As an athlete, taking proper care of my face has been frustrating. I’m either gross and sweaty at Crossfit, or gross and sweaty [and in a helmet] at roller derby practice. About two weeks ago I sucked it up and started my skincare “routine.” I will be honest, I try to use these products semi-regularly, but have missed a day or two. Even so, I’ve noticed decent results in a couple weeks. Hopefully after a month my skin will look and feel even better.
Both photos are post-face-wash and make-up free. I upped the clarity in these photos to accentuate the zits. On the left you can see more prominent pimples on my forehead and jawline [and marks on my cheek]. On the right you can tell that my forehead has calmed down a bit [except for where my bangs lay], as well my cheeks and jawline. Just a couple left on the far right cheek…go away pizza face! EDIT// oops! The photo on the right was actually taken on May 14th.
I use the mud mask 1-2x/week. It’s supposed to shrink your pores and therefore lessen acne. As I mentioned in my first post, the mask is pretty intense! The label says your face will pulse…and it definitely does. As the mud is drying and tightening, it’s as if your heart is beating through your cheeks. The sensation isn’t as bad as the smell, though. The instructions say to mix the powder with apple cider vinegar. Blech. That is what I dislike most. haha After each use my face is smooth and only temporarily red. Since my first application, I have been using it before hopping in the shower for easier removal.
I use the Olay Pro-X brush about once a day, and then a Bioré foaming cleanser the 2nd and third time. I’ve accidentally missed a couple days within the 2 week period of scrubbing. I’m going to need to order a refill of the exfoliating scrub it comes with because I’m almost out! The brush leaves my face feeling extremely smooth! I scrub pretty “hard” [pretty soft brush!] on my cheeks, jaw, chin, and forehead [so…all over??] because those are my problem areas. It’s also really easy to use in the shower, and made to withstand getting wet [not immersed in water, mind you]. Over the sink works fine, too. 🙂
Other things I’ve been trying:
Post-workout I scrub my face clean. Action Wipes recently sent me a pack of their product that I’ve been using on my face, as well as other extremities that get dirty [crossfit] or stinky [roller derby]. This keeps my face, etc, clean and refreshed for my 20-40 minute drive home, depending on which workout I had that night. The wipes smell like eucalyptus – so good! I’m hoping that adding this to my routine will keep my “helmet line” from breaking out.
Smack also gave me a sample bottle of Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery oil. I’ve been using it for the past week and still have quite a bit left. You don’t need much. The fact that it’s an oil allows it to rub easily over your whole face with just 3 drops.
Last adjustment I’ve made? WAY LESS PICKING. Miracles happen, folks.
If you are interested in my skin care journey:
Post One: skin care and pizza faces
Post Three: coming soon 🙂
That's awesome! Glad things are starting to work. I want to try those action wipes. Because you and everyone knows how sweaty I am after a practice. I also have to remember not to pick. I'm so bad with that.
Also, tip from my dermatologist, don't scrub your skin too harshly. It actually can make your acne worse.
haha! the wipes are awesome and smell really good. yes! i've heard about scrubbing too hard. luckily the olay brush is really soft. i'll be more careful. 😉 [i also edited the blurb about scrubbing hard after your comment – just to clarify!]
I always had nearly perfect skin until I was 25 years old. TWENTY-FIVE years old! I always took my clear skin for granted up until that point. Why it had to strike me then and not during my teenage years, I'll never know…I'm 27 now, and I'm always looking for tips. I try to eat clean, drink lots of water, I use Olay products, and I've been doing a raw honey mask a few days a week which really helps! I'm glad you've been finding things that work, too. Hands off is also a good idea, and wiping your face down after a work out.
i'm in the same boat!! i had a few zits in high school, but nothing this bad ever. and it only hit into my later 20s. GRR.while i'm not *totally* hands off, i've gotten way better about it. 🙂 and yes! lots of water! daniel noticed that when i did shakeology dieting my face also cleared up. i forget that the food you put in is a direct influence. glad you mentioned that!
That's great that your routine is helping! I have rosacea really bad and I searched and searched and finally switched to Origins. It's the only thing that keeps it at bay. If I get away from it, the whole left side of my face and my nose look like they are perpetually sunburned and its SO embarrassing. They have a really good mask, too, called Out of Trouble. I use that if I have a breakout with the rosacea…that mess is double trouble. Ha. Anyway, I'm glad you are getting yours straightened out too!
It could be hormonal breakouts. Every seven or so years your hormones change. I struggled for years to find the right combination, using anything and everything. I finally broke down and saw a dermatologist. I went nearly six years without a breakout. A personal favorite cleanser of mine is Philosophy's Purity. It is a clean, gentle cleanser that I've used for ages. I use it night and day. Nordstrom sells it in a liter with a pump for $40 during Anniversary Sale. It sounds like a lot of money, but it lasts me for an entire year. You can go there and ask for a sample to take home to see if you like it. You can even use it with your scrub brush. Also, make sure you're moisturizing your skin day and night. I have many friends in the beauty industry that always yell at me to use a night cream and eye cream. Use a day moisturizer with a SPF in it, and then one at night. Khiel's is a great brand to use because most of their items are natural. Midnight Recovery oil, and most oils, are great for skin, even if you have oily zones. Okay, I'm done with my regurgitation of product knowledge
Your face looks great daaahling! ^_^ Seriously though, it really looks healthy and even toned. I've been dealing with hormonal breakouts as of late and they're super annoying. Wasn't acne supposed to go away after high school? 😉
xoxo Mandy
Mandy Leigh Blog