Picky, Picky

Well, I have discovered/ finally had to face facts that there is one skin issue that no product can fix.  I'm a picker.  Even when there really isn't anything there to pick at, I do.  I finally realized that the continued problems I've been having along my jawline are the result of me picking.  I feel like I need a 12-step program.  :)  Hi, my name is Allison and I pick at my skin.  That's why pimples and things take longer to go away and why I get red spots that last for months.  No cleanser or cream will fix the damage I cause.

So, the question becomes "How do I break the picking habit?"  I'm still working on that and I'm open to ideas, but I have come up with one way to help.  Acrylic nails.  Or, as I like to call them, fingernail mittens. It may seem odd but this is a suggestion that I got from the friend who clued me in to my original eczema years back.  Fake nails are thicker and blunter than real nails.  You are less likely to break skin with fake nails and it makes picking much more difficult.  They have definitely helped my face!  The areas that just wouldn't clear up are starting to heal now.  Have I stopped picking all together?  Of course not.  It's not that simple.  But I'm working on it.  And my nails look great, too!

I love to share!

I have had so many good talks with people recently about skin!  People seem surprised that I am so open about what I've been through but I look at as helping others avoid the struggles I've been through.  So many of us are in the dark about what is in our products.  It takes a lot of time and research to really figure things out and I am always happy to share what I've learned and help others skip some steps.  Yes, I am a Younique Presenter and yes I love the products.  But more than that I want to help people.  I am still a huge believer in Barlean's Essential Woman oil supplement and I am still anti-sulfates (none in the Younique, by the way).  Being uncomfortable in your skin is horrible and I will always offer the benefit of my experiences to anyone who is suffering.  It makes me happy when someone comes back and tells me that something I suggested has made a difference for them.  Don't know if I have any followers, but if I do I want you to know that you are welcome to post a question and I will do my best to answer.  I am the queen of googling.  ;)

Getting back to it!

Hello, everyone!

I had been doing great with my skin for a long time but then it started flaring up again a few months ago.  Then I discovered I have a gluten intolerance and that part of my issue was a gluten-related rash.  About the same time I switched to using Younique products.  Hallelujah!  They are gluten-free and naturally-based.  And THEY WORK!  I am so in love with the Illuminate Clean cleanser.  Even my husband noticed a difference for the better when I started using it!  The new Divine moisturizer is aptly named and feels wonderful on my skin and heals my eczema.  And I discovered that the Glorious Face & Eye Primer has healing properties and keeps blemishes from getting all scabby and gross.  Can you tell I'm over the moon with this stuff?!  So I decided to become a Presenter and now I'm sharing the love.

I also decided to be super brave and post the below collage to my main Facebook page.  When people ask me "Why Younique?" I find it difficult to convey where I came from skin-wise.  I don't choose my skincare and makeup willy-nilly.  It takes research and confidence for me to trust my face to something new.  I am hooked and couldn't be happier--and my skin keeps getting better and better!

Still going strong

It has been a loooooooong time since I added to this blog but I have still been referring people to it for inspiration.  When people ask if what I have done works I show them my before and after photos from way back.  I am shocked every time.  I cannot believe what I used to suffer with!  It also puts things in perspective when I get a few minor zits now.  I can't complain about a few hormone-induced jawline pimples when I used to have pain that kept me from smiling.  I'll post some new pictures.  I'm trying a new moisturizer and the jury is still out on it.  I feel like it might be too heavy.  My biggest issue now is general redness and the fact that I have always been a picker.  Yes, I confess that I am incapable of leaving any bump alone.  If anyone knows a cure for that (since will power clearly isn't working) I'm all ears!

I do want to note that though milk was the trigger for me, it may not be for everyone with severe acne.  I have a friend who gave up dairy to no avail and is trying some other things to find her trigger.  Hormones can, of course, be a big one.  I've said it a billion times and I'll say it a billion more--try an oil supplement with evening primrose oil!  Great for your hormones and your skin! It's just for women, though.

I have also discovered the joys of homemade bath products!  I started out making my own bath fizzies after discovering how fantabulous but crazy expensive they are.  I make them with cocoa butter, which means I have no need to us lotion post-bathtime.  My boys love them, too, but have been asking about a variety that makes bubble bath.  I recently found a recipe for "bubble bars" and have ingredients on order to give it a try.  If you are interested in these products, you can do a google search for bath bombs or bubble bars and find some great recipes and DIY videos.  They are pretty quick and easy and you can save a bundle over buying them.  They are also great for gifts!  I even made Lego-shaped fizzies as favors for my son's birthday party and they were a huge hit.  I found a great website for supplies, too.  http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/


Overall, my skin and I are on much better terms these days.  I still have to squash the urge to try all the latest products and stick with what works but it's a small sacrifice to make for clearer skin.

Waiting for the ax to fall

Hello, my name is Allison, and I'm a dairy addict.  I fell off the dairy-free wagon the night before last.  I succumbed to temptation and feasted on nachos and mac'n'cheese!  As usual, the effects are not immediate.  I am waiting to see just how badly I hurt myself.  My digestive system is already sluggish but I'm expecting pimples, an eczema flare, and greasy face.  I have finally drawn the correlation between dairy and my face being oily.  It's awful and washes my makeup off halfway through the day.  Now I have to be extra diligent for the next week or so to prevent further irritation.

I am testing a theory of mine about calcium, though.  I've noticed in the past that when my scalp, or more correctly my seborrheic dermatitis, gets itchy (and I mean drive me to the brink of insanity, not just a little irritating) that calcium supplements help.  I've taken one each day so far so I'm waiting to see if the calcium can somehow combat the dairy flare.

In the mean time, I will be avoiding even the most minute dairy and any alcohol other than my nightly red wine.  Fingers crossed that I don't pay too dearly for my evening of weakness!

New favorite lotion!

I found a new lotion to love!  Since I can't be fragranced at work, I stick with unscented lotion during the week (and because I am very sensitive to scents).  I ran out of the lotion in my gym bag and when I went shopping for a replacement I decided to try Aveeno's oatmeal lotion.  I was amazed!  For one thing, a little goes a long way so it will last awhile.  And even without using gobs I ended up with super soft skin.  I am just about out of the Nature's Gate lotion at home and I will be replacing it with the Aveeno.  I had tried their products in the past and wasn't impressed but now I am!

New find for soft skin

I have recently discovered a new option for topical skin-softening.  I have been using the oatmeal lotion forever and it works very well, but it gets boring.  I took the plunge and tried a new product and I LOVE it for non-workdays!  I have to be unscented for my job but on the weekends I like a little fragrance.  I have begun using Body Dew from Pure Romance (yes, that Pure Romance).  It is a sprayable oil that is fairly light and absorbs quickly.  It softens really well and the fragrance is light but noticeable.  I am using the Pearberry version and love both the smell and feel.  I have learned 2 things about it, though.  1) Spray it before putting clothes on or it will leave greasy spots on your clothes.  2) Use it OR lotion but not both.  I put on lotion the other day and then decided to use the Body Dew and I ended up being a bit gooey all day.