Tag Archives: Neutrogena

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

27 Sunday Aug 2017

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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.

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

20 Sunday Sep 2015

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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

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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.

April Favorites

09 Friday May 2014

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Everyone has been saying it, where has this year gone?? Maybe it has something to do with the missing season. If you, like me, live on the East Coast we did not really get a Spring. Because of the everlasting winter, we jumped straight into Summer!

Anyways, on to my favorites for the month. Most of them are skincare basics that I have fallen or re-fallen in love with. This month’s makeup favorites have actually kicked my Holy-Grail items out of first place! Yes, you read that correctly! That is how much I love them.

 

Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream

(USD ~$5.50 for 3oz) –> found at drugstores

I never realized how fragrant my hand creams were until I used them at the clinic. I love Aveeno as an all-purpose lotion but it does not last very long over multiple hand-washings. I remember years ago when the Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula was all the rage. The original formula was dense and long-lasting. The small tube fit perfectly in scrub pockets. Unfortunately, it was too greasy and did not absorb quickly enough for work…but as I was scanning my local CVS I noticed the fast-absorbing formula and I had to try it!

This lotion has no fragrance so it does not offend in a medical setting. It is light, absorbs quickly and lasts through multiple hand-washings. The tube is a little bigger than I like but it is light and does not weigh down my scrubs. Win-Win-Win-Win! This cream is perfect for humid spring/summer months.

DSCF8188_fotor

 

Coppertone’s UltraGuard SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion

(USD ~$9.50 for 8oz) –> found at drugstores

After trying multiple Neutrogena sunscreens and not loving any of them I went on the hunt for a new sunscreen.

The Coppertone UltraGuard sunscreen is thick but spreads easily over the skin. It does not absorb quickly but it does absorb well. It does not leave a chalky or overtly greasy residue. I continue to use it because it covers evenly and does not completely disappear when wet. The sunscreen smell is barely noticeable so I like wearing it at work!

 

La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Mineral SPF 50 Ultralight Sunscreen Fluid

(USD $33.50 for 1.7oz) –> found at CVS Pharmacies

I am a fan of the Melt-In Sunscreen Milk from the same line but it is too greasy for my face. I assumed the face products would be just as greasy until I saw the “Mineral Ultralight” fluid. I hoped it would be on the chalkier side. During the summer I am incredibly acne-prone so I’ll take chalky and ashy over greasy and shiny any day! I was not expecting this product to be so wonderful, though. It is greasy in that sunscreen sort of way but it does not leave a white cast! It does not absorb particularly quickly, due to the physical SPF ingredients, but it does not change the consistency or color of foundation when I wear make-up. There is no fragrance.

DSCF8165_fotor

 

Caudalie’s Deep Cleansing Exfoliator

(USD $35.00 for 2oz) –> found at http://www.sephora.com

This brand has been on my radar for a while but I never really took the plunge. I was in the market for a facial exfoliator so I purchased this during the 15% off sale at Sephora and I am so glad I did. Caudalie is quickly making its way to the top of my skincare list. Dare I say it? I may like their products more than my beloved Chanel ones..Blasphemy!!

I have three steps to exfoliating. One: I remove my makeup, two: I cleanse my face, three: I exfoliate. This cleanser/exfoliator hybrid is so powerful I can eliminate step two altogether! I am so precise about my skincare that if I can save some time I am all over it.

The texture of this cleanser is gritty and rough but smooth. The granules do not tear at my skin but because they are so dense I do not use a lot of product or pressure.

The biggest pro is I see immediate results. My skin is clearer, cleaner and softer! When I use other physical exfoliators I see results after a day of “healing”.

The only drawback is my skin is a little red the next day. I think this is very strange given I do not usually struggle with flushing.

DSCF8175_fotor

 

Too Faced’s The Chocolate Bar Eye Palette

(USD $49.00 for 16 shadows) –> http://www.sephora.com

Most times, I do not give into such hyped-up products until the raving is long over and forgotten. However, HSN was having a wonderful sale and I managed to get my paws on the eyeshadow palette and primer for only $30! How could I say no?

I always take the hype with a grain of salt since advertising, reimbursement for good reviews and mass hysteria contribute to it. Wow. I cannot even explain how much I love this palette. First off, let’s talk smell. Yes, these eye shadows are fragranced. Like chocolate. And, the smell translates to the lids! I smell like a chocolate bar. How cool is that???

Okay, other than that…these shadows are good quality. The color payoff is amazing with one swipe of a brush. There is more fall out during application but this is not a problem since I apply face makeup after I am done with my eyes. Fallout only concerns me if it occurs during the day and guess what? There is none! The shadows do not smudge or shift, even in high humidity.

