Summer Skin

 Allure's Sept issue had a good article on skin scare, which inspired me to do this post.  Skin is the largest organ in our body and oftentimes, it's not taken care of properly.  If you're like me who has extremely sensitive skin, you know how frustrating it is to pick the right skin care products out of zillions of products out there which promise a lot but deliver so little.  

In recent years, my skin just stopped responding to all the products I tried.  It became dry, flaky at times, red, and extra oily.  I thought I had tried pretty everything I could think of.  Different products claimed for hypersensitive skin.  Plus no make up.  Plus no hot shower.  Plus...The list went on...Well I did almost everything except for a visit to a dermatologist.  I finally saw one earlier this year when my face started to sting when any kind of moisturizer or sunscreen was applied on.

The verdict from the dermatologist?!  My skin's protective barrier was damaged.  How could it be?  I used good products, I wore sunscreen.  Well to make the story short, I used all the wrong products! :(

I went home with a "prescription" for 1) CeraVe hydrating cleanser,  & 2) CeraVe AM lotion.  I was disappointed at first because I thought I would get some "miracle" formula that would transform my skin, not these products available on any pharmacy's shelves.

Eight months later....

These are the best products I've had my hands on.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE them. My skin LOVES LOVES them.

1) CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: formulated to avoid soap-related irritation containing all the hydrating all-stars: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramindes, and cholesterol which designed to remain active on skin after the product is removed.  One thing though, it does not remove make up well with one wash.  Two or three washes would do.

 2) CeraVe AM Moisturizer: fragrance-free,  SPF 30, and light texture with smooth dry-down.  The same ingredients as the cleanser help skin look and feel good.  I use CeraVe PM moisturizer at night for its lighter texture without the sunscreen.  It would be ideal if CeraVe had added some antioxidants to the formula.

Note: CeraVe products do contain parabens.  A lot of people shy away products containing parabens as a result of the controversies in recent years regarding allergic reactions, & possible link to breast cancer due to their estrogen mimicking property.  BUT parabens are only found in levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.3 % in skincare products and the FDA has determined parabens to be safe perservatives in cosmetic products.

I am overdue for a check-up with my dermatologist but my schedule hasn't allowed me so.  I had to cancel my appointment 4 times the last four month and hopefully I can keep the next one in October.  :)

In the meantime, I found this toner called La Vie Celeste Restorative Illuminating Toner.  I think a good toner cleanser is one of the staples for great skin care.  If your skin is sensitive like mine, which is prone to redness,  irritation, and looking dull or worn, this toner really qualifies.  Also, it's loaded with antioxidants that my moisturizer lacks.  I LOVE this toner, my favorite one so far. :)

I love the Toner so much that I also tried their La Vie Celeste Day & Night Face Cream.  The cream works well but is a bit too thick for the summer.  I think it would be a nice cream to alternate with my CeraVe PM in the winter.  I wish it had contained some sunscreen components so that I can wear it out during the day.

For the body, I currently use Jason Natural Cosmetics Satin Shower Body Wash (also sold at Wholefoods).  It's fragrance-free and very gentle.  Once in a while, I use J'adore shower gel/lotion since I love the fragrance and don't want to wear perfume in the summer.  I know fragrance is #1 skin irritants but once-in-a-while indulgence is forgivable. :)

And don't forget to eat a lot of antioxidants. 

Rambutants: my current enjoyment of tropical fruits 

I've found a way to enjoy pineapple with minimal tongue itch--Use a juicer! :)

I want to include Claydry deodorant here since it really works and is very gentle your underarm.  The best deodorant in my opinion so far.  The barely there citrus blossom smell is refreshing without interfering with your scents/or perfumes.  You can also find this at Wholefoods.

I know it's a long post but skincare is big for me.  If you have any other good products, please share. 

                                           Happy Sunday everyone!