Disclaimer: The following products have worked for me and might not work for you, so please use with caution or consult your dermatologist for more questions.
So...I have written in my other blog that I switched over to a more predominantly 'natural' and 'organic' way of taking care of my skin for more than a year now. After a brush with the pimple fairy in June 2008, I tried using various spot treatments such as Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment, which is clearly the devil. The reason I decided to use this was because it didn't contain Benzoyl Peroxide (which is the bigger devli) and contained Salicylic Acid and other ingredients. After applying to pimples, It started peeling my skin and leaving huge marks. Till today I am struggling with those scars/scabs/marks. I must admit that they aren't as hideoes but for a person who could do without concealer or cover-up, its sad that my favorite product in my beauty arsenal now is my concealer.
Oh well, so I started researching and researching online on how to take care of skin in the most natural ways possible without depleting skin of its natural oils but at the same time providing enough anti-bacterial protection to my skin:
Oil Cleansing: I use equal parts Castor Oil and Jojoba Oil and mix them both. I apply it to my face, eyes, lips and then take a terry-cloth dipped in lukewarm water and slowly start removing all gunk. For heavier makeup days, I use MAC's Cleanse Off Oil, I loveeee this, it has a beautiful orangey scent, but one downfall it can turn you blind for a good minute because it turns milky after rinsing off with water.
Cleansing: Camellia Rose Coconut Shea Beauty Bar. This thing is nothing short of fabulous. Its natural and handmade and contains nothing synthetic.
Exfoliating: I recently bought this No Marks Walnut Scrub which is an indian make. It seems non-invasive and doesn't contain SLS (unlike its famous friend St Ives Apricot Scrub).
Toning: Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel. This is amazing as it's not harsh like the Dickinson's Witch Hazel and feels like rose-flavored water on your skin.
Moisturizing (AM): Pond's Visibly Light Brightening Cream with SPF 15. This cream sounds like a fairness cream but in reality its really a moisturizer and helps in brightening and evening skin tone. This and Neutrogena's Dry touch Sunblock Shield in 55 are the two most non-natural (if you may) products in my skin care, but I do need my sun protection so can't skip those!
Moisturizing (PM): I made my own elixir: I mixed 1 oz. Desert Essence's Organic Jojoba Oil with 2 drops each of lavender essential oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and 6 drops of rose hip seed oil (all essential oils purchased at iherb).
I put in a dropper bottle and use it every night after toning.
I rarely use face masks (like store bought face masks) as I spend soo much time in the kitchen that I will just slap on some honey or oats or something lying around. But if I do use, here are the two that I use: Missha Yogurt Strawberry Peel Off Mask (I don't peel, I rinse with warm water, peeling is for monsters :-S). The St Ives Firming Mask I've had for a while now and I use it every now and then. Its alright, better for people with really oily skin I feel.
