I received a request recently for an update on my skin. I first blogged about my skin struggles a little over two years ago. I was dealing with frequent acne flairs worse than I had ever experienced in my life. For some back story check out this post and I blogged about the amazing feedback/suggestions I received in this post. I feel like I am finally getting back to a happy place with my skin so I wanted to share with you what my skincare routine looks like these days.
First, although I hate getting this personal on my blog, I have to admit that I’m back on birth control pills. After taking them for almost 10 years, I decided to go off to cleanse my system of the hormones. This is when the acne really started to get bad. I took about a year off and then couldn’t take it anymore so I went back on the pill. It’s taken quite a while but I feel like things have finally regulated again from a hormonal standpoint. I still deal with the occasional breakout but nothing like the really angry, deep rooted, scarring stuff that I was getting.
Second, approaching 30 finally gave me the kick in the ass that I needed to start a “big girl” skincare routine. Back in February I visited Carolina Facial Plastics for a skincare analysis and my first enzyme peel. I was blown away by the results of the peel and I’m completely in love with the line of products they sent me home with.
I have been using Image MD products for over six months now and I’m so happy with them! My current arsenal of products includes the Image MD Complete System Kit (Reconstructive Cleanser, Reconstructive Serum with Tri-C Complex, Reconstructive Repair Creme, Reconstructive Moisturizer SPF 30), The Max Serum and Ormedic Eye Lift Gel.
In addition to the Image MD products, I’ve also been using this seriously amazing Pevonia Hydrating Toner that my esthetician sent me home with a little over a month ago. She told me if I added one thing to my skincare routine, this had to be it. My impression of toner was that it would strip my skin of all its natural oils but that is not the case at all. I spritz this on my face morning and evening and it seems to balance my skin out just right. Bonus, it smells lovely.
Here’s the rundown on my current routine…
AM: cleanser, toner, eye gel, moisturizer SPF 30
PM: cleanse, toner, eye gel, The Max Serum
My esthetician advised me not to use the repair products during the summer because the vitamin c and retinoids make skin a lot more sensitive to sun and I’m out in it a lot so I’m on hiatus with those until fall.
Some photos for comparison.
Two years ago, no birth control, no skincare routine.
Almost seven months ago after my first enzyme peel, on birth control, no skincare routine. Note, I have had another facial/enzyme peel since this one and I now swear by them. I’ll be getting one at least quarterly for maintenance. I can’t believe what they do for my skin.
Today after almost seven months of my new skincare routine.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with where I am with my skin right now. Although it’s not really apparent in the photo above, I do still have quite a bit of scarring on the bottom of my cheeks around my mouth that I’d like to continue working lightening and smoothing out but I feel like I’ve come a long way in two years! The only thing I’m terrified about is going off of birth control again but I’ll cross that bridge when it’s time.
Tell me about the state of your skin. What are you struggling with? What’s working for you?
