Self Care & Skincare

Feel good on the outside, feel good on the inside. Dedicated to understanding the skin we're in and being kind to it. I am not a professional or licensed dermatologist. Follow me on Twitter!

[sincerelyskin]

Sun & Skin

Should we really be wearing sunscreen every day, is it really necessary? 

Yes, yes it is. Applying sunscreen is an essential product everyone of all skin types should implement into their daily habits. As summer is upon us in many regions of the world, now is a good time to start getting into the routine of applying sunscreen before we start our day. 

Protection from the sun’s rays can benefit our skin in numerous ways––the most obvious being skin cancer. But regardless of the true value of sunscreen, I’ve seen too many people neglect it from their self care routine. In fact, I used to be one of those people. Not too long ago I never gave sunscreen the time of day. I may be naturally very pale, but I never tanned nor burned in the sun. So, I thought to myself, why should I worry about sunscreen when I see little physical effects on my body from sun exposure? 

For too long, I considered my lack of tan and sunburns as an excuse to skip sunscreen in my daily skincare routine. When I finally did my research and actually realized the risks I was putting my skin under, I made sure I was using sunscreen every single day, no matter the weather outside. 

This week’s blog post shares some of my research on why sunscreen really does matter. Hopefully I can encourage those of you who haven’t gotten into the sunscreen habit yet to take the extra two minutes a day to protect your skin!

What is Sunscreen Protecting Us From?

I would consider sunscreen to be one of the holy grails of skincare. One single product has the ability to protect us from a series of damaging effects. 

Skin Cancer: Regular application of sunscreen reduces the risk of developing skin cancer, like Melanoma, into adulthood. Using sunscreen now can promote healthier skin later in life. No matter your age or skin tone, skin cancer can affect anyone. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

Sunburn: Sunscreen is an easy way to protect your skin from getting scorched by the sun. The higher points of your face––nose, cheekbones, forehead––are usually the first places to get burned. 

Redness and Rosacea: Sunscreen can help maintain an even skin tone overall. Especially for those with sensitive skin, sunscreen can provide that necessary barrier that ultimately calms some of the redness on your face.     

Wrinkles: Sunscreen works wonders for anti-aging. Continuous sun exposure can cause our skin to age faster, making our skin produce a leathery texture and more wrinkles over the years. UVA rays break down the collagen in our skin, which ultimately leads to aging skin. 

Hyperpigmentation: If you have sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne, or any uneven pigmentation in the skin, sunscreen can help protect these spots from becoming darker. Hyperpigmentation can get worse because sun exposure directly affects our skin’s production of melanin––the natural pigment giving color to our skin, eyes, and hair––by disrupting the process.  

Remember to protect your skin during all kinds of weather. Yes, that means even the cloudiest of days. Even when there is substantial cloud coverage in the sky, 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays are still shining through the clouds. The sun never takes a day off, so neither should we. 

UVA vs. UVB

In order to understand how the sun affects our skin, it’s important to differentiate between the two kinds of UV (ultraviolet) rays that we are exposed to. These rays are ultimately what we are protecting our skin from, as they are the direct causes of issues like skin cancer, sunburns, sun spots, and so on. 

UVA Rays: This first wavelength can reach deep into the skin’s thickest layer––the dermis. UVA rays are most commonly associated with contributing to wrinkles, fine lines, and premature aging. They can also penetrate through glass, so your skin remains exposed as you look out a window or are driving in your car. 

UVB Rays: UVB rays don’t reach as deep into the skin as UVA rays, but they are known for causing sunburns in the outer layers of the skin. This wavelength does not penetrate glass, unlike UVA rays. However, both UVA and UVB rays are carcinogens, meaning that they are both cancer-causing.  

UVC Rays: This is the third kind of wavelength produced by the sun, but it never actually touches our skin as it becomes absorbed into the ozone layer.

Ingredients to Look Out For

When looking out for what sunscreen to use, you may want to flip the bottle over and check out the ingredients list. It’s important to understand what ingredients are being used on the skin and how they can affect it. Specifically, I want to touch on two ingredients that can be found in the ingredients list of several sunscreens: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. 

