Hello there blog world. It feels so good to be back. I can't believe I haven't blogged for almost two weeks! Last week I was on vacation, and this week I just haven't quite gotten around to blogging.
But today, here I am. Back in action.
Ok so I wanted to dedicate this post to one of my favorite blogs that I follow religiously: Overthrow Martha
I came across her blog while searching for more tips and advice on switching to a natural skincare routine. Her blog became my skin's savior.
All throughout my life I've had virtually flawless skin. Ok so I had some little bumps on my forehead, but those were easily manageable. My senior year of high school decided to change all that. After a trip to the dermatologist and one nasty skin cream later, my face became way worse than it was before. The bumps on my forehead moved to my cheeks, chin, and wherever they found room to sprout. I'll admit it, the bumps weren't THAT bad, and I still have some bumps today, but they were frustrating and made my skin look very rough.
My freshman year of college, while living on the opposite side of the country, with a new environment, new weather, and new stresses, my skin decided it was time to break out even more.
I continued to wash my face with Cetaphil and then slather a weird, drying cream on my face. The fall brought water polo, which meant I was always in a heavily chlorinated pool. Although I stopped using the cream from the dermatologist, my skin still lacked moisture. The result: severely dry and irritated skin. Remember that irritation = acne. I haven't forgotten that magic little formula. I then received tons of lovely whiteheads, bumps, and red inflammatory marks after the whiteheads went away. I had never felt worse about myself. This was college and I was supposed to be looking and feeling great! Going out, meeting guys, doing the things that college girls normally want to do.
I didn't want to do anything. I was so terrified of talking to people because I felt that they were just staring at these spots on my skin. It's so frustrating because it seemed like the acne was covering up who I really was as a person. Trying to make new friends was hard, but talking to people of the opposite sex was impossible.
After school ended, I returned to my familiar west coast home for the sumer. I decided that it was time to fix my skin and regain my life. I threw away all of my old chemical skincare creams and washes. I invested in aloe juice, sweet almond oil, and alcohol free witch hazel. I still use a regular moisturizer/sunscreen when I feel my skin needs an extra boost of moisture, but the result from the three products I just listed is astounding.
My red marks from the whiteheads are almost totally gone.
My flaky, irritated skin feels soft for the first time in a year, and now I rarely have a breakout.
I may have the occasional, tiny zit every two weeks, but it's generally almost gone before I even notice it.
Sweet almond oil has made the most profound difference. For skin that had no ounce of moisture in it before, this magical substance is so nourishing and feels so wonderful. I just apply it at night, and wake up with healthier, softer skin in the morning. Aloe has been no slouch either, and has been VERY helpful in getting rid of those red marks. I have only recently started using alcohol free witch hazel, but I am loving it! I used to have very red cheeks, but the witch hazel calms them down and moisturizes at the same time.
I also do a honey mask every night. It is very soothing and antibacterial to keep those zits away.
The results from switching to natural products: smooth, healthy, almost perfect skin.
I have never been happier.
This would not have been possible without Overthrow Martha. Her advice and reviews on DIY skincare products are amazing. Her story is inspiring, and her blog is always a blast to read. If you struggle with skin issues, please check her out. I would have never thought to buy sweet almond oil as a moisturizer, or add in aloe juice or witch hazel as part of my skincare routine.
Don't believe the fad that you need to scrub your face off with an insanely expensive face wash, apply toner, apply moisturizer, and then apply benzoyl peroxide or some other disgusting cream. Let go of those chemicals- your skin will thank you for it.
But before you do anything else, check out www.overthrowmartha.com
Prepare to be amazed!
Have a wonderful, relaxing Sunday.
Sincerely,
Anne Elliot
