Skincare in the life of a... Student Midwife
My name is Natalie, I’m 27 years old and currently a 1st year Student Midwife. Uni is very full on but outside of this I enjoy spending time with my family especially my nieces and nephew.
What is your skin type and main area or concerns?
I have always had oily skin and this has always been a concern for me, applying make up was always a nightmare and I would find myself having to re-powder my face throughout the day because it was so shiny.
Tell us about your skin journey and what your skin care routine involves?
Up until my late teens I didn’t really suffer with my skin but at around 19/20 I began to suffer with breakouts and this began a whole different skin journey for me which Danielle has asked me to discuss further in a separate blog, however, I will give you the basics. For years I battled with my skin and would refuse to leave the house without a full face of make up, I tried numerous antibiotics from the doctors which would calm it down for a month or so and then it would flare up again. I tried everything going from over the counter with no success. The one thing I did find that helped was the brand Dermalogica. Now although this didn’t solve my skin problem, it did help to reduce the breakouts.
I finally managed to get the doctors to refer me to a dermatologist and I was given isotretinoin (similar to roaccutane), and it honestly changed my life!
I currently, cleanse tone and moisturise every morning and every night.
When my skin is breakout free I use a brand call Face Theory, this is a new discovery for me but I am loving it and it makes my skin feel amazing, I also use their Pink Clay Mask once a week which is incredible.
When I have a breakout I used the Dermalogica products I have, I keep these stocked up but do only use them when I have a breakout.
How many hours sleep a night do you get on average?
On average around 9 hours, when I have Uni deadlines or results pending, this can be a lot less and I find this affects my skin, combined with the stress.
As a Student Midwife I spend 50% of the year on placement, which normally consists of 12 hours shifts and can vary between nights, days, weekends, or shorter community shifts.
What is a typical day at work for you?
I don’t wear make up to work as I find it doesn’t last 12 hours and to be honest I don’t enjoy the feeling of having make up on my face. I can be rushing around from one place to another and the wards are always warm so this doesn’t help either.
I’m always told to make sure I have a break, but the timing of this can vary massively, it’s whenever I get a free chance. However I’m pretty healthy and would either have a salad, or leftovers from tea the night before.
As I don’t wear make up, I have to ensure I keep my skin moisturised as the days are long and exhausting.
How do you think your job has an impact on your skin?
I would say Uni has more of an impact on my skin than the practical side as the stress of deadlines and results can flare up a breakout (but the breakouts now are nowhere near as bad as prior to completing my course of isotretinoin).
What skincare item could you not live without?
I couldn’t live without the Dermalogica range, it has saved my skin on so many occasions. I still use the brand now.
