At 37 years old, just like clockwork, I still tend to break out every month. My dermatologist calls it “adult acne”. For some reason that term feels offensive; like someone just pointed out the fact that I still haven’t achieved the maturity level of someone who can hear the word “shuttlecock” without laughing. Seriously Susie, it’s time to grow up.

I’ve always assumed that one of the perks of growing older is that I wouldn’t have to deal with acne anymore, but so far this hasn’t been the case. Well, if I have to deal with traditionally adolescent ailments, I will reserve my right to immaturely snicker at obscene sounding words.

My Clear Skin All-Stars

After 20 years of monthly zit fits, I have actually found a great combination of products that have kept my breakouts at bay. Of course everyone is different and can experience many different types of skin problems at various points of their lives, so please keep in mind that what works for me may not work for everyone. My breakouts are ushered in by my hormones; I know this by their clockworkishness nature (I’d like to formally stake my claim to this innovative word).

Anywho, here they are:

1. Proactiv+ Skin Smoothing Exfoliator Proactiv is an incredibly simple but effective skin care line. Here is the trick, and where most people go wrong: you must be consistent and patient. I’m talking months here. These things don’t happen over night. Also, once you have been experiencing clear skin, keep it up! Sometimes people think that their acne is “cured” and will discontinue using it, only to find their acne return. Think prevention at this point.
2. Clarisonic I love this little gadget! The Clairisonic cleans skin 6 times better than washing alone; removing leftover makeup, oil, and dirt.
3. Clarins Toner In general, toner is toner, right? I wouldn’t call it the “key” ingredient for great skin, but I never skip it either. However, if there is anything left on your face after using your Clairisonic, toner will finish the job. Just dab some on a cotton ball, and wipe it across your entire face, neck, and chest.
4. Proactiv Pore Targeting Treatment Speaking of “key” ingredient… here she is folks. Meet benzoyl peroxide. Remember how I said that Proactiv is a simple skincare line? That’s all this is, and it’s works like magic when used consistently. Benzoyl peroxide fights acne by killing bacteria before it causes breakouts.
5. Retinol Complex by Skin Medica Retinol is the over-the-counter version of Retin-A; a powerful skin medication often prescribed for tough to treat acne. It works great for less severe forms of acne, has powerful anti-aging benefits, and has does wonders for old acne scars and sun spots. If you plan on trying a retinol cream remember to start out slow; maybe twice a week, at night, and even mixed with some night cream. Also, if you don’t already, use SPF during the day as this product can make your skin very sensitive and susceptible to sun burns. You may peel at first, but that’s normal and actually a sign of the product working. Just remember: Easy does it with this stuff!!
6. Vitamin C My longtime esthetician and dear friend, Brittany MacDonald from MacMed Spa introduced me to the Obagi line, and in particular their vitamin C serum. I love this chick by the way. She can sell me anything! Brittany can talk about toothpicks and I’d buy ten thousand of them. Because if she says something is great, I know she means it. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and has done wonders for the tone and texture of my skin! Just apply a few drops every morning after your toner, before your moisturizer.
7. Cetaphil Moisturizer I’m a huge fan of Cetaphil products! Many dermatologists will recommend their cleansers and moisturizers before trying medical treatments for certain kinds of acne. I use their Oil Control Moisturizer to help combat shine.

♥                ♥                ♥

On a side note…

Our pastor did a sermon on humility at church today which reminded me of something I’ve been thinking about while writing these beauty posts. The relationship between his sermon and my monthly beauty picks probably seems pretty obscure, but just bear with me here.

I’ve always been able to laugh at myself. When I joke about my zits and wrinkles, or my inability to act like a mature adult for lengthy periods of time, it’s because I know these things don’t define who I am. They don’t define who anyone is, actually.

The truth is..

My worth rests solely in the knowledge that I was created in God’s image! I will never be perfect, but I am loved by a perfect God. So, when I joke about aging and breakouts, it’s not because I have low self esteem, it’s because I know my self-worth can’t be found in those things. Looks and faulty character flaws are superficial, and in my opinion fair game for a good laugh.

My children understand this too. My daughter Grace is a beauty product junkie like me! But she, along with my other children know that their self worth has nothing to do with how they look, the things they have, or what other people think of them. They know that they are going to make mistakes, let people down, and even get stupid annoying breakouts, yet their value in the eyes of Christ will never diminish.