Face Skincare CeraVe - General/Health

This blog post goes out to anyone and everyone however, ladies listen up or read this one, because a healthy life doesn't just mean you taking care of yourself personally but also physically and not just in the physique of your body. Taking care of yourself also applies to your skin care-the protective barrier your body has. Though this post is generally for the whole body, we will start with the face...

Older women are typically saying, "take it from me, if I would have known then what I know now that I needed to do for my skin, I would have started it sooner; dont wait last minute to start taking care of your skin especially your face." I know easier said than done but now being in my mid 30s I'm glad I've at least maintained a regimen that's both cost effective and also helpful whether I stay on top of it daily or only when I remember to.

I am in no way an affiliate of the product/brand that I'm about to write about, but I do encourage anyone to buy their products and believe me when I say that it works! I am living proof of the cost-effective maintenance CeraVe allows. See when I was little, I used to actually love putting on lotion, whether it was my face or body, I just loved the smooth feel of the skin. Getting older, I joined into a soccer league during junior high and though I would lather up the body after showers from practice and weekend games, I found that the face care especially in the cold weather games outside and especially in the TX heat of summer, was just taking up too much time. Then in high school, if I had soccer during the day and had to shower I never lotioned up. So long story short it wasn't until the summer of 2019 that I really started paying attention to the mediocre care of motioning up the body; the face was just still something I was lazy about or didn't care about. Fast forward through college, career, then pregnancy. Shoot there really isn't enough warning on the changes your body goes through and what you feel physically when you're pregnant, but I didn't listen to my mom then and didn't care or bother with lotioning up outside of my body. See I've been blessed with the right amount of oily skin so even when I have dry skin, they're a "moist" look about my skin because of the oil my skin secretes. Post pregnancy I realized I was started to look a little haggard, though I kept hearing the "take care of yourself and take care of your skin" I never really cared, and I didn't take it to heart...

You see, I had four women in my family that were enlightening to me on how I didn't want to be. Three of my aunts were special in their "getting ready" routine; I know not really my story to explain about themselves BUT they are prime examples of what I had growing up for women's self-care and then taking it to a little extreme I think...one aunt was the least vain when it came to her appearance upon waking up but she liked to look good in her appearance in general the moment she left her bedroom. She would purposely make sure that she went to bed a certain time because she was making sure to get up before anyone else, to ensure that nothing interrupted her getting ready time. Not just makeup and wardrobe mind you, but the skin care products and tasks that it also entailed. So when I was pregnant with not only my first child but also my second, I realized that though I know I'm not a gorgeous person by any means I know damn well I'm attractive with or without makeup SO my skin care application was NOT going to be eating into my rest time - aka I love my sleep and I'm not putting beauty before my much needed sleep no matter who told me what! Then there was my other aunt who oh my Atlanta, would take more time in putting guck on her face and to this day I never could understand what was attractive about her so maybe it was her personality...anyway! She also took time in her skin care especially on her face-made sure the moisturizers were used and the right products. All in all, though she spent more time putting makeup on! Her skincare technique was more to ensure that all the makeup she put on didn't damage her skin and it was more about a vain baseline to complete. My other aunt was much older and the purpose of all her skin care was for the dumbest reason of all, aging. 

Ok I'm not a feminist and I'm not someone who doesn't necessarily support my fellow gender, but women this is probably one of the biggest pet peeves I find about women in today's world-your fear of getting older and looking it! Facts are you aren't going to stay looking 20 and you're an idiot if you think you still will. SO do what you can to enjoy life and do what you NEED to within reason, to ensure a healthy body and that includes skin. This is definitely going to be another topic for another post that's for sure, but yes, the last aunt I'm mentioning was also a mom of one child. Boy did she have it well too because he was one awesome and literally wouldn't make a fuss about anything! Though she fed the child and took care of his basic needs she would spend more time in her skin care especially for her feet, hands, and face than even raising the boy. Holy crap did she have products and would buy things to ensure that to her would slow down the pace of her aging and how old she was looking because of her age. Skin care time in the morning and skin care time at night, if she was off of work then she had skin care three to four times a day! I mean I'm all for a woman taking care of herself but even as a kid I saw that as much...Lastly there's my sister. NOW she's spending hardly any time on makeup or skin care but then she's also gone down drastically in the manner in which she wants to dress/style and look when she leaves the house. Once upon a time she would spend just about the same amount of time if not a little less than any of the three aunts I mentioned from the makeup part to the actual skin care time. She claims that since I became a mother thing changed for her-but now she's not even looking like how she used to, and she doesn't even freaking have kids! I digress though because that's not the point. But I would see how she take care of herself, and I was like, yea that's even still WAY too much time, there's gotta be a better our easier way. 

