If you don't take the time, time will take you.

Skin care. Let's talk about it.

How many of you fall asleep with your makeup on, wash it off the next morning, then reapply?
Guilty.

Your skin has about maybe 10 mins to breathe, granted most makeup probably rubs off on your pillow at night. And I know, some makeups say they're safe to sleep in but I still don't think I'm convinced quite yet.  When you are resting at night, your skin is at work.  During the day, debris and dirt is collecting on your face over your makeup. If you don't wash this off at night, your pores become clogged when your normal skin flora is trying to do it's job. Sebum is being secreted into these pores and they are becoming backed up, usually giving a bumpy appearance. Let me remind you, I am guilty of this

Trust me, this is a mild case of what my Tzone usually endures 

Now, don't get me wrong, I have always battled acne regardless if I wore makeup or not. Stress is the devil and it sure shows on my skin. Just washing my face doesn't go make it lookin' like Cindy Crawford's or anything. But when I take the time to actually wash my makeup off at night and cleanse it from dirt and oil...'ya know actually do my skin care regimen, my face appears better and more importantly my face feels better.  

As you know, I'm in nursing school and I love just about everything there is about the practice of medicine.  If I wasn't a married woman or aspire to be a mother one day, I would have probably gone to medical school. Anyways, back on topic. I religiously watch the T.V. show The Doctors, and a certain episode comes to mind as I type this blog. I think it's a really good source to refer to because it's real. I took the liberty of finding a little snippet and I hope you watch it because it has a great example! 

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/videolib/init/3379

I'll never forget the first time I went to my derm about my acne, she said..."If you don't take the time, time will take you." Do what? Okay, Okay, Okay.

It's been a struggle. "I fell asleep on the couch."  "I'm too tired." "I'll do it tomorrow." I make up every excuse on the earth not to do it! But seriously, what does my derm care if I do it or not, she's getting money. I should care though.  I'm the one who has to live with scars, wrinkles, and pictures of big RED pimples after my adolescence.  

I know I'm only in my twenties, but I recently read a book called 30 things every woman should have and should know by the time she's 30 and can you guess what one of those things we should have is?

A skin care regimen. 

So, what does one consist of? Here's a link to Real Simple that helped me based on my skin type and yes, it is Affordable and Effective

On my good days, 'ya know when I take the time. Here is what I do. I'm giving you the whole mother load!

AM 

1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleanser
2. Clindamycin topical solution on my Tzone (this is a prescription)
3. Neutrogena Moisturizer with SPF 15  this is crucial, especially if you use any type of acne medication that can dry your face or can make your skin extra sensitive to the sun (I learned this the hard way)  Even it it is over the counter. And remember to put this on before your makeup so it sits under your foundation and moisturizes all day long

PM

1. Make up removal with Olay daily facial cloths
2. Retin-A on Tzone (this is also a prescription)
3. Garnier 2-in-1 wrinkle reducer this may or may not be needed but it makes me feel better :)

Also, a few times a week I will use exfoliating face wipes for any dead skin and Proactiv Refining Mask. Whatever I do to my face, I do to my neck. 

I am hoping by posting this, I will become more self conscious of being too tired at night :)

I posted on IG last night about some acne troubles and a few responded with using coconut oil and tea tree oil. What do you do for skin care? 

xoxo