Springtime is an exciting and unpredictable time. Some days are warm, sunny, and make you want to stay out a later just to watch the sunset. The rest of the time it is strangely cold and you are walking to the subway wondering why you are still wearing a thick scarf in April. This up-and-down weather has my combination skin confused and dehydrated. I decided it was time to reevaluate my routine. At the moment my main concerns are brightening and increasing my moisture levels. I found two products that have improved my skin immensely over the past month.
1. Serious Skincare Glycolic Retexturizing Cream $32.50
The first thing on my skincare shopping list was an anti-aging night cream. I decided to browse Birchbox.com for some new options. I discovered Serious Skincare and it was a great purchase. If you have a problem in life, Glycolic Acid will solve it. Glycolic Acid, which is a highly effective alpha-hydroxy, improves texture and skin tone, helps reduce oiliness and breakouts, and helps with hyper- pigmentation. It exfoliates the surface of the skin and allows your serums and moisturizers to work more efficiently. In addition to the Glycolic Acid, this product has a complex of hydrators and antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental damage.
The first time I used this product I started by removing my makeup with Philosophy’s makeup removing wipes, and then I cleansed with my Clarisonic face brush and the liquid Purity Cleanser by Philosophy. After that I applied the cream to my face and neck. I did feel a tingling sensation for about three to five minutes. I am not particularly sensitive and have used high concentrations of Alpha Hydroxy Acids in face washes and serums in the past. If you are sensitive or have not used glycolic based products before I suggest doing a patch test on the inside of the arm or behind the ear. I would also like to suggest only using it once to twice a week for a few weeks until you get used to if you are sensitive. This product exfoliates brilliantly so be sure to wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin and prevent future damage. After five nights of using this cream I noticed my skin was much smoother and the uneven tone on my cheeks was reduced. After one week of use I noticed the congestion and tiny breakouts on my forehead were being conquered. Now that I have been using this product for a month I have been getting many compliments of my skin and my foundation blends in better. This product does an amazing job of correcting major skincare concerns for the perfect price.
2. Josie Maran’s Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment $56
Josie Maran’s brand is one my favorite lines. I admire her so much for all the charity work she does and the amazing products she creates using nourishing and preservative-free ingredients. I heard a lot of good things about the new Pure Argan Milk and on my usual monthly trip to Sephora I made a point to add it to my list. This is a very unique product formulation utilizing Argan Oil. Argan Oil is hydrating, soothing, and purifying; it can be used head to toe. Now, imagine all those benefits within a complex of water to boost hydration in the skin. Argan Milk is a hydrating serum that is composed of tiny drops of Argan Oil with Purified Water. It feels so light and melts into the skin immediately. I started using it at night under my Glycolic Moisturizer and it actually lessened the tingling sensation. All you need is a few drops in the palm of your hand and then gently pat into the skin.
I also noticed that my skin was softer and the dry patches on my temples were finally defeated. After four nights of being in hydration heaven, I started it using the Argan Milk in the morning before my sunscreen and makeup. I love the amount of moisture this product provides and the lightweight texture. It’s a product that I can continue to use during the summer without feeling greasy. If you have dry, sensitive, or combination skin and you are concerned about dehydration this is a great product of you. If you have oily skin and are trying to find a product that will give moisture but without a heavy feeling, then you should definitely invest in Pure Argan Milk.
Lily Sage Creates 