Zinc Oxide: This ingredient is derived from zinc, an essential mineral, and contains several benefits and is naturally reflective:

Not Invisible: Zinc oxide leaves a bit of opacity on the skin, making it ideal for those with lighter skin tones who want a bit of coverage. However, it isn’t a super white and chalky material that will leave streaks on your skin. This is because zinc oxide is scaled down into tiny nanoparticles. 

Antimicrobial: This means that zinc oxide can help heal wounds and is generally safe to use on skin.

Won’t Clog Pores: Zinc oxide is non-comedogenic, meaning that it is oil-free and avoids clogging your pores. This can also help the skin avoid breakouts.

Sun Protection: Zinc oxide effectively protects our skin from both UVA and UVB rays. 

Titanium Dioxide: This ingredient comes from the natural mineral titanium. It’s used both in sunscreen and cosmetics to thicken and lubricate the skin. Titanium dioxide also has its own benefits:

Invisible: Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is scaled down into nanoparticals, except on an even smaller scale. This means that it blends into the skin as a more transparent barrier. 

Gentle: Also like zinc oxide, this ingredient is non-comedogenic. It is also very gentle, so it may be beneficial to those with more sensitive skin.

Sun Protection: Titanium dioxide isn’t as effective in protecting the skin from long-wave UVA rays that deeply reach into the skin. However, this ingredient is very effective in protecting the skin from short-wave UVA and UVB rays that the skin is exposed to on an everyday basis. 

I also found a helpful chart on the EWG (Environmental Working Group) website that lists a series of common and uncommon ingredients found in sunscreens. These ingredients are divided by their safety to be used on skin. 

Two Strong Contenders 

Looking at the EWG list of the best beach and sport sunscreens, I found two sunscreens in particular that include zinc oxide. They are both ranked as top choices for sun protection and are affordable options. Also, both are labeled with a higher SPF (sun protection factor), as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 30 or higher. 

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50

This Neutrogena mineral sunscreen is a top contender according to EWG, and it contains 21.6% zinc oxide. This sunscreen has a higher SPF of 50, which means it blocks a higher percentage of UV rays. This product provides excellent UVA protection and a good balance of protection in relation to the SPF. Also, the ingredients pose a low health and safety concern. Neutrogena’s website states that the product is mild on sensitive skin, non-comedogenic, oil-free, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is an inexpensive purchase, as it sells for $10 to $12. Also, both of these products are available for purchase in stores and online. 

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50

This Aveeno mineral sunscreen is yet another highly ranked product according to EWG’s list. It also has an SPF of 50, and 21.6% zinc oxide. Like the Neutrogena sunscreen, this Aveeno sunscreen provides excellent UVA protection and a good balance of protection in relation to the SPF, according to EWG. Likewise, its ingredients pose a low health concern. According to Aveeno’s website, this product is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free. Designed to be used on sensitive skin, this sunscreen contains Oat Extract that soothes and nourishes delicate skin. It is also sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. This is yet another affordable product, selling for around $10 depending on where it is purchased from. 

Another Useful Guide: Sunscreen 101

YouTuber Liah Yoo has made several videos talking about and recommending a series of sunscreens. She herself strongly encourages her viewers to use sunscreen, and provides in depth reasons as to why it’s important. This particular video covers some of what I’ve included, but Liah goes more in depth on different types of sunscreens and ingredients while discussing how they affect our skin. If you’re interested in looking into sunscreen further, I recommend checking out her video!

So, Yes, Sunscreen Is Important

Sunscreen helps our skin in more ways than one. It’s a protector from skin cancer, sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging all in one bottle. There are numerous sunscreens out there that have different consistencies, ingredients, and suitability for various skin types. Sunscreen is for everyone of all ages and skin types, it just takes a little research to find one that suits you best. It’s just one more small step to take every day, but it can go leaps and bounds for the health of our skin. Even if your sunscreen isn’t producing any noticeable effects in the present moment, it doesn’t change the fact that it protects your skin from risks down the road. I encourage you all to make sunscreen a daily habit. Your skin will thank you later. 

