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the Rite of Aging…early

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the Rite of Aging…early

Tag Archives: Aveeno

The Week the Prednisone Wrecked My Skin (Estee Lauder Enlighten Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum In-Depth Video Review)

27 Sunday Aug 2017

Posted by MonicawithRA in Skincare

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Tags

Aveeno, beauty vlogging, Caudalie, Estee Lauder, hyperpigmentation, Neutrogena, prednisone, rheumatoid arthritis, skincare, vlogging

May contain affiliate links.

I am attempting a more vlog-style video and this is my first one. I would like to do weekly videos showcasing my Rheumatoid Arthritis and my beauty hobby!

In this first video, I talk about Prednisone and review the skincare products I use to repair hyper pigmentation in my skin. I hope you enjoy!!

 

Products Mentioned:

Estee Lauder ‘Enlighten’ Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum

Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer w/ SPF 15

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen w/ SPF 55

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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“But, You Don’t Look Ill!” (Skincare Routine – Face) | Fall 2015

20 Sunday Sep 2015

Posted by MonicawithRA in Beauty, Reviews, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Skincare

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Tags

Aveeno, Bobbi Brown, Caudalie, Chanel, Clinique, Estee Lauder, holy grail products, Neutrogena, skincare, tea tree oil

Some links may be affiliate ones.

When people find out I have Rheumatoid Arthritis they say “but, you don’t look ill”! If you knew me during high school and college this is actually pretty funny because it was not until college that I started taking care of my skin. Before that I washed my face in the shower and the only sunscreen I wore was during outdoor excursions. Occasionally, I bought facial cleanser but was too lazy to use it.

As a direct result of my negligence, I was plagued with scarring of pimples past. My forehead was three or four shades darker than the rest of my face, my cheeks and chin were peppered with hyper pigmentation.

When I was diagnosed with RA and prescribed many difficult medications, hyper pigmentation was no longer my main concern. My skin went into oil overload in an attempt to find balance, my eyes were puffy, and my eyelashes fell out. I was still hiding my disease and I did not want my body to be a dead giveaway.

I researched and tested product after product before settling on a simple and, in my opinion, perfect routine. My previously oily skin became more combination and I no longer broke out. Seriously, my last pimple was three or four months ago!

So, when people say I don’t look ill, I take the compliment and credit my fantastic skincare  routine! Enjoy!

 

2015 Skincare Cleanser | The Rite of Aging

(Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power Gel Cleanser)

After six years, Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power Gel Cleanser has reached holy grail status. It is marketed as Neutrogena’s most powerful acne fighter but I find it more gentle than the brand’s other cleansers which always dry me out. I use this twice daily, year round and the cleanser balances my skin and gently clears it. Salicylic acid is a mild chemical exfoliator. In conjunction with other products this cleanser helps keep pigmentation at bay.

Unfortunately, the cleanser was discontinued and none of the other cleansers are remotely similar to it. I was able to snag six before the price sky-rocketed on Amazon but I don’t know what I am going to do after I’ve finished those! Honestly, this cleanser is so good I may buy it at that crazy price.

 

Skincare Sserums 2015 | The Rite of Aging

(Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum)

(Tea Tree Oil) – I buy mine at CVS but any drugstore carries it

Ah, Tea Tree Oil, my savior. After unsuccessfully finding a toner that did not strip my skin of essential moisture I turned to natural alternatives. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic which kills bacteria hiding in pores. Since starting tea tree oil my skin is more balanced and I no longer break out. When I get the stray pimple, it is much smaller and heals more quickly than before.

I always talk about the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum and am never without it. I bought this at the beginning of my anti-aging journey. I didn’t know what to expect since I still had “young” skin. However, within a week, my skin felt smoother and the edges of any spots blurred. A couple of years ago, in an attempt to cut costs, I did not re-purchase and my skin noticed the absence. I broke out and the texture changed. I learned from my mistake and I will never go without this serum again!

