I Asked a Beauty Expert For Tips… Now I Look Like This
As someone who has struggled with my skin forever, finding the perfect skincare regime has been no easy task. With that said, after many years of research and professional guidance, I’ve never been more confident in my skin today. By no means is my journey complete, but I’m so happy to have you join me for the rest of it!. Keep reading to find some skincare tips from yours truly and insider secrets from beauty guru, Maria Christina Bruno.
I posted this photo a while back at arms-length to hide the blemishes on my cheek - my biggest problem-area.
About 10 years ago, I began getting really bad acne. What I once thought would be a short ‘phase’, ended up following me into my late 20’s/early 30’s. Although I was finally able to clear up my skin from the horrible acne, I now am still working on clearing the aftermath of scars, pigmentation and redness. Given that I am now 32, I really want to focus on keeping my skin youthful!
If you’re reading this, you likely already know that I am passionate about health and fitness. My balanced diet has definitely helped me maintain my physique, but what you may not know, is that it has played a major role in helping me clear my skin!
Below are the changes I made to my diet and lifestyle, that transformed my skin:
1. Eliminated foods that cause inflammation in my body
For my body, this meant eliminating wheat, dairy and processed sugars. However, everyone’s body, diet, and lifestyle is different, so I recommend only making changes that work for you!
2. Drank LOTS of Water
You probably hear this ALL the time, but trust me, this is a game changer. Your bladder may hate you but your skin and body will love you for it.
3. Stay Active
As a fitness trainer, I’ve both seen the changes in my own skin and seen it with my clients as well. Pick your choice of intensity, style, and length of the workout, but get yourself moving!
4. Rest Up
Work hard, play hard…. But make sure you rest even harder! I try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, and highly recommend you doing the same.
5. Monitor Stress Levels
Personally, this one has been the most challenging change for me to make, but has been very rewarding in the long run. Some things I like to encourage people to try to do when stressed, is to take deep breaths, meditate, and make time for self care, you deserve it!
Although those changes made a huge impact on my skin, I was still missing a proper skin care routine. I would buy ‘high-quality’ products, but I never knew if they were right for me! I know I’m not alone, and chances are, you’re as confused about what, when, and how to apply the different products you’ve got laying around. I was in need of guidance, and once I finally got some professional advice, I knew I had to share it with you!
This brings me to this week’s expert; Maria Cristina Bruno. MC is a skincare expert, skin therapist, make up artist and former owner of Ritual Hair Skin Beauty in Toronto. Her passion is to help people achieve healthy glowing skin and practice self care through skin care rituals. She offers amazing products and services on her website, and she even gave me a code to share with you guys (“Karina15”)
I was also lucky enough to be able to pick her brain last week on Instagram live. We discussed everything skincare, from how to set up your ideal A.M. routine to which products you need to splurge on. She even taught me the facial massage technique, which felt unreal. You can check it out here! Maria also answered the burning questions I had, and gave clear, yet actionable takeaways for those who tuned in. Don’t worry if you missed the live, I have all of her tips and tricks listed below!
So here’s a simplified but effective skin care routine by Maria herself.
AM ROUTINE
Cleanse
Treat with Serums that protect and hydrate (with ingredients like: vitamin C, Antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acid)
Prevent and protect - Moisturizer
Always finish with SPF - preferably mineral based physical sunscreens
PM ROUTINE
Double cleanse- start with an oil cleanser first to break down makeup, dirt and debris
Follow with your regular cleanser
Treat with Serums that resurface and repair with ingredients like AHA’s, BHA’s, retinol. Make sure not to overdo it on layering the actives or you could over-sensitize the skin.
Moisturize - Hydrate
As a bonus, Maria also recommends adding masks and exfoliants to this routine, 3 times a week!
Maria and I also got many questions from our friends and clients regarding specific skin goals and treatments. To address the most pressing questions and concerns, Maria highlighted possible skin care solutions below:
For Breakouts - Add a treatment serum that has ingredients like Salicylic Acid, White Willow Bark and Sugar Cane Extracts
For Anti-Aging - Add a treatment serum that has ingredients like Antioxidants, Retinol, Growth Factors
For Uneven Skin & Redness - Vitamin C, Arbutin, Glycolic Acid
If you’re looking for specific products, but can’t decide on whether you want to splurge or save, Maria listed all of her faves! Check them out below
CLEANSER
Splurge: IS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser - $70
Budget: Illuminate Enzyme Cleansing Powder- Green Envee - $50
VITAMIN C
Splurge: Super Serum by IS Clinical - $195
Budget: Ascorbic Acid + Arbutin by The Ordinary- $10
HYALURONIC ACID
Splurge: Hydra Cool Serum by IS Clinical - $120
Budget: Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex MMHC2 By Niod - $35
RETINOL
Splurge: Polyvitamin Serum by IS Clinical - $145
Budget: FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate By First Aid Beauty - $77
MOISTURIZER
Splurge - Moisturizing Complex by IS Clinical - $120
Budget - Active Moist by Dermalogica - $59
Holy Grail Splurge: IS Clinical Active Serum - $180
Budget Must Buy: Active Moist by Dermalogica ($59) or Ascorbic Acid + Arbutin by The Ordinary - $10
I hope you found some useful tips from this read, or enjoyed learning a bit more about my skincare journey. Comment below with your favourite skin care tips or products.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message on Instagram or send me an email, also make sure to follow Maria Christina Bruno on Instagram, you can learn so much.
Always from the heart,
