#moisturise

I like this but i’ve been super anxious about uploading my more ‘serious’ art. Ref sheets are one thing as are doodles but it’s a bit scarier when I yknow actually spent a bunch of time on a thing. 

Anyway it’s here now we’ll see how this decision goes. My brain image of Nikola. She got a lot of unnessecary hate I mean all she did was try to teach Jon how to self care. Okay sure she wanted his skin but yknow there’s no give without take. 

Rough, bumpy skin is a pesky and irritating thing to deal with. Not only does it look and feel bad, but getting rid of it is an ongoing challenge. Here’s 4 tips for tackling bumpy, congested skin once and for all 👊

     1. Use the right cleanser for you

 As cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, it’s important that you’re using the right one for your skin type. If you suffer from congestion then make sure to use a cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to purge your pores of any buildup. This way, any products you use afterwards have a better chance of helping you achieve smoother skin. 

     2.  Exfoliate!

After cleansing, it’s crucial to exfoliate your skin in order to eliminate the dead skin cells that contribute to bumpiness. Use either a physical scrub that’s gentle on the skin (look for jojoba beads for example) or a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid. Personally, lactic acid has done great things with regards to my skin’s texture, so I’d recommend trying that. Try using it a couple of times a week at nighttime. 

    3.  Try a face mask 

There are many different types of face masks out there (check out my post here) so it’s a good idea to do a bit of research on which one is suitable for you. Clay masks are usually ideal for treating congestion as the clay works to draw out impurities, therefore keeping your pores squeaky clean. Look out for face masks that include charcoal too, to truly banish any hidden grime for good.

   4.  Remember to moisturise 

Here's for anyone who has a New Years resolution to start looking after their skin. It's the most satisfying, rewarding and relaxing form of self care. I highly recommend starting a basic skin routine. So here are the basic steps for starting to properly care for your skin.

1. Identify your skin type.

You could be oily, dry, acne prone, combination. All sorts. Start by researching these skin types and see which your skin identifies with most.

2. Cleanse.

Our skin gets put through a lot. Every day we expose our faces to pollution, makeup, bacterias, dirt. Our pores produce oil that can build up and clog pores and act as a breeding ground for bacteria. Everyone should gently cleanse their face to rid it of the bad stuff with out drying it out and stripping it. Good basic cleansers to start with are:

- Cosrx good morning low ph cleanser

- La Roche Posay gentle hydrating cleanser

- Cerve cleansers

3. Treat.

Depending on your skin type and any skin problems you may have, this is the stage where you help your skin fix those problems. If you have acne, you find a good spot treatment. If you have texture or closed comedones you find a good gentle chemical exfoliator. If you have dry skin you find a intense hydrating serum.

4. Tone.

I highly recommend toning. Despite it not being completely necessary, so if this routine seems a bit much for you skip out toning. A toner with help balance your skin, promoting health. Healthy levels of PH, bacteria and oil production. I have a post on what a toner is which ones I recommend have search through my tags.

5. Moisturise.

Everyone should moisturise. Every skin type will benefit from a good moisturiser. Especially dry skin. Many dry store moisturisers have the same ingredients as high end, expensive ones. So try a bog standard basic moisturisers first and see how your skin likes it.

You're all set with a great skin routine for the new year! Try and stick to it every day and watch your skin glow. Good luck and happy new year everyone!