My Story & Routine in Detail Part V

Morning:

• Moisturizer with SPF: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive, SPF 30+. I like this because it contains 10% zinc oxide and 5% titanium dioxide, is cosmetically elegant, and again I don’t have to wait 30 minutes after applying to go out into the sun. I’m also thrilled that the manufacturers didn’t reverse the two percentages because zinc oxide protects uniformly against UVB and UVA rays. Titanium dioxide starts providing noticeably less protection after 350 nm, meaning that it doesn’t protect well against longer UVA rays. It contains a moderate amount of vitamin E… and that’s it!

Evening:

• Cleanser: Assorted Philosophy Shower Gels with Salux Body Cloth. Although I typically frown upon fragrances, I don’t really mind in this situation because they’re just cleansers, so they’re not in contact with my skin for very long. Plus, they just smell too darn good. What’s the point of having great skin without living a little, right? Some of my favorites include the Sephora-exclusive Classic Fudge Cake, as well as the Vanilla Birthday Cake. The Melon Daquiri is pretty awesome too. The Salux Body Cloth is an excellent form of physical exfoliation. It’s kind of like a giant robe of sandpaper that retains its shape after multiple uses.

• Treatment: Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Targeted Acne Relief Exfoliating Toner OR Paula’s Choice RESIST Clearly Remarkable Skin Lightening Gel OR Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant. So I’ve already mentioned the first two products and the same comments apply. I only use the CLEAR product on my chest and back, where I’m acne-prone. The Skin Perfecting Gel is used on any areas that I see discoloration or uneven skin tone. I like the 8% AHA Gel because it’s relatively inexpensive, dries quickly, and of course it has glycolic acid for any dry areas. It also contains the antioxidant green tea, as well as the anti-irritants chamomile and aloe. Finally, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, and panthenol are present to hydrate and moisturize the skin. I’m not a huge fan of the smell, but since it goes nowhere near my face, that’s acceptable. Honestly, I usually skip this step because my body isn’t too much of an issue, and I get lazy.

• Moisturizer: Paula’s Choice Slip into Silk Body Lotion OR Olay Quench Plus Firming Body Lotion. I’m in love with the texture of the PC product! It absorbs quickly and applies like a dream. It contains the evening primrose, palm, and jojoba seed oils, shea butter, and soybean extract to moisturize and condition the skin. It also contains generous amounts of the antioxidants grape and vitamin E. Furthermore, it contains carnosine, the dipeptide discussed earlier, and calming chamomile and cucumber extracts. Overall, it’s an inexpensive, elegant formula for the body.
  • The Olay Lotion is nice as well, though the texture is a bit thicker due to its petrolatum content. It also requires more time to fully absorb. However, it does contain plenty of niacinamide, palm oil, panthenol, and various amino acids to moisturize the skin. Palm oil is also a rich source of vitamin E, and a moderate amount of the antioxidant pomegranate is present as well. This does have shimmer and a floral scent, which I could do without, but they don’t bother me too exasperatingly. Overall, it’s a ridiculously good product for the price. This is definitely a steal. I alternate use of the products everyday after I take a shower.