How to glow without make up

Skin care! 

**Note that this will be different for everyone.

Everyone usually deals with it at some point, unless you are one of those crazy people who have gone through puberty with no acne AND glowing skin then I hate you… (I actually worship you). But any hoo, no matter what, isn’t it annoying how society has molded us to learn to be ashamed of our blemishes? This should never affect how you see yourself because your soul and personality are what truly counts. But the daunting stigma has drawn most people, including me, into crazy skin care regimes that may work for clear skin but will probably be harming it in the long run.

Now you have may have heard of the latest trends with Korean skin care and once you see the products it’s impossible to not obsess unless you have crazy self control then I hate you as well… (I actually worship you as well). Having lived in Korea for months, and in Asia for almost a year, it is hard to ignore what looks to work so well. Their perfect routine is a 10 step process! So clearly not everyone wants to spend that much money, month to month, or has that much time so here is what I usually do…

NOTE: My skin is a mix of dry and oily and I have a very fair color with sensitive skin. In the future, I will be sure to do more research to include other races and skin types as well.

Medicinally – If you suffer from cystic acne you may be feeling that you want to wipe it out completely and as fast as possible. You are beautiful, no matter the state of your skin, but I do understand some people just want their skin to be clear and to not have to worry about it. I was one of those people.

There are medications that I’m sure a lot of readers are already familiar with but I’d like to throw a few of them that I have tried out here now along with potential side affects… If you consider these then please consult your doctor to find out if you would be a good candidate for them first.

Solodyne: Cures light pimples across the face using an antibiotic, usually used in 2 months increments.

It is a short prescribed medication as when you get older the more you used antibiotics as a kid the less they work as a adult.

– I used this for a short period but it became apparent that I was going to need a more aggressive treatment if medicine was going to be an answer.

Accutane: Cures Cystic and severe acne.

– I used this medication and it cleared all acne I had but it came at a very great risk (and with some impressive side effects) and now looking into this drug I can see that it has been discontinued in the U.S. although the generic label is still available in some pharmacies. Honestly, seeing all the side affects I experienced combined with the risks lined up next to them I would not take this again nor would I recommend jumping into it for anyone else reading this.

– It increases liver failure, heart disease, rashes, nose bleeds, severe depression, personality changes (mood swings), suicidal tendancies, birth deformities abound if you get pregnant while using it among many other things. Scary, right?

** REMEMBER I am definitely not a doctor, (Although a 16 year old dermatologist would be cool in the bio), I do not have half enough information to give to you beautiful people medically as these are the only two prescription acne meds I have come in contact with so enough said about medicine. 

Here is my SAFE skin routine that helps nourish and produce a glow you can be proud to wake up to.

Even if you do not wear makeup during the day I would always use a makeup wipe first to cleanse any extra dirt before washing.

My preferred makeup wipe is: Green Barley Multi Cleansing Tissue from INNISFREE.

From there on I like to stick to the same brand INNISFREE, all of the products they produce are all natural from Jeju Island in South Korea. These gems can usually be bought online.

 I like cleansing foams as they tend to be gentle on the skin (at least for me).

Not everyone needs toner every single night but it helps to get dirt out, by tightening pores, as well and keep moisture in. 

After all of the above, apply any spot treatments and under eye cream of your choosing. 

I love Tony Moly eye brightening serum and acne stickers (some of you may already know these) but I am in LOVE with these stickers because it visibly reduces pimples overnight and is basically magic… Gosh, I feel like such an infomercial.

So if you are someone who tends to sweat (Like me) throughout the day then keeping a cloth or a baby wipe on you will be crucial just to pat the dampness away since it can clog and enlarge your pores with blackheads… Keep in mind that constant washing will most likely anger your skin.

Hydration. We have ALL heard “drink more water” from our peers and parents throughout our lives. It’s cute and all until you have to go to the bathroom every 5.4 seconds. Reality is that it is vital for health and the glowing skin some people strive for. It also boosts your thought and creativity process so it has added benefits. The amount of water we should drink in a day is around 8 glasses of 8 ounces each. There is another guideline that says half your body weight in ounces. In either case, it is a little struggle to remember to take the time to hydrate so something to set a goal for from yours truly.

What you eat will 100% affect your face.

I’m DEFINITELY not saying cut out all “cheat foods.” I am probably one of the biggest fans of fast food and specifically fries and chicken nuggets (yes, I still enjoy happy meals)… My dermatologist believes citric acid foods contribute to acne far greater then grease, sugar, and salt… It is not a bad idea to keep all of these to a minimum. I always have to remind myself to put my health first before pleasure. It helps in the long run and I love the positive outcome… whether the choice be salads or almonds for “in between” snacks or classic avocado toast with lime (my favorite morning food). It doesn’t just affect your skin but also your mood and strength throughout the day as well.

Working out (note): You do not have to want a ripped body or any materialistic thing along those lines. I don’t workout to look fit. Instead, I work out for these reasons and enjoy these benefits… Getting you heart rate up as you do in a workout releases the chemical endorphins into your brain which helps you stay positive throughout the day. Positivity keeps you motivated. If you suffer from any sort of depression or anxiety it can help with that as well. Sweating can also help release toxins from the skin (but keep that cloth or wipe handy).

Lots of people don’t have time to do hours of cardio, which is totally normal, but even 20 minutes can give you a boost on your lifestyle and keep you active.

This is all I have for now but I will continue to do research on other skin types along with new products that either I discover or maybe that you recommend… Just remember that in the end you look most beautiful just being you. 

Let me know if you want to hear about anything specific!