Skin Recovery

After a skin ravaging nine months of pregnancy and months of hormone levels trying to find some sort of normalcy, I feel like I have my skin back. Although dotted with the remains of acne past and present, I at least feel like I have a handle on it. 

Being in your thirties and fighting acne while also trying to fight wrinkles is a lot of work for one face to handle. From what I can tell from readers and other beauty blogs is that almost every girl out there is having the same problems. 

I am on two prescriptions that are very strong and not for everyone. A benzoyl peroxide gel that is mixed in house by my doctor and a retinoid gel that fights acne and wrinkles, Ziana. My skin can take a lot and is not sensitive. I have done some research and testing and there are plenty of OTC alternatives to try if you do not want to see your doctor. 

The key is retinols to fight lines and help turn over skin cell production, salicylic acid to blast bacteria, benzoyl peroxide to clean pores, and hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturized without being oily. 

Look for products with those ingredients. Luckily there are a few that have a combination of them. 

In addition to my prescriptions, I use Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Night as my moisturizer when I go to bed. This has retinols and hyaluronic acid so you wake up with super smooth and moisturized skin. 

An over the counter benzoyl peroxide lotion from Clinque would be a great alternative to a prescription strength. Use on pimples you already have and problem areas that usually break out at night. Apply as your last product. 

Clear Days Ahead from Philosophy is a great cleanser that gets your skin super clean with salicylic acid. 

No one's skin is perfect, but my obsession with it will never die. In a couple of weeks, I will be getting a laser treatment to try and zap some of the acne scars on my face. Before and after pictures will hopefully show some results. Fingers crossed that it will be worth it. 

xo

Erin 

Retinol Remedy

I have been using a form of Retinol for the last three years. Before I was pregnant, I was on a prescription Retinol for acne, Ziana. I loved it and got the benefit of not only clear skin but fading fine lines. 


For those that have never used Retinol, it is a form of Vitamin A that is prescribed to many for the treatment of acne. It also is used to fade age spots, acne scars and as an anti-wrinkle remedy. Obviously, it works in many ways. Retinol is very powerful and can only be used in certain doses with a script from your dermatologist. Many other friends of mine that have tried it have not liked it because it can be very drying and irritate skin easily. If you tough out this period, your skin tends to adapt after a few weeks. 


When I got pregnant and during breastfeeding, I was not allowed to use a retinol and I mourn it every day. My skin is still recovering from the hormones and my appointment is booked to get my prescription back asap. 


Because of I cannot resist any product and it's promises to "fix" everything and anything about my skin, I tried a ton of Retinols over the counter (ok when breastfeeding, but check with your doctor first). My favorite of them is Philosophy Help Me. It has a price tag that is middle of the road, does not irritate as much as others I tried, and works well with other products. I did have to amp up my moisturizer the first two weeks, but eventually my skin came around. 


I am curious if any of you have tried Retinol and what works best for you? Retinol is honestly an aging acne-prone girl's best friend. Don't know about you, but that category includes me and many girls I know. 


xo
Erin