 

Skincare Exfoliators 2015 | The Rite of Aging

(Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator)

(Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains for Face)

The Bobbi Brown Buffing Grains are amazing. I am all about streamlining my skincare routine so when I heard about dry grains added to cleanser I was all over them. Unlike other exfoliating cleansers, I have full control over how harsh or soft my exfoliation is. I always exfoliate twice a week but if my skin is particularly sensitive one day I do not want a harsh scrub to make it more angry. And, since it is a dry ingredient, it does not spoil! I have had this bottle for two years! Keep in mind these grains are unrefined and abrasive. A couple of pinches of product is all I need for a effective exfoliation.

In general, I love the Caudalie line so I had to try the Deep Cleansing Exfoliator. The densely packed exfoliating beads are suspended in a thick cream that protects the skin from scratching. This is an abrasive scrub but my skin always feels baby soft after I use it. As an added bonus the particles do not get caught in my eyebrows or hair line!

 

2-moisturizers

(Caudalie Vinosource Cream Sorbet)

(Clinique ‘All About Eyes’ Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage)

The Clinique ‘All About Eyes’ Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage is my #1 holy grail product of life. I have genetically puffy eyes and one tear can swell them shut. When I started my RA medications my eyes became even more aggravated. My usual ice cubes and frozen spoons were no longer sufficient to combat my rabbit eyes. I heard good things about this eye massager and was immediately taken with the gimmicky metal rollerball. It does work, though! The fluid is cool on contact and the massage feels great. I swipe this above and below my eyes a couple of times then use a left over rollerball to continue the massage. With continued use I see a dramatic difference in the overall look of my eyes and definitely notice when I do not use it.

The only downside is Clinique frequently increases the price. I tried the drugstore alternatives and the Origins competitor. None held a torch to Clinique. They either felt like I was applying nothing at all (ahem, Garnier) or the rollerball was too far into the base and scratched the skin (sorry Origins). The ‘All About Eyes’ version is certainly hyped up but well worth the money.

Face moisturizer is the one thing I am not set on. I tried everything from Chanel to Olay and have yet to find anything I like well enough. If I had to choose I would go with the Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet. It is light but extremely hydrating. The product is some sort of hybrid. It looks and feels like a cream but when rubbed into the skin it emulsifies into water. Very nifty and fun to use! The lotion is non-greasy and has a very pleasant smell. A luxury I look forward to using every night!

 

2015 Skincare Face Lotions | The Rite of Aging

 (Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer – SPF 15) – I buy mine in bulk at Costco but all drugstores carry it, including Target and Walmart

(Chanel UV Essentiel Complete Sunscreen Fluid – SPF 30)

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 is a hyper pigmentation game-changer for me. The active soy is effective in lightening my acne scars. Soy is a natural, light ingredient so results are not immediate but I see a huge difference. The scars are lighter and any new ones do not leave as dark a mark as before. I cannot imagine using anything else. The lotion also has instant brighteners so when the sun hits my face it appears smooth and radiant.

During the summer I need more sun protection than what the Aveeno lotion offers. Cue Chanel UV Essential Anti Pollution Complete Sunscreen with SPF 50 (I know they sell the SPF 50 during the spring and summer but only have the SPF 30 available). This is a very funny product. It is a light volatile fluid that provides physical UVA/UVB protection with titanium dioxide. I give the bottle a quick shake to mix the ingredients and smooth no more than two drops all over my face and neck. I am a little skeptical about physical sun protectants but if I wash my face properly in the evening I do not break out. The one ounce bottle is the perfect size to fit in a purse or pants pocket and it lasts all summer.

 

Well, that’s it for my face routine! I hope you like and want to try some of these products! Have you tried any of these? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

If you end up purchasing any of these items and you are not already, don’t forget to sign up with Ebates! Activate the button on your browser and get cash back with your purchase!

Ebates

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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2014 Empties – #2 (Beauty/Skincare)

13 Sunday Jul 2014

Posted by MonicawithRA in Reviews

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Aveeno, Bath & Body Works, empties, Neutrogena, Olay, review

This post sat in my drafts box for three weeks! I thought I posted it so imagine my surprise when I saw it. I do not have any photos because I already “emptied” my empties box!

