My “Not-So” Ordinary Skin-Care Routine

I went to Ulta and started with just the “Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA” moisturizer. I was shocked when the standard three-ounce bottle cost only $10.50. I actually did a double take and began to look at the price of all the other products in the line. Everything was around $20 or less! 

As soon as I started using the basic moisturizer, I was hooked. It was smooth, not oily, and light on my skin all day. My skin did not dry out or get oily after hours of wear. After discovering this gem, I did some more research about other products in this line to see if it could help me with the redness and uneven texture of my skin that is the result of 20+ years of acne and rosacea breakouts. 

After reading an article about which combo I should use, I took to the store and started grabbing some of the serums and creams. An Ulta employee intercepted my scavenger hunt and recommended a few things not on my list, had me put back a few things, and affirmed a few things I had in my hands.  Here is a list of the products I ended up with, as well as the routine I follow!

In the morning: 

• A gentle cleanser. 
  • I love my “Eucerin Redness Relief Gel Cleanser”. It is sold at Bartell’s and usually costs around $10 for the bottle. I love this stuff because it has licorice root in it which is a non-inflammatory. It doesn’t leave my skin dry or oily, but it clears my face of anything that’s been sitting on it during the day or after a night’s rest. 
• Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum – 1 oz – $6.50
  • After a fresh wash, apply a few drops of this and rub around the face. This serum is fresh, but you can also feel it’s doing something on your skin. 
• Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream – 1 oz – $10 –  
  • Apply a small amount to the face, avoiding the eyes and the mouth. This cream feels like a light mousse layering the skin. It immediately feels as if it is improving the surface of your skin and brightening up the coloring. 
• Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA” moisturizer – 3.3 oz – $10.50
  • I like to add this on after the brightening cream. If you don’t use makeup that has SPF, you will need to add a moisturizer that includes that as well. These serums and brightening creams do not protect from the UV rays!
• Your normal makeup – I love a simple BB cream and loose powder makeup like Bare Essentials, but there are so many great foundations out there!
  

In the evening:

• Makeup remover – Coconut oil
  • I use coconut oil to take off my eye makeup, and then my Eucerin cleanser for the rest of my face. Coconut oil is cheap and it takes the makeup right off while also strengthening the lashes. 
• Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution – 8oz – $10
  • Douse a cotton pad with the toning solution and glide across the face and neck. The toner specifically works on smoothing rough skin texture. 
• Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum – 1oz – $8
  • A few drops of this serum both exfoliates the skin and counteracts inflammation and redness. 
• Night cream or regular moisturizer.
  • I switch off and on with what I put on before bed, but my default go-to is always the Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors moisturizer. Eucerin also has a good redness relief night cream that works well before bed. 
    

Although this menu of products has worked well for me, it may not work for you and your skin type. Consult your doctor if you have any allergies or specific skin needs, but for those of you who are open to trying a few new things, I’m happy to say that this has transformed my skin. 

The surface of my skin has gotten clearer, brighter, and smoother over the last few weeks of putting these products to the test. Just a few extra minutes a day and these “not-so-ordinary” products have made me feel confident with and without makeup.