I’m going through a major breakout, folks. My skin is the literal worst it’s been in years. I think it’s all thanks to recent hormone issues (post-pill) and a diet that isn’t consistent. But it’s been a tough time and I feel horrific. It’s amazing how having a “bad” skin moment can derail your self-esteem.
Now I’ve blogged a lot about this topic, from what natural skincare I’ve tried to local K-beauty suppliers and more. And yet, here I am having to deal with a horrible skin situation. It doesn’t seem fair to have these problems post-28, honestly.
But I guess the best part about this whole saga is realising that my stance on what defines “good” skin needs to change. Since my mid-teens, I’ve always lusted after that incredible smooth, even-toned skin. I started having breakouts from around 15 but when I look back at photos, it really wasn’t #that bad. I just didn’t have the right products or information and my early twenties was about buying what I could afford.
Along with my genetics, where every single one of my aunts and my mom deal with skin issues, I’m never going to have airbrushed poreless skin. I have to work with what I have. The things I’ve done before to “fix” my skin was based on limited knowledge, resources and access. There’s nothing I could do about that.
The truth is, clear skinned people have money or stellar genetics or both. Access to proper skincare, dermatologists and money to keep all of that up is not easy.
We try natural skincare because it makes sense that less chemicals should work (right?) and Pinterest has plenty of DIY recipes. Then that doesn’t do the job bc you need regulated chemicals and not just kitchen skincare featuring products that will irritate your skin.
Amanda Mull wrote a piece for The Atlantic that really changed my perspective on skincare and the veil around having “effortless” skin when in reality, it’s not like that at all.
It’s the smooth, poreless look of their skin, even-toned and plump. The wealthy, both famous and not, tend to be visibly well moisturized.
Amanda Mull
I’m still going to write about products I’m interested in and I’m hoping to find a routine/regimen that works for me. But the idea that my skin, my body and my life is constantly a project for optimisation has got to stop.
My breakout is happening now, but it won’t be forever and I don’t have to dwell on this either. One serum and one good habit at a time. My skin does it’s job and I can’t stop certain things going out of whack. My body is valid regardless of what it looks like. So is yours.
Hope this helps!
x A
alyx carolus 