“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation…” -Audre Lorde
This has been a long journey for me but it has been so worth it. Although there is still more work to do I am so happy with how far I have come with my skincare routine. This journey started well over 2 years ago. That’s right! 2 long years. From what I know now, my skin issues started way before the issue was visible. Thanks to Sylvia Brownlee at Skin by Brownlee and Co. I have learned so much about my skin! She is so knowledgeable and so willing to educate her clients. I would be remiss if I did not share with you all just a portion of what I have learned. So let’s get into it!
How it started:
During March of 2019, I really began investing in myself and taking the time to do things that added to my self-care. It is important to note that at this time, I had just had my daughter, Ava, in January of this same year. She was the third and final addition to our happy family. Because of this, my husband and I decided to consider alternate birth control measures rather than the oral contraception I had been taking for years. Yet, this information wouldn’t be relevant to my situation until months later!
I went to Skin by Brownlee and Co to work on some hyperpigmentation and texture issues. I was not an acne client. In fact, I rarely had any breakouts during my adulthood. So she started me on a regimen and sent me on my way. Since I was not an acne client, I did not have to check in as often as I do now. Yet, my skin was getting worse! I kept getting acne, which led to more hyperpigmentation, and more frustration on my end. So guess what I did? Once I ran out of the products (because I don’t believe in wasting money, lol), I did not refill them. As a matter of fact I foolishly blamed the regimen for the acne and started back using drugstore products.
I figured that Sylvia had educated me on the steps to take, and which products help with specific issues so all I needed to do was find products with the similar ingredients and all of this will go away, right? WRONG! I had some small gains but they did not last. My skin was a nightmare and even with all the water intake, the most expensive products, and time, I could not figure it out.
Feeling very defeated and desperate, I called Sylvia to set up another consultation in March of 2020 (the week before the world shut down). This time, I was an acne client. During this consultation I learned that my body was going through so many hormone changes at my last visit that problems hadn’t surfaced yet:
- I still had not had a cycle since giving birth
- I just stopped taking birth control
And…
- The stress of a new baby (on my mind and body)
I also learned that the birth control I had been on for years did not get rid of my teenage acne issues, it just masqued them! So imagine me, going through life thinking I know how to take care of my hygiene and then BOOM! At 31, having a whole face full of acne and not being able to get rid of it. I was embarrassed.
Sylvia was so kind and proceeded to educate me on the new products she wanted me to try, how to apply them, and some lifestyle changes to consider. I discovered that I have acne prone skin and deal with hormonal acne on a regular. More than anything, she gave me hope. And I have not looked back since.
How it’s going:
Listen! Sylvia got me all the way together. I check in with her virtually and via email every 2 weeks. This allows her to look at my skin and make product changes as needed for my skincare routine. I am proud to report that I have not had a break out in over a month (maybe more). Here are just some of the changes that I have made to my skincare routine in addition to using Sylvia’s products:
- Using almond butter instead of peanut butter
- Watching my dairy intake
- 76oz of water daily
- Fragrance free laundry detergent
- Using sunscreen daily
The pictures don’t lie! And this is all from home care. I can’t imagine what is in store for my skin once I get a facial or a recommended skin treatment. Check out my morning routine:
What I’ve Learned:
- Be patient
- Don’t compare your journey to others
- Find a skincare professional that is willing to educate you
- Pay for what works
- Consistency is key
If you are having any skincare issues go check out Skin by Brownlee and Co. today! You won’t be disappointed. And make sure you tell her that I sent you.
What are some ways you take care of your skin? Let me know in the comments:
I love this so much! Thanks for sharing!
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