Michelle Timuri became passionate about skincare after struggling with acne and hyperpigmentation, and since healing her skin she helps others do the same by sharing tips with her many subscribers on YouTube. She takes us through her skincare routine and shares the best skincare tips to achieve the skin of your dreams.
Leaf Shave: How long have you been interested in skincare?
Michelle Timuri: My passion for skincare came when I had acne and hyperpigmentation flare-ups at university. I was under constant stress due to the workload and I did not know how to take care of my skin properly, therefore, I neglected it. After researching and creating a proper skincare routine for myself I saw a dramatic change in my skin's overall health — my acne cleared up and the post-acne scars lightened. This dramatic change was noticed by my family members and friends so I decided to share what helped me on social media as I realized that a lot of people were in the same boat as me. Many people did not know how to properly take care of their skin too, so I used my experience as an opportunity to help others.
LS: What skin type do you have, and how has that affected your approach to skincare?
MT: I have oily skin and because of this, my approach to skincare can be limited as I often have to find skincare products that are only meant for oily skin. Some products that are too hydrating can cause my skin to have an increase in sebum and this can lead to acne breakouts. I always talk about the importance of knowing your skin type as there are products for all types. Using the wrong skincare for your skin can worsen your skin's barrier and worsen whatever skin issue you may be dealing with.
LS: Can you walk us through your skincare routine?
MT: I have a separate morning and nighttime skincare routine as some products are only meant to be used during the day and others only at night. My morning skincare routine consists of a cleanser (CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser), toner (Pixi Skintreats - Vitamin-C Tonic), serum (The Ordinary - Niacinamide & Zinc serum), eye cream (The INKEY inkey List - Caffeine Eye Cream), moisturizer (Neutrogena - Hydro Boost Gel Cream) and SPF (La Roche Posay SPF 50). My nighttime skincare consists of oil cleanser (CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser), gel cleanser (CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser), toner (The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution), serum (The Ordinary - Hyaluronic serum), eye cream (The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream, moisturizer (Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream) and lastly facial oil (The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil).
LS: Do you exfoliate?
MT: Yes, I do exfoliate my skin. I use both physical exfoliants, such as dermaplaning or face scrubs, and chemical exfoliants such as chemical peels or exfoliating toners. My personal favorite way to exfoliate is dermaplaning my face. This method removes my peach fuzz and dead skin cells leaving my face instantly brighter and smoother. When dermaplaning I use the Leaf Dermaplaner, this is my favorite tool to use as they are plastic-free and refillable forever. With this specific dermaplaner, I can easily change the blade and blade guard when required without having to purchase a whole new razor.
LS: When adding new products to your routine, do you look for anything specific?
MT: Searching for products that are ‘fragrance-free’ or ‘unscented’ is something that I look out for when I am adding new products to my routine. I find fragrances irritating to my skin, therefore, it's an important factor that I look for when shopping for skincare.
LS: What is your favorite moisturizer?
MT: My favorite moisturizer is The Aveeno Oat Gel Moisturizer. I particularly like this facial moisturizer as it's great at soothing my skin. In my daily skincare routine, I exfoliate my skin which can make my skin slightly sensitive so it’s always important that I follow up with a hydrating and calming product. This moisturizer is formulated with oatmeal, a known ingredient to soothe the skin. I love to use it after exfoliating or doing a chemical peel.
LS: What is new to your skincare routine or skincare shelf?
MT: I have recently started using the Leaf Shave Calming Serum. This has quickly become one of my favorite serums because it soothes my skin from irritation and redness, especially after dermaplaning my skin. This serum is packed with natural oils and essential oils that promote healing. One of the ingredients is tea tree oil, which is my favorite oil for healing my skin's barrier. This serum is an all-around great skincare product.
LS: Which products have been part of your skincare routine the longest?
MT: The product I’ve used the longest is the CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser. This gel-based cleanser created the foundation of my skincare routine. When I began using this, I had dark spots and acne, and the ingredients in this cleanser—salicylic acid and niacinamide—helped treat both of those issues.
LS: What are your top 5 skincare products and why?
MT: 1. Niacinamide & Zinc Serum By The Ordinary - I love this product because it's transformed my skin. It was one of the first products I purchased when I started my skincare journey. It is known for removing whiteheads and excess sebum, which is exactly what my skin needed.
2. Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner By The Ordinary - This is one of my favorite toners because it's multi-purpose. I have made multiple videos on my social media platforms about different ways to use this toner, as it is a great discoloration treatment.
3. Hydro Boost Water Cream By Neutrogena - This is one of my favorite moisturizers because it feels hydrating without leaving my skin oily. It's so lightweight, and I wake up with glowy skin.
4. Shave Oil By Leaf Shave - This oil is an essential skin care product when it comes to dermaplaning. It helps to moisturize my skin while allowing the dermaplaner to glide smoothly, preventing irritation. One of my favorite things about this oil is that it hydrates my skin without leaving it oily and it gives me such a nice glow.
5. Blemish Control Cleanser By CeraVe - This cleanser is one of my favorite cleansers. It exfoliates my skin leaving it smooth and it brightens any acne scarring that I may get.
LS: What is your favorite product you use to see immediate results?
MT: The product that always gives me instant results is my Leaf Shave Dermaplaner. Every time my skin looks dull and feels textured, I use this luxury tool to exfoliate my skin and remove that fine facial hair. It instantly makes my skin look brighter and feel smoother! I love how my skin looks without makeup and with makeup.
LS: What is something you recently learned about skincare?
MT: One interesting thing I recently learned about skincare is the importance of properly layering skincare products. The order in which you apply your skincare products can significantly affect their effectiveness. Generally, it's recommended to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency to make sure that each product can penetrate into the skin effectively. For example, after cleansing, you would typically apply toner, followed by serums, then moisturizer, and finally sunscreen for during the day or a heavier moisturizer at night. This ensures that each product can be absorbed properly and provide the maximum benefits to your skin.
LS: Any final thoughts on skincare?
MT: I would tell my younger self that it is important to properly understand your skin type so you can find skincare products that work specifically for your skin. Do not apply every trending product onto your skin because it might worsen your skin. Less is more. I have learned that skincare products take time to work therefore you need to be patient and persistent with your routine. You will achieve your dream skin—all it takes is using the right products and some patience.
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