Monday, May 30, 2011

Stressed Out and Broke Out?

I have struggled with having clear skin since I was I was in college… yep, you read that right --COLLEGE. I had pretty clear skin in my teenage years with one or two little pimples popping up at certain times of the month—anyhow, it didn’t really bother me.

Apparently, college is way more stressful than high school—go figure! Getting married, and having kids, of course, has compounded the “stress” problem. Adult Acne is a big deal. It can even be the source of more stress and depression, thus causing more break outs. In my study of skin care, I have found there are a lot of factors that affect your skin. Here are some of them….

#1 Hormones: If your hormones are out of whack, then no amount of scrubbing is going to cure acne. You can faithfully wash day and night, and still be breaking out. Your breakouts may not always be an issue of cleanliness. Pregnancy hormones, postpartum hormones, nursing hormones, etc. can be the source of break outs. There are some great products to help tone down breakouts and help the skin heal more quickly.

#2 Stress: Wow, if only life could take a chill pill! My skin has been doing pretty well lately considering I have a new born baby. I LOVE my skin care routine and it is really working for me. I try to look for the positive in situations and avoid worrying about things, but last week my sweet two year old got really sick; she had strep throat, and then got an ear infection and her head was clogged and stuffy. She was having high fevers, trouble breathing while she was sleeping, and she just felt miserable. I stayed up many nights for a week watching her sleep, making sure she was breathing, and I was totally stressed out. She is feeling much better now and back to her adorable self, but guess what? Yep, I have a major break out! Steering clear of stressful situations as much as possible will do wonders for your skin, but sometimes it just can’t be avoided. Be patient with your skin, and try giving it a little TLC during stressful times.

#3 Nutrition: Everything you put into your body affects your skin. Making healthier choices and getting antioxidants in fresh fruits and vegetables will help keep skin looking great. Drinking WATER is the key. With my last pregnancy my skin was totally FREAKING OUT—when I put more effort into getting my 8+ glasses of water, my skin cleared up—with NO CHANGE in my skin care routine.

#4 Personal Habits: Washing your face daily with quality-- non-comedogenic-- products that are customized for your skin, avoiding touching your face, and cleaning your phone, pillowcase, towels or other items you might put on your skin will help keep bacteria off of your skin.

I love that I work with such a variety of customizable skin care products. Mary Kay has a policy of 100% satisfaction in any product. I can help you put together a skin care program, and if something needs to be tweaked—a different cleanser or moisturizer, for example-- It costs you and me absolutely nothing! We can exchange products and try a variety until we get your program right. I want you to be so happy with your skin and feel so good about your program, that even when that little stress pimple pops up, you can still feel confident and love yourself!

Would you like help getting your skin to CALM DOWN? Lets Talk!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

My Skin Care Story

I have struggled with self-esteem my entire life-- I didn't feel confident about myself, and I never believed that I was pretty, and I certainly didn't like getting my picture taken.

I had never used anything on my face, except soap and water and an occasional cheap cleanser from the drug store. I didn't even wear make-up at my wedding! I didn't understand the importance of using quality products to keep my skin healthy, and I certainly didn't know how to use color to enhance my natural beauty.

When I was invited to have a facial, I felt a little awkward washing my face in a room full of other women-- I was way out of my comfort zone, but I did it anyway and I was amazed at how my skin felt; My skin was so soft, and it felt so good to do something for me.

The cute lady that invited me for a facial asked me if I would get together with her and play with color. I said sure, but I told her that I didn't want anything dramatic. She listened to my needs and helped me put together a look that was subtle.For the first time I felt pretty. I had taken the time to learn how to take care of my skin and add a bit of color.

I loved my skin, my look, and for the first time I loved ME! I didn't have the money to purchase any products from this sweet lady who helped me feel good, but she still took the time to take care of me. When I finally got the products, and took a little bit of time for me each day to pamper myself and feel beautiful, I was a better wife and better person. Because I felt confident I was able to take better care of others and make a difference. To this day, I know I am a better mother and wife on days that I take the time for me to "put on my face". I also love that I can be an example of a confident woman for my daughters to follow.

That is when I decided that I wanted to share the products with others and help them feel beautiful and confident too! Please help me fulfill my goal of helping women feel beautiful, by spending an hour or so with me. I would love to help you in any way possible! Even if all you need is a listening ear!