Audrey's Beauty Corner: My Current Skin Care Routine

Hello Everyone!

Welcome Back to ABC!

Today, I just wanted to talk about my daily skin care routine. Let me just start by saying, I am not perfect in my skin care routine, as I am sure some others are not as well. I have slept with makeup on, I have went a week without washing my face ( I am not proud of myself for this.)..... I have done some very unhealthy things, even though I have been taught some of the repercussions for treating my skin so poorly.

Also, as a disclaimer, I am NOT a licensed skin care professional. I was enrolled in Esthetics School, but some things happened, and I had to drop out. I do, however, plan to go back to school as soon as I am capable of doing so, so that I can become a licensed Esthetician. The things I use in my skin care routine are products I received in my kit, which I paid for, while I was enrolled in school. Some of my products are the "professional sized" products, which you cannot purchase as a retail customer. I will post the price and sizes of each product that a retail customer can purchase.

So, now onto the fun part!

I have very weird skin... In the summer time, I am VERY oily, and in winter, I am VERY dry. And my skin is also pretty sensitive. But, since this is my CURRENT routine, I am going to tell you guys what I do in the winter.
I also have undiagnosed hereditary psoriasis, which I normally only get on my arms, but when I don't wash my face, or take care of it properly, on top of acne, I will sometimes get red, dry, flaky patches on my face.

Step 1: I examine my Skin.

I always have to look at my skin before hand. I use two different systems. One for when my skin has more acne than usual, and one for when it is pretty much at is normality.

Step 2: Once a week- Face Mask

I use one of these 2 masks once a week

Let me just say- When you do a face mask, you won't always see immediate results. Most of the time, you get the best results the morning AFTER you do a mask.

If I am having an acne flare-up, I use this Control Corrective Sulfur Calming Mask. This mask is $35 for a 2oz tub. Mine is an 8oz tub. I know that may seem a bit pricey, BUT you literally only need a quarter size amount for your entire face.

This mask is amazing for reducing pimple size and redness. This is what it says on the website:

Creamy, comforting therapy absorbs excess oil, helps reduce enlarged pores and offers cool relief for tender skin.

For all skin types with inflamed skin that needs a calming interlude.

I just used this mask last night. I had horrible hormonal acne on my cheeks and jaw line. When I woke up this morning, Most of the pimples were flattened, and not as inflamed.

All you do is, apply this with your fingers, or even an old CLEAN foundation brush. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes (I usually do about 15 minutes), and rinse with warm water. This may also be used as a spot treatment every few days if necessary.

I absolutely love this mask for around "that time of the month" when acne likes to rear its ugly head and make my face its home. This mask does have a scent.... It isn't pleasant, but it doesn't bother me very much. But I have gotten used to it. AJ (my fiancé) on the other hand, HATES the smell of this mask.. It does smell like sulfur. BUT sulfur is amazing for acne, and its a small price to pay. 15 minutes every week, for clear, beautiful skin..... After you remove the mask with warm water, you don't smell it any more.

My next mask is the Control Corrective Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask. This mask is... AMAZING. If you have dry skin, this mask will be your best friend. This one is a bit more expensive than the Sulfur mask, but again, you only need a quarter size amount. For a 2oz Jar, it is $48.40. My jar is 8oz.
This mask gently breaks down the desmosomes in your skin. These are the glue that hold your upper layer of skin cells together. Unfortunately, this means even the old, dry, flaky skin cells that need to be removed. This mask makes it easier for the granules in your exfoliant to get under those dry skin cells to remove them. Here is what the website says:

How delicious to surrender your sensitive skin to the relaxing, moisturizing comfort of this vacation in a jar. Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask not only softens and calms irritated skin on contact but also - with the lightest possible touch - dissolves residual dead skin cell build-up too.

For sensitive or dehydrated skin. Anti-inflammatory hydration provides instant relief for maximum suppleness as non-irritating exfoliators enable skin to take in and retain moisture more effectively.

When you use this mask, your face will literally be as soft and plump as a baby's bottom. It also smells amazing! Like a fresh papaya. If you don't like the smell of papaya, you will NOT like this mask.

For this mask, you apply all over your face with fingers, or a brush. Allow this to sit for 7-10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

This mask is just simply amazing. I don't know how else to say it. It is definitely worth the money. Once I run out of this jar, which won't be for at least another year, I will definitely be repurchasing.

