My Skincare Routine

I really wanted to share some of my favorite products since I do get asked about my regime from time to time. But first I wanted to clarify my skin type and concerns, so you have somewhat of a reference. Winter in New York is rough and really left me dry. Currently, I have dry and sensitive skin. Generally, I am paranoid of products breaking me out and I am cautious of what I put on my face or body. I especially look for harmful ingredients such as parabens (including derivatives such as methylparabens, propylparabens, butylparabens, and ethylparabens), but I also look for beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamin C and retinoids (anti-aging). 

My current skincare routine:

I am in love with OSEA products lately, especially because it's organic certified and free of harmful synthetic ingredients. This non-toxic skincare line uses seaweed in most of the products, which is a good source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and essential fatty acids: elements that help restore depleted skin. What got me to start checking ingredients was when I first became pregnant. This is when switched out my deodorants and a lot of my skincare products. I think its so important to do your research and be an informative consumer.  Here is a complete list of some products I am using:

Cleansers: Ocean Cleansing Milk. I first wipe my entire face off with Simple cleansing wipes. However, to make sure I get all my make- up off, I love using cleansing milks! Cleansing milks are something I use to use a lot back in the day. It is commonly used in a lot of Indian facial regimes, and it's something I grew up seeing my mom use for years. This product has soothing ingredients such as organic algae and water lily, which leaves your skin so soft and cleansed. Currently, I am using this morning and night, it's that gentle! The best thing about cleansing milks are that you can use it as a make-up remover as well.

As a make-up remover: Pump some on a cotton pad and gently remove all of over your face and then eye area to remove make-up.

Moisturizer: Advanced Protection Cream.This ultra rich organic seaweed and botanical anti-aging moisturizer deeply hydrates and firms skin.  It also has grape seed, jojoba and avocado oils which aide in minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This stuff is such a luxury product, and I feel like my skin just drinks it up, without leaving a greasy residue.

Serum and Things:

Vitamin Sea Serum: I am in my early 30's, and at this point I think it's important to use serums. You need that extra boost of nourishment and hydration as you age. This anti-aging serum contains hyaluronic acid and a nourishing blend of organic seaweeds delivers lasting hydration. But my favorite ingredient is the fact that it contains turmeric, a natural antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory agent. Using this helped with any extra redness and I just felt like it just had an overall soothing effect.

Retinoids: I have a whole blog post on this. Definitely check it out!

Face Oils: Drunk Elephant luxury virgin marula facial oil is my current favorite. It is extremely nourishing and high in antioxidant. I love this for an extra boost of hydration, especially for those dry patches!

Vitamin C Probiotic Face Polish: It's important to exfoliate! Otherwise all your serums and creams are just chilling on a dead layer of skin. Exfoliating will help slough off all the dead skin cells and allow better absorption of products. I immediately noticed a brighter complexion with this exfoliant. It is the texture of the finely ground organic bamboo and rice powders is what I liked most, since I actually like to feel the product is doing something to my face. It also has pure Vitamin C (for anti-aging) and vegan probiotics (known to combat redness, acne, and eczema). If I had to chose one product from this line, this would be it!

Eye Cream: Kiehl's avocado eye cream. This one is an oldie but a goodie. This is probably the only eye cream that got rid of my dry patch at the corner of the eye. I have tried tons of eye cream but end up repurchasing this one. It also has some good ingredients such as avocado oil, shea butter, and beta-carotene (a natural antioxidant). 

Spot Treatment: I am using Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil 100% Pure. Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties and traditionally used for acne. It's inexpensive and does the job. Just dab a little on a Q-tip and apply to acne for spot treatment. It really just dries up all the pimples and I swear cleared in 2 days!

Masks: For clearing and detoxing I am using the yes to carrots clarifying detox mud mask. But I am obsessed with sheet masks! Loving the Tony Moly sheet masks for hydration and some extra pampering for skin.

Lastly, don't forget your SPF you guys. Dr. Jart+ every sun day SPF 30 is one that I am currently loving.Remember to reapply after a few hours because it does ware off. 

And I believe that is it my friends!