Skin Secrets

Forget puberty, my skin problems didn't start until my 30's. Luckily, I've learned a thing or two along the way. 

I never thought I'd be dealing with... wait, wait, I'm going to say it (sigh)... acne in my 30's. I find myself buying anti-aging products and acne treatments in the same transaction! What's up with that!?!

I dealt with mild to moderate skin problems in my teens, but I never felt like I was alone. Everyone else had the occasional monster on their face too. Then I reached my 20's, had a couple kids, and everything started to clear up beautifully. I thought to myself, those days are over. Yay! I'll never have a zit again! Boy was I wrong.

When I hit my early 30's I started breaking out again. Ugh. Most of the time it occurred along my jaw line and I tried to see the positive; at least they weren't usually popping up in the middle of my face and I could hide behind my hair.

Then, for some reason when I moved to Boise things got really ugly. I imagine it was the stress of the move, new job, selling, and buying a home, etc. etc. etc., but I was flat out embarrassed by it. I had to cake on the make-up and behind closed doors I just wanted to cry. I started trying all sorts of products and home remedies and nothing seemed to work.

Now, 5 months into the move, my skin is starting to look better. Sure, some of my stress is gone and I'm certain that helps, but through this process I've learned a few things that have worked for me.

1. Wash your face every single morning and night with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil. I've tried the hard stuff and learned the hard way that if you dry your skin out too much, your acne just gets worse! But, the fun doesn't stop here.

2. Use an astringent after you wash. You won't believe what is left behind even when you think you washed really good.

3. If you have acne, you have to use either a benzoyl peroxide solution or a salicic acid solution. Use it all over your face in a light layer, not just on the acne you have. (Lesson learned; you never know when something new is about to pop up so treat your whole face.)

4. Moisturize. Again, balance is key, but dry skin leads to acne just as much as oily skin. I like Eucerin's daily moisturizer.

5. Bleach out any dark spots twice a day. Bottom line, acne leaves marks and you need to get rid of them asap. You can use anything that says it has hydroquinone in it, and it should do the trick. I use Ambi's fade cream.

6. Wash your make-up brushes. I didn't do this, dare I say, hardly ever. I figured if I was the only one using them it was fine. It's not. They harbor bacteria and you keep putting it back on your face! Wash them once a week with mild soap and let them air dry.

7. Use a detoxifying face mask once a week. It really does give you a deep clean that makes a difference.

8. Drink water. We've all heard it a thousand times, but it really does wonders for your skin. I'm one that has to force myself to drink water. Even if you hate it, drink it!

Things are not perfect these days, and I can't emphasize enough how key consistency is, but I'm finding myself not hiding behind my hair near as often.