As an Indian-American, I have always been blessed with good skin. My sister, who is ten years older than me, doesn’t look a day over 28 so I have always had a false sense of confidence that this too will be my destiny. I look up to Liy for just about everything in life – she is GOALS – but I distinctly remember her splashing cold water on her face and calling it a day. I grew up with this notion that all I really needed was a bar of face soap and these Indian genes of mine would carry me through. WRONG.
Now that I am in my 30s, my skin has gone all sorts of haywire. I have dark patches, dryness, acne, sun spots – SUN SPOTS! Did you know Indian people could get sun spots? I promise you, it’s a thing. After a slight panic, I realized I probably needed to up my skincare game to try and undo some of this damage I caused in my carefree twenties. I knew I couldn’t go from 0 to 100 otherwise I would just AVOID and we would be having this same talk a year from now. Lauren, my bestie for the restie – made me realize I needed to step up my skincare game and held my hand through this unexpectedly overwhelming process!
I don’t know about y’all but finding and implementing a skincare routine was not light work so I wanted to share what I have been loving so far in case you too need a helping hand. I always got you.
Sidenote: I have SUPER SENSITIVE skin and all the products I mention have helped combat acne, evened out my skin tone, and given me that glow up without causing irritation and inflammation. A MIRACLE.
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SkinCeuticals Blemish & Age Defense: I remember when I went off the pill, my skin absolutely and totally rebelled. I told Dionysia, my friend and eyebrow tamer, that no amount of dietary changes or home remedies could fix the problem. Though it took her a minute to get over the fact that I was putting toothpaste on my face every night, she recommended I try this serum. I know it’s on the pricey side but I think SkinCeuticals found a way to bottle magic. Also – each bottle lasts about 6 months so it’s really not that bad when you think of price per drop! I use a few drops in the morning and in the evening and there has been a NOTICEABLE difference in my skin. Gone are the days of breakouts – hormonal or otherwise – and I am convinced it’s because I have added this serum to the lineup.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum 46: Did you know Indians need sunscreen? Another fact I have learned on this skincare journey – thanks Lauren. I really had no idea. The only time I use sunscreen is when we travel to tropical destinations because I find the sun is on another level when you lay out at the beach all day. BUT, turns out, UV rays are damaging and harmful to EVERYONE, wherever in the world you might be. Who knew?! I knew I needed to start using a sunscreen in my routine but every single one I tried was thick and tacky, difficult to blend, and caused me to break out. Enter EltaMD. Formulated for those of us with sensitive skin, it is lightweight, oil-free, and doesn’t leave any residue. It is not sticky and it can be used on a bare face or with full glam. I use it everyday and it’s a game changer.
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic: Just like we take vitamins for our body, our face also needs some TLC. Formulated to even and brighten skin tones, this serum is also magic in a bottle. And, has a price tag to match it. I have been using this for about 6 months and I have noticed that the dark spots on my face are slowly fading. I have to be 100: the scent of this one is NO JOKE. I have convinced myself that it’s because it is EXTRA EFFECTIVE and there was no time to mess around with such frilly things as scent. But, word to the wise, if this is something you cannot get over, this may not be the serum for you. Still. You’re gonna need a Vitamin C serum in your routine – Lauren swears by this one and I believe everything she says. So should you.
Colleen Rothschild Face Oil No. 9: There are nine – count em – nine oils in this product that help make your skin feel hydrated, refreshed, and moisturized. I use this after the SkinCeutical serums, and in addition to smelling like a summer day, it helps with the whole dewiness factor. I am a fan. BIG FAN. I know MANY people are scared of face oils. Excess oils equals breakouts, right? WRONG. Face oils help supplement the natural oils in your skin and help lock the moisture in. Who doesn’t want that?! This product feels so luxe on your skin that you will almost start feeling guilty for using it. ALMOST.
Colleen Rothschild Intense Hydrating Face Mask: If intense is in the name of the product, I am here for it. I am a very impatient person so what I love about this face mask is that I can put it on at night and crawl into bed. There are no timers, no waiting 20 minutes before scrubbing it off, no painful peeling. In the morning, my skin is SO soft and hydrated, and when I use it on the regular, I get MANY compliments on my glow. If you live in dry, cold climates, this is a MUST HAVE. I will be taking it with me to Chicago come November to help combat the effects of the blustery weather and I can’t hardly wait.
Arcona Tabula Rasa: My ride-or-die, Annie, turned me onto Arcona products before she broke my heart and moved to San Francisco. At least she left me with this parting gift. This is the longest relationship I have been in with a skincare product, and for good reason. This toner clarifies the skin, combats acne, kills bacteria, and soothes inflammation. It has an all natural formulation – woot woot – so you can feel good about putting it on your skin. The witch hazel is oddly soothing and helps to combat razor burn and ingrown hairs. This is especially important for those of you who are into dermaplaning. If you just want to dip your toes into the whole skincare world, because believe me, it can be overwhelming, start with this one.
Upping my skincare game has also inspired Ro to step up his as well. Our expert in all things Men’s fashion, lifestyle, skincare – you get the idea – and our bestie, Jonathan, has recommended some of his favs so we are going to give it a go and see if Ro can also achieve that glow up. He hates to feel left out, you know. We will keep y’all posted.
Love you. Mean it.
xx.
Myn