I wrote about giving up on birth control pills earlier. Now I’m back on the subject and what I’ve noticed after not taking excess hormones. I mentioned the pms then and I’m afraid that’s still an issue. I’m quite shocked of how long it can take for me to get normal again. I’m also shocked to see how sad or depressed I can feel all of a sudden now. Well at least I know it will pass and I’m just fighting the hormones to take off.
I have noticed two big differences after stopping and they’re quite horrible both. My hair gets greasy and so does my face. Even if I wash my hair in the morning, it’s already somewhat greasy in the day. Still my scalp feels dry and itchy. Like what?! I don’t know what to do, really. I’ve tried coconut oil and not using as much dry shampoo.
My face has gone worse and worse very quickly. Actually you could talk about acne when it comes to my cheeks. You never realize how good your skin was until you get acne. I used to have smooth cheeks and now they’re covered in spots. My decollete and neck and back also gets acne. I promised to be prepared for this when I quit the birth control pills but I wasn’t. How could I prepare for this? I feel like I’m back at high school with my acne and low self esteem. Then again I can deal with this better than I could at the age of fourteen. Still it’s sad to look in the mirror and see your face and not recognise it as your own. I can’t hide from it. Makeup doesn’t apply as smoothly as before, makeup powders don’t cover enough and powders don’t last on me. I’m terrified of taking “today’s makeup” photos.
Writing this down and accepting that I’m not perfect isn’t easy. But maybe this is the first step. I’m gonna with this and get rid of it. But now I’m not gonna take the fast train – pills – but I will try organic cosmetics first instead.
I feel inspired by Em Ford who has made this beautiful short film about acne and how it affects you. I love those last sentences: “You are beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Not even yourself.”
Skincare is really everyone’s business. Still it raises a lot of questions. As a cosmetologist I value a good skincare routine and I’m always eager to learn more and try new things. I didn’t always know how to take care of my skin so maybe you can learn something from my mistakes!
The most common mistakes in skincare
Wrong / too harsh product for cleansing When I saw Clearasil’s “ACNE REMOVAL SUPER PURIFYING MEGA 5 in1” product I, too, fell for it. I had a really bad acne and felt like I needed something super effective for my super dirty face. Me thinking that and using that product makes me sad. The products was way too harsh for my skin and I would never recommend it to anyone. I also tried drugstore products, but they were just as bad. It’s true that an oily skin needs an effective product, and preferably in gel form, but the right product can also be gentle and moisturizing.
Skipping the morning cleansing It’s logical to clean your face from makeup in the evening but the morning cleansing is crucial as well. You sweat a lot in the night time and you roll around in your sheets, so it’s important to freshen up in the morning. Now someone may say that it dries the skin too much. I will repeat myself: An effective product can be gentle. A good product won’t dry you out. Oh and also: you wouldn’t put your day cream on a dirty face, right? Good.
The place of purchase The place where you’re buying your groceries shouldn’t be the place you’re buying your lotions from. Also – those cheap supermarkets aren’t the place to be, when it comes to skincare. Sure you can get a nice-looking lotion for couple of bucks there, but good quality and good products cost a bit more. Also I wouldn’t necessary recommend drugstores (in Finland). Those very basic lotions aren’t enough for all skin types. Been there, done that!
Then where should you shop? At your cosmetologist’s or a cosmetics store. Professional products are usually better from my experience, because the ingredients and the consistency in products are well considered. Organic products are great for your skin, because they don’t contain controversial ingredients and natural ingredients are simple but effective.
The ingredient list The INCI-list is a very challenging area of research even for a professional, but there are some things you should try to understand. First I would say that a short and a simple list is usually a good sign, as well as readable components. When you start to read the ingredients lists, you may also learn, what ingredients work and do not work for you. For example, if you have dry skin, chances are, that you want to stay away from products containing alcohol. Also, there are some ingredients that are controversial that you should do some research on. Those are ingredients like mineral oil, silicons or parabens. Try products containing them and decide for yourself, if they suit you.
Ingredients are always listed depending on what substance it contains the most. So if you are looking for – say – properly moisturizing oil, but the first ingredient is Aqua, you’ve been screwed. I’ve noticed that understanding INCI lists is easier with natural products.
Trusting the internet or your friend’s cousin’s sister’s girlfriend It’s great that the internet and forums are full of skincare tips and product recommendations, but remember to be critical about who you’re taking the advice from. A good example is coconut oil, that was so hyped a while ago. People recommended it to cleansing, as a moisturizer, as an exfoliant, to put on a bread and between your toes. Sure coconut oil works great for some purposes, but it’s not for everyone. And you oily/combination ladies out there – don’t bother. As an oily faced beauty myself I can use coconut oil to remove my makeup, but I do have to remove the oil as well. Otherwise it will clog up my pores and make me break out. For dry skin? Maybe! Keep in mind that we all have different skin types and what works for someone may not work for you. Also these “DIY” skincare tips make me cringe so bad. Be careful out there!
Keep in mind that we all have different skin types and what works for someone may not work for you.
That’s all for now. What do you think? I would be happy to hear your thoughts.
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