my everyday skincare: ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.

If my latest project's taught me anything, it's that my skin looks like crap.

See?  Okay, it's a dark shot, but trust me, it's totally ick.  My complexion is dull.   It's uneven and blotchy.  If your computer had touch-o-vision, you'd realize that it's rough and bumpy too.  And I have what looks like {gasp!} age spots!  Ew!

I've tried drinking more than the 8 cups of water I already drink daily and eating less crap like sugar and carbs, but it just made me pee a lot... and lose some weight -- which is great, but my skin still looked like Freddy Krueger's on a good day.

In the end, I couldn't deny it anymore.  My longstanding routine of hot steaming washcloth and natural coconut-based moisturizer just wasn't cutting it.  It couldn't keep up with the stress, the hormones, and the, um, aging.

I was really bummed about this because I've NEVER had to do anything special to have great skin until now.  Truly.

Even in my teens, when pimples are supposed to be at their peak, I was smooth and clear, and had that lovely mocha glow most Filipinas usually have, you know, post coital.  Except I was a teen.  A pure Catholic school girl.  And innocent.  I hadn't even had a boyfriend.  Or boy toys.  Yet.

Anyway...

So, last week, instead of hitting my favourite health food store, I decided to hit the mall.  I was going to get the Big Guns!  If I had to melt all of this bad skin off, I would!  Dammit.

Now, every morning and night, I wash with a hot steaming wash cloth, then I use -- all from The Body Shop (TBS)...

1: TBS's Vitamin C Skin Boost
- as an after-cleansing serum
2: TBS's Nutragenics Smoothing Day Cream
- applied a few minutes after I let the Skin Boost absorb
3: TBS's Vitamin C Microdermabrasion 
- twice a week

That was on the 12th.  Now, it's been over a week, and I have to say, I've seen a noticeable improvement in my skin's texture.  I look more awake.  And OMG, it smells so GOOD!  Yummy and orange-y.

And look...

I have no makeup on in this picture.  I should've at least put some lipstick on, eh?
Okay, it might not be obvious in the picture, but it's so soft and smooth!  When I brush my hand against my skin, I need to stop and go "Oo, nice."

So if I stop you on the street, scream "Touch it!  It's so soft!", and point frantically at my face, just bear with me.  And don't call the cops.

I'll post more after pics in a few.

What's your skincare routine?  Share with me.

This post submitted to:

Let's BEE Friends

14 comments:

  1. Looks lovely. I love the body shop products and will have to check this out. My skin is terrible...I won't lie. After I had my son, my acne reemerged. It's like I have the skin of a teen. Gross!

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  2. Very nice! I too, did the washcloth routine, but my skin was terrible. I stumbled into routine through some free Avon products my sister gave me. Wash, with er, face wash. And night time moisturizer that has retinol A, I think.

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  3. Girl! You are GORGEOUS without make-up on! How do you do that?
    Now you have me interested in your products and may just have to check out my local Body Shop store.

    Wish I could caress your face to see how REALLY soft it is... okay, that sounds weird. You know what I mean!

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  4. Look at you! Freakin' gorgeous!

    I have serious problems due to the drug Acutane which I took when I was young. In order for my skin to have any semblance of "normalcy" I use a product called "Hope in a Jar" by Philosophy. I have tried dozens upon dozens of products, and this is the ONLY one which works.

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  5. @Kimberly: Pregnancy does such a number on our bodies. And so unpredictably too. I ended up with a whole crop of allergies I never had before my kids.
    The Body Shop has some nice products. You might find something you like!

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  6. @Su: I've heard some great things about retinol A. I also heard that it could be rather strong.
    I've always thought you had great skin. I can't imagine otherwise! :)

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  7. @Bees With Honey: Okay, Bruna, you can touch my face, and I won't think it's creepy or anything :) lol

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  8. @Dave2: Aw, thanks, darling. :) I blush.
    You know, if this Body Shop Vitamin C stuff hadn't worked for me, I was going to try Hope in a Jar.
    Glad you found something that works for you. Wouldn't know at all that you have skin issues!

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  9. add me to the list... like you, I had great skin as a teen. Never even washed it, other than standing under the shower. Now, it's dull and nasty.

    The latest moisturizer has just been plugging up my pores, so I need something new. Just may have to take a trip to the mall myself.

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  10. You be crazy, woman! You're gorgeous, your skin is gorgeous. xoxo see you in 30 seconds.

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  11. @myrtle: You're probably just as frustrated as I am! We try to stay as natural as possible, but those products just aren't strong enough for our needs.
    We can talk about it at our next sushi night. :)

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  12. @Roomie: You're so sweet :) I think I'll keep you. See you when I turn to the right and look into the living room.

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  13. I think I have to check out these products because I have been feeling like my skin is crap lately.

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  14. @Lisa: You should! I love 'em. This is the only skincare routine I've stuck to for more than a week! I consider it a treat to myself really. Treat yourself too! :)

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