Day and Night Routines

Morning Routine

Step 1: Cleanse

I normally use 1 out of these 2 cleansers.

The Cleaner to the Left is Control Corrective Gentle Face Wash. This wash is the one I turn to when my skin is more normal, and I have little to no acne. For the SAMPLE 2oz size, this is $13. For the 6.7oz bottle, it is $26.40. Here is what the website says:
Foam meets function. Here's where the simple pleasure of washing your face becomes so very good for your skin health too. Gentle Facial Wash gel-to-foam formula easily rinses away surface pollutants, grime and makeup without even a hint of irritation.

For all skin types. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ingredients cleanse skin while conditioning and protecting it too, making Gentle Facial Wash the ideal preparation for treatments to follow.

This cleanser gets rid of any excess makeup on your skin, while being very gentle. To use, you just dampen your face and hands. Then put ONE pump of product into your hand, and gently massage between finger tips to warm it up and start the foaming process. Then just gently massage into face using circular motions for about 2 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

Even though this wash does foam, it is great for when I have dry skin. It doesn't dry my skin out at all. It actually adds more moisture, I feel... If that makes sense.

The Cleanser to the Right is Control Corrective Salicylic Wash 2%. This wash is the one I use when I have any amount of acne. It has Salicylic Acid, which helps to dry bacteria, which is what causes acne. Therefore, this wash dries up any acne I have. I used this for the first time while I was still in school, and I have sworn by it ever since. Definitely a Holy Grail product. This products only comes in a 6.7oz bottle, and is $28. Here is what the website says:

Sweep away dead skin cell build-up so blackheads and whiteheads don't stand a chance. By dissolving sticky pore-clogging oils and cellular debris, exfoliating Salicylic Wash creamy gel helps reduce congestion and improve skin texture on the face, back, shoulders and arms.

For normal/oily/combination or acne-prone skin. Salicylic Wash deep cleans without stripping skin of moisture. Salicylic acid works by gently dissolving the sticky dead skin cell waste that leads directly to blackhead and whitehead formation.

This cleanser is amazing for my skin when I have acne. In the winter time, my skin is very dry, but I still get acne, mainly when I am stressed, or around hormonal times. When I use this product in the winter, I definitely have to use a good moisturizer with it, otherwise I get extremely dry! This cleanser is very milky, and does not foam up at all. It definitely gets into my pores, and gives me an amazing clean feeling. Absolutely LOVE this product when I have congested pores and acne.

Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 times weekly)

This is my Oxygen Botanicals Exfoliant. This product has 2 different sizes. The 2oz bottle is $25.20, and the 5oz bottle (which I have) is $47.50. This product will also last a very long time. I use about a dime size amount 2-3 times a week. Here is what the website says: Want smooth "baby soft" skin? Use our gentle, creamy exfoliant at least once a week to remove the dead cells from the surface of the skin.
It's fast and easy to use and you feel the results after the first use!
Made of small Jojoba beads, this exfoliant is suitable for all skin types! Jojoba Beads gently buff away dead and damaged surface cells to reveal refreshed and smooth skin. Vitamin A acts as a Keratinization regulator further helping to improve skin's texture and smoothness. Vitamin F is skin smoothing and emollient and helps prevent dry, rough skin.

This exfoliant is amazing also. Jojoba Oil is the closes thing nature can create to human sebum, which is the naturally occurring oil in human skin. It is amazing for skin! This exfoliator is so creamy, and the Jojoba beads aren't extremely rough. Very finely milled. So they exfoliate, but not to the point where you feel that you are scratching your skin off of your face. It is very gentle, but yet you know it is working.

Step 3: Toner

I use the Control Corrective Balancing Tonic.

