Yesterday felt like a sincere treat. Not only did I get my workout in (a Burn Bootcamp weighted cardio set that almost did me in), but then I got to drive into Charlotte to enjoy a glorious solo lunch. I don’t know about you, but I soak in being able to eat a meal quietly by myself, and I finally got the opportunity to try Namastay Kitchen.
The Kale Cobb Salad with Vegan Coconut Milk Ranch
I had high hopes after hearing good things, and yet the food still surpassed all my expectations! If you live nearby (it’s in Coltswold), go. It’s a hidden gem!
Spicy Tuna Roll
I finished lunch just in time to make it to my appointment with Terri at Carolina Facial Plastics. I’ve been talking about figuring out skincare that works for me for a long time now, and after trying different products somewhat blindly, I really wanted a professional to sit down and look at my face, see my issues, and help guide me through the (seriously confusing) world of skincare. Plus, the hour consultation was free (!). I showed up completely makeup-free (even no mascara- the horror!) so I could show her the areas of skin that I’d like to improve.
Oh, and with post gym hair too. I’m so sorry, Terri.
I feel I learned so much from Terri in that hour. She gave her knowledge freely without pushing to sell me anything. We discussed caliber and ingredients of products: she loves SkinCueticals but some of the products contain parabens which is something I want to avoid so she showed me GlowBiotics, a top-notch, paraben-free option. We touched on treatment options that would help my specific issues which are slight redness, large pores, and what she referred to as texture.
One thing I was really surprised by was her enthusiasm for the Clarisonic Brush. Terri raved that it cleans the skin better than anything else (while being careful to still be gentle) and therefore the products can soak in more efficiently and do their job. It’s a bit of an investment, but after reading the online reviews and hearing firsthand that it’s a game changer, I brought the Mia 2 home with me.
I used it for the first time last night and I will say my face felt super clean afterwards so I’m excited to give more feedback after 30 days on continued use.
*Note: Terri said she loves the brush but not the Clarisonic cleanser that comes with it.
I ended up with a great lineup of products that she said if I use diligently for 30 days, I will without a doubt see results.
Glowbiotics Probiotic Cleanser
Glowbiotics Let Me Clarify Moisturizer (because of my oily tendencies)
Skinbetter Alpharet (I’m using every other night to start)
Samples of Skinbetter Eye Cream
Samples of SkinCeuticals Hydra B5 gel (which she praised for its ability to hydrate)
Samples of SkinCeuticals Sport Sunscreen
I’m really looking forward to seeing how these products change my skin over the next 30 days. If I have good results I am also going to look into some of the treatments she recommended as well. I will be sure to show you before and afters!
Additionally, I am also going to focus on other habits for healthier, smoother skin which include:
Getting enough sleep (at least 7 hours a night). Easy peasy. I love my sleep.
Drinking more water. During colder months I am pretty terrible at drinking enough water. I think a new water bottle might help, one that doesn’t keep water cold. I actually like room temperature water! Given my love for Lifefactory products for the girls, I’m thinking of ordering this one for myself.
Dealing with stress before it weighs me down. Cortisol (a hormone released my stress) is known to break down collagen and elastin which keeps skin looking soft and supple.
Watch my sugar intake. I really feel sugar wreaks havoc on all the body’s organs, including the skin. It causes inflammation and can increase cortisol in the body as well.
Wash my face every night. Luckily I do this anyway, but now I will be doing a more thorough job with my face brush! Plus, I will remember to be more gentle with my skin, especially around the eye.
SPF. Because, always.
If you live near Charlotte and want to step up your own skincare game, I highly recommend giving Terri a call! If you live elsewhere, search around for a reputable medical aesthetician and see if they give complimentary consults. I think the key to health (eating, exercise, skincare) is at its best when it is personalized to fit your specific needs and I found my appointment so helpful!
Let’s talk skincare…
Do you have a routine that works for you?
At what age did you start being more intentional with your skincare?
What’s your best (and worst :)) skincare habit?
Heather @Lunging Through Life says
Thanks for sharing! I’m going to look into those products. I’m nervous to do much now because I’m pregnant and nervous about how products react with pregnancy and the baby, so I’ll probably wait, but still so nice to have products to look into. I’m the same way with water in the winter! I just can’t drink it as much as the summer, and I’m been trying to leave water out so it’s room temperature and I can drink it more often.
