I’ve covered my skin care regimen here on JB2M before, but in the time since that post was written I’ve switched up my facial products a bit and become woefully slack in my routine.  Fortunately I have been blessed to not show my age (a family blessing I am very proud of) however because I smoke and am closing in on my 40′s my skin is changing, not adhering to my normal routine has taken it’s toll.  Changes I am finding most evident in my skin are larger pores and dry patches on my cheeks close to my nose, where my skin used to be relatively well balanced:

This change could also be attributed to the fact that unlike Detroit, here in Columbus the water ranges from moderate to very hard (depending on where you are) and dries the skin horribly, something I don’t like one bit.  Well just the other day Veronica of the My Natural Me Beauty Blog threw down a skin care challenge on Twitter and I decided to take it up, and restart my skin care regimen.

My routine doesn’t vary too much from May 2008 with the except of less product and less actual facialing.  Whereas I used to use two different sets of cleansers and masks, now I only use one:

Cleanse & Scrub – Dollar General’s Oil Free Apricot Scrub: Apricots contain curative properties that aid with curing certain skin diseases and reversing the effects of sun damage.

Tone & Condition – Pegasus Soap’s By the Sea Mud Mask: Kelp is a dynamic detoxifier, rich in amino acids, carbohydrates and vitamin A.

Tone & Deep Clean – Family Dollar’s Deep Cleansing Astringent (comparable to Sea Breeze): Constricts the pores and removes the last traces of the scrub and mask.

Hydrate & Moisturize – Dollar General’s Sensitive Skin Beauty Lotion (another obvious Oil of Olay knock-off): Counteracts the drying effects of the astringent.

Because I only use the apricot scrub for cleansing I’ve taken my routine down to ever other day as to not overdo it on the exfoliation tip. I also only use the mask one a week (usually on Sunday), but considering I’m relying on commercial products I may kick that up to twice a week.  These will be my staple products, although throughout the challenge I will be looking for more natural alternatives, such as the ones I’ve tried during early In the Mix Friday posts. Another change in my routine will involve trying to drink a whole lot more water than what is “normal” for me, since just like hair, skin benefits greatly from inner hydration,

So there you have it.  I’m locked in and committed.  I’ll be posting updates of my progress every Sunday, and wish everyone who’s taking the challenge along with V and I great results.

Healthy Hair (and skin) Wishes,