They have a 2oz Sample Size for $13, and the 6.7oz size for $26. This toner makes my face feel so clean and fresh after I have cleansed my face. It helps to close all the pores after the warm water has opened them up. Closing the pores while they are freshly cleansed is a vital part in any skin care routine. Closing the pores insures that no more dirt or bacteria get into the pores before you moisturize, and that the moisturizers do not clog the pores. This toner smells like straight up aloe vera juice. I love the scent. It takes me back to when I was little, and I would go to my Grandma and Grandpa's house, and help them cook. Any time I would burn myself, Grandma would take me out to the laundry porch, and cut off a leaf from her HUGE aloe vera plant. I would sniff on one half after she would cut it open and apply one half to the burn. The smell of aloe just makes me feel at home. I can't say how much I love this toner, so here is what the website says: Completing the cleansing process, Balancing Tonic gently removes remaining traces of dirt, oil and makeup to leave your skin feeling clean and soft. This freshly scented botanically-enriched formula also helps prevent moisture loss while protecting skin against bacteria and harmful, environmental stressors.

For sensitive and all skin types. Balancing the skin's pH balance helps restore the skin's protective acid mantel and removes any surface debris. Also excellent post-peel (chemical, laser, microdermabrasion) as a skin soother and hydrator.

Step 4: Moisturize

Here are the two moisturizers I use.

To the Left, we have the Control Corrective Ceramide Daily Cream. To the Right, we have the Control Corrective Oil Free Healing Lotion.
These both are amazing moisturizers. They both leave my skin feeling soft, and supple. I use the Healing Lotion when my skin has more acne. It is $35 for 2.5oz. But, you only need a pea sized amount every morning and night. Here is what the website says: Overactive, hot-tempered oil glands are just crying out for a voice of reason. Light and silky and with a hint of citrus, Oil-Free Healing Lotion calms, purifies, tones, repairs and balances out too-oily skin with superb and soothing oil-free hydration. For normal to normal/oily skin. Hydration is just as important for oilier complexions as it is for dry ones. The key is to keep the moisture greaseless as does Oil-Free Healing Lotion which also works to reduce sebum imbalances.

I use the Ceramide Daily Cream when I am more dry, and have little to no acne. It is also $35 for 2.5oz. Here is what the website says: Adequate moisture means more than just a pretty face; it's absolutely essential for healthy skin function too. Light but rich and silky, unscented Ceramide Daily Cream restores the skin's hydration content and prevents moisture loss while helping ward off signs of aging to boot. For normal to dry skin. Strengthening the lipid barrier helps maintain the skin's optimum water content. With appropriate moisture, skin looks, feels and functions the way younger skin does. Ceramide Daily Cream also contains vitamins E and A help fight off aging free radical damage.

Step 5: Sun Protection

Sun protection is absolutely VITAL to a good skin care routine. It helps to fight the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and leathery skin, that the sun can give you. It also helps to fight skin cancer. I use the Control Corrective Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30. This sunscreen is pretty expensive.... I honestly use it mainly because it was in my kit. But, it is a good sunscreen. The pricing on this one is $30.80 for a 2.5oz (which I have), and $52.80 for a 6oz bottle. I am sure I won't be purchasing this on my own after this bottle runs out, because I am sure there is something at the drug store that would be just as efficient. Its sunscreen.... not much I can say about this. Other than- YOU NEED TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN! Protecting your skin is key to younger looking skin.

Night Routine

Every night, my routine is the same as my morning routine, except for a few things.

Step 1: Remove any makeup

I use Olay Cleansing Wipes to remove my makeup.

Step 2: Cleanse

Once again, I either use the Gentle Facial Wash, or the Salicylic Wash, depending on how my skin looks.

Step 3: Exfoliate (if not in AM)

I normally skip any exfoliation at night, to give my skin a break. If I don't do it in the morning, I will do it now though. Especially if my skin is being problematic. Using my Oxygen Exfoliant.

Step 4: Toner

I use the balancing tonic again here to close all of my pores.

Step 5: Moisturize

I will use the Ceramide Daily Cream, or the Oil Free Healing Lotion, depending on how my skin looks again.

So, there is my current skin care routine. If you have any questions about the products I use, please leave a comment. Also, leave a comment if you have any requests for a future post.

If you would like to order, or read up on any of the products I use, I will leave a DIRECT link to all products below.

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Instagram: @audreybreeanne100

Twitter: @audreybreeanne1

Thank you so much for reading!

Your support means everything to me!

XOXO- AudreyBreeanne

Masks-

Control Corrective Sulfur Calming Mask for Acne

Sensitive Skin Enzyme Mask - to help dry skin

Cleansers-

Control Corrective Gentle Facial Wash