Skin Care Routine for (Very) Sensitive Skin

So, very many people don't know this about me besides my close friends but I've been suffering from severe atopic dermatitis since I was an infant. Growing up in the cold midwest did not help the case, especially during the winter time, and my dermatologists just kept handing me steroids and pills to subside the inflammation. A few months ago, I finally got an allergy test done and had to go through a huge lifestyle change to avoid products and foods that triggered my eczema (basically everything). Since then, I've been testing out several different products that work for all climates and all seasons! It's been a sucess and I no longer lose sleep over feeling awfully itchy and self-conscious in public when my skin is dry and crusty! Here's a breakdown of my skin routine and the different products I use to keep my dry skin and acne at a minimal yet moisturized!

Step 1: In-Shower/At Sink Scrub
1. Skinceuticals Micro- Exfoliating Scrub: I've been using this daily first thing in the morning and after any  workouts. I'm allergic to fragrances, nickel sulfate, and lanolin so using something like "Ives Apricot Scrub" was a big no no. This micro-exfoliating scrub has been key to getting rid of dead skin, cleaning out my pores and getting that face ready for the day! I highly recommend this if your skin gets blotchy and spotty like mine!

Step 2: Morning 30 Second Massage
2. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum: OKAY SO IF YOU'RE REALLY TRYNA GLOW UP, get this. It's kind of expensive but I bought this on September 15th, have been using it pretty much daily and I still have 60 % of the bottle left! All you do is take a small amount in the dropped and place 3 drops on your face - forehead and both cheeks. Massage it into your face post cleansing followed by a spritz of sunscreen/setting spray and you're ready to take on the day. Being in the sun often during the spring/summer/fall in Texas can really take a toll on your skin and I wanted to see what I could use to fight harsh rays and maintain the clean glow on my face as well. This vitamin C serum helps with advanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, and brightens skin's complexion! Talk about aging gracefully ;) ! haha
 
Step 3: Salicylic Acid

Clean & Clear Acne Spot Treatment: I usually use this during the day time to address any zits on my face, big or small. Salicylic Acid helps dry out any pimples and having this during the day and the actual medication at night really nips things in the buds before anything gets out of hand. I have a tendency to pick at anything on my body (scabs bumps etc) sooo the more treatments the better. It doesn't dry out my face or cause peeling! 

Step 4: Face Mist/Sunscreen

Supergoop! Setting Mist SPF 30: So let's take a second to bless the creator of a sunscreen setting mist?! Cause what have I been doing with my life all these years without it?! I got this product August of 2016 and haven't stopped using it. It's perfect for when you want to keep your daytime makeup in place as well as protection from strong rays anywhere you go. I even use this when I don't have a full face of makeup on and it still keeps my face fresh and protected

First Aid Beauty Vital Greens Face Mist: This face mist is a recent discovery (as of NYE) I needed something that kept my face dewy but also considerate of my sensitive skin. It is perfect for a quick spritz on the go or if you wanna use this instead of setting spray (I use the ever perfect Urban Decay setting spray for a full face of make up) when you know you've got a long night ahead on the weekend! A little details on the ingredients - formulated with revitalizing green superfoods—including kale and spinach, along with hydrating and cooling rose of Jericho! I used it on NYE at a friend's wedding and my makeup stayed on for several hours and I was definitely feeling hydrated throughout the night. 

Masks and Meds:
1. Origins Charcoal Face Mask: I've been using this face mask for about a year now every so often. Charcoal is known to clean out toxins from your body and I use this once a week or once every two weeks to clean out my face. Beware, it does bring some junk to the surface but the scrub as well as the other products I use, clear all that out!

2. Epiduo: Epiduo was prescribed by my dermatologist (Dr. Blakely Richardson in ATX, she's a gem). It is to be used every other night after you shower/wash your face, use a pea sized amount and rub it into your t-zone and cheeks. Don't over do it because you'll wake up with a red burned face! The first week I used it I peeled a little bit but that is to be expected! Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide are powerful ingredients that treat tough acne now and help prevent recurring acne from forming by unclogging pores and killing bacteria on your face. Fun fact: It contains the highest concentration of the retinoid adapalene to reduce inflammation and help with skin tightening! 

3. Onexton: So Onexton usually comes with the following directions "Before applying ONEXTON Gel, wash the face gently with a mild soap, rinse with warm water, and pat the skin dry. Apply a pea-sized amount of ONEXTON Gel to the face once daily." Similar to Epiduo, Onexton also treats acne and can be used as a daily applicator. To be honest, I like using onexton whenever I have pimples on my neck or chest from sweating too much (ugh it sucks) or when I have a stubborn acne area on my face. Using both daily is a no-no and I prefer to use Epiduo more consistently than Onexton. Also when Onexton dries out, it turns white and thats not a good look on visible areas :)

So there you have it, a complete breakdown of my daily skin care regimen to maintain my skin's youthfulness and control any outbreaks. If you try any of these products please comment below or DM me on Instagram (@NicoleMehta) and let me know your thoughts! :)

To shop any of these products with 3 easy clicks head over to my amazon shop page.

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Please Note: Onexton and Epiduo are not over the counter and need to be prescribed by your physician.