My complexion is on a diet, too.

About four weeks ago, I got this monster zit on my temple, and freaked out. Partly because this kind of thing doesn't happen to me all that often--it didn't even when I was a teenager, and it sure as hell doesn't happen now. And partly because I couldn't figure out why it had happened.

Was it the workouts? Or was it the products I was using? Was my new hair heat-styling lotion to blame? I had been testing various sample-sized serums and cremes--could it have been one of them?

I decided to pare things down to the absolute minimum. Instead of switching products around, I decided on the bare minimum to keep my skin moist, protected, treated, and clear. I decided for a month, I would only use one foundation, so I settled on a Beauty Balm for  moisturizing, SPF, coverage, and treatment during the day. At night, I was going to use some kind of acid to keep my pores from getting clogged.

Results are in, and my skin has been perfectly happy for the past month.
 This is what I've been using:

Pre-gym, or first thing in the morning

All I do before I head to the gym is cleanse with an Olay wet face wipe.

Post-gym

After my post-workout shower, I apply a silicone-based anti-aging serum as a primer. I'm not trying to do any heavy-duty moisturizing at this point. After I work out, I don't really feel that I need to, what with my circulation being all full of youthful vim and vigor and all. The idea is to get my skin ready for foundation--and if the silicone-based primer also contains wrinkle-fighting ingredients, so much the better.

I'm currently using Boots No 7 Restore and Renew serum, but Boots has apparently discontinued it. I'm sure Olay's Regenerist Regenerating Serum or Boots's Protect & Perfect Intense serum would work as substitutes.

I let the serum sink in for a minute, then apply Dr. Jart's Beauty Balm. Beauty Balm replaces moisturizer, sun screen, and foundation. For it to work, though, you can't apply it too lightly. I use a blob about the size of an almond.

Evening

If bare-faced (and this happens more frequently than you'd believe, considering how much makeup I own) I cleanse with Cetaphil alone.

If wearing a full face of spackle, I double cleanse. First I remove my makeup with DHC Mild Touch Cleansing Oil

Then I wash with some kind of sudsing cleanser--Clearasil, Chanel, or Cetaphil--and Clarisonic Mia.

Then I apply Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Overnight Peel.

This is a glycolic acid peel which claims to

• Fade dark spots 
• Even skin tone 
• Brighten skin 
• Smooth texture

I can't say that I've noticed any fading of my dark spots. On the other hand, my skin isn't clogged or breaking out from the Dr. Jart's Beauty Balm. I believe I have my cleansing routine and the glycolic acid in the overnight peel to thank.

Extras

Now that it's getting colder out, the heat is on. My skin feels much dryer, so I'm adding eye cream

and moisturizer.

But that's it.

Pretty sad that I feel like I'm being this amazing minimalist--and I'm still using about 10 products on my face!