This is the skincare/beauty part of this second post for 2014. I used a lot of these products regularly but there were a couple of “duds”. I hope you find my reviews helpful/interesting!

 

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging “Micro-Exfoliating Wet Cleansing Cloths”

(USD ~$8.99 for 30 cloths) –> found at drugstores

I bought these cleansing cloths on a whim when I ran out of the Pond’s towelettes. Tati from YouTube’s GlamLifeGuru raves about them. I almost always like the products she recommends and agree with her more negative reviews. I still love my Pond’s towelettes but now they are my nail art clean-up wipes.

The Olay micro cloths are soft and smooth. They are not wet but when in contact with the skin they leave behind a slippery, slimy residue. Off-putting, for sure, but once it dries there is no leftover film.

I did not think the smooth texture would be effective at removing makeup but it was more so than Pond’s! It took a few swipes to remove waterproof eye makeup but it still grabbed at it like a Swiffer Sweeper!

The packaging said the cloths “micro-exfoliated” but they are so smooth there cannot be any exfoliating, however “micro” it was. That’s okay, though, it was not reason I bought the wipes.

I used these as a break from my full skincare routine, wiped my arms and legs after a climbing workout and removed sunscreen.

Will I re-purchase? Already have!

 

Olay Regenerist’s “Micro-Sculpting Cream” Moisturizer (Fragrance-Free)

(USD ~$30.99 for 1.7oz) –> found at drugstores

When I ran out of my face cream I could not decide between the ones on my “to try list”. I remember using this moisturizer before and loving it! I see why it is a drugstore cult product. The cream was thick and spread easily over the skin. I did not need a lot of product to cover my face and neck so I felt like I got my money’s worth. When I went to CVS to purchase the cream they were sold out of the original so I substituted with the fragrance-free version.

The consistency of this cream was the same as the original except it was very greasy! I woke up as an oil slick every morning. I finished the tub because I did not break out but I did not get the same moisturizing benefits I got from the original. The cream sat on top of my skin and did not absorb in.

The two months it took me to finish this product were a chore. It was an uncomfortable product because of the grease and I am pretty sure most of the product ended up on my pillowcase! Gross!

Will I re-purchase? I may re-purchase the original version.

Does anyone know if the two moisturizers are the same now? (It has been nearly a year since I last used Olay Regenerist creams). 

 

Bath & Body Works’ Triple Moisture Body Cream in Japanese Cherry Blossom

(USD $12.50 for 8oz.) –> http://www.bathandbodyworks.com

I refused to purchase this product full price because of the so-so reviews. BB&W had their massive annual sale so I purchased two Triple Moisture Body Creams for $3 each! For $3 I could care less about hydration! Alright, so that is not necessarily true!

My favorite scent from Bath and Body Works is Japanese Cherry Blossom. It is light, not overly floral and reminds me of spring.

The cream was thick and greasy but did not hydrate well. It did not apply evenly or absorb quickly. The cream rubbed off on my clothes long before it sank into my skin. I only used it when I needed a spirit lift. It was useless as a moisturizer. Okay, that was a little harsh. It probably would have been alright in the Spring/Summer.

If you have a favorite fragrance from B&BW, I recommend the Shea and Vitamin E Body Lotion instead. It is very hydrating and absorbs quickly. I would use it at the vet clinic if it were not for the heavy fragrance!

I wait for the “1 free travel-size hand lotion” coupon so I never pay for it!

Will I re-purchase? No.

 

Quick Review on products I continuously use —>

 

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

I used the same daily moisturizer for almost two years. I initially began using this moisturizer to help with my hyper pigmentation. I did not expect miracles but I saw a difference. For immediate results the illuminators masked imperfections when light hit them. The soy and sunscreen worked together to gently even skin tone. The product felt greasier during the summer and I got shinier more quickly. Thankfully, I did not break out but I did sweat off the moisturizer so I added mineral sunscreen and face powder.

