Perfect Skin? Impossible? I Think Not.

Dear Pink Nerds,
No, I haven't blogged since the dawn of time. And I'm sorry. But I've been busy, and lazy and spending time away from the computer. But hey, I'm back now. I just don't want to feel like I have to blog everyday so I'll just blog when I have something to blog about. Anyway, today's topic: skincare.

Skincare Myths

1. If you have oily skin you should wash your face as much as possible.

Could that statement be more wrong? No. If you over wash your face it will learn to produce more oil hourly. Instead, just stick to twice a day and DON'T freak out if you miss a rinse. If you wash your skin frequently but not fussily, your skin will adjust and over time, produce much less oil.

2. You should skip moisturizer if you have oily or combination skin.

Terrible myth. If you skip moisturizer, your skin will feel too dry and start producing more oil. Instead, just look for and oil free moisturizer that will keep your skin hydrated but not shiny. If your skin still gets shiny by noon, get a pressed powder from the drugstore (makes ya photo ready too! ;)) If you've got a few extra bucks, Physician's Formula may be slightly more pricey but it is great quality.

3. Stick to one product. Experimenting can result with drastic changes of skin type (i.e. from dry to sensitive to oily to combination in a matter of days)

Experimenting with products is the only way to find your perfect skin routine and you can change that routine whenever you want! It is true that if you keep switching, your products may become less effective but it's the only way you'll ever find your favorite products. So switch up your routine whenever you want.

DIY Facial Masks (Personalized for YOU)

Reduce Redness - Soothe irritated skin with an ultra-gentle cooling mask.

• 1/2 cucumber
• 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
• handful chopped mint

Peel and chop the cucumber. Using a fork, mash the cucumber, aloe, and mint into a gel-like substance, and then smooth all over your face. Leave on for 20 minutes, and rinse with tepid water. The cooling cucumber and fresh mint will calm irritation and splotchiness; the aloe will leave skin hydrated and refreshed!

Clear Acne - This spot treatment will start healing zits overnight!

• 1/2 cup plain steel-cut oatmeal
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 egg

Cook oatmeal as directed on package. Let cool, and then stir lemon juice and egg. Dot mixture on pimples and leave on overnight. (Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.) The oatmeal's antioxidants will bring down swelling while the acid in the lemon kills bacteria in your pores. The vitamin E in the egg will tighten skin so it appears perfectly smooth.

Soften Up - Give your dry patches a sweet shot of moisture.

• juice of lime
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 chopped peach

Peel the peach, then mash it up in a bowl and pour off juice. Add lime juice and oil to the mashed peach and mix with a fork. Apply a thin layer all over skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Peaches are one of the most hydrating fruits, lime helps to brighten skin, and olive oil softens dry patches to give your face a pretty gleam.

Get Glowy - Looking dull? This yummy scrub will reveal your pretty radiance!

• 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
• 1 tbsp. milk
• 1 tbsp. rice powder

Crush strawberries with a spoon and stir in milk and rice powder (fin it in the baking section). Gently scrub mixture onto face in a circular motion, then rinse. The rice powder, strawberry seeds, and lactic acid in the milk will slough away dull skin, leaving your face fresh. Plus the vitamin C in the berries is super-nourishing!

So clear up buttercup and get ready for back to school, end of summer or whatever the fall means for you!
Bai Pink Nerds,
Meaghan ♥