This post has been a long time coming, I get asked on the daily “WHAT do you use on your skin?!” Which is always super flattering, so thank you all so much!! I hate to tell ya, I think a lot of it if genetics. (Thanks momma, thanks Granny.) BUT that being said, of course I take an active role in my skins health. I have always been blessed with good skin, but about 3 years ago I really started to notice some aging happening.

Hello 30’s, nice to meet you.

So I decided to start getting monthly facials. I have been going to Beautiful You in Lexington, and I do their monthly VIP program so I get a facial once a month, and it is life changing girls. I typically alternate between a glycolic and lactic peel, and I also do dermaplaning as an add on. If you haven’t done this yet, you so need to. It not only exfoliates your skin, but removes that peach fuzz so your makeup application is flawless. My skin always feels like a baby’s booty when I leave. Also, let’s talk about the mental health benefits of making time to pamper yourself. So important ladies!

Now a facial once a month isn’t gonna get the job done all on it’s own. I also make sure I am using quality products at home. I wasn’t always like this, and I tend to think that as long as you are doing something you are on the path to skin righteousness. I use a mix of products, a lot of Obagi, Skinceuticals, and Skin Medica. I will list the products out below. I also use a Clarisonic cleaning brush every day. I work with my Esthetician to determine the best products for my skin, and for the issues I am trying to treat at the time.

So here is the run down of my daily AM, and PM routine.

AM routine:

Cleanse with Obagi Gentle Cleanser
Skinceuticals Blemish and Age Defense (LOVE this stuff)
finish with Obagi SunShield, or Skinceuticals Physical Fusion Defense. (the Obagi is a little thicker, and more like what you would expect a sunscreen to feel like. The Skinceuticals is much thinner, and goes on better under my makeup)

PM routine:

I take my makeup off with Kroger brand makeup removing wipes, they are hands down my favorite. they don’t pull your skin so much, and eye makeup comes right off.
Cleanse with Obagi Gentle Cleanser (or any gentle cleanser from the drugstore, I think this is an opportunity for a save, vs. a splurge!)
Alternate nightly between SkinMedica Retinol Complex in .05, and SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector.
Moisturize with SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore If you are going to buy one product, THIS is the one you want. I absolutely love it. it is slightly tingly (think minty) and makes my skin so moisturized!
Finish with SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair

I am also a self proclaimed face mask junkie, and love trying out new masks. My recent fav has been the Perricone MD Chloro Plasma Purifying Mask. 

Oh look, here is a pic of me in said face mask. Let me tell you the comedy that ensued for this photo. “hurry it’s drying!!”

I usually like to do a mask once a week. It is my weekly “me” time where I take a bath (complete with a LUSH bath bomb, candles and a glass of wine of course) and face mask it up. My husband knows this is sacred, and actually encourages it because I am in a much better mood. haha!

Skin care should be fun, it is honestly my favorite part of the day!! I 100% recommend finding an Esthetician that you like and trust who can help you find the perfect routine for your skin, because what works for me may not work for you. I hope this helps, and as always feel free to ask my any questions at all!

(Photos by Kelsey Malicote)