Clean Skincare Routine

*this post is not sponsored.*

Last year when I turned 30 I looked in the mirror and was like "woah, where did these fine lines come from?  Do I always look this tired?"  It is true what they say, your skin starts to really show aging at 30 and women age faster than men.  When I was pregnant and breastfeeding B (my first little) I didn't really take care of my skin.  I was worried about the ingredients in skincare products and basically just washed my face with soap and water.  Once I was done breastfeeding, I started adding things into my routine but was still looking at ingredients pretty closely.  When I got pregnant with G I didn't have to change anything in my current routine, but waited to add anything additional until after she was born.  My obgyn said only to avoid retinoids, but I did a little more research and

discovered I should avoid: retinoids, tetracycline, formaldehyde, phthlates, ammonia, toluene, hydroquinone, dihydraoxyacetone, thioglycolic acid, botox, parabens, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and chemical sunscreens.  I'm sure there are other ingredients that are recommended to avoid, but these are the ones that stood out.  I did learn that even if you do look for cleaner skincare, there are also essential oils that should be avoided as well.

This list of skincare products is what I have found works for me.  Thought I am always open to trying new things and a few of the items I may rotate out of my routine for the Summer.  This is probably just a partial list and for any new skincare you should consult with your doctor before adding it into your daily morning/nightly routine.

Skinfix makes my absolute favorite cleanser.  It is lightweight and my skin just feels fresh.  I also like Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser (not pictured).  To remove my makeup I either use my Makeup Eraser washcloth or Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes.  I've really been interested in trying a cleansing balm but haven't taken the plunge yet.

In the morning I usually cleanse, pat my face with my Clarins Double Serum, apply my undereye cream, mix my vitamin c serum with either my Skinfix Hydrating Lotion or my Kopari Coconut Lotion.  At night I skip the double serum, usually use my Drunk Elephant eye cream versus the Caudalie one.  The Caudalie one makes my undereye brighter which isn't something I really need at night.  Following my eye cream I use the Pixi Glow Tonic for a toner.  I want to try their Rose toner but am waiting until I finish this one.  After, I mix the Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos with my face cream, and lastly I pat the Drunk Elephant Marula oil on my face.  If my skin is especially dry (like in the Winter) I will occasionally add in the Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Serum.

I alternate eye creams just as I alternate face moisturizer.  I absolutely love Caudalie's Premier Cru, but it is pricey.  I have two of the small sizes and I use a very small amount.  I also have the Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex.  I want to try their Vitamin C Eye Serum when I finish this one up.  I've heard it is more hydrating.

As you can see I really do love the Drunk Elephant Products.  I have them all in the tiny travel sizes because I didn't want to invest in the larger sizes until I tested them out.  I will definitely be investing in the C-Firma Day Serum and the Marula Oil.  Those are my two favorites.  I also really do like the T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, Lala Retro Whipped Cream, and the B-Hydra Intensive Serum.  That being said, as I run out, I will slowly add them in larger sizes as they are a bit $$$.

One thing to note when you are applying skincare.  You want to go from thinnest to thickest ingredients.  I'm not sure if my application is correct, I have found that this is just what works for me.  I do know people that don't mix their serums with their moisturizer.  I have found that I can use less of the product and it spreads out more evenly on my skin.  The only serum I don't mix is the Marula oil which I layer on last.