[sincerelyskin]

All About Dermapen Treatment

If you’ve been following this blog, you’ll know that last week I discussed all of the commotion behind Kylie Jenner’s new skincare line and the importance of researching the products you’re interested in purchasing. While the products you fit in your skincare routine can make a difference in the quality of your skin, the opportunities and resources of skincare reach beyond the products in our bathrooms. This week, I want to talk about one of the many treatments available through a professional’s clinic: the Dermapen. Recently, I went in for my own session of Dermapen treatment and felt inspired to share my experience with all of you. Dermapen treatments can help with a number of skin conditions such as wrinkles, surgical scars, or stretch marks; however, I will focus on the treatment’s aid towards acne scars and hyperpigmentation, as this was the reason I went in for my appointment. This post will cover what the Dermapen is and how it works, the results it gives, how much it costs, and the recommended aftercare procedure. I hope this foundational information inspires you to continue your own research!

 But, before I explain anything, I must say that you should consult a professional before making a decision to go through a treatment like the Dermapen (or any sort of treatment for the matter). Your skin is most likely different than mine and may have different needs. I’m here to share what I have learned and inspire those of you who want to know more, but I cannot predict what everyone’s skin will benefit most from.

What is Dermapen?

Before I talk about my own experience, I find it necessary to address what the treatment actually is. The Dermapen itself looks like a pen tool with a dozen needles contained in the cartridge at the tip of it. This tool is then glided over the skin as the dozen needles vertically perforate the top layers of the skin, creating several tiny “wounds”. The needles inside the cartridge are adjustable, meaning that the depth in which they penetrate the skin can be controlled. These needles reach deeper into the dermis layer of the skin and therefore increase the absorption of topical ingredients. The device is able to break down old scar tissue in order to stimulate and renew skin cells. Also, the disposability of the needles in the cartridge increases the safety of the procedure, as there is less risk of cross-contamination. The following video, posted by one of the producers of the Dermapen model, gives a more in depth look at the tool’s intricate design.

What Does Dermapen Do?

Like I said before, the Dermapen is useful for a number of skin conditions from wrinkles to acne scars. However, the overall process for treating all of these areas works from the same foundation. What I find amazing about the Dermapen is that it works with the biology of our skin in order to help the skin heal and boost collagen. Essentially, as the Dermapen pricks the skin with its needles, the skin is motivated to heal those areas, and in the meantime, heal the affected areas being treated. It is almost as if our skin is the miracle worker here, the Dermapen just motivates it. Specifically, the Dermapen is stimulating the skin’s natural ability to heal itself through the creation of micro-skin channels. This also boosts the production of new collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which ultimately helps to treat the affected areas. As a result, the skin thickens and reduces the appearance of conditions such as scars or wrinkles.

This video, made by the same producers as the one above, provides a more detailed and scientific explanation of how the tool works with the skin––specifically with acne scars. The video explains the biological process of how Dermapen can break up uneven scar tissue and promote the growth of new tissue, all while speeding up the healing time post-procedure and reducing pain.

How Long Does It Take To See Results?

The effectiveness of treatments and how the skin reacts can vary from person to person. However, this is a kind of procedure where results will manifest more in the long term rather than the short term. Results may begin to be noticeable anywhere from one to eight weeks after the treatment is done, though full skin tightening benefits may not be seen until six months later. This treatment should be done in four to six sessions spaced about four to sex weeks apart, as greater consistency will promote greater results.  

Here are a few sample before–and–after photos I received in a pamphlet from my aesthetician’s office. As you can see, clients have come in to treat a variety of skin conditions, and every person’s skin heals at a different rate depending on the individual and the number of treatments they received. The image captions from top to bottom translate as: 

Anti-aging therapy - Series of five treatments every 28 days

Anti-aging therapy - Series of three treatments every 28 days

Adolescent acne therapy- Inflammation, one treatment, effect after seven days

Acne scar therapy - Series of three treatments every 28 days

Rosacea therapy - One treatment, effect after seven days

How Much Does Dermapen Cost?

The cost of Dermapen will depend on the professional you visit and how many sessions you book at one time. According to the chart from dermapen.com, prices can range from about $195 for a single session to $800 for a package of six sessions depending on the treatment being provided. In addition, the overall cost depends on the size of the area being treated. Also, it is important to note that insurance does not cover this treatment. 

What Do You Do After the Procedure?

Dermapen has a generally quick recovery time and you can resume your normal daily activities by the next day. However, there are a few precautions that need to be taken in order to ensure that your skin heals properly. 

Sun sensitivity: Be careful with exposing your skin to the sun after the procedure, as your skin has become more sensitive. You should also avoid sunscreen as it may contain toxins that can seep into the skin’s open channels and negatively affect the skin. This is also why Dermapen treatments should be avoided during the summertime. 

