Yesterday was a busy one! Between coaching Girls on the Run, working and a blog event, I was out and about all day and happily crashed in my bed when I arrived home a little after 9 p.m.
Dr. Kulbersh/ Katie / Jen / Kseniya / Me / Brittany / Jen
Last night I headed to Dr. Kulbersh’s office to learn more about skincare and left with a sampling of Image skincare products I’m excited to try. As a I briefly alluded to in a past blog post, I feel like my skin hasn’t been the best lately (truthfully it’s the worst it’s been in years), so when Jen organized the happy hour meet up at Dr. Kulbersh’s office, I immediately marked it on my calendar and knew I wanted to attend. Plus, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet some Charlotte-area bloggers (and see Brittany again)! When I lived in Orlando there was such a great community of bloggers and I’m thrilled to be back in a city overflowing with bloggers again. (FYI for any Orlando bloggers out there –> Definitely check out the Central Florida Lady Bloggers Facebook group. They organize tons of fun meet ups!)
If I notice any positive changes with my skin following the use of the Image products, I’ll let you know! And if you’ve had great experiences with certain skincare products, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I recently went off birth control (no, not trying to get pregnant – just didn’t like the way I felt on it and I’m not crazy about the hormones) and my skin totally freaked out. I’ve actually talked to quite a few friends who had the same thing happen with their skin, so I’m hoping some of you out there may have experienced something similar and may have some skincare recommendations for us! I’m looking to up my skincare regimen to try to get my skin back to a good place.
Workout + Breakfast
Today’s workout was another Pure Barre class. I’m determined to get my 20 classes in this month and complete my studio’s challenge! I want that discount next month!
Once I made it home, I prepared a bowl of cinnamon banana egg white oatmeal.
Served with some sparkling water on the side!
Yum!
Question of the Morning
- If you have a skincare regimen you love or use certain products that you would recommend, please let me know! I’m in the market to switch things up and get my breakouts under control.
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Caudali’s SOS face serum is amazing if you have dry skin. Put it on before your moisturizer. It’s very thin and absorbs very fast. I also use Clarisonic’s Opal Anti-aging Sea Serum for under my eyes. I don’t use the Opal machine thing, just my fingers. It’s working wonders on what I viewed as pre-wrinkles/fine lines under my eyes!
I actually found out that I’m gluten sensitive a couple years ago, shortly after I went off BCP. Not celiac, but my body would fight gluten like a virus, leaving me feeling sick and causing my skin to freak out. I love my gluten, so I dealt with the stomach issues, but one day decided to start eating gluten free. One month and my skin was SO clear! I had tried all the lines, Clinique, proactive, OCM, etc. and nothing worked. I cheated one weekend and it was confirmed, gluten hates me. Maybe something to look into?
I love philosophy products. They have a great face wash and an entire line for acne prone skin.
I do not have bad skin, but it gives me little problems occasionally. I started using Philosophy Purity facewash. I wash morning and night. Then I follow it with Clinique Toner. Then, just use your favorite moisturizer. It has made my skin look great.
I just got my sample of this product I found out about and the website and video about the product look great. Plus all the great reviews. It’s natural from the environment from only flowers and herbs, no crazy chemicals. Definitely check this out. I’ve only used it for two days now but it’s really nice and it’s not crazy expensive for the full sizes. Good luck
http://www.annmariegianni.com/
I had the same thing happen to me when I stopped the BCP a few years ago. I found the biggest change was when I switched my face wash to Juice Beauty Organic Cleansing Milk. I have combination skin and it’s worked so well to balance it out. I still get occasional breakouts when I eat a bunch of garbage or stress out but for the most part, it’s helped immensely!!
I went off BC last year and experienced terrible acne. Prior to that experience, I had never had a problem with acne (no high school issues, no “time of the month” related issues, etc.). After going off BC, I battled acne for about 8 months until I finally discovered what worked well for me. I SWEAR by the following regimen:
Morning Face Wash: Aquanil Cleanser
Morning/Day Lotion: Luzier Moisture Fresh Lotion + my regular eye cream
After Work/Before Gym: Remove my makeup with my Clarisonic (acne brush heads) and Aquanil Cleanser + eye make-up remover pads
After Gym/In Shower: Aquanil Cleanser
Evening/Night Lotion: Luzier Moisture Perfect Creme for Exceptionally Dry Skin
A couple of notes about this – I know Luzier is totally random but my mom has been using it for over 30 years and has amazing skin (she also had acne issues in her late 20’s and switched to Luzier and hasn’t gone back to anything else since). My skin isn’t oily and it isn’t dry. It’s pretty much normal and always has been (even through the acne-filled months). If you have oily skin, I’d suggest a somewhat lighter evening lotion (even though I swear that’s moisture perfect creme is a magical elixir!).
