AMANDA HERSHMAN, RN -
Skincare has been a passion of mine since... forever. Nailing down the perfect skincare routine is not an easy feat.
Having sensitive skin mixed with a little bit of hormonal and adult acne has lead me to dabble with various skincare companies and types.
Finding the right routine for you takes time. This is what has worked for me and may work for you if you also have sensitive, acne-prone skin:
Morning Routine:
Face wash: washing your face should be your number one priority every morning (After ice rolling, of course). Using products with antioxidants and vitamins that will help your skin to feel and look smooth and glowing. My favorites are "Beauty counter- Counter control- exfoliating cleanser"- used twice a week or in PM to scrub off the day. "Cerave- AM face wash- Hydrating facial cleanser" - a hyaluronic acid cleanser for moisture and radiance, fragrance free, smooths skin
Toner: I have been a skeptic of toner since I first saw toner pads. I wasn't sure what the benefit was, I washed my face, I removed my makeup, do I really have to add another step before applying my other skincare/makeup? The answer is YES. Toner is SO vital to a better complexion. What toner does is it removes deep down dirt that even make up melters can't get. It sets a clean slate morning and night for your serums and creams. In addition it works to even out blemishes and dark spots. My favorites: "Save- Thayers rose petal"- has Witch Hazel and aloe vera for soothing and calming, adds moisture while getting off all left over impurities & "2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - Paula's Choice" - I have been using Paula's choice for about a month and have noticed a difference in my pigmentation. I alternate between the two.
Serums: At The Glow Bar we emphasize on the importance of vitamin therapy and 100% absorption. Most of your skincare products that we use have vitamins in them that to go on topical and sit on our skin. They can penetrate to an extent but it is important to know which serums are right for you and your skin care needs. Since the goal is to always glow we want to make sure our skin looks dewy not oily. It is a fine line with serums (no pun intended). I have been using Skinceuticals C E Ferlic Acid Serum for about 6 months. This step is crucial because it is the bottom of your skincare routine- everything else gets layered on top. You want to make sure you are using one that is going to work with your products not against them and these really work for you. C E Ferulic- best for normal to dry skin. This is the holy grail of skin care. It is worth every penny. The smell is a little different but it's worth the benefits. It is used in the AM only and composed of antioxidants, which help prevent sun damage, and my favorite vitamin C and vitamin E. It works best for normal to dry skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles If you have more oily prone skin, Phloretin CF Serum would work better for you. This serum helps to take out the oiliness and also composed of antioxidants and vitamin C. This serum helps prevent further damage. They are both incredible
Moisturizer: The third step in your skincare routine is equally as important as the others: Moisturizer!! It helps to secure your previous steps of serum into your skin while laying down the foundation for your foundation and make up. There are various ingredients that you look for in a good moisturizer. You want it to feel light and not greasy because that will allow your foundation, concealer, bronzer and everything else to go on more evenly. I have tried a wide range of creams in my day. There is also a difference between lotion and cream (who knew!) Cream is heavier, better for winter months when our skin is a little more dry, where as lotion is great for every month. My favorite, SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore- improves skin firmness and fine lines, minimizes pores, promotes radiance and protects skin barrier for a more even application of makeup
Eye Cream: I also am still working on finding the right eye lotion. An eye cream I put on at night (it is heavier but has more time to seep in) but haven't found one I love (stay tuned). BUT I ice roll my eyes every. Single. Morning. With our ice roller! I take it out of the freezer (I am very dedicated) and hold it on my eyes when they’re closed for about 5-10 seconds each and then under my eyes. I also roll my face as prep for the above. Currently, I am using Versed Vitamin C brightening eye gel. I have noticed somewhat of a difference but not enough to be in love.
Sunscreen: I cannot express enough how vital sunscreen is. Everyday - fall, winter, spring and summer. While we may love and worship the sun, it also ages us tremendously. I wish I could take tanning booth days back, but I unfortunately can't and cannot bask in the sun like I used to. The sun is SO damaging and already having freckles I have to work hard to keep my pigmentation under control. Sunscreen allows me to do that and a good sunscreen you won't even notice on. I have dabbled with Supergoop and EltaMD but nothing compares to the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. This sunscreen has a very light weight formula with a slight tint- a universal tint that also gives you an amazing a glow.
Nighttime Routine:
Nighttime skincare is possibly the most important time of day to apply skincare products. After a day of working (potentially working out), not drinking enough water, and running around it is time to take it off!
For my PM cleanser I use Beautycounter Counter Control and Dr. Barbara Sturm foaming face wash. I then tone with the above toners.
I, then, use the Triple Lipid Restore Cream again as a PM Moisturizer.
I finish with the ULTIMATE Glow Inducer, the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Treatment by SkinCeuticals. This product has changed my life. It combats fine lines and wrinkles, evens pigmentation, and plumps skin. In the morning, when I wake up, I cannot believe how glowy my skin looks every morning after using this product!
I also like to incorporate a sleeping mask or a heavier cream if my skin is extra thirsty. Summer Fridays Jet Lag sleeping cream is ahhhmazing. I also recommend the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Mask. I'll use either of these products after my skin has had a little too much fun in the sun or is feeling particularly dehydrated.