What Exactly is Healthy Skin?

What Exactly is Healthy Skin?
I’m sure you have heard the expression, healthy skin comes from within. But what does that mean exactly? We know that diet, sleep, and exercise are important to keeping our skin happy, but our skin is also incredibly unique and certain products that work for some, don’t necessarily work for others and that is ok! If something doesn’t work, keep trying other products till you find what works for you and YOUR skin! I’m sharing a few products that I love that are great for skin that I hope are great for yours as well!

What exactly is healthy skin? That’s the ultimate question. A few years back I was SO excited to try some of Tatcha’s skincare products. They were a newer name in skincare and I quickly jumped on board the band wagon. I eagerly bought a slew of products. After a few weeks, instead of my skin looking fresh and flawless, I was struggling with redness and breakouts. I took it personally that their skincare line didn’t work for me and instead of looking at skincare as something that constantly changes and evolves, I got frustrated at the products themselves. It wasn’t till I started using a combination of SkinMedica and Sunday Riley that I realized I was looking at skincare the wrong way.

So how did I find what worked for my skin?

I was introduced to SkinMedica at my local med spa and the thing I love most about it is that it’s real, sophisticated products. Their skincare is designed to heal, restore, and do the real work that a lot of other companies say, but don’t deliver on. There aren’t many perfume based products and they are designed with the medical factor that you want in your skincare as you age.

I use a range of products including their Dermal Repair Cream, AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, and their Age Defense Retinol Cream. If you’re new to retinols, start with a lower level because it will take your skin time to build up a higher tolerance. Retinol creams can sting and you don’t want to make your skin angry! I usually buy my skincare products through the Dermstore because they have a great rewards system. Also, if you sign up for their emails, they will occasionally have sales for the products you want! I wait till I see a SkinMedica email come through and then buy my products at that time.

Let’s talk about the other brand that I’m using.

The other skincare product that is worth the hype is Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid. Lactic acid is an exfoliant that leaves your skin smooth and even looking. I apply it 5 days a week after washing my face and before I apply my face cream. If you have sensitive skin, it does tingle. It’s suggested to apply it as a mask, washing it off after about 15 minutes. You’ll see results after only a few uses. It does have a lemony smell, but I don’t mind it and love the texture of my skin after I use it. The Lactic Acid can also be purchased through the Dermstore and Sunday Riley also has some other great products like the Luna Sleeping Oil or the box duo of Good Genes and Luna Oil if you’re wanting to dip your toes in their product line!

What exactly is healthy skin? Well, that’s ultimately up to you. Listen to your body and remember to take care of yourself, you are worth it!

-xo

Darcy

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The BEST Instant Tanner for Summer

What is the best instant tanner for summer? I have been using Bondi Sands for years now and it is hands down the best instant tanner around! No need for a salon or a expensive spray. It’s made by Australians (beach people know a good tan) and I love how much color I get by using it. I use the foam version and squirt some on the mit for application (I use the light/medium, but I’m including the darker tone as well). It goes on smooth and most importantly it’s a natural tan! NO ORANGE glow. It also smells great and the coloring lasts 4-5 days before I reapply. I’m also including the back sponge for those of you that don’t have an extra set of hands to get those tough to reach areas. You will seriously have an amazing summer glow after you use it. I’m also not doing this as an ad, it’s just that good.

Give me your feedback or thoughts on the best instant tanner for summer 2020!

-xo

Darcy

This post contains affiliated links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). Thank you for supporting me this way and helping me generate future content that I hope you’ll enjoy!

Skin Care & SkinMedica Must Haves

Skin Care & SkinMedica Must Haves

I have been using SkinMedica® for years now. I have pretty average skin for a late twenty-something, but Colorado can be extra tough on skin because it is such an arid climate. It’s SO hard to get hydration and lock it in, but SkinMedica has been a game changer for me.

I was introduced to it after a HydraFacial at my local med-spa. Despite the high price tag, I keep coming back to their product line year after year. They do carry a basic Facial Cleanser starting at $38.00 through Dermstore. Garnier’s Micellar is also a great substitute without the price tag and can be found at most drug stores and supermarkets. I also have found that Dermstore has a great free reward points system and you can often get a free bonus gift when you make a purchase. Every once in awhile, I will get an email from Dermstore offering a SkinMedica gift if I make a SkinMedica purchase. These gifts are often worth a significant amount in products and can last you a good amount of time if you ration how much you use. Be diligent and you can get score some deals that justify the cost!

When I wake up in the morning, I immediately start by washing my face. It really starts my day off on the right note and I’m a firm believer that every woman (and man) should have a consistent skin care routine. I use SkinMedica’s Sensitive Skin Cleanser in the morning with my Sephora Cleansing Pad. This $7.00 pad works so much better than a traditional washcloth and is a fraction of the cost of a Foreo Luna or a high end facial cleanser. The cleanser is not super sudsy, but it does a solid job of washing off any grime and helps to prevent breakouts. After a good scrub, I follow with a spritz and a pat of Murad’s Hydrating Toner and SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair Cream. In the evening I complete the same process again and finish off with SkinMedica’s retinol cream on my forehead and around my eyes (fight those crow’s feet)!

It’s no secret that I’m pretty obsessed with having good skin and I’m constantly trying out new products. I’m linking a few other products that I’m currently using. Eminence is an organic skincare line that has packs their products with fruits and other natural ingredients. All of their lotions and serums smell SO good and I am a huge fan of their Strawberry Rhubarb Exfoliating Scrub. It leaves your skin clean and baby soft. I also use Sanitas and love that are cruelty and paraben-free. For any Colorado girls, they are manufactured in Boulder, CO. Support local business when and where you can! Their Pumpkin Enzyme Mask smells amazing and I use it as a weekly facial refresher.

I also hate clutter, especially in my bathroom. I found a cute faux marble storage holder for next to my sink from iDesign at Bed Bath & Beyond. It Retails for $17.99 and holds a surprisingly large amount of things.

A little self care goes a long ways, so don’t be afraid to treat yourself. At the end of the day, you deserve it!

-xo

Darcy