In my last post, I covered eye care. Who knew about Johnson’s baby shampoo to clean your eyelids? Apparently, many did with the exception of yours truly. But—it’s never too late to learn—right?
Who knew that at 65 years the pro-ager, I would be returning to baby shampoo as part of my eye care routine!
But now, I wanna talk about skin care.
Pandemic skincare’s big “thing” these days is keeping your hands off your face. I get that. Ever since I was a child, though, my mother was constantly reminding me and my siblings to keep our hands off the face. And her constant badgering worked. At least for me it worked because I’m not prone to touch my face during the day. So, basically, this wasn’t anything new for a number of us.
Just a little reminder!
The other big thing is to wear a mask. I get that too. And I’ve been a “Mask-It Case” ever since it was recommended to wear one! And although the mask is a stellar protective device, it also brings on another issue. Bacteria inside the face protector that touches your face.
Call me a “Mask-It-Case” because I never leave home without one! Now–if only I could mask that dang turkey neck!
Trust me, I’ve had a couple of sizeable pimples in various places where the mask is worn. It’s not surprising at all. Think of the hot weather and the sweat that’s collecting in there. Makeup that’s rubbed off on the fabric adds to the bacterial issues. So is sneezing or laughing so hard that you spit bacteria into that little nugget of protection all add up—but, at least it’s your germs!
Although not this cute, bacteria can do a job on your face–and not the good job!
And therein lies the need for special attention to cleaning your face.
In my humble opinion, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars or go into debt for a facial cleanser. Clean is clean. Soap and water or a liquid cleanser and water are basically all you need. Save your money for travel when the ban is over. Save your money to enjoy a wonderful meal at a good restaurant when the time comes. But honestly, don’t spend it on pricey skin cleansing lotions or overpriced beauty bars.
Please. Save your money. Remember-Clean is Clean. You don’t have to spend a fortune.
Oh. And a makeup remover helps too. And you don’t need to spend a fortune on that either.
There hasn’t been a night I haven’t been faithful about cleaning my face. Oh. Wait. There is an exception. When I fly overnight but as soon as I get to where I’m going, I unpack then hit the bathroom to was my face.
Anyway, (because anywaysssss isn’t a word) during the winter, I wear more makeup than in the summer. And even though my summer face doesn’t wear much product. it does get a bit grimy from the mask. My summer face is generally bare of foundation, concealer, the contour. It’s merely a touch of blush or bronzer or both, eye makeup and lip gloss until it wears off then I keep the lips bare.
My winter face–aka my pre-pandemic face. I forgot how much makeup I wore before masking-it!
And through it all, I still scrub the face.
With the exception of eye makeup, there’s nothing on my face except that slight blemish on my chin!
When I arrive home from work every evening, I run upstairs and take the makeup off. I use Albolene, which I’ve written about in previous blog posts. This has been my go-to makeup remover for decades. A large tub runs about ten bucks. It is lard for the face and melts makeup off.
Since I’m not too fussy, the “‘Lene” gets wiped off with a tissue or three, then the cleansing fun begins.
Albolene first. Soap second. I love Albolene so much that I always have a backup on hand!
I have three ways of cleansing. I’ll either use an exfoliating face cloth, which I love. One side is rough—like a loofah for the face and the other side terry cloth. The one I have is so old that it’s falling apart and very soon, it’ll be time to purchase more.
This cloth is so old but works like a charm. This is the rough, exfoliating side..
The other side is softer but you can see that I’ve worn this baby out!
I ordered new cloths from Amazon! I’ll put the link for this in my Idea List at the bottom of this post. I love this new exfoliator because it really scrubs the face so well!
What I find exhilarating about this cloth is I can get as rough as possible and really dig into those crevices and spots that collect a ton of gunk. Literally, sometimes I feel as though I’m scrubbing the features of my face away! But thiese cloths work and does the job so well!
This is how well, I scrub my face!!!
There’s another cloth I also use. Oona got these for me perhaps four or five years ago. They were stuffed into my Christmas stocking. I have one in pink and one in black. It’s merely a washcloth that removes makeup wonderfully without hard scrubbing.