I tried several products (giving them each months to “work”) before discovering this routine. I tried tea tree oil, Philosophy, and even just going back to good ol’ Neutrogena. Sadly, none of them worked (and some actually made things worse). Also, if you use Splenda at all, I seriously recommend cutting that out completely. I did some research and realized that Splenda can have some serious (and scary) impacts on skin and acne. I even cut out chewing gum that has sucralose in it (sadly, I also found sucralose hiding in one of my protein powders!).
I know how frustrating skin issues can be, but know that things will clear up. Hang in there and I hope you find a regimen that works well for you!
I recently stopped birth control as well. My skin didn’t freak out, but my body sure has. I read somewhere that it can take up to three months to regain hormonal balance after stopping BC depending on how long you’ve been on it 🙁
As far as skin care, I really want to try Fat Face products (look them up on instagram.) I haven’t tried them yet so I can’t say how well it works, but they have some great reviews and it’s natural stuff!
Commenting a little late on this one. I am actually unable to take birth control and instead take a hormone that causes acne. Awesome. Anyways, I used to work with a dermatologist to keep things tame but still never had that flawless smooth look. About two months ago I went off all prescription skincare and finally decided to try the new Herbalife Skin line and I am in love. Best results I’ve ever had. If Image isn’t quite right for you I’d be willing to send you a 7 day trial. I don’t think there’s one answer for everyone, you just have to keep trying until you find what is right for you. Good luck!!!
I would love to hear how your skin turns out with the new products. Ive been trying to find something for the wrinkles:( also curious as tp what birth control pill you were on?
I was actually on Alesse for years and most recently switched to the Nuva Ring.
Random follow-up. If you don’t end up liking Nuvaring, I’m on Lo Lo Estrin FE and it’s the best. My body does not like being messed with or hormones at all (I went through like 10 bcps + nuvaring.) I was about to consider something like an IUD and my doctor convinced me to give this last one a try. I think it has the lowest hormone dosage of any hormonal contraceptive and has an iron supplement. Anyway, it’s the only thing that has given me zero side effects. Just thought I’d mention it because you mentioned the hormones bugging you.
Also I read about an at-home remedy that seems to work: I’ve started using a post-cleanser toner made of 1 part apple cider vinegar and 1 part water and it has left my skin much more balanced (I usually get oily later in the day.)
Good luck!
Not sure if you already use a Clarisonic Mia cleansing tool, but it has changed my skin dramatically for the better. I wasn’t excited about the price (I ended up getting one as a gift) but having now used it, I would probably pay even more than they currently charge for it.
I have turned into a skincare snob and started using the Ole Henricksen line (I started with their travel sampler kit and really fell in love with some of the products), but I honestly think the Mia has made the biggest impact on my skin.
I’ve had problems with acne for years and back in March I started using Murad’s anti aging acne line and my skin is the best it’s been in years. It’s not perfect yet but I’m happy so far with the results. I was that girl who never left the house without makeup on and now occasionally I do and I’m not embarrassed or anything.
Still haven’t tried Pure Barre, but it’s on my fall bucket list!!
Ugh, I feel your pain, girl. I went off my bc pill a maybe two years ago now and had a horrendous outbreak. The weirdest part was I was breaking out in areas that never had acne before. My dermatologist put me on this ridiculous cream that was way too intense for my skin which just made it worse. Her big suggestion to me was to go back on birth control… so frustrating! I ended up going back on it because my skin was so bad I was legitimately embarrassed to go out without a ton of makeup on. I hope you find what works for you!
Also, I remembered seeing an article about this in Cosmo if you’re interested-
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a4147/birth-control-skin-side-effects/
I’ve struggled with hormonal acne for years and found that using a retinol daily and getting facials monthly have made a world of difference. Even if you don’t have wrinkles, the retinol really helps with acne. It sloughs off the outer layer of skin and prevents pores from getting clogged. I like RoC’s Nighttime Retiol the best out of all the products I’ve used (it works really well and is cheap enough that I don’t mind slathering it all over my face and neck). Also find a good facialist in your area and go religiously. These people are skin experts and can really change your skin around. I used to wear a full face of makeup all the time and now just swipe some mascara on and go. Microdermabrasion can also really help with any scaring you have from old acne. I hope this helps! You’ll have to let us all know what you find that works! Mainly, you just need to experiment and find what works for your skin–we’re all different and someone else’s magic cream might not be yours. (All the more reason to see a facialist and get some expert advice!)
