Sensitive Skin Care Routine: How I've Started to Transform My Skin

I've mentioned time and time again that I have extremely sensitive skin and it more or less hates anything that it comes in contact with and isn't afraid to show it. I struggled with acne through high school and was under the hopeful assumption that it would soon cease as I got older and out of my teenage years.


No such luck. I hit 20... then 21... then 22... 23... 24... and finally, at the age of 25 (yikes!) I have found a regime that is working stupendously! I recently found sad old photos of my skin, and started doing comparisons. A'natural... bare naked skin. A lady's worst nightmare!

I am amazed by the changes already.. and I think I am finally past the "trial and error" skin care phase! As a background into my skin type, I have very sensitive acne prone skin that gets oily in my t-zone areas, but will also get extremely dry and flaky with the use of harsh skin care products. Quite the lovely package, right?? Here's how I made my change so far:

1. Clarisonic Mia 1

I bought my Clarisonic Mia 1 at the end of July when it was listed as a promo on QVC. Seriously, where have you been all of my life, you little skin goddess, you?! I will say that I have been wanting to try one forever, but the price tag made me think it was too good to be true. It's totally worth the cost people! This is by far and hands down the most effective tool I've used at removing the daily dirt, grime, and makeup. I love that it is rechargeable and waterproof, so I like to use this baby during my nightly showers. NOTE: I previously used the cheaper Olay alternative and then I spoke with a Clarisonic rep. What's different/so great about the Clarisonic is the bristles move slightly back and forth in small, miniscule rotations and you need to barely touch this to your skin for it to work effectively. The cheaper alternatives spin all the way around the brush head in a circular motion, tearing at your skin! While you may notice it helps at first, it'll also give you a giant push into premature wrinkles. No thank you! I'll stick with my bestie, Mia.

2. Dermalogica mediBac Clearing Skin Wash

I started using Dermalogica products after I received a gift card to my local spa from a close friend. I got quite a few Dermalogica products in hopes of them helping my skin. I tried their spot treatment, medicated concealer, and overnight repairing lotion. They were all... ehhh... okay. I didn't see much change with those. This Clearing Skin Wash however was exactly what I needed! I was noticing my skin was so much cleaner and healthier, and it wasn't getting dried out from the wash being too harsh! I ran out of this stuff at one point and used a Neutrogena Grapefruit exfoliating wash I had on hand instead. Needless to say my skin instantly broke out overnight and I was soon running back to get another bottle of this. Also, since a little goes a long way this stuff lasts FOREVER!

3. First Botany Dead Sea Mud Mask

Hallelujah! Hear the choir singing down from Heaven! This mud mask is the best facial mask I have ever used... and I've used a lot! Cucumber facial peels, Charcoal masks, No.7 Boots Botanics Clay Mask, Herbalife Masks, Botanicals Clay Conditioning Mask... you get the picture. I am never going back! I received this product in exchange for a review, so I wasn't expecting too much delight. I was so happy with the outcome from using this on my first time alone! My skin has started to get horribly flaky from the cold winter air. As soon as I used this, let it set, and washed it off, all of my dryness was gone! I have started using this once a week on Sunday nights, and have even been contemplating using it on Thursday's also. It's totally worth it. This is a new favorite for sure.

4. T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel

After I rinse off my facial mask, I squirt some Witch Hazel on a cotton ball and use it as a toner, making sure to wipe over my entire face to get any remaining little dirty particles that may have latched their way onto my skin. The witch hazel is alcohol free, so I don't get the skin tightening and dryness that I have experienced with other toners in the past. This is very gentle, dries quickly, and makes sure my skin is extra clean from my long days.

5. Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

Another product that I have mentioned time and time again on my blog is my holy grail Jojoba Oil! I bought this oil at my local Vitamin Shoppe, but I have also seen it available online. You may think it's rather pricey, but I have had this for almost 6 months and am only a third through the bottle! A little goes a long way! I add this to a cotton ball to remove my remaining eye makeup, and also use it with a cotton ball as a moisturizer after I finish toning my skin. This product soaks up fast and leaves my skin feeling extra soft! Remember I said I have very oily skin?! I was afraid to use oil for obvious reasons, but this has helped so much! And now my skin is starting to produce even less oils on it's own!

6. 40oz. Pinkadelic Hydroflask

You're never going to get me to stop talking about this thing. From helping to make me an early riser, to my gallon water challenge, this has got to be one of the best purchases I have made this year. When I drink and finish my gallon of water a day, my skin is much brighter and clearer the next day. If I miss a day or have a day where I barely hydrate, my skin is dull, lifeless, and on the verge of an intense breakout. You have to treat your body inside with how you want it to look on the outside. Your skin is thirsty, so make sure you keep it hydrated!

Bonus! Alina Skin Care Vitamin C Serum



I got this product for free from the company to test and review. Since this product takes at least 30 days to notice a substantial difference, I can't say much about how big of a role this is playing into my current skin care routine. I will say this much... it is an anti-aging serum that hasn't hindered my skin in any way and I have added it into my routine as my final step of the night. I apply this to my finger tips and rub it on my neck, as we all know us lovely ladies will one day end up with that gorgeous rooster-gobble-neck we all dread at time takes its toll. So while yes, I am only 25, I have started my anti-aging routine. Preventative Maintenance > Corrective Maintenance. Start early, ladies. Your 60 year old self will thank you.

As a few final notes before I leave you, as I am sure many of you already know.

• Clean your makeup brushes weekly on the minimum
• Wash your pillow cases every other day if you can, and switch sides nightly. It's harboring so much bacteria!
• Keep your hands off your face. No picking, touchy, leaning on your hands.... Don't do it!
• Use your speaker phone! Think of how much dirt, old makeup, and germs is on that thing, and now you're putting it all back on your face.
• And finally, not all regimes are created equal. What works for one may or may not work for others. This is just what I have found helps my skin, and I have a top-tier sensitivity issue!

Lets take a final look at the progress we have made so far...

March 2014

December 2015

We still have a ways to go for just starting, but I am thrilled with where we are so far. I'd love to hear what your notes and products are that you have found help you!