Moving from Miami to the San Francisco Bay Area has been a major adjustment for just about every facet of my life! We went from living in a hot and humid climate to living in a dry, dry, dry climate and my skin is taking some time to adjust. I have always suffered from acne and combination to oily skin, so needless to say, dryness has never been an issue until now. I have started using facial oils and infusing more botanicals into my skincare and I wanted to share a few on the new products that are helping to decrease acne outbreaks, hydrate and balance my skin without the use of harsh ingredients. I try to utilize only cruelty-free products that use botanicals and superfoods as active ingredients. I am not 100% chemical-free, but I have tried to use as many clean products as possible! As many of us are still dealing with the winter blues, I wanted to share a few products to help bring your skin back to life.
Facial Oils
[show_lookbook_widget id=”416703″]Honest Beauty Magic Organic Face Oil: When I began working with The Honest Company, I wasn’t sure if I was going to love the beauty products, but I have been more than pleasantly surprised with the effectiveness of some of their cult favorites. The Organic Beauty Facial Oil is a blend of pure seed and fruit oils like avocado and apricot kernel help nourish skin and restore vital moisture while rose, ylang-ylang and clove oils lend the silky formula its subtle, natural scent. It has a very neutral smell and is keeps your skin hydrated without feeling greasy. I LOVE adding a few drops to my foundation to help it go on smooth.
USDA Organic Juice Beauty Oil: I started using this oil when I was pregnant. It was gentle enough for the Miami humidity and sinks in leaving behind soft, supple skin. Every organic drop delivers concentrated hydration, potent antioxidants and vital nutrients to the skin. Antioxidant-rich organic cranberry seed, grape seed oils, and carrot extract are blended with essential fatty acids and botanicals to deeply moisturize for a healthy looking, revitalized complexion. A Daily Essential for all skin types.
Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Facial Oil With Oregano: CBD and cannabis extracts have been popping up in everything from fitness products to tea and I am a huge believer in the powerful benefits of cannabis. CBD and cannabis extract unless full-spectrum are free of psychoactive THC. The Cannabis Oil, derived from hemp seeds decreases inflammation and calms the skin while oregano oil purifies. I recently started adding this to my routine and after a pretty major breakout from microdermabrasion, my healing time has been cut in half.
B3 Facial Oil: This line was created by a good friend and I started using her belly balm religiously while pregnant. The products are all organic and free of any harmful chemicals and I want to slather it on multiple times a day. It has a bright, fresh scent of grapefruit that I absolutely LOVE.
Moisturizers
[show_lookbook_widget id=”416704″]Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: Hi, my name is Taylor and I have a problem buying stuff off of Instagram. But really, I follow influencers because I find out about really cool products like this Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. It is super hydrating and can be used as a mask or moisturizer or a mask. It helps dryness and uneven texture and it is given the Clean at Sephora seal of approval.
Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream: I just received this cream from the team at Honest Company. This cream is paraben, cruelty and die free and offers two types of hyaluronic acid for elevated moisture that doesn’t make sure you feel greasy. I absolutely love it, but make sure your hands and face are both completely dry upon application.
Skinceuticals Renew Overnight Oily: Hydroxy acids of this overnight lotion help slough away dead skin cells and botanicals work to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. It leaves you feeling moisturized without feeling greasy. It is light, but effective. If you live in a more humid environment, it would make a great addition to your overnight regimen.
Treatments
[show_lookbook_widget id=”416705″]Keeva Organics Tea Tree Oil Acne Treatment Cream: I stumbled upon this gem of a lotion last week on Amazon! They have a full set, but I added this after I use the Kiehl’s serum and OMG, what a difference it has made in my cystic acne and dark marks. It leaves a nice tingling sensation from the tea tree oil and it is not as drying as many other acne treatments on the market. Honestly, this is the best $19.99 you will spend on any acne treatment, period.
Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum: I used this serum since I was pregnant. It gives you a glow and a softness that leaves you with a dewy glow. I love using it as a primer and I can wholeheartedly recommend all Dr. Loretta products as she was my go-to dermatologist in Miami for five years. This hydrating serum plumps skins appearance while increasing luminosity and smoothness. What it does: The antioxidant lipochrome protects against free radical damage caused by pollution. UV radiance, the leading causes of fine lines and age spots. Glycolipids replenish moisture loss caused by climate conditions, while vitamins E and F calm redness. It also protects against the external factors that contribute to aging, including pollution, light, climate and irritants.
Dr. Loretta Intense Brightening Cream: If you are having issues with hyperpigmentation, this is an incredible lotion! I had very discolored skin on my stomach immediately after giving birth and treated it with this lotion. My dark marks on my cheeks have lightened tremendously. This rich cream brightens, evens skin tone and makes skin texture firm, silky and smooth. Highly concentrated 20% L-ascorbic acid – a form of antioxidant vitamin C – combats excess pigment, supports new collagen and protects skin from environmental free radicals. Continued use will lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Loretta Peel Pads: There is NOTHING like an in-office peel with Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, but continuous use with her Peel Pads are the next best thing. Soaked in a solution of 10% glycolic acid, Dr. Loretta Micro Peel Peptide Pads offer medical-grade exfoliation to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pore size, and dark spots. Marine algae peptides replenish moisture loss caused by skin-drying environmental conditions while calming botanical ingredients help soothe skin during the advanced exfoliation process.
Arbonne Cell Renewal Mask: If you are looking for a mask that exfoliates without gritty sand or harsh salt then this is the mask for you! I suggest using it at night because it has the tendency to make you a bit flush, but it uses papaya and pineapple extracts to exfoliate. Orange stem cells to help improve the appearance of skin radiance, elasticity, firmness, and texture while minimizing the appearance of wrinkles by conditioning the skin. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids also work together to reveal fresh looking skin. This is by far one of my favorite masks and I use it twice a week.