I highly recommend investing in a Clarisonic. I was having issues in March and bought one. I started using this with my cleanser every night and saw a drastic change. I haven’t had any issues since. I use it with Fresh Soy Cleanser or the La Roche Physiological cleansing gel (which you can get at the drugstore) and I use the sensitive brush heads.
I get a monthly facial that includes a pumpkin enzyme and either microderm or something else (peel/mask) to resurface. I have been using the same women for years, who knows my skin and also uses light therapy. I have gone from having cystic pimples every month to great skin because of her. Daily I use dermologica skin smoothing cream and special cleansing gel.
My skin had gone through the same “freak outs” following birth control. I found that taking a zinc supplement and avoiding dairy dramatically reduced my breakouts. Good luck!
One routine that has worked great for me is a baking soda and lemon juice mask. You can find many recipes for the right ratio, but I’ve found it depends on your brand of baking soda, so play around with it. I leave it on for 20 minutes on a day that I’m going to wash my hair (so I don’t walk around with it stuck in my hairline) and then follow my usual routine. I find that if I use it once at least every other week my skin is softer and the few flair ups I’ve had heal faster. I also love First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser and have found that it doesn’t dry out my face which happened a lot with swimming and lots of work-outs requiring multiple washes.
Thanks for sharing about this! I have also experienced terrible breakouts after coming off of birth control.
I never had bad skin, and now I have pretty much been in a constant breakout state for 12 months. And not just my face, but my shoulders are the worst! Wearing tank tops is my favorite thing about summer and I hated feeling self conscious about my skin.
I don’t have the most advanced skin care routine, so nothing to offer there. I am a minimalist when it comes to beauty, and I refuse to partake in a ridiculous routine. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone and I am taking notes from your readers, too!
Keep us posted on your journey and your skin’s progress!
Ugh hormonal acne is tough to combat (did you know the side of your chin you break out on is the side you are ovulating on-so crazy!).. but I agree with the Clairsonic and Philosophy products (especially Hope in a Jar-it has really helped me).. and overall gentle products –nothing overdrying which will cause more oil to be produced and hence more breakouts. Also dairy is so bad for the skin, so cutting back or out is supposed to help, although I don’t think I could give up cheese 🙂
I currently have a chin breakout and your comment blew my mind!
doTERRA’s skincare line (& essential oils) totally cleared up my skin like whoah!! It was & still is amazing how it totally cleared everything up. LMK if you want to try it, I’d be happy to send you a sample! email me at EnjoyYourHealthyLife@gmail.com
Thanks for posting this Julie, I cannot wait to see what you try out and what works for you!
The same thing has happened to me since I moved to NC! Maybe our skin just has to adjust to the new environment. Either way it stinks! Hopefully some new products will help.
Julie, I love reading your darling little blog and all your great posts! Yours has really encouraged me to start up my own blog not too long ago!:) As far as skin care goes, I really like neutrogena products and they aren’t too pricey either!:)
UGH! I feel your pain. I’ve started running this year and my skin has become AWFUL. For 6+ months, I’ve had constant acne, black heads and you name it–it sucks! (You’d think exercise & eating healthy would make your skin better, but in my case it made it worse!) Anyways, after hearing about all of the chemicals in face wash products and how over-washing actually harms your skin by making it produce more oil, I wanted to try something more natural. In August I read about coconut oil as a face wash, tried it out and I haven’t turned back since! I still have the occasional break-out but organic, un-refined coconut oil has done wonders for my skin!! It serves as a face wash, moisturizer AND make-up remover all in one. AMAZING. I highly recommend it! My skin feels and looks incredible. As with any new skincare regimen, give it 30 days to truly see the difference. It’s remarkable.
I started using It Works Cleanser, PreventAge, & Toner and loved it so much I became a distributor. The products are all natural. The Cleanser is a soap free botanically based gel. PreventAge is a moisturizing cream gel rich in botanical extracts & vitamin, and Toner is an alcohol -free toner. If you would like more information I would be happy to give it to you.
I’m kind of late reading this one but wanted to comment anyway. I went off of birth control two years ago because of the same reasons. My skin went crazy and I was at my wits end trying all kinds of different products. The only thing that has helped is coconut oil. I know it sounds weird but I replaced my face wash with about a teaspoon of coconut oil and my skin has drastically improved. It’s pretty incredible! Hope you figure out something that works for you.
I’ve had skin issues since puberty and I’ve tried dozens of products. The best thing I’ve ever found is Queen Helene Mint Julep face masque. It’s seriously a miracle in the form of green goop. I’ve recommended it to friends and now we all swear by it. It’s great as an on-the-spot treatment or just a while face revitalization masque. Definitely give it a try!