Growing up, I have always had mild to severe acne. When asked if there was one thing I'd like to change about myself, my answer would have always been the health of my skin. I was a cheerleader in junior high and high school and am a pretty peppy person, but when I knew my skin was not looking it's best, it always hindered me from being as bright and happy in fear of any attention drawn to my face, and ultimately, my acne. Sure, every junior high/high school student suffers with acne, but I always looked at mine being noticeably worse than the rest of my friends.
I spent every six weeks in an 8:00am dermatologist appointment hoping to rid myself of the acne, fighting with my mom trying to remember my results, what I used, how I used it, how often I used it, how often I showered and how often I changed my sheets to try to help the doctor out so she could know what to prescribe. My skin care regimen was literally switched up every single time I went into the doctor, but nothing really alleviated the acne.
That is, until after I graduated high school. I told the doctor I was downright sick and tired of my acne and that I was truly frustrated that after 5 years of trying to get help, I was done with trying new things and new products. I wanted it gone. So, the dermatologist prescribed Accutane. Let me tell you, I was in heaven. Sure I always felt dehydrated and I had to get my blood drawn and pee in a cup every single month, but it was so so so worth it to me to finally be able to look in the mirror and love what I saw. My skin was beautiful. Perfect, in fact. I could do anything I wanted-eat what I wanted, go to sleep without washing my face, put on tons of makeup-nothing altered my appearance. It was pure bliss.
Eventually, I slowed down my Accutane consumption because during the summer I often found myself crashing at a friend's house without planning to and forgetting my pills at home a lot. But even though I would skip my pills often, it didn't really alter my skin either. I seriously felt as if I may have been cured. For good.
That is, until, I had gone about six months without taking any more of my Accutane. I didn't necessarily want to go back to taking it either. It was just too much trouble having to attend a monthly doctor's appointment as well as complete the online monthly exam I was required to take on an online government-ran website that was required to complete before being allowed to pick up your medication from the pharmacy. It saddened me, though, that I was doomed to have acne once again.
UNITL, THAT IS, I DISCOVERED
SERIOUSLY. IT CHANGED MY LIFE.
So, my daily skin care regimen-yes, both day & night-includes the following steps. I know it looks like a lot, but trust me it really isn't as exhaustive as it looks. You can get used to taking some extra steps in your skin care very quickly and you really won't mind taking extra steps to take care of your skin when you notice results so quickly.
- First of all, I use any old regular moisturizer (usually "Liquid Neutrogena") to cleanse my face. I pay $6 at Wal-Mart for it. Nothing fancy. Just gotta get that makeup off. It looks like this...
- Next, I apply the "Tonique Douceur" by Lancome, basically a "toner", on my face and neck which makes you smell like the sweetest freaking rose in the garden, okay? Helpful Hint: put it in a little travel size spray bottle and just spray it across your face. Then, you can use a cotton ball to blend it outward. Not only will this prevent you from using more than you should, which, hey, saves YOU money, but it helps you get it on there nice and even. It ranges from $25-$42 depending on what size bottle you purchase, of course. I just buy the biggest one and it can literally last me over a year. It looks like this when you buy it...
- After that, I apply, count em......1... 2.... 3.... 4 drops of "Genifique" A.K.A. "The Tears of an Angel" also made by Lancome. Seriously, y'all, this stuff makes your pores nonexistent, it helps with acne/blackheads, wrinkles, evening skin tone-it just makes you photo ready all the time. Like porcelain doll status. Anyway, 4 drops, okay? One in the middle of your forehead, one on either cheekbone, and one on the chin. Then use your fingers to gently blend that all outward. This is where things can get a little pricey. This "Super Serum" can range from $84-$134, again, depending on what size bottle you buy. But just know this stuff is so worth it. Like, I would pour it in my coffee in the morning if I made a few more bucks an hour. I usually go for the big bottle which can last you about a year and a half. The bottle looks like this...
- Once I have given my "Genifique" time to completely dry, I apply my moisturizer (usually "Cetaphil" (although Lancome makes a great moisturizer too. It's called "Bienfait Multi-Vital"and it is priced at $46 a bottle for those of you who stiilllll gots dat $$$ to spend after that last step. I am a 21 year old broke college student/waitress soooooo, I dont. Which means you should send your donations and encouraging fan mail letters here). Because I tend to have super oily skin, I go for a higher SPF and purchase mine at SPF 50 which can help decrease too much oil production. It is usually around $12 a tube at your local drugstores and looks like this once you take it out of the box...
I really hope this helps everyone!
I know there are a lot of you out there with similar problems with your skin and I just really wanted to share some advice as I have had to do my fair share of research. In other words, I pretty much know what I'm talking about. But seriously, don't forget that you are all truly beautiful despite what your skin really looks like. I allowed my skin insecurities to inhibit my personality for so many years of my life. Finding a cure for my acne was all I really cared about. I hope that those of you who are not fortunate enough to ever learn what to do to alleviate your acne still find a way to glow despite the imperfections of your skin.
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