The Routine That Saved My Skin
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Sometime during the fun 9 months I spent in jail, my skin decided to freak out. I’m going to say it was following suit to my own emotions, but whatever caused it didn’t go away for 5 more years. I developed small bumps under my skin on my forehead, jawline, and around my temple and I couldn’t find ANYTHING to help them go away. You can see some of them here in this picture.
I tried every over the counter product you could think of, tried changing my diet around, and saw a dermatologist for a brief 5 minutes, leaving with a prescription that also had effect. I found an expensive product that worked for a short time, then the bumps were back.
When I moved here to Chicago, I had had enough. While it wasn’t incredibly noticeable from far away, it was definitely apparent if you were nearby and I felt self conscious all the time. I made another dermatologist appointment here in the city and had a completely different experience.
My doctor took the time to sit down with me, explain what was happening with my skin, and completely managed expectations. She told me that she was going to write out a skin care regimen for me and that while my skin would definitely improve, it may not clear up completely.
Part of that regimen included products from CeraVe, so when I was given the opportunity to write about them, I jumped at the chance since they are products that I already use and love.
I restocked on a couple of them at Walmart in the face wash aisle. As a bonus, both cleansers and the moisturizing cream will be on Rollback until 5/9/16, meaning they will only cost you $9.97 until then (guess I lucked out on that extra penny)!
I was instructed by my dermatologist to use non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) products, including ones specifically by CeraVe. I had never even heard of the brand until I went to the store at her recommendation. Once I saw they were developed by dermatologists, I figured she may just know what she’s talking about. 🙂
Since you know I also spend a good amount of time working out, it’s important for me to make sure my skin stays clean. Here’s my typical skin care routine throughout the day. If I happen to work out in the middle of the day, I may wash my face an extra time to remove all that lovely sweat.
1. Hydrating Cleanser
I alternate between these two cleansers. In the winter, when my skin becomes much drier, I tend to turn to this hydrating cleanser. It’s great at removing dirt, oil, and makeup (when I wear it).
Use: AM and PM
2. Foaming Facial Cleanser
Now that the weather is warming up and all the lovely rain in Chicago is making it nice and humid, I’ve been using the foaming facial cleanser more regularly. I don’t need as much hydration and I like to switch things up now and then.
Use: AM and PM
3. AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30
After washing, I apply their AM moisturizing lotion which also contains SPF 30 to protect my face during the day. Several of their products deliver ingredients using MVE technology, meaning that they are released slowly over a period of time. This means that moisture and protection is being delivered up to 24 hours after application.
Use: AM
4. Moisturizing Cream
While the other products are used on my face, I use their moisturizing cream on the rest of my body after showering. It’s been especially helpful after lobsterfest 2016 in Malibu.
All CeraVe products help replenish ceramides, a natural component of skin. Over time, they can become depleted, leading to dry and irritated skin. Each product contains three ceramides (called 1, 3, and 6-II) that are released throughout the day to help lock in moisture and rebuild your skin’s protective barrier.
I also like that they are fragrance-free, since too many different smells can irritate a) my skin and b) my nose.
Use: Daily after shower
CeraVe products, in addition to a prescription provided by my doctor, completely fixed my skin. Once the bumps were gone, I used the prescription for maybe another week or two, but then got lazy and only used these products. It has been months and my skin is still completely fine!
To learn more about CeraVe, you can head to their website here where you can also score a $2 off coupon! You can also visit them on social media, including a YouTube video for more information:
Questions:
- What does your skin care regimen look like?
- Have you ever tried CeraVe?
I’ve heard good things about CeraVe – we used to recommend it in our student clinic all the time. I’m pretty basic. I use jojoba oil as a moisturizer and make up remover. I wash my face with Dr. Bronner’s + some EO’s that I add in.
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Spring Fashion
That sounds so fancy. Yeah, this has helped such a great deal!
I love CeraVe’s products. I too started using them when my skin was acting up. I still get the occasional hormonal breakout, but so much better than before .
Jenn – a traveling Wife recently posted…How You Can Adapt To Change Quickly
Isn’t it great?! It’s helped maintain my skin even after I stopped using the prescription!
My complexion has been a total roller coaster since I went off hormonal birth control last fall. I’ve been hesitant to try a ton of new and different cleansers, because you can spend SO MUCH MONEY for zero results; so maybe CeraVe is a good option. Already planning to stop at CVS on my way home this afternoon.
I hope it helps! I had to stay pretty consistent w the routine for a couple weeks to notice a significant difference.
Im a big believer in Cerve products. I have their sunscreen but am nervous to use it. Have you tried it? Babyganics mineral sunscreen is the only on Ive been able to use regularly with out a skin flare.
Yeah my skin is fine w the sunscreen but it’s not particularly sensitive so I’m not sure what your experience would be. If you’re wary of that is definitely recommend the other ones in the line too!
Thanks for sharing Erin. I’ve had problemed skin going well into my adult life and have spent more than I care to think about on Rx products to manage them.
Your experience rings very true to me. I was able to transition from Rx to OTC products and maintain skin quality. Most of the time sticking to routine and healthy eating have as much effect as Rx drugs. And the added benefit is that they are much much cheaper. 🙂
Don recently posted…Avoiding the Distraction Trap: Purposeful Mindlessness, 1 at a Time
I know! I was so happy when I was able to just transition from the combo to only using OTC.
I have yet to try CeraVe, but I think I might pick some up this weekend! My skin needs some moisture for sure! {client}
Mary Larsen recently posted…A MOTHER’S PROMISE TO MY CHILDREN
I love it!
Very interesting! I’ve had skin issues for over a decade too and have gone on 2 bouts of Accutane. NOT FUN. I find that the more gentle stuff is what works best now, much like CeraVE. I use Cetaphil but I always go back and forth in the face wash aisle, wondering what the differences are. Maybe next time I’ll pick some up and try it out instead. I miss a foaming cleanser! Cetaphil is a bit boring 🙂
Lauren @ i had a big lunch recently posted…Weekend happenings: The November Project, Shamrock Shuffle 2016, and One Giant Food Tour
Yeah I used that for awhile too. Foam it up girl!
Yeah but the only prescription I got from the dermatologist was Retin-A. I just picked up the Cerave SA cleanser cause I broke out using the foaming cleanser but it is the winter so maybe I’m using the product at the wrong time. I have oily skins and I feel it just a couple hours after I shower. Do you recommended with hydrating cleanser for oily skin? I break out in my forehead and my back mosty