Then I worked through my memories of when I was little and in my grandmother's (on my mom's side) room/bathroom and shoot my grandmother only had two rules - always wash your face in the morning and at night especially if you weren't going to shower; then make sure you always put a specific face moisturizer for daily use, sunscreen, and a nighttime cream. My grandmother has to this day the softest skin and it's still nice and glow-like (even her hands) compared to when even half her age! Though she has the spots dealt from old age and years of always being at the stove (hands included) she really has aged amazingly well. My mom is very much so in the same case as her mom, the grandmother I just elaborated about. I supposed my mother saw the way my grandmother took care of herself and also in turn put it into action. My mom's skincare started out as simple as my grandmother but then it started expanding with brands and products, partly because of not only my sister's skincare at the specific times in life but also because but also because my mother started I supposed paying attention to the world around her regarding aging and the expectation that somebody the fuck said, that women always have to be looking their best even if it costs an arm and a leg and that aging gracefully isn't the goal but trying to look younger and stay looking younger even as you age...yea no. My sister and mother spent a good amount of money on skin care products and skin care-why even that I will never know...

Which now brings me full circle to the point about this post. I seldomly used the products my mom or sister would buy me, again in hopes of me doing my skin care because of the hours I would spend in the sun, the wrinkles I was developing, the tired way in which I looked, the strains of struggle on my face, etc, etc, etc...it was damn right annoying! Post pregnancies I didn't care so much until I started working at this specific job...I saw that I was being looked to for a very important leadership role, so I wanted to make sure I not only looked the part but that it was an efficient and successful version of myself without also losing myself in the process - aka not spending hours of skin care time but still making sure I was my healthy and happy self. So, I turned to CeraVe; hands down one of the best simple and under rated products out there that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get the same fantastic results! See my kiddo had a really bad breakout after a tummy bug (basically diarrhea that was bothering the little bum area) so my sister recommended getting that cream because after her little googling research on safe products for kids (keep in mind that this was during 2019 and there was some articles and news going around about how unsafe Johnson & Johnson really was for kids) so there we go to the nearest Walgreen and item purchased! No joke and hands down the best solution because after putting it on the bum area around 5:32pm, by 9:40am the next day the little affected bum had no more redness, my kiddo didn't complain, and almost all of the breakout area was completely healed. After using it myself on my face for a few pre-menstrual breakouts just overnight while I was sleeping, and it did wonders! SO, I started looking into and using their other products. Again, I'm not associated, affiliated, or even get a percentage from CeraVe so I'm literally just trying to help all you women on a budget. 

I have yet to be disappointed in any of their products or even annoyed at the fact that I purchased something, and it didn't end up working at all. The two images are exactly everything I always make sure I stock up on and that I've continued to use. I'll do a break down for you from my experience including the duration, because I for one hate writing a review on something that either hasn't been used continuously or if the reviewer hasn't used it long enough. Before I do the breakdown don't, he misleads or misunderstand the whole "acne" part. You see, back when I was in junior high, my mother made an appointment for me to see a licensed/educated Dermatologist. SO, they did skin tests and a thorough look into my pores and face overall. The conclusion by my skin doctor is that though I didn't have the severe acne as seen by most teenagers in their cheek areas (or wherever they have acne being grown). The dermatologist explained thoroughly that there are different levels of acne and though everyone is used to seeing or knowing more about the severe kind of acne, I was personally categorized by the doctor as "mild acne". What did that mean for me, well it was pretty simple; mild acne meant that I was only having breakouts of both white heads and black heads or just one specifically. After having a better understanding of my skin type and skin, I was able to clean up my face well during the years of junior high into high school! I'm much more pleased with the results from over the years and especially with this new brand I'm hoping they aren't going to start jacking up the prices or worse start having issues with the ease of their restocking trouble.    

