Growing up, I had lots of allergies; my family visited the natural health food store several times a week to buy "allergen-friendly" groceries. As a teenager, I "cheated" with dairy and gluten, and ended up with pretty bad acne. Over the years, I've tried lots of different products, both natural and conventional. Today, I try to maintain a healthy balanced diet, avoid bad foods, and take extra good care of my skin.

 

But skin, especially your face, is tricky. Skin is our largest organ, our highest point of controversy. We expel toxins through our skin. We react with allergens, chemicals and toxins by contact with our skin. Even the sun (as much as we love our tans) affects our skin.

 

So today I am sharing some of my favorite facial care products. You'll notice I am NOT a loyal brand user. While most brands recommend a brand facial regimen, I recommend what works best for you and your skin type.

 

First, the cleanser. We all wash our faces at some point in the day. Having a good cleanser is key; I switch between two. I love the Derma-E Ultra Hydrating Cloud Cleanser for the wintertime. It really helps keep my skin hydrated during those dry winter months. For the rest of the year, I use Mad Hippie's Cream Cleanser. It does a great job removing the day's sweat, grime and makeup.

 

Second, the toner. After cleansing my skin, I always use a toner. This can help settle your skin, especially if you washed with warm water. Toners help to balance and hydrate the skin, plus increase the absorption of your facial lotions/creams. I really like the Organic Skin Co. facial toner. It contains aloe vera, rose flower water, honeysuckle and rose oil; it's incredibly hydrating and leaves your skin smelling so fresh.

 

Third, the day cream. Let's "face" it; women's skin is just different than men's - literally! Our capillaries are actually closer to the surface of our skin than men's are. Which means we are faster to blemish, have popped capillary veins and just turn red so much faster than men.

 

So, it is even more important for us to utilize a great day time cream, especially with an SPF. I prefer the Acure Radically Rejuvenating SPF Day Cream. I also really like SPF day creams with natural tints in them. In the summertime, those are so great to just throw on and go. But this is my go-to - nice and light, absorbs well, all-day skin protection, and I can cover with foundation and not have it feel heavy on my skin.

 

Fourth, the night cream. OMG - this is totally my favorite product! The Mad Hippie Triple C Night Cream is worth every penny. It is super hydrating, moisturizing and beyond amazing for night-time skin repair. You will not be disappointed. I've newly discovered this about three months ago; it has reduced wrinkles, hydrated my skin, and reduced blemishes. I'm in love!

 

To be extra sure ... the scrub. I only scrub once or twice a week. You really don't want to over-exfoliate your skin. You are constantly regenerating and losing your top layer naturally, and you do not want to over-exfoliate to where you are exposing your dermis layer. It's important to keep your epidermis intact, to protect the lower layers of skin. I like the Sukin Revitalizing Facial Scrub. This is not as gritty as most scrubs. It just gives a nice overall light face revamp.

 

Finally, the mask. I only use a mask about once a week. Masks are great to help get deep into those pores and pull out remaining gunk that the cleanser just can't get. This Pacifica Kale Charcoal Ultimate Detox Mask is my favorite. It is a powerhouse of detoxing, with charcoal, clay, kale and willowherb. Apply it to warm, damp skin. Let it dry. Then wash it off in a massaging pattern, with lukewarm water. It leaves your skin fresh. Be sure to apply your toner and cream after use.