The best part of all? I use every single color. In both the Urban Decay and Lorac palette (favorites review linked here) there are a few colors I never use. And when I compare the Too Faced palette, on other counts, everything just seems better: the quality, the colors, the names, the packaging, all of it. This palette kicked my UD Naked I right out of first place!

 

Too Faced’s Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer

(USD $20.00 for 0.35oz) –> found at http://www.sephora.com

This came in the set with the above eye palette. I have very oily eyelids so shadow primer is nonnegotiable. I have used my Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion for as long as I have worn eye makeup. Nothing compared to it so I never used anything else.

Until now.

The texture of the Too Faced primer is so much lighter than the Urban Decay’s Original primer potion. The slip is greater and it dries less quickly so it is easier to apply evenly to the lid in one go. I realize I use more UD primer than necessary just because it dries so fast and I don’t always get a chance to apply it properly. I do not have this same problem with Shadow Insurance.

The icing on the cake is my eyeshadow does not crease even after a long, hot shower! No joke. This stuff is AH-MAZING.

 

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That’s all for this month! Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of them?

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

August Favorites 2013 (Caution: Very Word-Heavy)

07 Saturday Sep 2013

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August Faves 2013

Most of these items were my go-tos for the entire summer. I not only live in a very hot, humid location but I have extremely oily skin (eyelids included). Talk about a double whammy!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power Gel is my one and only cleanser. It is the only thing that keeps my acne at bay but does not dry out my skin. It is the only Neutrogena product that does not cause my skin to flake. It does not have an overwhelming smell and I only need a little bit of product to sufficiently lather my face and neck.

I buy my tea tree oil from CVS Pharmacy because the Body Shop item is too expensive for a little amount of product. I use tea tree oil as a toner. I use a plastic bottle to make my own toner. I add one teaspoon of tea tree oil and fill the rest with water. Undiluted tea tree is too harsh for my skin. When I have a rogue pimple I will apply it full strength, before bed, for no more than five minutes. It does not dry it out completely but I notice a huge difference in the morning. After I wash my face I tone it and let it dry. It is absolutely amazing. It stings a little but it keeps acne at bay and smoothes my skin.

I was in India when I discovered Nivea Soft. The humidity where I live is nothing compared to the humidity in India. I use no more than a tablespoon of product to cover my face and neck. It effectively moisturizes and does not break me out. It works very well for me over the summer. It is very light and does not have a strong smell. It will not provide enough moisture come fall. I already notice my skin is drier in the morning.

Thanks to the summer humidity, thicker moisturizers are too heavy and trap a ton of dirt. My two favorites are Nivea Smooth Sensation and Vaseline Spray and Go. Smooth Sensation is a lot lighter than other Nivea products and absorbs quickly. I like the Spray and Go because it is fast. It shaves off at least 30 to 60 seconds. However, I definitely do not use this product for moisture. While my skin does not feel dry it also does not feel hydrated. Given the humidity, it is not a huge problem. I will definitely have to retire it for fall.

My sleeping schedule during the summer is far from “scheduled”. I never go to bed at the same time two days in a row and I rarely get the same number of hours. If I mix that with my medications and I have the perfect recipe for constant puffy eyes! Every morning I wake up with puffiness. Clinique All About Eyes De-Puffing Serum is an eye-saver! It feels instantly cool and dries quickly. I use it morning and night after I wash my face. Since starting this product I do not have any puffiness in the morning. My only con is application. I have to hold the pen straight down so that the metal rollerball does not snag against my skin.

I never apply make-up without my trusty Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It is the only thing that keeps my eyeshadow, mascara and eyeliner from slipping all over my eyelids. Sometimes I have to re-blend my eyeshadow around the crease but that only happens if I do not wait for the product to become tacky. That is my only pet peeve. It dries quickly so I have to blend quickly before I pull at the skin. Even though it dries quickly, it takes a while to become tacky. If I keep my eyes open it does not stay put in the creases. I try to look down for a few seconds while it sets. I also apply a little bit under my bottom lash line. That eliminates the dreaded raccoon eyes!

Urban Decay Naked I Palette is my one and only true love. I use every single shadow in this palette except for “Virgin” and “Naked”. Each shadow is very pigmented and I only need to use a little to get great coverage. Paired with the primer potion, my eye makeup lasts all day. My favorite colors are “Half-Baked”, “Smog” and “Darkhorse”. Compared to the Naked II palette, the colors are warmer so they work better with my skintone. The eyeshadow brush is sturdy and deposits pigment evenly on the eyes.

My favorite mascara is Chanel Inimitable Intense in Noir. It does not clump and gives the illusion of massive volume without adding any weight. If it is really hot and humid outside it will run. It does flake at the end of the day but it is nothing a little water can not swipe away! For the hotter days when I know my trusty Chanel will not hold up I grab Benefit “Bad Gal Lash”. It adds depth and length to my lashes. Honestly, it does not look like I am even wearing mascara! If I am not wearing eye-make up I will add it to the tips to define my lashes. I have no experience with flaking, running, or clumping.

