Skincare

As one who is struggling with a year-long acne battle, I thought I'd share my skincare routine. It's different for everyone, but honestly, it's not just about what goes on my skin but what goes in my body.

The first part of my skincare routine is taking one chaste tree capsule first thing in the morning, followed by a cup of echinacea tea. This combination is known to help balance hormones in women, and I firmly believe hormone imbalance is the cause of my acne. So far, it's been almost a month since I started the chaste tree and echinacea, and in the last two weeks, I have had no new breakouts. I just have some stubborn blackheads and blemishes leftover from a previous breakout, but they are decreasing. This is a FIRST.

The second part is cleansing. I wash my face with cold water and a few drops of Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap. I like peppermint for it's fresh scent and tingly feel in the morning. My medication makes me inordinately drowsy in the morning, so anything helps.

Next I pat on Home Health's Blemish Treatment Lotion. I'm not sure if it's helping my blemishes, but I know that the ingredients in this all-natural blend are good for the skin regardless. It's more of a water than a lotion. It acts as an astringent, and I like the fresh scent.

Then, I put on makeup. Not too heavy, of course. I no longer use foundation, at least I won't until my skin is totally clear. I put on mascara first. I dab Almay Smart Shade concealer on my acne scars and red blemishes, then sweep Physicians' Formula Organic Wear powder over my whole face. I follow with my homemade rouge (it's just arrowroot powder and beet root powder) and either lip balm or lipstick.

 (I'm currently using a shea butter lip balm by Out of Africa, and I ordered samples of Maia's Mineral Galaxy lipstick in Old Rose and Lusty Pink. Old Rose is a hit. Lusty Pink is also very pretty. I'm a tad disappointed in the rather expensive Tangee lipstick. That coral color is a bit bright for me and doesn't match with many of my outfits. I force myself to wear it occasionally just to get some use out of that $14.95.)

At night I wash my makeup off with just a washcloth and hot water. I moisturize with a light layer of coconut oil, using a towel to wipe off the excess. Then I spread three or four drops of lavender oil over my face, just because it helps me sleep.

I've tried various products and routines over this last year of terrible acne. Thus far, this routine is the only combination that is reducing the acne. I'm certain that the bulk of the action comes from the chaste tree and echinacea, plus decreasing the amount of sugar and processed foods I eat. I also have been using a lot more probiotics, in capsule form, kefir, and kombucha. I LOVE kombucha. Some people don't like the taste but I think it's refreshing. Rosé is my favorite flavor.

So there you have it. A year's worth of experiments distilled into a successful routine. Amen!