It’s long and fluffy and soft and does a stellar job in removing makeup. If you don’t want to lug products around while traveling, this is a great alternative!
But first—do you remember Clairol’s The Skin Machine? If you are around my age and were a teen in the late 1960’s through the ‘70’s, I’m sure you’re familiar with the palm-held device, and it’s brush attachment that you used to clean your face.
Remember this? Oh lordy, I loved my Skin Machine and used it for years! I can’t understand why this was placed out of production because it worked so darn well!
My mother purchased one for me during those years of being skin-challenged. The combination of The Skin Machine followed by Clearasil liquid toner and Clearasil cream in that weird tube did work to dry the skin. And sometimes worked a little too well in drying the skin.
Throwback time! This and the toner really dried up the skin. There’s no way we could use this now! Our skin would be the new Sahara!
Ok. A little over a month ago Duvolle sent to me a product to review. The product is their Radiance “Spin Care” brush set which is similar to The Skin Machine.
This is the Duvolle Spin Care System. The site’s price is somewhat expensive but if you are interested, use the code I was given : CATHERINE . This code will give you 70 percent off the original price bringing it to $28.50.
This set has various attachments for different uses:
Two brush attachments for your face. One is an exfoliating brush, the other a cleanser. Quite honestly, I don’t see much of a difference between the brushes. Both works very well to clean the face in a very soothing and relaxing way. It’s like a home-spa!
In all honesty, there’s not much difference between the brushes. The exfoliator brush is not as soft but both are excellent for cleaning your face in spa-fashion! It’s VERY comparable to The Skin Machine but packs more punch!
The pumice attachment is wonderful for smoothing those areas of the feet like heels and balls that can get calloused. It’s also great to smooth out rough spots on knees and elbows.
This is great for feet, elbows and knees. I’m tempted to use it on my chapped lips. You CAN use this in the shower, but I prefer not to.
And the oversized body brush is especially handy for applying fake tanner! Yes! I’m now using it to apply my tanning mousse!
The large body brush. Mine has acquired a golden hue because I’ve been using this specifically for applying fake tanner! It works!
Regardless, no matter how you clean your face—with a regular terry washcloth, an exfoliating cloth, a battery-operated brush or your hands to rub the soap in, it’s simply about cleaning!
My new normal. Eye makeup. A touch of gloss. Bare, clean skin. Showcasing freckles, lines and blemishes from hours of masking it. And a clean face feels so wonderful!
In a nutshell:
Take the makeup off every evening!
Take it off! Take it ALL off!
H2O blended with soap or any cleanser will get your skin clean.
Water. H2O. It’s free (well, except for a relatively inexpensive water bill that you pay four times a year) and it cleanses!
If you have very dry skin, you might want to go with a hydrating product. My skin is dry. I stick to Dove, Neutrogena, and, when I can find it, Le Petit Marsellais Orange Blossom soap bar. I shy away from soaps that dry the skin such as Ivory. Besides, I’ve had my mouth washed out on many occasions with Ivory. It doesn’t taste too bad but it does dry out the skin!
All three soaps are great for skin cleansing–and all three are inexpensive!
Follow up, if preferred, with a toner. But be sure to use one that’s gentle and pro-age friendly! When I remember, I use either generic Witch Hazel or an orange-blossom spray astringent that I purchased a while ago. Both inexpensive.
Witch Hazel. One of the best toners around. I use this often and it always makes me feel refreshed without drying my skin.
Another favorite is Orange Blossom water. This spray is fantastic because you can spritz your face from time to time during the day, feel clean and smell good too!
And now, you’re ready to hydrate your skin with your favorite moisturizer and make yourself even more beautiful than you are with a little bit o’ makeup.
Makeup or makeup-free–it’s the clean skin that counts!
Remember—it’s the clean skin that counts above all! If you are looking for ideas, I’ve created an idea list for you on my Amazon store. The link for you : Clean Your Skin!
Hi Catherine — Just wanted to say that as pretty as you look all made up, I think you look fabulous with your pared-down routine. Way to go!
