I am over 40 years old and have never been good at taking care of my skin. I have spent a large part of my life washing my face with the Irish Spring and the scratchy washcloth I use in the shower. Only recently was I made aware that using body soap on your face was a big no-no. I have been learning more about skin care from my teenage daughter who is my beauty advisor. Apparently, there is a huge market for skin care and makeup right now. Beauty has a huge following on YouTube. Korean dramas have introduced something called “glass skin” to the world. Have you seen those actresses with their poreless, glossy, and hydrated skin?
On the other hand, I have very dry and sensitive skin. I have rosacea and very uneven, textured skin. For those who are not familiar with rosacea, let me explain. It is a condition that causes red, bumpy skin that causes blood vessels to be more visible. It can be triggered by heat, hormones, different foods and alcohol. My skin was just a mess. The question was – how do I fix it? I tried to smooth out the texture using exfoliators and gentle peels. These products just made my skin extra dry and flaky or caused breakouts. Nevertheless, these products left me even more red than when I started.
Differing from the redness was dryness. I’ve tried various creams and lotions. Stores like the Body Shop and Sephora will tend to lead you to more expensive brands that promise to “cure” your skin problems. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on various brands. Nothing worked.
Finally, while searching for the next “cure all”, I came across a medical website and started reading up on dry skin. One article in particular made me want to slap myself in the forehead. The advice in the article said: “Wash face with a wet soft washcloth. Rub gently in circular motions with water.” What? Really? You’re kidding right?
No, no, no. There was no way, it was that easy. I have spent hundreds of dollars on everything from Clinique and Dior to Peter Thomas Roth products. Water? Undoubtedly, they must mean rice water. Maybe something more exotic like coconut water? No – they were talking about plain ass tap water. Right out of the pipe in your sink or the wet stuff that comes out of your shower head.
Okay – I was down to give it a try for at least a week. I guess I could consider this “medical advice”. Plus, I have a soft washcloth in my linen closet. I apparently have all the tools necessary to do this “technique”. Besides, if my skin got worse – at least I was home
First day. Used a wet washcloth and used circular motions to rub my face. Once I was done, I was quite red and still had lots of dryness on my face. I knew it was too good to be true. More lies. Not surprising.
Second day. More results like the first, still red and dry. My daughter came in while I was examining my skin and with her motherly tone, asked me – “You’re using toner right? You’re so dry. You need toner and don’t forget to lotion”. That night, I dug out one of the toners that I had purchased and proceeded to put it on my face. Followed it up with lotion I found on my counter.
Third day. Hmmm. Interesting. My skin seemed a little smoother. It still seemed dry, but not nearly as bad as the day before. I continued with the same process I did on day two.
Fourth day. Wow. My skin was looking pretty good. The flaky skin was gone. The redness was subsiding.
Finally, it was the last day of my trial period. I had to admit that trying that “medical advice” was the best method of all. It works. Soft wet washcloth in small circular motions is the best exfoliator you can use. Sorry Sephora.