Brittany Dixon says
I understand! I was super duper cautious about everything while pregnant (and knew to definitely not even consider retinol). I used a lot of coconut oil while pregnant and nursing 🙂 Plus you have that natural pregnancy glow! <3
PS- too funny about the water. I pour a glass then leave it on the counter for a couple hours too for it to warm up! ha
Jen says
You will LOVE the Mia 2. I got one for Xmas 3 years ago and I use it religiously once a day (in the shower). It has made an insane difference in my skin. I’m still trying to find a good regimen for my skin because it’s acne prone (ugh…I’m 43 and still getting pimples). It’s a bit of trial and error but talking to a skin consultant might help.
Can’t wait to hear about your results!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so excited to hear that so many people love their Mia 2! I balked at the price tag but am so excited to be using it. I will say that my face feels super clean afterwards and I’ve only used it twice now 🙂
Also, definitely find a medical aesthetician near you and see if they do free consults. I felt like a got a lot of good info and value from just talking!
jeannine hopper says
Jen –
You might consider trying out Rodan and Fields. They have an Unblemish line of products to help acne prone skin. They have done wonders for my skin. Also they have a 100% money back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with your results.
http://jhopper2.myrandf.com
-Jeannine
Annie says
I have a horrible skin care routine (meaning I do absolutely nothing) and recently my mother was visiting and said “your going to regret not caring for your skin and washing your face. You’ll see.” Since then I purchased a cheaper brush and I’m trying hard to form a solid skincare routine. I do need some products though so I’ll check these out!
Nadia North says
A giant YES to Clarisonic! I have used it for years, and it was the best skincare choice I have made. I use it in the shower every morning, and feel like my face is clean without it! I use it with Philosophy’s “Purity Made Simple” cleanser.
When it is time for a replacement brush, I have used the much less expensive knock-off version I found on Amazon. They work just fine!
Also, SUNSCREEN. Every day, even in the winter.
Nadia North says
Sorry, I meant to day I “don’t feel like my face is clean without it”. Too much coffee!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I will have to consider that knock-off brush when the time comes; thanks for the info!
Jessica says
I love the Mia 2! I’ll be very interested in your follow up post as I also have large pores. It’s a recent development and I hate it! I’m always on the lookout for better products!
Brittany Dixon says
I feel like mine just popped up recently too and I notice them more everyday. I will definitely report back!
Melissa says
I love my Clarisonic! My esthetician recommended some SkinCeuticals products as well. They’re pricey but worth the investment!
Katy @ Dirt to Delish says
I love hearing about other women’s skincare routines! I’m dealing with some pregnancy-related skin changes, which is a new struggle for me. I’ve also been using a brush to cleanse at night, then packing on the moisturizers while I sleep, and just using water to rinse in the morning. It seems to be keeping things at bay, for now! I think the brush really helps with skin looking dull throughout the winter as well.
Christina says
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts in a month! I’ve also been trying to pay more attention to my skin now that I’m 40 (41 tomorrow! eeeek!). I’m generally a product minimalist, but have been investing a little more lately in higher quality items. I bought a few items last year at Red Door salon after a facial, and recently tried some Beautycounter items for the first time (Jury is still out on those…) Interestingly enough, two different aestheticians have told me never to use a Clarisonic facial brush, but I’ve heard such rave reviews from friends that I’m tempted to try it!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh interesting! Why did they say not to? Terri said she is really against the rollers that are out right now because they can damage the skin and also says knock off Clarisonics can also be damaging because of harsher bristles and/or too much abrasiveness. I’d love to hear what you heard!
Christina says
She said they are way too abrasive for most skin types, and that a gentle cleanser and cream exfoliator were a better option! But I also feel like I know people who swear by their Clarisonics!
j says
I love my Mia 2 and discovered a trick that makes me love it even more. The brush is actually 2 pieces and the larger piece pops out. I am able to clean my face so much better with just the smaller piece in, especially around the nose, mouth, etc. I exclusively use it with only the smaller piece in!
Because I am sure I am not explaining myself well, here is an article that shows how to pop out the smaller piece 🙂
https://snapguide.com/guides/use-your-clarisonic-to-exfoliate-your-nose/
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my goodness, I totally see how that would work wonders for around the nose area- thank you for sharing!
Allison says
Facebrush GAME CHANGER. My grandmother is a MaryKay rep and has been for about 40 years so she was like just try it! I also love MaryKay- the make up and the face wash have really helped me. My grandmother who is 75 but if you saw her you would think maybe early 60s says the most important thing is to be consistent. If you use something and really pay attention it should work!
