3 Skin Care Lessons I Would Have Taught My Younger Self

Man, when I was a teenager and in my 20’s, I totally did not prioritize skin care. I slept with makeup on (only like 2 or 3 times though) and didn’t ever wear moisturizer (does body lotion count?) or sunscreen.

PHOTOGRAPHY // Christopher Jamar Payne for Mattie James

This post was sponsored by CVS. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Now that I’m a skincare junkie, I cringe at my younger approach to skin care. It’s all about moisturizing, exfoliating, and of course wearing sunscreen. And that’s why I’m so excited to partner with CVS Pharmacy that has launched a summer campaign to drive awareness for proper skin health practices including wearing sunscreen products with SPF 15 or higher and encouraging you to use a skin care routine that protects your skin. If I could go back in time, I would teach my younger self the following 3 skin care lessons:

WEAR SUNSCREEN

Yes, you. You should wear sunscreen all year round. There are those days where the sun doesn’t come out and it’s overcast, but the UV rays are still out and affecting your skin. I know you think sunscreen is thick and gross, but there are non-pasty versions out there. Opt for something like the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30. You can easily spray on the light formula and it protects you up to 80 minutes before having to reapply.

WASH YOUR FACE TWICE A DAY

If you have oily skin and large pores, washing your face not once, but twice is essential. It’s important to keep your pores clean to avoid breakouts and create a smooth skin palette for makeup application. Now, because you are washing your face twice, you want to find a cleanser that deep cleans without irritating and drying out your skin. A drugstore go-to like the Neutrogena Hydroboost Cleanser is perfect. Gentle, yet worthwhile for everyday and you get much bang for your buck!

LESS IS MORE

While makeup is fun, you don’t have to be dolled up with fake lashes and a full face of foundation for everyday (especially on super hot summer days). That’s why skin care is so important. When you have great skin, the need for a lot of makeup, daily isn’t necessary. Opting for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream (with SPF, of course!) like the Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Sunscreen SPF 30 gives you enough coverage where your complexion is evened out, but you can still see your skin. Plus, the SPF protects you and blocks out those UV rays throughout a sunny day. If remember nothing else, remember this: less sun (exposure), better skin.