#cetaphil

New Skincare routine

I feel as though my old routine just doesnt work anymore. Its been 2 weeks of acne hell so i thought id change things up a bit.

I bought a few new things to help with my acne, dark spots, and uneven texture. Also my skin barrier is terrible . My skin peels off so easily when I GENTLY pop a zit . So I’m trying to get that fixed. I’m also tryin to lessen my cigarette intake. I went from 10 cigs a day to 5 and hopefully I’ll quit all together when my life gets more stable. Also if anyone wants to recommend products to super strengthen my skin barrier that’d be great!

New Skincare Products:

- Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes with Pink Grapefruit Seed Oil

• Fights acne, aids skin in retaining water, softens, heals, lightens, and protects skin from pollutants.

• Gentle enough to use daily. For normal to oily skin.

- Pixi Rose Oil Blend Nourishing Face Oil

• Improves skins elasticity and glow, leaving skin nourished and soft to the touch.

• Contains geranium oil. One of the top most beneficial oils out there. Strongest oil to protect from pollutants. It also balances sebum production, heals scars, evens skin tone, tightens skin, and kills bacteria that lead to acne and eczema.

- Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream

• Deeply penetrates skin to regenerate surface skin cells, hydrate, and diminish wrinkles and fine lines.

• I think it also exfoliates or something’s because it has a light burning sensation that resembles the feeling of an AHA and BHA exfoliant.

- Olay Wrinkle Correction Serum B3 + Peptides

• Fights wrinkles, protects from pollutants, smooths and lightens skin, and renews skin cells.

- TonyMoly Moisture Boost Gel To Water Morning Cleanser

• Sooths, protects, and strengthens skin.

• Fights wrinkles and fine lines. Made for even the most sensitive of skin.

- Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream For Very Dry Sensitive Skin

• Protects from pollutants, as well as, Softens and hydrates skin.

• Is non-comedogenic (doesn’t cause acne), nourishes skin, and helps skin retain moisture.

- DIY Tea Tree Oil Spray

• Fights acne, calms redness, reduces swelling and inflammation.

- DIY Lavender And Tea Tree Oil Lotion

• Includes: Hyaluronic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, Water, Squalane Oil, Ceramides, Apple Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, and much more.

• Works to hydrate, protect from pollutants, soften skin, fight acne, diminish wrinkles, restore damaged skin, and repair the skin barrier.

I know, it has been a long time since my last post. 

Not long after my last update, I stopped taking the medication. It was a decision nourished by many factors. 

1. I asked myself why I was taking the medication. Was it for me? Or for others?

2. Weird stomach noises, digestive irregularity.

3. I was training for a marathon, which I completed recently…by the way! I felt that the running was really a lot on my body with the medicine. 

Disclaimer: I do not encourage nor do I discourage the usage of Accutane. I remember how I felt when my skin was at its worst. I remember that acne can be more than visually unappealing, but also physically painful (yeah, cysts HURT). 

Good news: right now, I’m OKAY with my skin. And that’s a big deal! 

Here’s what I’ve been doing, that has personally worked. I can only speak for myself. Different skin requires different treatment. I can say that it has been a while since I have had a painful cyst…and my chin has been clearer than ever and that’s my problem area. Knock on wood that this continues!

1. I don’t wash my face with hot water. I use cold or room temperature. I apply my cleanser (cetaphil daily) and do not rub nor massage my face. I dab the cleanser very lightly. I let it sit on my face for about 10 seconds before rinsing with cold water.

2. After I allow my skin to air dry, I use this aloe vera spray http://www.vitaminlife.com/index/page/product/product_id/76016/product_name/SG+Aloe+Mist?gclid=CjsKDwjw6qnJBRDpoonDwLSeZhIkAIpTR8J2wVikpQ6YVbTNzlpn99G3ilLcNDCJsgUfCZZcgnoeGgKjUfD_BwE

3. After allowing the spray to dry, I apply moisturizer on only my cheeks and forehead. I do not touch or rub it on my chin, since that seems to encourage acne. In the PM, I use the CeraVe tub and in the morning I use the CeraVe moisturizer

This is what I’ve been doing! I’ve also been taking a digestive enzyme to help repair damage that may have been done during my accutane course. I try to eat healthy, but I’m nowhere near perfect. I’m not 100% blemish free, but I’m better than I’ve been a long time…and my face isn’t in pain.

I’d say that’s a victory…

1. Oil production has decreased dramatically. Don’t have to wash my hair everyday, or even use oil absorbing pads on my skin.

2. No extreme dryness thus far (crossing my fingers it stays this way). I have still been able to use benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment. I do put on chap stick more frequently, but I definitely don’t have horribly dry lips.

3. I have experienced mild discomfort in my back, nothing debilitating. I continue to exercise regularly.

Today, I went to the dermatologist and I will begin a higher dosage once I finish my current prescription.

Sending my best to everyone out there as we continue our clear skin journeys!