Heather says
I keep meaning to look into skincare options… I’m past the age when I should have started. My problem is typically the price tag that comes with it. So many products are so expensive and I have a difficult time dropping the cash on them.
Liz T says
Such great timing. Our recent winter weather had me thinking about my skincare routine too. I have a Mia2 but haven’t used it in a long while now – I’ll have to brush it off and take it out again. I’ve been using a Retinol product recommended by my dermotologist, but it’s often drying and I now am looking for a moisturizer which I’ve yet to find one I love. What SPF product do you use? I’ve liked an Erno Lazlo one I’ve tried but I’m not totally sold on it.
Brittany Dixon says
I honestly haven’t found a SPF I’m crazy about yet. She recommended SkinCeuticals to me but I wanted to look more into it, plus I was already spending more than I had intended too, so I had to hold off.
Jerrica says
I love my skin care routine! I am loyal to proactiv to keep breakouts and oily skin at bay. I have used ponds moisturizer at night for about 15 years and my grandma has always used it too and looks amazing! I recently added some hope in a jar eye cream which is quite delightful. But I have to add that the quality of your makeup also makes a difference. If you take care of cleaning your skin and then just dump a ton of crap makeup on it…well, your skincare can only do so much!
Danielle says
I have a clarisonic and love it! I would caution you to not use it every day as it can be fairly abrasive to your skin (even with the sensitive brush head). I use it about 3 times per week, but I have pretty dry skin. I use Philisophy facewash with the clarisonic and then plaster my face with aveeno face lotion. I always use eucerin spf face lotion in the morning before make up. Oh, and clean your make up brushes out! Dirty brushes are usually the biggest culprit to my breakouts!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve heard great things about the Philosophy line (they make hope in a jar, right?). And yes, great reminder about dirty brushes- I’m so guilty of that!
Nina says
Thanks for this post! Just curious, what did Terri recommend using with the Mia 2 since she doesn’t like the default cleanser that comes with it? Did she recommend the Glowbiotics Probiotic Cleanser, or something else? Thanks, Brittany!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, for me she recommended the GlowBiotics Cleanser, but you could use any cleanser of your liking!
Jennifer says
I just started last year being intentional about my skincare routine. Before I would just use Neutrogena or Oil of Olay, just random cheap stuff ya know. My running coach started selling Rodan + Fields and she had great results which got me interested in it. I LOVE their Reverse line which I use every morning and I noticed this summer I had way less freckles than I normally would have! My skin is definitely a lot smoother as well. I added in their Unblemish line at night now b/c I do still get pimples pop up here and there so that helps keep them at bay. Washing my face at night has become the biggest habit to change b/c I used to just use on of those cloth wipes and call it a day b/c I am so exhausted at night! I’ve found it’s really not all that time consuming and my skin really appreciates it! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I have a couple friends who absolutely love Reverse too! So glad it has worked so well for you! And PS- I always grabbed whatever cheap stuff I could find too (including just old fashion Dove soap!)
Brittney says
Love this post!! I’m trying to get better about sunscreen. If you aren’t gonna use the Clarisonic cleanser how will you use the brush? I think it would be great for my skin- I live in dry Colorado and think it could help my skin a lot.
Brittany Dixon says
I just use the GlowBiotics cleanser with the brush instead! You can use any cleanser 🙂
PS- You live in Colorado… sigh… my dream state!
sherry says
Really enjoyed hearing about your finds for skin care–made me want to order a Clarisonic brush today. I have been using the SkinCeutical clarifying cleanser, Phloretin CF, and their Overnight Renew for years. I also like the Revision Intellishade for a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. I have also used a retinol product off and on for years–but now getting back to more often. I use a tretinoin gel 0.05%. The last time I went to the dermatologist he said my skin looked good–and he didn’t even say “for your age” 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
You do look amazing mama! And not “for your age.” Hop eyou gave those good genes to me!
Tara C. says
I know you mentioned in this post that you would do a follow up post on your skincare regimen, but I was hoping you could give me a few thoughts on the Clarisonic. I was thinking of getting one, but don’t know many people who own one.
Brittany Dixon says
I LOVE it. I am probably in the camp now that feels like my face doesn’t get clean without it. I am planning on doing a skin update in the next week or two and will go into more details about it all!
Kelli Harrison says
Would love a update on your skin care regimen
Brittany Dixon says
Perfect timing; I have one in the works! I’ll probably post it in about two weeks.