1. 
   The "Cream Wash" - is one I've been using for the past 2.5 months, and it's been working as well as all the other products I've purchased and used. I'll most likely come back and write a follow-up once I've been using that specific product as long as the other ones...
2. "Acne Control Cleanser" - I have found to have better results with this particular product being used immediately after using the "Foaming Facial Cleanser". I personally like this size and packaging because the cap locks so it's spill proof when you're traveling, whether via road trip or airline. I've been using this product now for over 2 years.
3. "Foaming Facial Cleanser" - this is my religiously used product that I'll use both nightly and, in the morning, but almost always at night before bed. I'll pair this particular product with the "Acne Control Cleanser" or the "Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser", never both but at least one of them after this product. I've been using this product now for over 3 years.
4. "Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser" - personally, this product has given me better results than using the "Acne Control cleanser" however because not all breakouts are the same, I use either or after the "Foaming Facial Cleanser". The texture of this particular cleanser doesn't leave evidence of the skin of someone dreading its use, or even having the trust that the product won't work. I've been using this product now for more than 1.5 years.
5. "Acne Control Gel" - the gel comment on the tube bottle itself might throw you for a loop but it can assist in expediting those blemish and acne results you're wanting. Literally purchased to try about 6 months ago, and pleasantly content with its use and application. 
6. the "Night Cream" - this is a product I wasn't even aware they had until I was bored and just looking around in the lotion section of Wal-Mart. This is a newer buy for me with only having been able to use it nightly for the past 3 months and damn if it wasn't surprising! Literally after only two nights in a row application, my skin on my face felt nicely tightened and it felt awesome. So, as I mentioned before, I've only used it for about 3 months now and loving the results and feel of those wrinkle areas where this is being used. 
7. "Moisturizing Cream" - is the daily religiously used product that's been in use in my household not only for my kids but for my face since 2018! This is what you should always use, and its healing properties are awesomely amazing! 

Now some words of advice, if you're wanting the best results each and every time! Then you need to get into the habit of this: I hardly put sweeteners on now in my coffees, hot teas, or drinks that aren't already sweet. So, removing or decreasing your overall intake of sugar will help considerable and more than you know! Then drinking as much water and staying as hydrated as possible, then having more fruits and balanced meals-overall provided me with the everlasting results and ease of a regimen that I can use till I'm dead...

So, let me know what you think or what are your specific regimens for self-care especially for your face? 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

3 Day Blemish/Breakout Fix - Health/General

So how would you like to have an almost guarantee of clearing out your breakouts or blemishes on your face within a maximum of five day? Not only with something that you can keep in your cabinet for any and all future breakout needs but it's uses and abilities to use for your health are also well served! Don't believe me well let's dive into the pictures I took and the breakouts that occurred. Please don't think that this post provides a helpful at home cure to serious acne and breakouts, because I would be the first person noticing what kind of breakout you have and even help you find a Dermatologist! There's just some things the specialist has to help you with regardless of what you may think...I digress and move on though. 

So the first picture was taken on August 16th as a neon sign to any or most females that, hello period you've arrived and left me with a visible reminder to look at every time I look into the mirror. For those of you who don't have the distinct pleasure of pre-period breakouts or acne count your blessings. The remainder of you female population who have the routine periods, you probably feel my cosmetic pain. So just to quickly enlighten those who are not aware. It's normal should you breakout and/or notice a quick increase in pimples on your face. The reason for this is due to the wonderful estrogen and progesterone levels that drop in your system before your period should start. This in turn can cause a females glands to have a higher release of an oily substance that's secreted and lubricates your skin, resulting in clogged pore, therefore hence the breakouts. Our wonderful hormone levels are also a culprit to an increase of skin inflammation and the increased ability of acne production on your skin. If your curious to know more don't hesitate to inquire with your Gynecologist or PCP (Primary Care Physician), I'm sure they would be happy to answer your question and perhaps provide a referral should you feel that's it's too excessive in the amount of breakouts/acne production.   

Two days prior I noticed some blackheads and whiteheads appearing, "uh-oh here it comes," is my first reaction. Start adding in the additional face wash a day to help alleviate the overall physical appearance of my upcoming breakout that I knew would come. Hence my picture taken the evening of August 16th when I notice the big breakout signs. I'm honestly not sure if its the combination of all items used that I'll be mentioning, but they are severely good remedies (also confirmed by my recent two visits to a Dermatologist-and no I'm actually not seeing one for my skin/face) and worth the money products to keep on hand. 

