the skincare regiem that changed my life

I've had problem skin since I can remember.  I wasn't ever blessed with one of those 'perfect' baby faces.  In my very early teenage years, I had acne breakouts constantly.  Although I now still have hormonal acne, I was also blessed with (note some sarcasm here)....hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation, for me, was caused by the use use of hormonal birth control pills and sun damage from my early stupid years of baking in the sun for hours on end with little or no sunscreen.  Lesson learned kids: apply sunscreen!  When I got engaged last year, I went into vanity mode and wanted to get my skin under control.  I've tried LOTS and LOTS of products and skincare regimens in my life.  They have either a) dried out my skin making me look more reptilian than human, b) make my skin super sensitive, red, and inflamed or c) done absolutely nothing.  At some points in my skincare life, I would have preferred the latter.

I finally got smart and saw my wonderful dermatologist who put me on the skincare regimen that changed my life.  Here are the products (drum roll please)

Vivite Vibrance Therapy:  This stuff is the holy grail of my skincare regimen.  Within weeks, the tone, texture, and clarity of my skin improved dramatically.  Marketed as a 'hydroquinone alternative,' this product doesn't have any of the cancer causing agents that hydroquinone has which makes for a happy Kate.  I apply this to my face morning and night.  You can buy this at your dermatologist for about $120 or purchase here. 

Vivite Exfoliating Facial Cleanser:  Living in South Texas can be rough on your skin in the summer.  It is hot here about 80% of the year, and humid about 75%.  This stuff is the bomb.com.  I use a tiny dime sized amount on my face at night every other or every third night if my face is experiencing any dryness.  It exfoliates wonderfully, and also has a good amount of glycolic acid to help slough off any rough spots.  You can purchase this at many local dermatologist's offices for about $39, or purchase here.

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser:  I don't know about you, but when I cleanse, I need foam, baby!  I've tried other non-soap, non-foaming cleansers in the past and always feel greasy afterwards.  Enter Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser.  The cleanser is 'non soap,' which basically means non-drying to my now sensitive, chemically processed skin.  This is also a cleanser and makeup remover in one, and it really does the job of both.  With my wedding coming up, I have become a tester of all things waterproof, and this cleanser really takes even the most waterproof mascaras and eyeliner off easily.  I purchased mine at Target for about $6, but you can also purchase here.

Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Sunscreen: Before this bottle of goodness, I wasn't a sunscreen wearer.  My makeup has always had a very low SPF, so I felt confident.  Drugstore sunscreens have always left my face feeling sticky.  My dermatologist recommended this sunscreen, and I have never turned back.  I can wear this on my fairly oily, acneic skin without any problems.  It hydrates, but is also very light.  I apply the sunscreen after applying my Vibrance Therapy in the morning.  You can buy this at many dermatologist's offices for about $26, or purchase here.

Retin A: I've been on Retin A for about a year now and hope to be able to use it for the rest of my life.  It has, in combination with the Vibrance Therapy, given me amazing skin.  I've used generic Retin A 0.025% up to Retin A Micro .1%.  The higher the strength, the stronger (and more drying) the cream is.  I'm currently on the Retin A Micro 1% and like it, although it does dry my skin out considerably.  I apply the Retin A at night every 3-4 days before the Vibrance Therapy.  Retin A is by prescription only. 

ROC Retinol Correction Eye Cream:  Before beginning with this skincare regimen (I think that Retin A is mainly to blame), I never had to wear any eye cream.  Now the skin around my eyes are dry and flakey.  This stuff is amazing.  I have tried several very expensive department and lesser expensive drugstore eye creams, and this stuff is by far the best for the price.  I use this morning and night.  You can purchase this at any drugstore for about $20, or buy it here. 

Spironolactone:  Spironolactone works for me at the moment, however, it's not something I want to be on for the rest of my life.  Spironolactone is actually a diuretic (makes you pee) that is usually used in patients with heart failure and/or high blood pressure.  I take a very low dose of this, and since it works on your adrenal glands, it regulates my hormonal acne.  Within a DAY (seriously!!) of starting this medication, the breakouts on my chest cleared completely.  It also regulates oil production.  It is by prescription only. 

I've also done a few chemical peels that have transformed my skin even more that I ever thought it could be changed.  Post on that to come!