My Skin Journey Part 1: Essential Ingredients
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September 26, 2019
Growing up and throughout my teenage years, I was lucky enough to have pretty clear skin. Of course it wasn’t perfect, but acne was never a problem. Fast forward 10 years and a huge life trauma and boom: hormonal cystic acne everywhere. I was too embarrassed to leave my house many days and I didn’t let even my family see me without a ton of makeup on. I was clueless about what to do and after battling adult acne for almost 5 years, I have finally found what works for me.
The first thing that made a difference was a prescription from a dermatologist on my first visit ever. He prescribed me doxycycline. It’s a 3-month supply of capsules and you take 2 per day with meals. I began seeing results in just 1-2 weeks. The best part is, once you’re done with the 3 months, you never have to take it again. I put off going to the dermatologist for so long because since I’m self-employed, I don’t have insurance. The visit cost me $95 and the prescription was around $65. A lot less than I spent over the years on skincare that did absolutely nothing.
The next ingredient I found helpful is retin A. I was prescribed resurfacing pads from WIFH with hydroquinone in them as well. I used them only at night as too much retin A can have a reverse effect. Retin A is not only great for combating existing acne, but it also helps prevent new acne, evens skintone, and renews skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as enlarged pores. Be careful though, it can dry the skin. I never had a problem, but when using retinA, you should always make sure to moisturize and hydrate even more than normal.
My favorite ingredient I discovered through my journey is probably . Since most of my acne was due to hormones and internal causes, I was able to clear it up almost completely with the doxycycline. The retin A pads kept it in check, and did help with the uneven skintone and scarring, but the hyaluronic acid really gave me a glow. Hyaluronic acid is a miracle ingredient that totally plumps the skin up to appear more youthful, vibrant, and healthy. If you’ve ever felt like your skin was dull, hyaluronic acid will completely reverse that in seconds. I LOVE it!
What are the most essential ingredients in your skincare routine?
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October 3, 2018 @ 1:06 pm
I’m right there with you. I NEVER had acne until my twenties and then all of a sudden I started getting hormonal acne on my chin. I’ve tried every treatment under the sun and FINALLY found one that works. Differin gel is the real deal. I apply it to my chin every night and I haven’t had a breakout in over a year. It’s magic! Also, not having insurance is super risky. I had to have an emergency appendectomy and I can’t imagine how much the surgery would have cost without insurance. You can try to be as safe and healthy as possible, but you never know when an emergency might happen. I would hate to see anyone have to deal with that.
October 4, 2018 @ 8:47 am
That’s exactly how it was for me! I’ve actually never tried Differin, but I’m so glad you found something that worked for you! Obviously not having insurance is not ideal, but being self-employed makes it pretty difficult. Insurance rates are through the roof, and a lot of times paying the penalties are unfortunately more feasible. Hopefully the structure changes in the near future.
October 4, 2018 @ 8:43 am
Your skin looks amazing girl! I am so glad you shared this post. I love learning about others skincare routines.
October 4, 2018 @ 8:48 am
Thank you so much!! I’m seriously so happy to have finally found something that works for me!
October 4, 2018 @ 11:18 am
Your skin looks amazing and so clear! I’m glad that you were able to find something that actually works for your skin! xo
October 8, 2018 @ 7:52 am
Thank you girl!!! Me too!
October 4, 2018 @ 11:17 pm
Your skin looks so flawless! That is so awesome that you found products that work for you and your skin!
Kileen
cute & little
October 8, 2018 @ 7:53 am
Omg you’re the sweetest!! Thanks, Kileen! I’m so happy too. Such a relief!!
October 5, 2018 @ 10:21 am
I’ve never tried Retin A but have always heard amazing things about it! Your skin is glowing!
October 8, 2018 @ 7:52 am
It’s so important!!! It’s key for preventing fine lines and wrinkles too! Thanks so much babe 🙂
October 5, 2018 @ 10:25 am
I’m with you, I really never struggled with acne at all as a teenager. I had my first pimple at age 24, in fact!
October 8, 2018 @ 7:51 am
Yes!! That’s exactly how it was for me! Ugh. So frustrating!
October 5, 2018 @ 12:27 pm
You have gorgeous skin!!
October 8, 2018 @ 7:51 am
Ahhh thank you, girl!! So amazing to hear!
October 5, 2018 @ 12:40 pm
you have gorgeous skin that glows! but i hear you, the acne i had was also cystic. Not only was it embarrassing but it was super painful! i am a huge believer in differin, esp now that it’s OTC! I haven’t had a breakout in over two years and only apply it once a week now. SUCH a difference!
October 8, 2018 @ 7:50 am
Omg yes!!! Same!!! I’ve heard really good things about Differin from a few different people. I’m so glad it’s working for you!
October 5, 2018 @ 1:08 pm
Oh my gosh your skin looks amazing! It’s amazing what happens when you finally find a product that works with you!
October 8, 2018 @ 7:50 am
Isn’t it?!? So happy!! Thank you babe!
October 6, 2018 @ 4:05 pm
I have struggled with acne most of my life, so I totally understand your struggle! I like to get a facial often and try to stick to all natural ingredients!
October 8, 2018 @ 7:49 am
Ugh!! The worst!!! Great tips. Facials are so important!
October 6, 2018 @ 6:22 pm
Moisturizer is a must for me. I have a mix of dry and oily skin, if I don’t moisturize my skin becomes a nightmare.
Xx, Nailil
Thirtyminusone@gmail.com
October 8, 2018 @ 7:49 am
Yes!! I’m so big on moisturizing too.
October 7, 2018 @ 6:46 pm
Your skin is so beautiful. Great read!
October 8, 2018 @ 7:49 am
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!! That’s such a huge compliment!
October 8, 2018 @ 11:57 am
It can take so long before you find a skincare routine that truly works for your skin type! For me it’s a crucial mix of items that are for sensitive skin and a great toner!
Cheers x
Kelly
October 11, 2018 @ 5:30 pm
Omg yes! It really does!! I’m so thankful to finally have a routine down 🙂