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/ July 15, 2019

My new skin care routine

This winter I turned 40. 40!  I remember when that age used to seem so old to me, and yet here I am, 40 and loving it.

And while not much has changed since I turned 40 (besides the fact that I can’t seem to remember anything), I’m definitely a little more conscious these days about the way I take care of myself, especially my skin.  I’ve noticed that I have to put in a little more time and effort to keep my skin looking good!  It’s not quite as easy as it once was ;).  So I’ve put together a new skincare routine that not only works but is also one that I can feel good about.  One that is safe, clean, and can be done right in my own home.

I know there is a world of options out there filled with treatments, creams, and procedures (like Botox and fillers) that can keep all of us looking like were 20.  And while I don’t have ANYTHING against those options, they just don’t feel quite right for me (at least not for today).  For now, I’m focusing my time and effort on simple, affordable, and clean skincare that I can do right in my own home. 

So today I’m giving you all a little peek inside my bathroom vanity (don’t laugh at my 1980s dynasty bathroom decor ;)) sharing my favorite tools, techniques, and products that I’m using to help keep my skin healthy and glowing.

Demaplaning

Dermaplaning is something I was introduced to about a year ago and I have to admit, I was very skeptical at first. Dermaplaning is sometimes referred to as “shaving your face” (I know, it sounds crazy, right?), but really it’s just a very deep exfoliation.  You are essentially using a special razor, and working in very light and gentle strokes, to remove a layer of dead skin. 

There are so many great benefits to dermaplaning.  First and foremost, it’s an incredible exfoliation for your skin, which leaves you luminous and glowing.  It also helps all of your skin care products (like oils or creams) absorb into the skin more efficiently.  

Dermaplaning may not be great for everyone, but I have personally been doing it at home for over a year and have seen great results.  These are the razors that I use. You can find them right on Amazon. They’re inexpensive and work great. 

 

 

 

 

 

You want to be very careful when dermaplaning at home. Working with a clean dry face, go over the area only ONCE, and working in slow, gentle strokes move down and in (I start along my jawline by my ear and work towards the center of my face working my way up). You only want to dermaplane once every two weeks or so. And you only want to use a razor once before replacing it. 

Gua Sha Facial Massage

I’m sure many of you have read or head about Gau Sha facials and jade rollers, which seem to be all the rage these days.  But I have to tell you, there’s a reason why.  My Gua Sha tool and jade roller are probably my two favorite beauty products.  They are so fun and easy to use and feel so good on my skin.

Gua Sha massages and jade rolling are similar in many ways (sort of like cousins to one another), but I find that I reach for each of them for different purposes.  Both are essentially massaging the face.  They both help relieve muscle tension, boost circulation and help with lymphatic drainage. 

Gua Sha I find is more of a face “contouring” (think sculpting your face) while I find that jade rolling is more effective at relieving puffiness in the skin.  But both are great, simple ways to help create a healthy glow.

I use a rose quartz gua sha tool from Herbivore that I really love. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a quick video that explains how to give yourself a gua sha facial massage.  I like to do this every evening after I cleanse my skin and apply my oil (this is the current facial oil that I am LOVING).  I move in gentle, slow strokes (with the tool at an angle – you don’t want to use the “edge”) starting at my chin and working out toward my ear.  Pulling the skin gently and giving a little “jiggle” at the end.  I work my way up my cheekbone and then finish with my forehead.  The whole process takes no more than a few minutes and I can immediately see the circulation and texture improve in my skin.  

Jade Rolling

Jade rolling is similar to a Gua Sha facial massage, but I find that it works better to help relieve puffiness.  I use it in the morning after I’ve washed my skin and applied my facial oil.  It really helps decrease swelling and puffiness around my eyes and around my cheekbone.  Plus it just feels great.  

Jade is a naturally cool stone, but some people go the extra step to keep their jade roller in the fridge.  Honestly, that just seems like too much work for me to walk to the kitchen every time I wash my face – but I’m sure the extra cooling effect feels great.  Either way (room temperature or out of the fridge) you will get a great cooling effect that helps decrease fine lines and reduce any and all puffiness.  This is the jade roller I use from Skin Gym, but there are so many great ones out there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbivore CBD oil

Ok, so this probably won’t come as a surprise to any of you that I’ve included a CBD oil in here.  Some of you may have read my post a while back where I shared my experience using CBD oil.  Well, I’m just as happy to share that I am equally loving CBD oil on my SKIN! 

This Emerald CBD Moisture Glow Oil from Herbivore is by far my new favorite skin care oil.   It is incredible at reducing redness and irritation (something that I naturally struggle with).  My skin is very sensitive and gets red very easily.  I find that this oil helps calm and reduce any redness or irritation I have and it’s an incredible moisturizer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goldfaden MD, Vital Boost Moisturizer

This is the new moisturizer I started using at the beginning of the summer and I am noticing such a change.  I purchased it on a whim on a recent trip to New York and just ordered a second bottle I am loving it so much.  It’s made for mature skin to help with deep hydration and to create a supple luminous glow.  I’ve noticed that it’s evened out the texture of my skin and helped to create a dewy glowy look.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think having healthy and glowing skin is something that we’re all constantly working on.  No matter what, our skin ages.  It’s going to change and mature over time.  And for the most part, I embrace the idea of aging gracefully and looking my age.  I don’t want to look 20 when I’m 40.  I’m pretty ok with looking 40.  But no matter what age I am (or look) I still want my skin to look and feel healthy and radiant.

What about YOU?!  What skin care products or tools are you using to keep your skin glowing?  Share with us!  We’d all love to know!

For more about my skincare routine, you can read my post on some of my favorite clean beauty products.  

XO,

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