritz Spritz! TONER: $ SW Basics Toner, $$ KPS Essentials Probiotic Toner, $$ Vered Herb-Infused Toner, $$$ Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence
There are still people that I talk to who are afraid to use an oil or serum on their skin. I have to keep myself from jumping up and down screaming "but it helps so much"! A great oil or serum can be an integral part of your skincare routine, bringing antioxidants and skin purifying elements, not to mention a great scent depending on which product you choose. I use my face oil in between my toner and my cream. I allow time for the oil to absorb and then apply my moisturizer. OIL/SERUM: $ Khaki's Bomb Balm Day Renewal Serum, $$ Bottega Organica Nourish Face Oil $$$ RMS Beauty Beauty Oil, $$$$ Vitner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum
You can call your moisturizer the frosting on the cake; I do! A good cream can provide not just moisture but protection against sun damage and the elements. I personally like my daily moisturizer to improve elasticity and promote healing, not just hydration but you'd need to find the right fit for your skin. MOISTURIZER/CREAM: $ OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream, $$ Alkaitis Organic Day Creme, $$$ Tammy Fender Antioxidant Creme, $$$$ Goop Revitalizing Day Moisturizer
At the end of everyday, I wash my face and apply a night cream (something heavier than what I use in the morning) and let my skin soak up the goodness. I firmly believe that if you implement a thoughtful skincare routine, you'll not only see results but you'll also be taking care of yourself, something that is important for your physical and emotional well being. Ideally, I'd love to have hours to myself every day but as long as I'm able to take care of my skin, I feel positively about the attention that I was able to give myself.
What do you do to love yourself? It can be anything... skincare, yoga, taking walks... just make sure you are taking a little time for yourself, to recharge and take care!
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