Mission: Desert Shit-Storm or My Desert Skincare Routine

I’m sure you are well aware of my latest youth-adventure: Burning Man. Though it was certainly life-changing, thanks to a new skincare discovery, my skin didn’t change. It looked dewy, even-toned, and oddly hydrated. Unlike my questionable costume choices, my skincare choice turned out to be perfect for the occasion. So in the spirit of sharing my newest youth discovery with you, I’m telling you all about my desert island routine…sans the island, and how I kept my skin from cracking in the harsh dry climate.

I had genuine angst about going to Burning Man – a mixed bag of anxiety and anticipation, sprinkled with many, WTF is gonna happen to my skin? moments.

I thought the scorching, dry desert heat and dust would obliterate any hopes I have of looking younger along with my hopes of taking cute selfies in the desert. And I thought my Energizer Bunny Hubby would drag me out to party every night and I’d further dehydrate my dehydrated skin and suffer the consequences of a desert hangover the next morning.

I envisioned myself, an old crispy Burner, my skin shriveling away along with my youth. Not exactly the image I aspired to which was more along the lines of young-ish post-apocalyptic boho desert goddess.

Having my skin hijacked by the desert dust was not going to happen. Not on my watch.

Which led me on a quest for the perfect desert-friendly skincare and a mission I called:

Desert Shit-Storm.

When it comes to the health and youthfulness of my skin, you know I don’t mess around. I not only research… I super research. Like the good youth-seeking student that I am, I did my homework.

I found a plant-based, eco-lux skincare line that is made specifically for desert skin. Well…not specifically, it’s made for all skin types but the products were developed in Arizona and said to perform “in even the most extreme desert conditions.” In fact, their motto is — and I quote…

“If you can have gorgeous skin living in the desert, you can have it anywhere on earth.”

Hello, Burning man skincare! Come to mama.

The company is Mikel Kristi Skincare.

I knew that was the skincare I needed to take to my desert experience. It’s also cruelty-free and great for the environment, a perfect complement to the planet-friendly core values of Burning Man.

Could anything be more perfect?

I thought about one of my favorite Paulo Coelho quotes, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

The Universe, I am convinced, wanted me to look like young-ish post-apocalyptic boho desert goddess too.

I contacted the company, and they were kind enough to send me their Core Collection. It comes in a cute vinyl zipper bag that was perfect for my little storage RV situation. Super travel-friendly.

This saved me from packing my usual 20-product travel skincare. All I added were masks.  Lots of them. And of course, sunscreen. I protected my face like a motherfucker. Besides, the dust prevented me from exposing my face, so between the sunscreen, the scarves, and the goggles, the sun didn’t stand a chance.

But still, my main concern was the dryness. I’m used to humidity which is great for the skin. And this skincare line fits the bill.

The Core Collection they sent me provided everything I needed to maintain my skin healthy. It’s a 4-step routine that is suitable for all skin types and especially good for harsh conditions.

This is what I used…

Refreshing Botanical Wash

This is an exfoliating wash and it left my skin refreshed and calm…not tight at all. It was super gentle yet effective in removing the grit that accumulated on my skin from the dust without leaving my skin feeling stripped of its natural oils.

Lavender Hibiscus Toner

I loved this refreshing facial mist. I used it after cleansing morning and night as well as throughout the day when I would come inside to get a break from the heat. It’s super hydrating and full of nutrients for the skin.

Biopeptide Revitalizing Serum

This serum is loaded with great anti-aging ingredients, like Prickly Pear Cactus Extract (very appropriate, no?) which is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, Epidermal growth factor to help boost collagen, and anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients. It’s a super light serum, but let me tell ya, it packs a punch.

C-Radiance Moisturizer

Because our skin needs vitamin C.  I was initially going to take my beloved CE Ferulic, but I wanted to give this cream a chance to do its own thing. This moisturizer has 3 types of highly stable vitamin C, as well as other anti-aging ingredients to protect and nurture the skin.  Super hydrating but light. I love how it sinks into my skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Vital A Rejuvenating Serum

This was my night time serum in place of the Biopeptide one. Not as harsh as tretinoin if your skin doesn’t do well with Retinoid. This one is a vitamin A Retinaldehyde complex — a blend of Vitamin A, Niacinamide, and an antioxidant. Super gentle, super hydrating too.

That’s it. So simple. So perfect for on the go. It honestly took me a couple of days to get used to this pared-down routine. I kept thinking I was missing something. And I was…the tons of unnecessary crap I put on my face daily.

And as it turns out, I didn’t need anything else.

These five products were just enough to keep my skin healthy and balanced. I didn’t experience any dryness at all. None. Also the redness I usually have around my nose and my mouth disappeared and I was able to go without foundation or concealer for most of the trip (except for the Wednesday night party where I glammed up).

Back home, I felt like my skin didn’t miss a beat. I thought I would have to do some major repair after this desert adventure, but none was needed.

The awesome people over at Mikel Kristi are offering my readers a discount code.

If you want to check out the products for yourself,  go to MikelKristi.com  and use discount code: MAR20 at checkout.  If you have dry skin or oily skin or sensitive skin or any type of skin, suffer from Rosacea, or live in a dry climate, or like natural skincare, or have mature skin, or just want to try good quality skincare products, I highly recommend these products.

note: This isn’t sponsored. I did receive the products as a gift but with no expectations. I just had to share my love for these products and hope you try them for yourself.

xoxo