Active Ingredients: You should cut out any products from your skincare routine that contain active ingredients or alcohol until the skin heals. Products like Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHA), Retinol, or Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) should be avoided in order to prevent irritation. 

Makeup: Typically, practitioners recommend you leave makeup alone for about a day after the procedure in order to give the skin some time to heal. I will usually set aside a couple “makeup-less” days over the weekend to spend time recovering inside. 

My Experience

Now that you have a better idea of what Dermapen actually is, I want to share my most recent experience with receiving the treatment. I specifically received this treatment as I have multiple spots of hyperpigmentation on my skin left after acne. I wanted to get Dermapen done as a way to motivate my skin to heal itself a step deeper than what my daily skincare products can do. I received this treatment back in January after conducting some of my own research and watching videos of other people’s experiences, thus I had a better idea of what to expect coming in for the second time. 

My Initial Expectations

Before the treatment itself, I had a good idea of what the treatment will look and feel like, as well as how my skin will react after the procedure finishes. I knew right away that this session will not bring me miracle results, as it does take a while to see any noticeable changes and I also have not been coming in consistently over the past couple months. I felt a little bit nervous before the procedure since it isn’t the most relaxing facial to get but I felt less worried than my first ever appointment. I also made sure to mentally prepare any questions I had for my aesthetician about the procedure and what else I can do for my skin.

The Treatment Itself

Before the treatment began, my aesthetician cleansed my face and wiped it dry with a washcloth and paper towel. After having a clean base to work with, she applied numbing cream with a brush all over my face. I felt an immediate cooling sensation as she spread the product over my skin. The numbing helps immensely to prevent pain during the procedure itself, and I definitely would not have felt as comfortable without it. After the cream was on, my aesthetician placed plastic wrap over my face in order to keep the product in place. The cream stayed on my face for what felt like half an hour. I gradually felt my face becoming number––it’s quite a funny feeling. However, the numbness wears off quickly after the procedure and my face feels normal again before I even know it. 

After that approximate thirty minute mark, my aesthetician removed the plastic wrap and wiped off the numbing cream. Afterwards, she spread a serum containing hyaluronic acid over my forehead. She worked on my face one region at a time, applying more of this serum in between each run of the Dermapen. The Dermapen first ran over my forehead, then my nose, my cheek, my chin, and my other cheek. The experience felt largely painless, but my chin probably felt the most tender. As someone with a generally low pain tolerance, I was quite surprised to have felt comfortable and content as the Dermapen did its job. If I were to describe the sensation, it feels a bit like someone rubbing sandpaper over your face. After what felt like fifteen minutes, my aesthetician turned the Dermapen off, signaling that the procedure was done. My face felt a bit tingly, kind of like a sunburn after a long day at the beach. 

Before I was good to go, my aesthetician applied a clear face mask over my skin. She explained that I should leave it on for the rest of the day and wash it off before I go to sleep. My skin burned a bit after the mask was applied, though it felt much less painful than it did the first time. In general, I would say that my second procedure felt less painful than the first, but the treatment itself is very tolerable. My personal experience was a positive one, and I would get the treatment done again.

Post-Treatment

After I got home, I realized that my skin was very red and blotchy, but this was to be expected. My face immediately felt tighter, and the face mask I had on added to that odd sensation. Before I went to bed, I washed the face mask off with warm water and my skin immediately felt more like itself. I no longer felt like there was an uncomfortable tightness, and some of the redness of my skin went away. Because my skin was sensitive after the treatment, I simplified my skincare routine, opting out of using my cleanser and other products with active ingredients. Applying my moisturizer to my skin, I realized just how soft my skin felt. I was feeling quite optimistic about my treatment and delighted to already have noticeably smoother skin. 

As it’s only been a few days since my treatment, it’s hard to pinpoint any reduction of hyperpigmentation and scarring. Hopefully, I’ll be able to see at least a minor difference in the way my skin looks in the coming weeks. What my long term results will look like, only time will tell. 

Another Perspective

Since everyone’s experience is not identical, I wanted to include one of the videos I watched before receiving my first Dermapen treatment in order to give a visual of what someone else’s procedure looked like. My session did not look exactly like the video, nor did my skin look the same or heal at the same rate. Nonetheless, I think it is important to provide multiple perspectives in order to understand that skin treatments are not necessarily universal in experience.

