Invisible Pores Detox Mask | Overnight Recovery Balm | Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil | Ultra Comfort Rescue Mask
I’ve had a love/hate relationship with my skin since I was in middle school.
During my teens year & throughout college I had terrible cystic acne. I had it all over my face, jaw line & back (cute right?). I went to the dermatologist on a regular basis & used every cream and lotion prescribed, but nothing worked. I had to get injections to ease the swelling & had laser treatments to get rid of the scars. Nothing was working so my doctor suggested I start Accutane. I tried it for a month or so in college & had to get off immediately. The medication made me completely depressed & lethargic. It also didn’t help that I was living a typical “college” lifestyle- staying up late, drinking my face off & eating Dominoes at 2 am! I continued to try every product under the sun to clear my skin up, but nothing lasted- my acne always came back.
It wasn’t until my 20’s that I decided to give Accutane another try.
I was asked to be the maid of honor in my friend’s wedding, going through a horrible break-up & just decided I needed to get this acne under control once and for all. I made sure I was living a healthy-ish lifestyle so that the medication wouldn’t effect me so much this time around. I really try to avoid taking medication at all costs but this was my last resort. It worked wonders, my skin cleared up & I barely get breakouts any more.
Now, I am very aware of what goes on my skin & am very diligent about my skin care routine. I wash my face morning & night. I don’t care how tired I am, I never go to bed with make-up on. And I’m a product whore, so I have about 3 drawers full on toners, moisturizers, masks, sheet mask, oils & serums. I have narrowed down my routine to a few key products.
SOS Hydra Mask | Cleansing Milk | Extra Firming Mask
I am trying to stay away from products with tons of chemicals in it. I was hooked on Clarins for a while, but only really use their masks now every once in a while. My new obsession is Ren Clean Skincare. All the products from this company are free from any harsh chemicals, no toxins & feature only bio-actives that are healthy from your skin. The company is also part of an initiative to only use 100% recyclable packaging.
My favorite products from Ren Clean Skincare are Overnight Recovery Balm, Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil & the Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask. I have combination skin so these products work well with my dry cheeks and oily T-Zone. I use a mask at least twice a week- I try to do a deep cleaning mask & a hydrating mask (in the colder months I will use the hydrating mask a few times a week). Then I will always use a toner, anti-aging serum, eye cream & moisturizer.
That being said- I just visited the cutest all organic skincare and makeup store in Old Lyme, CT this weekend- Greenhouse Beauty. The owner, Rachel is super knowledgeable about the green beauty world. She completely enforced the thought of only using all-natural, organic products. She gave myself & my three girlfriends beauty consultations & facials. I can’t believe how dewy & clean my skin looked after Rachel was done. Of course I bought a ton of products & can’t wait to try them on a regular basis. I will write a separate post about Rachel & her amazing store and give you updates on how I’m liking the products!
