Philosophy Skincare

Someone posted a comment asking for recommendations on what to use to combat adult acne. I responded in the comment, but thought it would also be useful to write an actual post as well. My sweetie is 31 year and has dealt with acne since his early 20s. Unfortunately for him, his mother always told him to simply wash his face with regular old soap!!! Can you believe that??? When we began dating and he would complain to me about his skin and told me that he was just using soap I literally let out a load gasp. I told him he should at least be using Noxzema to wash his face. When he started using Noxzema, at least half of his acne went away. After that, I told him he needed to use something a little stronger and he began using my skin regimen which pretty much cleared him up. He still has the occassional outbreak (don't we all), but that's nothing in comparison to what he used to have to deal with. So what is my skincare regimen? Philosophy products.

While a lot of people think of great 3-in-1 shower gels when they hear the name Philosophy, the company actually started out as a skincare company. Creator and founder, Cristina Carlino first founded BioMedic, a medically based skincare line that catered solely to physicians. Soon afterwards, she realized that she wanted to make these products available to people at home. And so, Philosophy was created. Everything from cleaners to microderm abrasion treatments to peels to moisturizers are available from Philosophy. They have something for every age. Whether you're in your 20s looking to combat acne or take preventative measures against aging or you're in your 50s and you want smoother looking skin with less fine lines and wrinkles, Philosophy has the product for you.

To my comment poster, Philosophy Acne Kit may be what you are looking for. "Philosophy offers a four-step approach to treating acne that is benzoyl peroxide free. Step 1 - suppress excessive oil production, Step 2 - shed the pore wall (exfoliate), Step 3 - help sanitize the skin to protect against bacteria, and Step 4 - seal the skin to help keep the good treatments in and the bad elements out. The result? Clear, glowing skin that's free from blemishes and impurities."

I personally use the items available in the Philosophy Makeup Optional Set. "Set includes an 8 oz Purity Made Simple cleanser, 2 oz Hope In A Jar moisturizer, 1 oz When Hope Is Not Enough A.M. Serum, and a .5 oz Hope in a Tube Eye and Lip Firming Cream, plus two (two-applications) Microdelivery Vitamin C Foils." The Purity Cleanser is my staple skincare product. Even on those late nights when I just am too tired to go through moisturizing and what not (I know, shame on me), I at least cleanse my face with Purity. The Hope in a Jar moisturizer is like a drink of water for my skin. I love it. My skin always feels so soft and nice when I wake-up the morning after putting this on. This kit is also available for dry, sensitive skin and congested skin.

If you're not sure if Philosophy is for you, you might want to check out the Philosophy Best of Sephora Beauty Insider Kit. It's essentially a try me sampler of Philosophy's greatest hits. "Filled with four pint-sized portions of Philosophy favorites—the pH balanced, pore-purging cleanser, Purity Made Simple; the cult favorite, skin brightening moisturizer, Hope in A Jar; two at-home facial Microdelivery Peel packets; and the multitasking, floral and musk-infused Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel—this sought-after sampler has everything you need to get glowing." You do have to be a Beauty Insider to get this deal, but it's free to sign up at Sephora.com.

These are just a few of the highlights of Philosophy's Skincare Collection. You can check out their full line of products here. Not only do I swear by these products, but my best friend, my sister, and my mom all do as well. Personally, I have never heard a negative word about Philosophy, but I also realize that everyone's skin is different. So while it may do wonders for me, you may not love it as much as I do.

One other tip when it comes to cleansing your face, always rinse your cleanser off with a damp wash cloth, do not simply splash water on your face. By wiping your face with the damp cloth you are exfoliating your skin. It's much more effective to wipe the dead and dry skin cells and impurities off of your skin than to simply splash water on them.