The following video was posted by YouTuber ling.kt, and it follows her first Dermapen experience as well as the few days post-treatment. She has a couple other videos on her channel that document her other Dermapen sessions, and I recommend watching them if you are interested in learning more. 

(Trigger Warning: blood)

Final Thoughts

Dermapen can be a great treatment for a number of skin conditions, but it must be approached with the proper knowledge. I personally had a positive experience with my Dermapen sessions and I would get the procedure done again. I hope that my experience can encourage you to do your own research, speak to a professional, and find what treatment is best for your skin if this interests you. Not only does researching allow you to understand if this is the right treatment for you, but it can reduce some of the anxiety you may feel before getting a skin treatment done. After all, it is your skin, and you should be able to understand what is best for it.

[sincerelyskin]

What’s the Deal With Walnut Scrubs?

Last week I talked about confidence in relation to our skin, and how our mental health is ultimately impacted by conditions like acne. In times where I’ve felt hopeless, I turned to educating myself further on my own skin and the products that could help me. Understanding the products we use and how they can affect your skin can ultimately save you from both harming your skin further and wasting your money. There’s been countless times over the years where I’ve purchased a product and was so hopeful of it improving my skin, but in the end I saw no changes and I had spent my money for nothing. Through the trials of using natural oils, niacinamide serums, or exfoliants, I grew to know the feeling of disappointment after using a product for a whole month and not having my expectations met. It was easy for me to feel hopeful about a product after watching one YouTube video about it, or reading a couple good reviews here and there. Once the product was in my hands, I felt excited to start using it right away––maybe this was the next miracle product I’d been searching for. I had used the product for one week, two weeks, three... but I saw no real difference in my skin. For a while I’d feel in denial––maybe I still hadn’t been using the product long enough to see results. It wasn’t until the bottles were empty that it would really hit me that this was another failure. It was yet another instance of false hope. Nowadays, I make sure to research a product more in-depth, look at the ingredients, and see if I can find reviews by others who have personally already tried the product. Armed with the right information, I’m able to make more conscious skincare decisions that make my skin feel and look better. I encourage you call to do your own research. 

Introducing Kylie Skin

This week, I want to shed light on a particular product that has been under fire on social media. On May 22nd, Kylie Jenner launched her new skincare line, Kylie Skin. The 21 year old billionaire has already released a successful makeup line, Kylie Cosmetics, and has stated in her Instagram post announcing Kylie Skin that “skincare and makeup go hand in hand and Kylie Skin was something i dreamt up soon after Kylie Cosmetics.” 

Her new skincare line includes six relatively affordable products: Foaming Face Wash, Vanilla Milk Toner, Moisturizer, Eye Cream, Vitamin C Serum, and the product most under fire––Walnut Face Scrub. Altogether the set costs a combined total of $125. The products claim to be cruelty free, gluten free, sulfate free, paraben free, vegan, and dermatologist tested.

Expectations and Reactions

When I first saw that Kylie was dropping a skincare line, I wanted to be hopeful. With such a large platform, Kylie has a large audience following her and interested in the products that she sells or promotes. Many young girls look up to her and take inspiration from her. Because of her massive influence and privilege to access resources many of us can’t, I genuinely hoped she did her research to put out products with great ingredients and market them honestly. However, in the first video I watched about her skincare line, the way in which she described using her walnut scrub immediately came off to me as dishonest.

In the video, she says “My walnut skin scrub is my secret to a fresh face.” Considering Kylie is in a privileged position where she has access to the most expensive products and treatments, as well as links to top rated dermatologists and professionals, I somehow doubt her secret to her smooth glowy skin is a $22 face scrub. Also, I was appalled to hear her say that the product was gentle enough to be used every day. Physical exfoliants can easily irritate the skin if they are used too frequently, and you can end up damaging your skin further as opposed to helping it. I’ve experienced this with my own skin after I used my physical exfoliant every other day for a few weeks. My skin eventually grew sensitive and would burn any time I applied any of my regular skincare products. In general, considering the negative reputation that walnut face scrubs have, her words appear even more realistic to me. 

This negative reputation of walnut face scrubs was clearly manifested in the tweets replying to the video. Tweet after tweet, numerous individuals––and aestheticians––voiced their disapproval and concern over the marketing of this product. 

