Strangers touch my face: My tips on skin care

I was at church, coordinating a wedding, and one of the wedding guests walked up to me while I was instructing the ushers.

"Your skin is so pretty," she said as she reached out to stroke my cheek. "And it IS as smooth as it looks."

I was raised to always be as polite as possible. So, I smiled and thanked her, giving credit to my long history of using Mary Kay products, while backing away slightly.

I'd like to say that was the only time a stranger has caressed my cheek while asking about my skin care routine, but it wasn't. It happens every year or so.

So, how did I get nice skin?

When I was about 11, my mom wanted to make sure I knew how to take care of my skin and knew how to combat acne. So, a friend of the family who was a Mary Kay consultant offered us a skin care class.

We learned the keys to skin care success

1. Cleansing

2. Exfoliating

3. Moisturizing

4. Sun Protection

A couple of years after I got out of college, I was looking for a way to reduce my Mary Kay spending. I found that Neutrogena offered similar products, so I exchanged a few of the items for Neutrogena.

I also came across some articles about effective treatments of acne. For acne control, there are two effective agents. Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. Most products are one or the other, not usually both.

Here is my routine:

Disclaimer: My skin is not overly sensitive, except around my eyes. I also would classify my skin as normal to oily. If your skin is sensitive, reach out!

Morning (In order of use)

Cleansing and Exfoliating

In the shower

* Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

* Two to three times a week, I use Mary Kay Microdermabrasion to exfoliate.

Before I put on my makeup

* Mary Kay Clear Proof Blemish Control Toner (salicylic acid)

* On days when I exfoliate, I use the Mary Kay Pore Refiner, which is the second step of the Microdermabrasion set

* Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel (benzoyl peroxide)

Moisturizing

* No. 7 Youthful Eye Serum around my eyes to help with crow's feet

* Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer with SPF

* After the Neutrogena has had time to set in, I use Mary Kay Oil-Free Hydrating Gel to give my skin an extra boost of hydration

Evening

Now, for as complicated as my morning routine seems to be, my evening routine makes up for it.

Before bed, I use the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.

Normally, it is a one step system. But if I feel a breakout coming on, I use Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel.

All Day

Drink Water! Days I don't hydrate, my skin shows it.

Of course, everyone's skin is different and products react differently for everyone. My system has been refined over the years and this is the combination that works best for me. But I know that the basics work. Cleanse in the morning and at night. Exfoliate to remove dead skin which will reduce blackheads that lead to full blown pimples. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. And protect yourself from the sun.

#skincare #neutrogena #marykay