Weddingbee boards

So over the course the past year or so of planning, I've been getting really into skin care and beauty to get ready for the big day.  I generally never used too much makeup (would probably only wear it for nights out and special occassions), so I felt like I had so much to catch up on!

I generally have sensitive, acne-prone skin since the college years. For a little while last year though, the acne became horrible!  Like rosacea and itchyness and redness everywhere. I was freaking out. So in a trek to help calm my chaotic skin, here are a few things I've learned that I wish I knew years ago (please keep in mind all these are in my opinion and experience and would hope it will help other people out there, but its always best to consult a dermotologist if you have really serious skin problems):

• Facial cleanser
  • Don't need a really expensive one, just one that works for you.  I figured out the hard way that I overwashed my skin.  I always believed I had really oily skin when in fact, I was just washing it too much/scrubbing too hard and causing my skin to overproduce oil.  I now only wash twice a day and use really gentle strokes, no brushes or anything (exfoliation is something completely seperate though).
  • I found out later that there are two types of cleansers, gel and cream.  Gel is good if you dont have really dry skin and you use it with water. Cream cleansers is better for dry skin and usually is not used with water (though I have a neutrogena one that does).
  • I found either types works for my skin type, as long as I lather it in my hands with water first, THEN use the foam on my face.  I obviously have been washing my face wrong for the past 25+ years!  This helped with not irritating my face with the cleanser, but still uses the ingredients to make my face all clean!
• Exfoliation
  • You know those cleaners with the little beads in them that are supposed to exfoliate?  Nope, doesn't count!  I have used some from clean and clear and even those higher end cleansers with the beads in them. They did nothing for me compared to a product that is specifically made FOR exfoliation (seperate from a cleanser).  I currently have one that has the consistency of paste/clay that needs a little water needed to get it going.  I do this a few times a week after cleansing. This is important to get rid of dead skin cells (which cleansers usually aren't enough to get rid of) and you'll know the difference in how smooth your skin feels (that's the surest way to know the product is working for you).
• Toner
  • I have heard people say it is unnecessary, but I think its necessary for me because my skin is rather sensitive and it also helps get rid of any excess cleanser I leave behind, which in itself can also irritate my skin.  Also, the water you use can ALSO affect your skin (for me it did).  I noticed after moving to my new place that my breakouts were just really bad.  I live in an apartment complex so its hard water, and when I lived at home, I used soft water.  I think something in the filtration just did not get rid of certain minerals that I personally was really sensitive to.  I found out later that to negate that effect (balance the pH level on your skin) was to have a good toner, applied with a cotton swab over your face.  Spritzing does not make much difference as it does not wipe away any excess dirt left behind.
• Hydration
  • I used to be horrible with this! I was a diet soda kind of girl and would probably only drink 2-3 cups of water a day, as opposed to the 8 cups necessary for the average person.  I found out from one of my dermos that my acne was really "tight".  Ever get those annoying zits that never seem to go away or produce a white head? They're just red bumps that sit there for days on end.  Well, that happened to me because I was under-hydrated.  My skin was getting really tight trying to hold in as much moisture as possible, so in turn, it was keeping my zits from forming; ergo it just sits there.  I discovered how much quicker my zits went away from staying hydrated.

That's all I have for now.  I will update this thread when I can remember other things that really made a difference in my skin.  I think MOST people probably know all this, but I was/am a noob with all this skin care stuff.  I hope this helps people and please bear in mind, this is just in MY experience.  Everyone else's skin varies, but if my tips do help someone, all the better!

Feel free to share your own experiences too!

@bellagio: awesome tips!! I actually did hear something about sea salt helping with clearing acne as well, but never personally confirmed it.  Thanks for contributing! :)

@.twist.: yeah i've read if you over cleanse your skin, it could make things worse. your skin also needs to produce its own oil and other stuff (not an expert so dont take my word on it), to fight off things on its own. I also found what taking a break from makeup and all types of products once a week made me less oily prone - it reminds you skin how to act on its own, ya know?

@moderndaisy: oh yeah, makeup! Good point!! I was sorta lazy before with taking off makeup, especially when it was like 3am and I was tired.  I now have makeup cleansing towlettes just for that and a seperate makeup remover when I'm not lazy.  It makes a HUGE difference.  I used to break out so much just after a night out and always thought it was lack of sleep!

@roxy_angell13: Great tips!!  Especially with the rubbing of the skin, I found that patting dry my face helped it become less irritated.  i also tried primrose oil but I'm not really good at taking vitamins normally, so I wasn't sure if it made a difference ><;;  I did have a friend who SWORE by it too, so that's a great tip too!! Thanks!!

i have rosacea too!  i've been using neutrogena body clear body wash (with the little beads), as well as a loofah to help with my breakouts.  it is AMAZING stuff!  i also use it on my face every couple of days (i have really bad dry skin).  my skin has never looked better!

@ustechie: ooh yeah. I also found this one murad body spray works really well!! its a bit pricey, but it works really well for your back.

@Lindsay05: yeah its amazing how little things can affect your skin. people jus break out for so many different reasons and all these factors make it a very complex problem to solve sometimes.  I wish mine were so easy as just keeping my face clean though lol.  It's sometimes hormones, or the water, or the products you use. possibilities are all over the place!

Something I forgot!

• Toner
  • Do not use alcohol based toners.  They will overdry your skin.  Find one without any alcohol in it and you're good!

@elliestan: hmm, there's a lot of good ones out there, depends on your skin type. just as long as it doesn't have alcohol in it, should be fine. check out some at the drug store, but if you wanna go up a notch, clinique has a few different ones for different skin types that i like.

@kperry3: i agree completely.  i heard something about looking out for moisturizers that have mineral oil or something in them, it tends to clog up pores? i could be wrong though, but yeah, having a good moisturizer is also really important! I really like clinique too, they're my go to brand if i dont feel like investing in drug store brands hehe.

@Soladylike: Thanks, but not an expert, just lots of trial and error (and talking a lot to dermos when i get facials) I wish i could just maintain my skin like yours!  You are blessed :) I have a drawer full of beauty products that I'm too stubborn to throw out, but i cant use them :(