I just finished using a small sample of Dior “Tendre Poison” eau de toilette. It was an old sample my mother had. It is light but works perfectly for the evening. Within minutes the perfume has melded with my skin and is almost undetectable. What I mean is it basically becomes my natural scent. A lot of perfumes sit on my skin and retain their smell. Tendre Poison becomes one with me. People can not tell that I am wearing perfume. Unfortunately, since they no longer make this perfume I switched to Dior “Poison”. The smell is stronger and spicier but after the initial notes lift it reacts similarly to Tendre Poison.

I suspect a lot of these items will carry over to September as well. I love to happen across new products that I love so hopefully there will be some new things on the list!

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

You’re Ill? Part Two: Facial Regime (Caution: Very Word-Heavy)

19 Monday Aug 2013

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Read the first part of “You’re Ill?” here!

Nobody ever thinks I have dealt with any traumatic experiences. My eyes are bright and crinkle when I smile. My smile is wide and shows off my teeth. My hair is shiny and strong. When something upsets me I grin and bear it. 

Since I do not want people to know that I have an autoimmune the above come in handy. I do not sleep in my contact lenses. I wash my hands and face when I come in from outside. I never go to bed with my make-up on. I keep a schedule for when I exfoliate and use a mask. This might sound extreme but it pays off. In fact, I have been told I seem to be aging backwards. 

The last thing on their mind is that I am hiding an illness.

First off, I wash my face two to three times a day. My favorites: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Gel Cleanser and Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. 

Purpose and Neutrogena

I have extremely oily skin so I use Neutrogena Power Gel in the morning and the evening. The other Acne Stress Control products are too drying for my skin. The Gel Cleanser is perfect for keeping my acne at bay all year round.

I use the Purpose Cleansing Gel for mid-day washes. I love this cleanser because there is no fragrance so it is great for sensitive skin and I can use to take of my eye makeup. I always take off all of my make-up after I come home. I live in a very polluted city and all that gunk gets stuck to and under my cosmetics. I never mind re-applying make-up.

Speaking of taking off make-up…

Johnson’s Baby Oil and Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes

At the end of the day I always use Johnson’s Baby Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E to remove my eye makeup. I have tried so many makeup removers and they always leave a nasty residue and dry out my skin. The baby oil dissolves waterproof cosmetics in seconds which means I do not have to use a lot of pressure to remove them. It moisturizes and when I wash my face most of the oily residue comes off. Just a note: I only use this to remove eye makeup.

Some evenings I am too tired or too lazy or too flared up to go through the motions so I use Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes as a quick all-in-one. I always carry two or three in a ziploc baggie in my travel tote. The only thing I do not like is that they do not remove all my make-up even with constant rubbing.

And that insane schedule of yours?

Bobbi Brown, c.Booth and LUSH

Even though I use salicylic acid regularly I still get the occasional acne breakout. I find that if I keep to a schedule instead of treating after the fact, I can lessen the problem. Once a week I use c.Booth’s Deep Cleansing Volcanic Mud Mask. It is very fragrant and can be a little over-powering. I do not mind the smell and it has to be the best mask I have tried. Most mud masks are extremely drying and make my skin flake. This mask dries in about fifteen minutes and does not irritate my skin. This is kind of cool and gross but I can see the oil being drawn out of my skin. At least I know it is working! The only downside for me is that it takes a little muscle to take off. The product gets caught in my hair and I have to splash my face with water a couple of times to loosen it.

Every four days, I exfoliate with two different products. I love LUSH’s Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub. It has a high fragrance that gives me a headache, but it is so yummy like margaritas! A lot of reviewers say it is a harsh face scrub but I do not agree with that. The salt granules quickly dissolve with the water. I continue to rub the product into my skin because of the oils and lemon. The lemon does an awesome job of brightening my skin because it absorbs immediately into the fresh layer of skin. I also love Bobbi Brown’s Buffing Grains for Face. This is a great exfoliator because I use it with my face wash. It is very easy to regulate how much product I use. The grains get caught in my eyebrows and my hairline but extra splashes of water fix that issue. 

I am not going to lie. When I first started this skincare regime I was pretty wishy-washy. I would not always wash my face or exfoliate on time and some weeks I skipped the mask all together because I did not want to sit for 15 minutes. I could tell the difference in my skin which was exacerbated by my general lethargy and pain level.

When I am in really bad state not even the best skincare regime can hide it but when I can manage a semi-normal state, everyone asks “you’re ill?”. 

 

Hi, I’m Monica and I have RA.

You’re Ill? Part One: Lotions

11 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by in Skincare

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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.

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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.

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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.