Thank you! Yeah. I’m getting more and more used to the pared-down look!! XOXOXOXO
Isnt it interesting that we have come back round to keeping our skin clean as a basis for all other skin care – like you say, you dont have to spend the big bucks (unless you want to) its all about looking after the basic tenets regarding our skin. I have super sensitive skin and find micellar water and then a very gentle cleanser has a lovely calming ritual aspect to it for me and my face – it ends the day and actually is a tiny amount of self pampering time when you really get to notice your skin and quite frankly now I am not commuting 1 hour and a quarter each way I have plenty of time. I also find if I am not having face to face meetings I can wander about with a restorative face mask during the day 🙂
Hi Juliet! Exactly! We have come back to basics! And nothing over priced either. I should have mentioned micellar water because I know so many women who use and love it. I actually have some but don’t reach for it as often as I could. Thanks for that reminder! XOXOXOXO
I’ve used a Clarisonic cleaner for years on my face, with a sensitive skin brush-twice a day. An oil removing cleanser from Neutrogena that is inexpensive along with it, since i have Ali Baba’s oil well skin. I literally have three wrinkles! And I’m 68! I think the mild exploitation is really good for the skin. Now the neck is another thing…
Hey Susan. Did you hear that Clarisonic went under? I don’t know what happened but as of 9.30.2020, the brand is shutting down. I’m shocked because I’ve heard such great things about the cleaner! You’re lucky you have that oil well of skin because you’ll never have wrinkles on your face! XXOXOXO
I am an esthetician and I keep a very simple routine. Cleanse morning and evening with Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser alternating every other day with Cerave Extra Gentle Exfoliating Scrub.f Follow with Cerave repair eye cream and Cerave hydrating sunscreen spf 50 face lotion. At night I use prescription Renova. Remember to be gentle with your routine – you are not scrubbing pots and pans. If you are rough with your skin, you can create or exacerbate broken capillaries. I use soft baby facecloth daily and use my Clarisonic every other day. I use Vitamin C serum in the day. My best advice for a pro-agers is to use sunscreen daily and drink copious amounts of water. It makes the biggest difference!
I forgot to say, like Cathe, I use Witch Hazel on a cotton ball as a toner after I cleanse my face and baby shampoo has been my go to for cleansing my eyelids.
OMG. Joan I am an esthetician’s nightmare! I scrub my face like there’s no tomorrow. I’ll take your advice and start being a bit more gentle. BTW, Cerave is a great brand. I love the moisturizer. My dermatologist recommended it and it’s very purse-friendly! XOXOXOXO
LOL, years before I was an esthetician, when I was 29, I saw a commercial for “The Buff Puff” which was a facial sponge with the scrubby side similar to what you use to scrub your pans. It said it would remove the dead skin cells from your face to reveal beautiful young skin. At that time age 30 was looming around the corner and I decided I would be ahead of the curve. I buffed and puffed and scrubbed until my face was a bloody pulp – I could have been used as an extra for a Zombie movie. Now I treat my skin as if it were expensive silk, yet I don’t use expensive facial products – I look for ingredients and value. I don’t care about expensive marketing campaigns using beautiful young models. I know how to read labels and get the most bang for my buck! P.S. I think the urge to scrub is part of my many compulsions, but instead I use it to clean my house! LOL!
I have simplified my routine to once a day cleansing with soap and water, or sometimes a product like Cetaphil. Follow with a serum -whatever is on clearance at TJ Maxx-I am not fussy and have discovered they are all pretty much the same at that price point. Then I apply a moisturizer, followed by a BB cream with sunscreen . Garnier has the best coverage and texture. If I am in a hurry, I just swipe with witch hazel, apply moisturizer and go. I flnd that too much cleansing dries my skin. The bummer is getting zits at our age!
Oh I remember Oprah asking Stevie Nicks how she kept her skin looking so beautiful and Miz Nicks responded that she NEVAH went to bed wearing makeup. Even if bedtime was 5:00am Stevie removes every drop of make up! She said in all her years of performing that was something she was religious about and I guess it paid off if Miss Winfrey commented favourably on her visage.