#65: Don't Waste Money Solving Problems You Don't Have
You're most likely not mineral deficient.
While at a birthday dinner last weekend the conversation turned to skincare routines and someone at the table asked me how I decide I like a product or think it’s working.
I didn’t have a well-articulated answer to give in the moment, but I’ve been thinking about it since. I want to start at the beginning. The moment I’m deciding to buy an item. Something that really bugs me about marketing is that I’m constantly being told I have problems. Often, I don’t realize I have said problem, meaning it’s not actually a problem, I just panic because someone told me I should. For example, right now online all the “hot” girls are eating spoonfuls of expensive coconut cult yogurt (aptly named because it truly does seem like a cult) and pairing it with sea moss gummies that are a ✨ miracle ✨ pairing for healing your gut and clearing your skin. Allegedly the entire human population is severely mineral deficient (not true, I fact checked with my dietician sister), and the only cure is eating goo from the bottom of the ocean *cue aggressive eye roll* formulated into a gummy that they swear is delicious.
In the face of all this nonsense I’m CLINGING to my motto: If you didn’t have the problem before you heard of the product, you don’t need the product. I don’t need to waste money on cures for problems I don’t have. I almost fell victim to the culty yogurt a few months ago until my coworker chastised me with my own words, and I snapped out of it. Also, I couldn’t find it at Whole Foods.
That very long preamble is to say, I seek out brands that don’t feel like they’re trying to trick me into believing I have problems. What I respect about both Dieux Skin and Sophie Pavitt Face is they are very transparent about their intentions. Yes, they want to make money, but they also strongly believe in their mission, the founders use their own products, and they are science backed. Dieux is constantly talking about their clinical testing and featuring their cosmetic chemist on social channels. They are also honest about that fact that some of their products may not be for everyone. Their products aren’t as cheap as what you can find at the drug store, but I don’t mind supporting them monetarily because I don’t feel tricked into the purchase. Plus, we love a small business.
Once a product is on my medicine cabinet, I start the process of deciding if I like it/it’s working. My main skin concerns are adult acne (often corresponding with my period), tightness/dryness, and texture. I have found through trial and error that my skin doesn’t respond well to a lot of active ingredients (things like adapaline, strong chemical exfoliants, vitamin C, etc). Currently, the only active in my routine is a mandelic acid clearing serum. I tried using Differin Gel, but it irritated my skin, and I had to stop. It was painful and red. So, my first indicator is how my skin feels. I aim for smooth/plump to the touch and overall comfy. I don’t have to itch or move my eyebrows around from discomfort. I love my current cleanser because it doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped. I apply the mandelic acid on dry skin and with previous cleansers (I’m looking at you Youth to the People) my skin would be SO tight if I didn’t moisturize right away. To me, this is a good sign. It’s cleansing my skin, but not over drying it. I guess in sum, I go off how my skin feels and if I’m happy with how it looks. I also have to be honest with myself, no product is going to work overnight. Dieux skin’s slogan is “Rituals not Miracles”. Skincare is a ritual and only works with consistency.
Something to consider is that our skincare needs can change with the seasons, the climate, or our age. I used to positively be obsessed with the Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser, but I noticed one day that it didn’t make my skin feel great and I pivoted to something new. I don’t want to condone or endorse the very real overconsumption that comes from the beauty industry as we’re constantly told to try the latest release. However, if something isn’t working for you shopping around can help find something that does. I ended up using the last of my YTTP superfood cleanser as a body wash, so it didn’t go to waste. Very pro “use what you have” in my house.
If you’re curious here’s my current routine. I’m very brand loyal to these products and won’t be changing them anytime soon. If you are happy with your routine, don’t change a thing!!!
AM
Cleanse: Usually I just rinse with water, but if I go to the gym, I cleanse with the Dieux cleanser.
Moisturize: In the summer I use the Dieux Skin Air Angel gel moisturizer. In all other months, the Sophie Pavitt Face Omega Rich moisturizer.
SPF: I’ve historically used Asian or European sunscreens because they have a better texture and feel like moisturizer on my skin. They don’t have the same greasy uncomfortable feeling that a lot of U.S. sunscreens have. Unfortunately, in the U.S. sunscreens are regulated like drugs and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has to approve all filters used in the U.S. Tragically, there haven’t been great advancements in U.S. sunscreen technology since 1999. There are better and more advanced filters used abroad (Australia and Asia have made great strides) that make their sunscreens feel better and look better on a variety of skin tones. This could change (read this article), but for now, we take what we can get. It’s getting harder to access foreign sunscreens in the U.S. so stock up when you’re abroad! If I absolutely MUST use a U.S. sunscreen, I like the Krave Beauty Beet the Sun or La Roche Posay Melt-in Milk.
PM
Double cleanse: I use an oil cleanser from SKIN10004 on dry skin and then follow it with the same Dieux Skin gel cleanser.
Treat: On bone dry skin I use the Sophie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum. This has been incredible for helping keep my acne at bay, clearing up the acne I currently have, and fading the scars. It’s a gentle exfoliating serum and it’s incredible.
Hydrate: I use the Dieux Skin Air Angel gel moisturizer as my next step. In the summer, this is the end of my routine. When it’s colder/drier I follow with another step.
Moisturize: I top everything off with the Sophie Pavitt Face Omega Rich moisturizer. I wake up with the most incredible feeling skin when I do this.
Lips: Once I’m in bed, before I turn off the light, I slather on a layer of the Experiment Beauty Software lip smoothing treatment and call it a night. This lip balm is mildly exfoliating and whatever dry layers I have on my lips come right off in the morning.
Thank you for coming along on this ride through my thought process. I love talking about skincare and the science behind it. Remember that aging is a privilege and you’re probably not mineral deficient. If you are, please have licensed medical professional tell you, not some random person online trying to get paid from commission on your purchase.
One last thing, I finally tried the new-ish sandwich place Your Only Friend. Would recommend. You should also go. I’m still trying to decide if I like it more than Compliments Only, but my gut is telling me I don’t.
As always, have a slice for me 🍕 and enjoy my latest hyper fixation song.