Get Dirty

Okay I am starting to worry about this Equinox phenomenon because we are well into April already and my skin is most definitely not happy with this extreme heat wave. Malaysia is being hit with the highest degree of heat since the sun is located directly above the equator causing me to perspire profusely even before I get into my car. One morning, I was running errands and I had to buy a parking ticket. It took me about five minutes to get the ticket printed and I was already sweating bullets by the time I walked back to my car. I figured if I stayed exposed to the sun a minute longer, I’d be burnt to ashes guys. 

I have been neglecting SPF sunscreen when I know I shouldn’t and I noticed that I am more prone to breakouts now. I don’t usually get pimples – just tiny inflamed rough bumps along my cheeks and forehead that don’t ever really come to a proper head which would disappear after a good night sleep but I find it difficult to get rid of them these days. The increased heat has made my skin dry and flaky just at the creases of my nose and I started getting dry patches under my eyes. So so gross!

Argan oil usually works wonders for me but it made me break out even more lately. I referred to my dermatologist and she said to guarantee its authenticity as impure argan oil can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads and dull skin. I did not find any sediment at the bottom of my argan oil bottle and I am positive it is highly refined as the authentic ones should appear to be a bit cloudy with a tiny bit of sediment. What a bummer but oh well, an excuse for me to go shopping.

Recently, I read an article online about the benefits of coffee scrub so I purchased a packet of 150g to give it a try. Several benefits include:

• exfoliating 
• anti-inflammatory properties
• reduction of cellulite and stretch marks
• improved circulation 
• reduced eye puffiness 
• smooth skin

The coffee scrub that I bought is a combination of coffee grounds with sea salt, organic brown sugar, coconut oil and almond oil and I honestly have been loving how nourished and moisturized my skin feels! Caffeine is known to be loaded with anti-oxidants but I was genuinely surprised to find that it helps in minimizing the appearance of dark circles under my eyes.

I make it a routine to exfoliate my skin in a gentle circular motion every night before I go to bed. The almond oil does not break my skin out, in fact it moisturizes better and deeper. The pimples on my left cheek aren’t as inflamed as they were before and I can tell that my complexion has been improving. My skin is still far from being flawless and I still need to look for more remedies but I’ll get there inshaAllah.