 

Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power-Gel Cleanser

This was another go-to product for nearly two years. My super-oily skin tolerated this twice daily without irritation or flaking, problems I experienced with other Neutrogena and Clean & Clear products. This cleanser was powerful but surprisingly mild. Strangely enough, the Acne-Stress Control product range was marketed as more powerful than others in the Neutrogena line but feel more gentle on the skin. I broke out less frequently and when I did the acne was smaller and healed faster. The scent was refreshing and not medicinal, a welcome change from other salicylic acid products. The gel lathered nicely and did not slip, slide or run down my face.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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You’re Ill? Part One: Lotions

11 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by MonicawithRA in Skincare

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Tags

Aquaphor, Aveeno, body lotion, c.Booth, La Mer, La Roche-Posay, Neutrogena, Nivea Soft, No7, Organix, skincare, St. Ives, Vaseline

The comment I hear the most after I tell someone I have RA is “You’re ill? But you look so healthy!”. I know. If you look at me, you would never think I am fighting an autoimmune disease. I spent a year hiding the fact I had Rheumatoid Arthritis. When I started telling people. It always came as a surprise. I loved that.

When I first started all my medications, I broke out, my skin paled, dried out, oiled out, my eyes burned, my hands cracked, my hair fell out and lost its shine. I was a mess. I looked ill. I hated it. I couldn’t keep it from work, as hard as I tried, but they could tell there was a change.

I’ve always prided myself on my health, except for the occasional flu or allergy I was always healthy. So, one day when I looked in the mirror and I saw that I looked sick I knew something had to change. I embarked on a mission to look healthy and I knew it started with my skincare.

I realized that the first thing I needed to do was start wearing sunscreen. I know, I know, I should have been wearing sunscreen already. It’s never too late to start. I don’t know if there is actual science behind this but I found that within weeks of wearing sunscreen on every exposed part of my body, my skin seemed to repair itself more quickly. I like to think that it’s because when I am not wearing protection my skin has to protect and repair. With the addition of sunscreen, my skin only needs to repair. With sunscreen alone, my skin already looked healthier.

My favorites: Neutrogena Ultimate Sport, La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk.

Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay

I use La Roche-Posay only on my face when I know I will be outside for a long period of time. It is expensive so I want it to last for the entire summer months. I love Neutrogena for my body and I am a huge fan of their spray sunscreens as well. I found that the Ultimate Sport brand has a better consistency and doesn’t leave a white cast like the Ultra Sheer does. As an daily facial moisturizer I use Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15. I have darker skin and I found that the added soy complex has evened out any subtle hyperpigmentation I had from the years of not wearing sunscreen.

Aveeno, No7, St. Ives

Depending on my shower schedule, instead of re-applying the Aveeno lotion, I may use Boots UK brand “No7” – Protect & Perfect Day Cream SPF 15. I don’t use it every day because I find it a little greasy, but I only need a little bit to cover my entire face and neck.   During the day when I am inside or before bed I slather on non-SPF lotions like it’s my second job. My favorites: c.Booth Egyptian Argan Oil Body Butter, Organix hydrating Moroccan Argan Oil Lotion, and Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

Image

Before bed, after my nightly face-washing routine, I slather on a thin layer of Nivea Soft. I absolutely love the consistency of this. It warms right down to an oil in my hands and I can pat it onto my skin. This was my splurge of the year but I absolutely adore the La Mer The Eye Concentrate. I know I can’t see the anti-aging properties of the cream right now but it is the only cream that doesn’t break me out around the eyes. That’s right, my skin is so oily that I sometimes break out right under my eyes. I slather on Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm with Aquaphor right on top. Aquaphor is one of those amazing miracle products that everyone talks about. I know why. It really works.

Image

I eliminate this one step during the summer because my skin is so oily, but during the colder months of the year I will gently apply Vaseline (after my nightly moisturizer) under my eyes, around the corners of my nose, across my forehead and on the smile lines around my lips.

Within weeks of starting this routine, which I have spent months perfecting, I noticed a huge change in the condition of my skin. Even when during a flare, I could hide it better because I looked healthy. My skin was glowing and had gotten most of its color and smoothness back. Nobody would guess that my immune system was trying to attack itself.

Hi, I’m Monica and I have RA.

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