In late summer of 2022, I had a major skin issue pop up. I’ve had bouts of dermatitis and perioral dermatitis before, I’ve suffered with psoriasis my entire life, and I sometimes have random eczema rashes that pop up . . .basically if it’s a skin issue, I’ve likely had it.
I generally have clear skin, but it was very common for me to get hormonal acne along my jawline. There were times, though, when I would be completely clear, like when I was using Retinol Reform religiously.
The skin issue that occurred in late 2022 was an angry, red, full-face rash that covered my forehead, spread down along my cheeks, and through my chin. I rushed to my dermatologist and she prescribed me a few different creams and an oral antibiotic.
Long story short, the creams did very little but the oral antibiotic fixed every single skin issue I was having.
I’ve since tapered off of the oral antibiotic and the skin irritation returned. Not in full force, but the texture and sensitivity are back.
I am on a quest to find the cause of my skin issues, which is much easier said than done!
I am working with a handful of doctors to assist in figuring out what is going on. I’ve already received a lot of advice from well-meaning people online, but at this time I’m focusing on my doctor’s recommendations.
This post, though, is all about what I’ve missed using since I pulled back on my skincare routine.
You know, I speak candidly about my love for something while I’m using it, but if I love something I don’t often quit using it, you know? Since I had to pull back from so many products, here are a few things I genuinely miss using.
I miss using Retinol Reform. That product truly did wonders for my skin in clearing it up, balancing texture, adding brightness, etc. I look back at photos of my skin when it was glowing, balanced, and clear. . . and that was when I was on a regular routine of Retinol Reform.
I miss using Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore. That was the richest, most hydrating moisturizer I’ve used and it felt so good on my dry skin. I hope I can get back to this product because my skin felt so great on it.
I miss using Vitamin C! I loved the Truth Serum from Ole Henricksen. I got so much hydration and brightness from that product! Admittedly I had been testing a few other Vitamin C products, but when I reflect back on skincare that really provided a noticeable change to my skin, this was one of those.
There are so many other products I have loved and used over the years, and to be completely honest I’m not sure how to proceed in the skincare realm while I take care of my skin. At this time I’m using dermatologist-recommended products and slowly testing makeup that has been fine for me in the past. It’s a long, daunting process, that is for sure.
“But Kate, what if those products caused your skin issue?” There isn’t a simple way to determine this unless I do a patch allergy test at an allergist. I use a lot of different products, so it truly could be one of a hundred things. . . at this time I’m looking at determining if the problem is from a root cause in my body or if it is, in fact, an external ingredient that has triggered a reaction.
* This article was originally published here
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