This Sounds Familiar...

Clearly, many people aren’t happy with the scrub due to its potential to harm your skin. Some individuals even compared Kylie’s products to yet another infamous face scrub––the St. Ives Apricot Scrub. The St. Ives scrub is said to be too abrasive on the skin, and some dermatologists have voiced their concerns. An article from The Atlantic shares insight from dermatologist Annie Chiu, she says “The problem [with scrubs] is that with over-zealous or too often use, they can irritate and cause more inflammation.” And here’s a fun fact: two women sued St. Ives for $5 million as they claimed that the product has the potential for damaging skin and its “dermatologist tested” label is suspicious.

Figuring Out the Formula

Evidently, walnut face scrubs have a bad rep. But how can these products actually harm your face? What should we be wary about? 

In its list of ingredients, Kylie’s Walnut Face Scrub includes some seemingly-beneficial ingredients that claim to benefit you skin. 

However, the problem lies within the “walnut” part of the face scrub. Walnut scrubs are quite self-explanatory––they contain crushed up bits of walnut that then serve to exfoliate the skin from dead skin cells. This kind of scrub is a physical exfoliant (as opposed to a chemical exfoliant). Physical exfoliants involve some type of granules like sugar or walnut shells (these face scrubs look like they have little “beads” in the formula) and you literally use them to “scrub” away dead skin cells when you wash your face. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, involve acids––like glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acids––and are found in serums, toners, or peels in order to gradually dissolve dead skin cells as the product seeps into the skin. Board-certified dermatologist Mary P. Lupo describes more in depth how you should choose the right exfoliant and how often you should use it.

Remember the Risks

Using a walnut face scrub comes with its risks. This exfoliant is prone to irritating the skin and can actually leave micro tears in the skin as you are literally scrubbing it with physical granules. Joshua Zeichner, MD, states that “Walnut shell scrubs have traditionally been considered to be harsh on the skin,” and, “The issue was that if the powder wasn’t finally ground up enough, sharp edges may disrupt the skin barrier.” If used too often and too abrasively, walnut scrubs can work on your skin like sandpaper instead of an effective exfoliant. This problem is also not necessarily exclusive to walnut face scrubs, as other kinds of physical exfoliants can also become abrasive if used often and harshly. Such aggressive scrubbing and everyday use of walnut scrubs can not only contribute to micro tears in the skin, but can lead to broken capillaries in the face.

A Second Opinion

In addition, I found this video tweeted by Hassan Sayyed, who created his own all natural skin and body care called Haus Urban. He explains well the idea that using scrubs like the one in question can essentially pierce the skin instead of exfoliating it. His warning reflects those of other voiced concerns as he depicts that using products like this one without the proper knowledge can result in more harm than help. 

Cassandra Bankson, who I mentioned in my previous blogpost, made a video talking more in depth about the walnut scrub and also addressed the rest of Kylie’s products from her skincare line. She describes further the benefits and concerns revolving the ingredients inside these products. 

What Are the Alternatives?

There are plenty of options out in the world of skincare that serve the same purpose as Kylie’s scrub. I’ve looked into two other kinds of exfoliants that may produce satisfactory results with smaller risks. But, it is important to note that you shouldn’t just take my word for the products you want to buy. Everyone has different skin and different needs. Everyone’s skin will react differently to the same product. My goal here is to provide you all with a place to start looking. 

The two products I’ve found are chemical exfolinats. As I explained above, chemical exfoliants are found in a variety of products and include different kinds of acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, ect.). These products dissolve dead skin cells gradually as opposed to having them scrubbed off with physical exfoliants. I have personally turned to using chemical exfoliants because they are less abrasive on my skin. 

The first product is the T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum from Drunk Elephant. This night serum is packed with a blend of AHA acids such as glycolic and lactic acid that help smooth, even-out, and brighten the skin. In addition to the acids, this serum includes several beneficial ingredients that contain antioxidants and are soothing. Raspberry fruit extract, cactus extract, and horse chestnut are just a few of the many ingredients packed into this small bottle. However, this serum is on the pricey side, as it costs $90 for a 30 ml bottle. 

