I can remember not wanting to go out on multiple occasions and spending hours and hours caking on makeup in my room with the lights low, only to see my face in natural light to find myself feeling even more depressed about it all.
It wasn't until I started to do my own research in my early twenties, and spoke to others who made me aware of proper "skincare", that I started to realise that there was more to it than just medication.
I am by no means an expert, and certainly don't have perfect skin even now - BUT, it is A MILLION times better since I started to actually take action, and I am A MILLION times happier which for me is almost more important. I still have days when I want to sob over how terrible my skin is (and sometimes do). I am still establishing my skin care routine, but by doing the following, I at least know I'm doing all I can to prevent breakouts...which means that somehow I am far more accepting of it and can still face going out regardless!
More recently I've had a few people ask about my experience and any tips I might have... I decided I'd do a series of posts around tips and tricks, as well as my current skin care favourites with the hope that I can help others in the same situation. So here goes with some simple ideas to get you started! I like to think that even if you don't have troublesome skin, that these tips will still be useful in maintaining a healthy complexion.
1. The obvious one (which certainly wasn't obvious to me initially) is to drink more water... I can remember going hours, sometimes even a whole day, with nothing and honestly just keeping a bottle nearby and trying to be better with this can help so much. I now try and have at least 1.5 litres a day...
2. Makeup removal- Do you always take your makeup off properly? I never used to and I know sometimes it can be so much effort but it's sooooo important. Have a read of Caroline Hirons blog online (find her blog here: http://www.carolinehirons.com/ ) - my lovely friend Pippa directed me towards her when I was initially looking into skin care. Caroline is an amazing skincare guru and taught me a lot! She recommends a double cleanse. One to take your makeup off, and one to properly clean your face. Sounds effortful, but again it can make a lot of difference making sure makeup and grime is completely removed and your skin is completely clean.
3. Wash your makeup brushes/anything you put on your face! I never used to wash my makeup brushes or sponges... then I realised how much I used them and that they are basically a breeding ground for bacteria. Grab a cheap antibacterial hand wash and give them a good scrub! Ideally once a week (more often if you can). Also sounds odd, but avoid touching your face in the day as much as possible, think about how many germs there are on your hands throughout the day! I used to rub my face so much, so if you can get out of the habit it's a good thing to try. You'd be surprised how much it probably happens. Also on that note don't pick or scratch !! Often leaving spots to calm down is the best way, as annoying as it is. Caroline Hirons has a good spot care post on her blog!
4. Clean pillow covers can also help- maybe changing them more regularly than you usually would? Again just to avoid bacteria.
5. Having some Savlon nearby. This is great stuff for spots, sometimes if I'm having a really bad skin day I literally wash my face, put this on bad areas and then moisturise later.
6. Find a skin care routine that works for you. I went through a phase of simply washing my face with soap and water. When you wear as much makeup as I do, this simply is not enough. More to follow with my current favourites!
I hope that this is of some help for those of you that have been through a similar experience, or that you may be able to pass this on to someone in need.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and if you have any extra tips or tricks please let me know!
xox
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