Tag: credo

Helping Hands

On By andrewdhutch

Sometimes (a lot of the time) I’ll get a text from a friend like this…

“I have tiny bumps all over my face, and my pores have def gotten bigger. What do I do?”

My friends love to ask for advice, mainly product recommendations. And I love to help in any way I can, while recognizing that everyone’s skin and needs vary. If you recall from my previous post, I am that skincare nerd who is reading each ingredient list on a product. I spend hours at home researching the clinical studies of ingredients. Just like what we put in our bodies, I want to know what benefit I’m going to get out of a skincare ingredient and formulation. So if I recommend a product, I try to sneak in some skincare E-D-U-C-A-T-I-O-N at the same time.

First up, I ask for additional details about the issue. In this case, my friend described the bumps as acne – think whiteheads and a few blackheads. Also of concerns about oil – “it seems like it’s just oil that’s getting built up.”

Previously I had recommended the Pixi Glow Tonic (glycolic acid/AHA) for this friend, as they were transitioning to summer and noticed acne caused by sweat and wanted an affordable acid/toner step in their routine.

For these new skin concerns, I recommended trying some oil cleansers to deep clean, and switching from an AHA (Pixi Glow Tonic) to a BHA or salicylic acid product to help with the acne. #maskne

When recommending products, I always trying to stick to things I’ve either tried and loved, or that I have on my list to try. This provides a certain level of comfort, since I’m not a professional. I’m not out here trying to make my friend’s skin any worse! The oil cleansers I recommended are…

I also recommended a BHA product that is hot right now:

And for my final commentary, I had to throw in some skincare tips and tricks for all the products I was recommending. Had to really push my agenda for everyone to have glowing skin. Double cleansing. First cleanser on dry skin to remove sunscreen/makeup/dirt, second cleanse to treat the skin. Inspired by queen of all skincare, Caroline Hirons!

Finally, here’s the real kicker, my friend is moving to London and in short order. This meant product availability was a key factor.

I thought of all my trips to the dermatologist in high school, and drugstore availability, and recommended the Cerave Renewing SA Cleanser, and the Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution. Both available at any number of drugstores here in the states. One quick trip.

Stay tuned for follow-ups on the results!

Oil Cleansing + Marie Veronique

On By andrewdhutch

Last month, I did something crazy and tried an oil cleanser. I respect oil as an ingredient and know many people who love it. However, when I was living in Chicago my friend* (*best friend) Lily introduced me to Daniela. When you see Daniela, she questions you about each and every product you’re using, and tells you which ones to throw away and replace with better ones. Known as the “Acne Whisperer” her philosophy is essentially to not use any products that clog your pores and hydrate hydrate hydrate! This philosophy has really worked for me, and I have deeply internalized it when it comes to which products I use and want to try. Simply put, Daniela would have my head if I told her I was using an oil cleanser. But that was years ago, and I was really intrigued to try something new! (Spoiler alert, I’m glad I did.)

I set out to find *the one* and soon landed on a Marie Veronique oil cleanser. Marie Veronique’s Vitamin C E Ferulic serum has been incredible over the last few months that I’ve used it, so I wanted to try something else from the brand. I did a little research on where to buy it in my hometown of Nashville where I was going to be traveling, and found the ONE store in town that sold Marie Veronique – Poppy & Monroe.

Upon arriving, I was greeted (in a mask #covid) by the owner, Karen. I told Karen what I was looking for – an oil cleanser that would smell lovely and be refreshing. Initially she recommended Tata Harper, which I have used before and enjoyed, but my skin didn’t LOVE. I told her about my interest in Marie Veronique, and she immediately told me I should try the Pure E.O. Oil Cleanser.

So, I did! AND MY SKIN LOVES IT! Clear, calm, glowing. More even skin tone and smoother across my forehead. This oil cleanser worked into my routine of double cleansing and facial massaging so easily.

Over the last couple of months, I’ve used two bottles of this cleanser. I found myself in Nashville for a long weekend, so I got in the car and drove on over to Poppy & Monroe, and this time I decided to try a couple new Marie Veronique products as well. Can you tell I’m a skincare addict?

Thanks again to Karen’s help! So nice to find someone and a store that fits so well into my love of skincare! I’ll definitely be back, and highly recommend you check out the shop too. They offer mani/pedi and facials too (I actually think this is their main focus).