The Acne Struggle is Real...But It Doesn't Have to Be
The acne struggle is real! And how do I know? Because I have dealt with it firsthand. Acne (and discoloration…but we will talk about that in another blog post) has been my skin issue since my first pregnancy, 11 years ago. And I have tried EVERYTHING (and I have the product graveyard to prove it!). I’m constantly trying and testing new products and treatments such as lotions, spot treatments, facials and peels, to name a few. I even tried a vampire facial (I can’t believe I am sharing this photo!!!) But nothing REALLY worked.
iPhoto taken June 19, 2018
My chin and jawline had reoccurring breakouts and my skin was red and irritated. Trying to cover-up the breakouts with make-up only brought more attention to my problem areas and ultimately made my breakouts worse.
I couldn’t stand it anymore and went to my dermatologist’s office. The thing is, I knew what she would suggest before I even set foot in the door…I guess I was just secretly hopeful she would have THE ANSWER. But no, she recommended what I expected, a course of oral and topical antibiotics and tretinoin (retinol) cream. I didn’t take the oral antibiotics (As a Naturopathic Doctor, I know taking antibiotics for acne really only makes the problem worse in the end.). I also had tried tretinoin before and I didn’t like how much my skin literally peeled after every time I used it. I did break down and tried the topical antibiotic for a while because I felt absolutely desperate. Fellow acne suffers you know what I mean! It helped with some of the major problem zits, but the redness was still there, and the breakouts kept coming. So, I decided to do a little more investigating and see what else was out there that could help. I had been dealing with this for years, so what did I have to lose?
A little Googling and perusing Instagram and I ended up with more search results for Rodan + Fields Unblemish Regimen than I could possibly imagine. The before-and-after pictures were amazing. Horrible cases of acne were magically cured in just a few months along with the pigmentation and uneven skin that comes after the acne has healed. I had to give it a try and I’m glad I did (A 60-day supply is $162 when you become a Rodan + Fields Preferred Customer. That equates to $2.70/day.).
Photo courtesy of Rodan + Fields
I had read it was important to follow the instructions, easing my skin into the regimen. You start using the products every other morning for one week, then every morning for the second week, then every morning and every other night for the third week, and both morning and night by week four. By week two, I started to see a calmness in my skin that hadn’t been there before. It was like one day I woke up and my complexion was smooth and virtually bump-free. It felt like a miracle. I kept looking in the mirror at myself because for the first time in 11 years I was starting to feel good about my skin. AND, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the redness and pigmentation were diminishing, too.
Photo of a Rodan + Fields Preferred Customer
How does it work? Unblemish uses sulfur and benzoyl peroxide to clear your skin. But, it does it in a way that actually heals it without making it dry or red - genius! That was one of the biggest problems with all the other acne products I had tried, they made my skin super dry, peely and exacerbated the redness. What I have ultimately learned from the Doctors at Rodan + Fields is the right ingredients, in the right formulations, applied in the right order are key to get the results you are seeking. That is what the Unblemish Regimen provided. (Graphic courtesy of Rodan + Fields).
Now that I found something that actually works for my acne-prone skin, I’m sticking with it. For the first time in over a decade, since my first pregnancy, I am happy with my skin and will actually venture out makeup-free! Don’t take my word for it! Try it for yourself and let me know what YOU think! Don’t forget to take before and after pictures so you can track your progress…that’s the fun part. Here is the most recent picture I found on my phone as an update what my skin looks like now.
iPhoto taken November 3, 2018 : Unblemish Regimen, Active Hydration Bright Eyes Complex, Radiant Defense (Sand color)
I am such a believer in Rodan + Fields that I have started my own business with the company. So, if you have skin questions, questions about products, are interested in ordering or becoming part of my team, I am your gal. You can learn more on my website or contact me, Dr. Amy, at Health Foundations Birth Center at 651-895-2520.
P.S. If you have tweens or teens with acne issues…Unblemish is what you need to try! Give me a call so I can help get you on the right track!
P.P.S Do you feel “stuck” with how your skin looks? Schedule a time with me and we can discuss what you would like to change about your skin and see what skin care products, supplements and lifestyle changes you can make to help you achieve your goals.