Skincare Update: Shrinking Pores

I've been fighting insomnia for the past couple weeks and have been skimping a little bit on my skincare now that I've started working out more. It got to the breaking point this morning when I woke up exhausted as hell! and then after putting on my makeup, I noticed that my pores seem a little larger than usual. I usually have even skin, but my pores around my nose have been larger and my forehead (usually my oily T-zone) has been out of whack too. So, I figured it was time to re-hash my skincare routine for more even and smoother skin and to hopefully reduce my pores in a few weeks.


Step 1 = SLEEP! 
Step 2 = DRINK WATER!

I cannot emphasize how much better my skin looks after I get a proper night of sleep and keep myself hydrated. I know it's hard to do that with a crammed schedule, but even getting as little as 7 hours of sleep and drinking 24-36 oz of water a day makes a big difference. Not only does my skin look better, but I feel better, need less caffeine, and don't look as bloated.

Of course, after sleep and hydration, I need to make sure that I follow a good skincare routine. I make sure to use good products and ones that haven't failed me in the past. The most important part is making sure I wash my face in the morning and I make sure to remove all traces of makeup at night. I cannot stress the last one enough. I went on for at least a year thinking that my face wash removed all my makeup, but nooooo. Makeup removing wipes are essential!

Morning Skin Routine
Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser (face wash with a tiny bit of salicylic acid)
Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion (toner)
Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (sunscreen facial moisturizer)
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 (daytime acne cream, as needed)
St. Ives Even & Bright Facial Scrub (exfoliation, every 2-3 days)

Nighttime Skin Routine
Simple Kind To Skin Makeup Removing Wipes (removing makeup at night)
Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser (face wash with a tiny bit of salicylic acid)
Aveeno Smart Essentials Nighttime Moisturizer (night facial moisturizer)
Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque (nighttime acne cream)
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask (weekly facial mask)

So thats it! I'm hoping that once I start adhering to this schedule more stringently, my skin will be thanking me and my pores will be shrunken. Of course, I will update this blog and make adjustments as needed!