Skin Deep—IT’S WAR
I know that I have been M.I.A from WordPress for almost two weeks now. I have been soooo busy with work and just tired. Anyway, they purpose of this new category is to help find out what others do for their skin care routines. Let people tell their stories (especially if they have had issues with their skin in the past) know what works and what doesn’t work. How to treat an outbreak, etc.
I know I am very anxious to find out more about what people do/eat/drink. I have been dealing with acne and blemishes for a long time. I distinctly remember someone telling my mother to make me drink water to help clear up my skin ( I believe I was around 8 or 9). It wasn’t a huge break out, just small bumps on my forehead. However, I don’t recall having any issues while I was in high school. I was looking back on pictures of myself during my high school years. I did not have one blemish on my skin.
But some how it just kind of came at me in full force once I got to college. A face and body that was once clear was now being invaded with ugly bumps and scars. I am African American, so the scars were extremely noticeable. I started freaking out, once they started they just seem to come 2 and 3 at a time–EVERYWHERE ON MY BODY. I had them on my arms, my back, my face and my chest. And I just couldn’t understand it. I still to this day do not understand it. I am still fighting with it. It’s like once they clear up and the scars are fading away (if not already gone), I get a whole new break out.
I have finally declared a war between myself and my skin. I MAY HAVE LOST THE BATTLES, BUT I DAMN SURE WILL WIN THE WAR. I have decided to go on a vigorous skin routine plan. I mean I have tried damn near everything, from prescribed topical creams and medication to over the counter vitamins, washes, toners, and creams. I even started drinking lots of water which definitely helps. But something just kept on triggering me to break out. And I am ready to get to the bottom of it. I am 25 years old and have been dealing with this since I was 18.
I have very sensitive and oily skin. I will break out on the drop of a dime. And I thought that I was able to pinpoint my triggers. I know if i deviate from the soap, lotion, or laundry detergent I am using I will have a very bad break out. So, I have been using the same products since this war between myself and my skin started (except for the laundry detergent). I am always very hesitant to try new products because I know I am very susceptible to breaking out. So, I will usually do a test spot on a very sensitive part of my body–like my upper arm or chest. And if there is no break out by the following day then that product is good for me to use.
Right now I am using Proactiv. I have been using it for over a year now. And I did notice my skin getting better. But it seems as though my skin is getting used to the product. Or maybe it’s something else??? Maybe I should look at what is in my diet…..if anyone could please offer some advice I would gladly take it. I think I might even take some pictures of my journey and post them (maybe)…. But first I need to find out what is triggering my break outs…..then that’s when the war and truly begin.