A more affordable alternative is the Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant from Paula’s Choice Skincare, priced at about $25 for 3.3 oz of product. This gel naturally helps to shed dead skin cells as it evens skin tone, smooths out fine lines, and improve the skin’s surface. While this product may not have as many ingredients packed into it as the Drunk Elephant exfoliant, there are still many great ingredients inside the bottle. Chamomile, green tea, and Sodium Hyaluronate are a few of the skin-soothing and antioxidants in the ingredients list. I’ve personally been using this product for the past couple of weeks, and so far it hasn’t irritated my skin or dried it out. I’ve also been experiencing less breakouts, but I’m not positive if this is due entirely to the exfoliant itself. In general, I’ve been liking this product so far and hope to see if it helps reduce any of my hyperpigmentation as I continue to use it. 

Think Before You Buy

Kylie Skin has just barely emerged onto the market, and I’m interested to see what other information we receive as people get their hands on the product. The entire web-store sold out soon after the products launched on May 22nd on kylieskin.com, and I wonder how positive or negative the reactions will be once everyone’s packages arrive in the coming days. However, considering what we know about the walnut scrub at the moment, I hope this cautionary tale illustrates how we should be careful with the products we use and are curious about. Sometimes we end up taking harmful risks blindly if we are not educated on the skincare products we use. That being said, I encourage everyone to do their own research on products before using it themselves. Consult a dermatologist, conduct research online, read reviews by those who have tried it, find out your skin type, and pay attention to key ingredients. Everyone’s skin is different––what ultimately works for one person may have little to no effect for the next person. Understanding what your skin likes, and discovering what ingredients can benefit your situation the most, will ultimately lead to smarter and healthier skincare expenses. Buying products just because we know the name or our favorite celebrity promotes it does not mean that we should be spending money on them. You know your skin better than Kylie Jenner or anyone else.  

[sincerelyskin]

How To Be Confident In Your Skin

If this seems like a clear step by step list of instructions on gaining confidence, I regret to inform you that it isn’t. If a full-proof list like that exists, I still haven’t found it. Confidence, rather, is a long process that looks different for everyone. 

I want to begin my first post on this blog talking about accepting the skin we are in even before we have found the solutions we are looking for. If we learn to be kind to ourselves and respect the skin we are in, then the journey of finding the right treatment for acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions becomes more bearable. Now, I understand this is easier said than done, believe me. After years and years of striving to feel confident in my bare skin, I still have not reached the point where I want to be. It is often an up and down process––some days will be better than others. Some days things may start to be looking up, but the next day I won’t even be able to look at myself in the mirror without my anxiety creeping up on me. My skin has cost me more than just money on dermatologist appointments, treatments, products, and pills. It has cost me opportunities, time with friends, and my own self-worth. Even when my skin is clear the scars on my face remind me of the emotional pain I’ve been through. I’m still learning how to accept myself the way I am, as I’m sure many of us are. And that’s important to remember, that none of us are struggling alone. In fact, approximately 85% of people between 12 and 25 years old struggle with acne.

Acne Can Be More Than Skin-Deep

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and now is a good time to acknowledge the ways that appearance and the state of our skin can have an impact on our mental health. Throughout my own experience with acne and acne scarring, my mental health has been up and down. It’s often difficult to explain how the lowest points feel like to someone who hasn’t been in your shoes––it’s difficult in itself to be vulnerable in front of others. But the reality is that feeling mental pain from the way your skin looks is not an exaggeration whatsoever. No one is allowed to downplay how you feel or or make light of your pain. Conditions like acne even stem beyond emotional distress, as inflamed cystic acne is immensely painful. Not only does it hurt to look at yourself, but your skin physically hurts. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that countless studies show how acne affects more than just the skin. In fact, those with acne may also develop depression, anxiety, poor self-image, and other mental problems. According to DermNet NZ, such skin insecurity contributes to social withdrawal, struggle with building relationships, and obstacles in attending school or work. Our skin can take us to very lonely places where we have difficulty accepting ourselves and keeping in touch with the world around us. The longer than skin conditions persist, the greater the emotional pain. As someone who has still not found the golden ticket to clear skin, the longer the issue persists, the more hopeless I feel. I begin to question if there is a solution out there for me, if my insecurities will last forever. During times like these, I try to remember the ways in which I can help myself. 

