My Best Skin Ever
By Alina Avery
I’ve made a few lifestyle changes over the past couple of weeks and I’ve had unexpected results.
I made the decision at the end of December to get in shape. I set some goals and figured out a way to achieve them the old fashioned way: exercise and nutrition.
What I didn’t expect was that it would have a profound effect on my skin. Seriously, my face has never been so even or clear and I think it’s a direct result of my healthier lifestyle. Here’s a little look at what I’ve been doing.
- Exercise. I’m not a dermatologist or a trainer or anything like that, but I try to hit the gym five times a week and sweat. I think the combination of sweating clearing out my pores (that may or may not be a real thing or just something I made up) and the strong desire to wash my face after has really helped clear up any breakouts. Because I get so gross, I do a more conscious, focused job of washing my face.
- Water. I drink so much more water. I was hovering around 1 liter a day previously, but now I’m talking like 3+ liters a day. I have a 500ml bkr that I keep at my desk and fill up regularly and a 250ml bkr that I keep in my bag for on the go. The smaller size is lighter and more portable and, let’s just be honest, adorable.
- Skincare. Like I mentioned before, I pay more attention to washing my face now and follow that up with a really consistent skin care routine. Honestly, I think sticking to a routine is more important than the products you use, but here are the things I’ve been loving lately.
In the morning, post-workout, I’ll cleanse with my Clarisonic Aria, which I think is now discontinued and replaced with the Mia3. I prefer to use this once a day and in the morning when I’m not wearing any makeup. It bugs me when the brush head gets all foundation-y and I feel like using it on a face full of makeup just moves things around instead of really cleaning, so I use it in the AM. I generally just reach for whatever cleanser is closest to use with it, my beloved Kiehl’s UFC or some other sample I have floating around. I’ll finish up with an application of the Sunday Riley Start Over Active Eye Gel Cream because it’s cooling and firming for delicate undereye skin, and the ruby crystal retinol hydracreme from dr. brandt (make sure you use a sunscreen with this and any other retinol product)! Then I fill up my bkr and I’m good to go!
At night, I’ll remove my makeup with a wipe. I know these aren’t supposed to be used daily or in place of cleanser, but lately I’ve found that cleansing more than once a day leaves my skin stripped, so I prefer to just use a wipe before bed. These are from Honest Beauty, but I’m not particular and generally just use what I happen to have on hand. I’ll follow that with the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair which has a cult following for a reason. I feel like it really works for me to even texture and tone and it sinks into skin nicely. I’ll also apply the fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream which is refreshing and cooling and a gorgeous thick texture. I find applying this eye cream is more relaxing and the Sunday Riley one is more energizing, which is how I choose which one to use for mornings and which one to apply in the evening.
I’m also eating more greens and veggies which probably means I’m getting more vitamins and minerals and everything, which can’t be hurting my skin! I’m really pleased with my skin care routine and the results I’m seeing currently, which is great motivation to stick with it!
How do you care for your skin? Does exercise help your complexion stay clear?