So here's exactly what I do the moment I notice the breakout: 1)wash you hands and get in front of a well lit mirror or a room very well lit that has a mirror in it. 2)I gently "pop" or push out the whitehead/blackhead from it's in skin source. I have found that the slower and more patiently you push out the filled pore, the easier the oily substance is removed entirely. This may leave your skin a little red after you've "popped" or "pushed out" the filled pore. The cardinal rule when popping pimples is to NOT keep pushing when there's a clear liquid mixed in with some blood. When this occurs on popping the pimple, stop and begin gently massaging the area-take notice if the area is hard or bumpy. If hard then that means you may have some additional hard substance inside the pimple, in which you will have to exercise out by massaging the region/area to assist in loosening said substance that's clogging your pore to that extreme level. If it's the second however, where it's a clear like liquid with the blood mixed in, chances are you have a little bit of a bump like feeling pimple, that even though you've extracted the substance or "popped" it there's a residual feeling that there is still a lot more to push out. When this occurs you will massage the area and (if possible) throughout the day continue to push out the remaining "juice" that's filled that clogged pore. 3)after you've finished popping or pushing out the clogged pores you'll prepare the water for a temperature feel of warm water, not hot nor scalding, not cold nor frigid cold either. The reason being is that you want to open the pores with some of the heat but you don't want it too warm so that the products do their job and you dont risk nurturing the filled pore. 4)You'll wash your face first with the "Foaming Facial Cleanser" - so I personally like to pump twice the product into my hand that's already been wet, start mixing in the cleanser into my hands until I see an almost white foamy texture-then I know the product is ready to apply to my face. You don't want it necessarily bubbly like a bubble bath or when you wash your hands with hand soap, you just want enough bubble to know it's not the original form, from when you pumped the product into your hand. You'll spread it all over your face, then go back and start massaging the cleanser into your skin on your face. You'll want to do this part without nails digging into your skin and possibly scratching it-you'll be using the high bent area of your hands (not the knuckles but where your hands bend before that area, closer to the tip of the fingers). Then you'll create these circulation motions as your massaging the cleanser into your face, all over. Wash and rinse off. 5) You'll keep the water running at that same temperature used and grab the next product which is the "Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser". I'm no expert to say this specific product will work on all skins types, but if you have seriously naturally oily skin then this is definitely for you. You'll use this product the same way you did the "Facial Cleanser" but before you attempt to wash and rinse off, you'll keep yours eyes closed and leave the product on your face for a minimum of one minute, then rinse off. 6) I scrub dry off with a towel-what I mean is that I don't gently tap or dab, I wiped my face dry with the towel as if it was an actual face wipe. I'll then use a Q-Tip to dib into the Apple Cider and dab the liquid onto the pores I've just popped or extracted filling out of. I like to use one clean Q-Tip side per each blemish I need "healed" and to remove the blemish it may leave behind. That means if you have a total of six pimples or breakouts then you should have a total count of three Q-Tips, so it's one end per each spot to heal. 

Why Apple Cider you may ask yourself, well allow me to elaborate. The organic/natural Apple Ciders (like the brand I use and show in my picture) has some impressively powerful antimicrobial properties that assist our skin in easing skin infections as well as soothing the irritated areas of the skin. It's been said that because Apple Cider contains mild acid, it also can be contributed to assisting in restoring the natural pH balance of your skin which in turn keeps irritants out and retain the skin moisture. 

Continuing on with step number seven now: 7). Then I head to bed. 8) In the morning I'll wash my face with cold water and use the two facial products mentioned above except I won't put/use the Apple Cider I simply dab my index finger into the Cerave cream to have the fluffy cream on my finger; I use one full finger dab per each check, then the forehead, and the chin; allows for a more even spread of the cream in addition to making sure that the whole face has an even amount throughout. 8.)It's up to you and you have the luxury to keep doing this throughout the day between hours.

Result being exactly what you see on August 19th in the evening.

With these steps in their order and my busy life schedule, I'm able to fix my blemishes within the three business day. However, I've found that if you are able to do this routine throughout the day, you should have some awesome feeling skin with some faster results. I say that because I've tried it and done it, since I've had the pleasure of working from home for work. I've never been one for the damn foundation powder or all this other crap women like to use to not only hide their blemishes (which in turn also clogs or reclogs your pores) but to make it seem like they don't have any blemishes at all! Yeah, sorry that's way to much work and I look just fine thank you! :p I'm sure someone would disagree or say otherwise like "you could use the foundation to even out the tone of the skin throughout the flow of the neck to the face..."but guess what, I don't care and I'm as happy as a clam with how my face looks and feels.

If you decide to use this technique let me know and I would love to hear or see your results. Otherwise have fun and share some of your techniques!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman