Review: Solutions to Acne, Wrinkles, and Other Skin Ailments

Hello everyone!  It's been a while.  Sorry I haven't been blogging lately.  I've been trying to stay healthy and fit by playing the Wii Fit with my boyfriend as well as spending less time on my laptop and eating less fast food and more fruits and veggies.  I'll have to make a post about foods for a skin another time but for now I figured I'd make a post about some of the products that my family and I have been using for skin problems. You know saggy skin, blackheads, whiteheads, and of course...ACNE!!!  If you or your loved ones have been plagued by any of these problems them here are some products that can help reduce these nightmares.

First I would like to talk about Clinique's Acne Solutions Starter System.

 It's a three step system containing a foam cleanser, toner (but they call it a clarifiying lotion), and a moisturizer. Step 1 is the cleanser which is very soothing and relieving since it contains acid that penetrates your pores and thoroughly removes dead skin, dirt, and oils. The clarifiying lotion is a toner that refreshens and balances the pH on your face after finishing Step 1.  Step 3 is the moisturizer which rehydrates and moisturizes your face to avoid dry skin.In about 2 weeks (results may vary) your skin will become clearer and smoother.

I acutally heard about this product from my mom when I was in my junior year of high school. From my experience with this product, it really got rid of the zits that I had been struggling with for years. The only problem I had with this system is that I had difficutly adjusting with the moisturizer since it can sting a bit when first applying it on.  Before my skin got use to this moisturizer I would use a different moisturizer to rehydrate my skin. Other than that, I would highly recommend this product to anyone who is having a difficult time trying to find a solution for clear and healthy skin.

I currently do not use it anymore because the severity of the acne that I had diminished.  I still do get zits here and there but I use a different system now.  For the new skin regime that I use please check out the Daily Skin Regime post in the sidebar.

The second product I'd like to introduce you all is Philosophy's When Hope is Not Enough Facial Firming Serum. 

For those of you who are worried about losing skin elaticity,  this product may the answer you are looking for.  It feels cool to the touch and it doesn't give off that uncomfortable tightening of the face like other facial serums.  Within a few days, your skin will feel firmer and smoother.  Fine lines and wrinkles will fade little by little each week.  My mom has been testing out wrinkle removal products for years and I have to say that this is her favorite products to use by far.

Last product I'm going to mention in this post is Clinique's Skin Supplies For Men 3-Step Skin Care System. Try saying that 5 times fast lol.

This system is designed for men who have trouble with their skin needs.  It cleanses, exfoliates, and moisturizes the skin and it has even been said to make shaving better for men.  My cousin acutally used this system a few years ago and he still uses it to this day.  It got rid of the blemishes and redness on his face and it helped to promote better shaves.  Just be sure that your loved one doesn't shave before using the kit. His skin will burn if he applies on the toner after he shaves. A lesson my cousin learned since that incident lol.  If your husband, boyfriend, relatives, or even guy friends are struggling to keep up with their skin needs, then I would recommend this skin care system to them.  It makes a great holiday gift and will be his face feeling soft and smooth. :)

My Daily Skin Regime

Hey everyone!  Ugh the weather sucks today.  It's in the 70's yet it's all cloudy and raining.  Not a good way to start the day. 

Currently on campus waiting for my next class but in the meantime I thought it'd be cool to write a blog about my skin regime.  Right now I've been trying to take care of my skin due to a date auction that is coming up next monday and I'm in the bid line (my skin has been breaking out due to stress from college).  Anyway I've been drinking at least 4-5 glasses a water a day (plus I take a bottle or two of water since I commute from home and I'm on campus most of the day), getting at least 8 hours of sleep, cutting down on food containing sodium (sorry ramen :*( ), and I've been tryinig to get some exercise into my daily routine.  Although water, food intake, and exercise are good for your health and body,  it's good to invest in a good facial cleanser and moisturizer.

For me,  I use Philosophy's Purity Made Simple one-step facial cleanser.

 It's a thick yet very creamy cleanser that washes the impurities off your face and leaves your skin irresistably soft and smooth. It doesn't leave any harsh residues, takes off the makeup off your face and thoroughly hydrates your skin. This product was on my Christmas list last year since I've heard nothing but great remarks on this cleanser and I finally got my hands on it!  ^-^ haha Anyways my skin has always been dry especially when it comes to the winter time but I've been using it for a month now and I can really feel the difference.  It contains no weird fragrance and it doesn't dry out your skin.  Purely refreshing. :)

Another key item in my skin regime is the Clarisonic Mia.

Even though it's the travel size version of the real Clarisonic brush,  I like using the mini one on my face.  I just apply a small amount of my cleanser onto the brush, add a bit of water, and I have the perfect mini spa facial treatment.  It even comes with three mini cleansers (for dry, oily, and sensitive skin) for you to try.  It's a great gift for the holidays and it comes in an assortment of colors to choose from.

I got the light blue one as an early birthday present last year and my sister got the purple one for Christmas.

Lastly, I use the Philosophy Hope in a Jar moisturizer to finish my daily skin regime.

This moisturizer is very creamy, absorbs quickly, and is full of antioxidants to reduce free racial damage.  It's for all skin types and gently exfoliates the skin to give it a rosy, glowing complexion.  This product was acutally on Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things 2010 (my mom watches the show and actually got me to try this product out).  I absolutely love this moisturizer and lasts for a couple of months (I actually need to get another jar asap haha).

Having a daily skin regime is a great way to keep your skin looking smooth, soft, and young.  A majority of us don't realize how important it is to take care of our skin because we take it for granted at times.   Remember you are never too young or too old to take care of your skin and the sooner you do the better.  Trust me, your skin will thank you for it. :)