Confidence Begins With Coping

Something that I have always found helpful when feeling anxious about my own skin is finding distractions, something to keep my mind busy. I personally have not benefitted much from “relaxing” activities and “clearing my brain” because the truth is that sometimes my brain won’t flush all of my negative thoughts out. What I found to be more effective is redirecting my brain rather than airing it out. For instance, engaging in conversation with a friend or family member, watching a movie that will reel me in, exercising, or keeping myself busy with any kind of work helps me to direct my energy away from anxiety. Maintaining a working brain has helped me to cope, as I give myself less mental space to fill up with anxiety. I found this post to be helpful as it further explains this idea and what else you can do to cope with anxiety in this way. 

Sometimes I decide to channel my anxiety and turn it into a learning experience. If I’m having a bad skin day and feel particularly hopeless, I turn to research. The way I see it, discovering more information that allows me to understand my skin and learn more about how I can take care of it opens doors in my mind. As I further research how my skin actually functions and how the products I can use affect it, I can point myself in a new, positive direction. Every time I learn something helpful, I’m filled with a bit more hope. I realize that I must not have hit a dead end if there is still so much that I don’t know and have not tried. 

A website I have looked at, Acne.org, works with medical doctors and licensed professionals to share the latest acne research, conduct product reviews, and compose a multitude of forums. This site not only acts as a mode for education, but it provides a space for a supportive acne community to thrive. It takes a quick Google search with a specific question or topic in order to receive an abundance of webpage results. While many of these websites will have something to share, it is important to use your own intuition. In other words, some websites are more reliable than others. I usually stray from typical beauty magazine articles and turn towards blogs dedicated to skincare or pages that provide a list of sources. I’d be more inclined to trust a website like First Derm, which is ran by a team of online dermatologists, than an article written by a magazine, like Allure.

Also, I’ve often turned to YouTube videos where others have conducted their own research, or speak from a professional standpoint. For example, Dr. Dray is a dermatologist and skin care enthusiast with a playlist of over a hundred “Q&A” style videos dedicated to numerous skin care topics. I find her videos to be highly informative, and considering she is a professional, I trust her credibility. I’ve linked one of her many videos below:

Another content creator I’ve turned to is Cassandra Bankson, who has over 900 videos dedicated to educating others on all things skin and “helping others live beautifully inside and out.” A long-time acne sufferer herself, Cassandra dedicated her time to study the science behind skincare. I appreciate how many of her videos explain complex biology in a clear manner, as well as her holistic approach to skincare. I’ve linked one of her videos below:

You Are Not Alone

However, sometimes when I turn to video content as a means to find mental clarity, I need another means of support than pure knowledge. Sometimes, I need to hear from someone else that they are struggling too and they have found the strength in themselves to accept the skin they’re in. At my lowest moments, retaining any sense of confidence seems nearly impossible, but seeing someone share their feelings proves that my situation is not always as hopeless as it feels. Watching these videos may not spark any sort of epiphany or magically restore my self-esteem, but it is a small hug of comfort. What is truly highlighted in videos like these is that no one has to struggle alone. 

This video, another by Cassandra Bankson, touches on how she has found ways to love herself despite having suffered from acne for so long. She explains that acne ultimately led to the many opportunities and experiences in her life that she does not take for granted. For her, her place in the world and what she can do for others has changed her outlook on her acne.

Nazhaya Barcelona is yet another content creator whose video I’ve stumbled upon. I admire her confidence and particularly caught on to what she said about redirecting your focus to the parts of yourself that you like. Often times we focus on the negative and fail to see what lies beyond it. When our imperfections are the first thing we see, everything else disappears into the background. I believe we should try to put more of our energy in the parts of ourselves we feel more confident in as we try to feel more confident in ourselves as a whole.

Our skin does not define us. Nor does our anxiety, depression, or other mental conditions define us. What we go through individually as we live each day in our own skin may look a little different from person to person. But it’s essential to remember that all kinds of pain is valid, emotional or physical. We should allow ourselves to feel our pain and embrace that pain. However, the next important step is to get back on your feet and move forward. The road does not end when we feel like we’ve reached rock bottom or a dead end. Self-love is a tough process that it easier said than done. It’s not realistic to think that one video will change our perception of ourselves, or that we’ll wake up one morning with the confidence we’ve been searching for. Though, it is realistic to think that we are worthy of feeling confident, and we’ll get there one day. Find a moment each and every day to treat yourself and your skin with kindness.