Hyperpigmentation-How I'm dealing

I used to always wonder how women could go to sleep with their makeup on. I just couldn't fathom doing it. However, fast forward to now, and  those days of wondering are gone. I've got a seven month old, who is full of energy. Because I don't like him to watch too much tv, it's up to me to be his entertainment. And sometimes after a long day of entertaining a seven month old, I'm too exhausted to do anything, let alone remove my makeup.  I slept with my makeup on six times, and now I'm paying for it. I broke out really badly on my right cheek. We're talking six huge  zits. Now I don't care so much about the zits. I can use Mario Badescu's pink stuff or  run to my dermatologist and get the zits cortizoned.  However, because my skin color is tan, I get stuck with really dark marks that look worse than the zits. I haven't broken out this badly since before my pregnancy. So now I'm going to share with you what I'm using to get rid of these marks. Before I continue: please note, I am not a dermatologist, I'm not even a skin care professional. I'm just a girl who loves all things beauty.

Clarisonic

The first thing I'm doing is washing my makeup off every single night Four days out of the week, I use my Clarisonic. If you are iffy about getting a Clarisonic, don' t be. What everyone says about it is true. Why do you think I've given so many away on this blog. Because it works and I must share with my readers!!!  It removes all traces of makeup, massages the skin, and  it really makes your skin care products absorb better. I highly recommend it! You can find it here.

Neostrata 20 AHA Glycolic Wash

This face wash contains 18% Glycolic Acid. Glycolic acid is so beneficial.. It penetrates the skin and evens out  skin tone by removing or reducing discolorations and/or brown spots from sun damage or hyperpigmentation. It is effective in improving acne, blackheads,  congested pores  I wash my face with my Clarisonic and this. This isn't over drying.  You can buy this on Amazon for half the normal price. If you're skin is super sensitive you may want to try a Glycolic wash that isn't so high in glycolic acid, maybe try this one. 


Alpha Hydrox Souffle

This is my secret weapon. This was actually one of the very first products I ever blogged about four years ago. You can read that post here. After washing, I apply this treatment. This contains 12% glycolic acid. It exfoliates and resurfaces the skin.  I know this works because when I was an undergrad, I broke out a lot during finals and had a lot of hyperpigmentation . This actually not only helps with the marks, but also with the acne,  and really gives my sensitive skin an amazing glow. You may notice a slight breakout after using this, as it's taking all the crap out of your skin. The breakout will go away.  Warning: if your skin is super sensitive or you haven't tried glycolics before,  begin using this once every other day and a tiny amount. Also, do not use this after you use the clarisonic. I do it because I've been using Glycolics forever, but if your skin is not used to it, it may burn. This is super inexpensive. Many people swear by it. You can read about it here.


Dr. Murad Essential C Moisturizer

Glycolic acid can be a little drying to the skin so make sure you're moisturizing.After the glycolic acid souffle, I apply Dr. Murad  Essential C Moisturizer.    I've raved about it before here. I use this because Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant  that builds collagen and helps with evening out the skin tone. Also, this contains spf 30. If you're using glycolic acid, you need SPF because Glycolic Acid makes your skin sensitive to the sun. You can find it here

Peel

I also recently used a peel.  I used it in the evening. It's called Brazilian Peel. This contains 30% glycolic acid and the Acai fruit. it also has a self-neutralizer so although it may start off feeling a little hot on the skin, it feels fine after a few moments. Although it says you can use this every week, since I already use glycolic acid, I will only do this once every two weeks. Each tube is $23.00.

Drinking My Omega 3

Fish Oil is so beneficial for the skin. Many people are deficient in it, but Fish Oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and really helps with skin and hair health. And surprisingly I recently ordered this one from Vitacost.com and this  is freaking delicious. It taste just like a Pina Colada. I made the mistake of giving this to hubby and now he keeps drinking my supply.  I drink two teaspoons  a day. You can order it here.


Don't Stress

Last but not least, I don't stress about the marks. I know when our skin is not looking its best, we want to look at ourselves every 5 minutes in the mirror and wonder what went wrong. Don't do that. Fill your time up with better things. If you keep stressing and staring, that will give you the urge to pick on your skin, and create more zits and dark marks. Realize that your skin will get better soon. It's just going through a healing phase now.  In Six weeks, I'll give you an update as well as show you a before/after pic.




Hugs, 


Milly