I grew up with cystic acne, so I have had a lot of (sk)insecurities, which started around middle school. I have combo, acne-prone skin with large pores— I am also prone to congestion. But more recently, I’ve been getting prominent lines on my forehead (here’s to turning 30!). That’s right, I’m in my early 30’s. It wasn’t until my mid 20’s, when I discovered the beauty community on Instagram and YouTube, and met my now husband, that I became dedicated to really figuring out my skin. I wasn’t having a lot of success with my dermatologist and realized that I could (somewhat) take my skin into my own hands.
All through college, and even a few years after, my derm put me on countless topical medications, that dried the crap out of my skin, and countless oral antibiotics, where my acne would return as soon as I stopped taking them. No one had told me how important cleansing was, how important moisturizing was. I was doing one gentle cleanser, not removing all of my heavy makeup, and not using any type of moisturizer. A light went off when I went to Sephora and asked why my foundation was disappearing midday— the Sephora employee told me that my skin was so dehydrated it was sucking all the water out of my foundation. A light-bulb clicked for me— all of the makeup I was using to cover my skin, would look a hell of a lot better if I actually had a skincare routine that fixed the origin of my issue: wearing makeup to cover up my problem skin.
I went into a YouTube/Instagram rabbit hole and learned everything I could about skin. K-beauty was what really caught my eye, and it was all about hydration (which I knew I needed). I then read up about Biologique Recherche P50, an acid toner, that was all the rage with celebs. So, I ordered a few things. Through hydrating layers, retinol, and an acid toner, I really got things under control. This was all in combo with finding a new dermatologist, who put me on Spironolactone— a life changing drug that has changed my skin and my life by preventing those hormonal cysts. I was at the point where things were finally calm, and I wanted to get rid of the pesky pigmentation left behind by acne. I learned that in combo with acids, and retinol, I could add vitamin c to help fade these marks. I picked up Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma and six months later, my skin was in the best shape it’s ever been. For the first time I felt like I could go outside my apartment without makeup and feel confident. My goal was to feel fantastic at my wedding, and I did. My recommendation is to learn your skin and trust your gut— knowledge is power. I was able to learn a lot about my own skin through trial and error, but also knew my current dermatologist wasn’t helping me and found someone who clicked and understood my struggle. There is no shame in asking for help. In addition, this whole process took almost two years of consistent work. Be patient, and consistent and the results will follow, and ask for help! Reading blogger’s struggles helped me through some of the dark and frustrating times. We are here for you and to help you.
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Note from Matt: My idea behind this series was to show readers that bloggers have (or had) real issues with their skin just like everyone else. If just one reader out there can find someone to relate to and get some helpful advice from then I feel like the mission has been accomplished. Remember that nobody is perfect and we all have struggles with our skin. The illusion of perfect skin on social media and in magazines is not always a reality. Remember that. And remember: YOU are beautiful and your personal skin struggle is important, but it does not define you.
Beauty. Skincare. Self-Care. 