::Pizza Face, Part 2::

[Sorry about the fuzzy pictures...I had to use my webcam.]


So it's been almost a month since I started using Clinique's Even Better Serum to even out the dark spots on my face, and I am definitely seeing some improvement. It takes about 12 weeks of consistent use to see a significant reduction in the spots, but they are really starting to break up a bit. However, I experienced some problems initially and had to change my regimen.



To recap my inital skin regimen: I was washing my face twice daily with a cake of African Black Soap, toning with Clean and Clear [orange formula], putting on 2 pumps of Even Better [you should put on more if you aren't partnering the Even Better with other Clinique products - if you are, only put on 1 pump.] and moisturizing with Cetaphil 50 SPH moisturizer. After a couple weeks of all this product on my skin, I was getting some HEINOUS blemishes, which of course only created more dark spots.



I decided to start using the Clinique Acne Solutions system...results seem to be better now that all of the product I am using comes from the same line. I use the 7 day exfoliating scrub every morning, followed by the Acne Solutions foaming face wash and medicated toner, Even Better serum and Even Better moisturizer with 20 SPF. In the evenings before bed, I use the Acne Solutions wash, toner and moisturizer, but no Even Better serum. The sales woman I bought the Acne Solutions system told me that Even Better's effectiveness is not decreased if you only use it once a day. If I have a blemish, I also incorporate the Acne Solutions Emergency Spot treatment. I've found that success with this emergency treatment varies, depending on the type of blemish it is. It works best with blemishes that are close to the surface of the skin.

Since I started using the Acne Solutions system, I have been experiencing minor breakouts, but these were to be expected, as the system's primary job is to bring all of the impurities in the pores to the surface of the skin. I was warned that this would happen, and so far I have not experienced any scarring as a result. I have also found that the Acne Solutions moisturizer can be a bit drying, but since I am only using it at night and exfoliating the next morning, it does not seem to be much of a problem.

I also had to stop drinking so much tea and sugary juices and start drinking more water. I HATE drinking water, but putting in a lemon slice makes it a little more tolerable, and it also keeps me hydrated for longer amounts of time.

Have suggestions, comments or concerns? Email me at cehward@gmail.com or leave a comment and I will respond! Until next time...

XOXO, Girl in the World

::Runaway::

I'm a restless person, always have been. Lately, the Mr. and I have been discussing a move abroad, most likely to Europe. It's something I always planning on doing later, after I was sure that I could support myself and my family no matter where we ended up, but I never thought about doing it just to DO it. My mother-in-law (who has lived in Africa...) suggested that we just go for it so that we could have the experience - it didn't necessarily have to be a permanent life altering decision for us. We have no kids, we have no mortgage, it's just us and the dog and the whole wide world at our fingertips. But I have a problem.

My problem?

I'm scared.

Scared of failure. Scared of losing everything I've worked so hard to acquire. Yeah, I know material things are unimportant...but it is so hard for me to let go of them. Scared of having to start all over whenever I return to "real life."

I seem to be running into this problem a lot. I am on the verge of accomplishing a huge goal of mine...and yet I find all the reasons in the world to not take the next small step. When did I become such a chicken?

Anyway, I suppose it wouldn't be a bad thing to solicit advice or personal stories from people who have lived abroad, so if you have a story you'd like to share, please email me. It might do a world of good.

In addition, I have a Pizza Face Update: My face has adapted to the new regimen, with minimal protest. I did get a new zit along the jawline from the change in routine (...along with some itching on the first day), but it is responding well to the Clinque Acne Solutions Post-Blemish treatment Eleanor talked me into buying. So far, I'd say it's worth the $13.50 I spent on it! Updates to come soon!

Until then, peace.

::Pizza Face, Part 1::

So after much frustration and deliberation (...and research...) I decided to give Clinique's Even Better Dark Spot Corrector. After moving to Texas, I have experienced earth-shattering *monthly* breakouts that leave me with spots - a problem I didn't really have in Michigan.



I went to my favorite place (Nordstrom Barton Creek) and had a chat with Eleanor at the Clinique counter. If you live in Austin, go talk to her, she's REALLY helpful. (She FUSSED at me about touching my face! Like my mom would! Which means that she will be getting all my Clinique business from now on!)

Anyway, after describing my problem to her, she recommended that I try the the Dark Spot Corrector and the Acne Solutions Post Blemish Formula. I got a really great deal because for $49.50 (the normal price of the Dark Spot Corrector), I also got a gift bag with the Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer AND the 7 Day Scrub Cream. Eleanor also gave me a sample of the Acne Solutions Clearing Moisturizer to work into my skin care regimen.



Skin Care Regimen

In the AM and the PM, I was washing my face with Aveeno's Exfoliating Wash, but I noticed that it wasn't as effective as it had been. I had my mom send me a cake of African Black Soap (the REAL deal...not the bar soap you see in Target)and I have been using that for about a month. Although it didn't totally eliminate my monthly plague, the blemishes were noticeably smaller...but they still erupted like mini volcanoes and left spots in their wake. After I wash, I tone with Clean and Clear (orange formula...the strongest kind) and moisturize with Cetaphil 15 SPF Daily Moisturizer. I will be changing my moisturizer to Cetaphil 50 SPF Daily Moisturizer when I start using the Even Better, because you MUST use SPF with this product.

I'll be updating periodically with results, so stay tuned for the next episode of Pizza Face!