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, 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 jaw line. There were times, though, that 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, 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 is 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 my doctors’ 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 geniunely 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 from 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.
