Beauty Talk!

Hi ladies! Next week, I'll be hosting a giveaway with one of my sponsors, Apothica.com  I can't wait to give you the deets soon, but just stay tuned, k??

So here's the scoop. I've always said I have no beauty IQ and that it's just not my forte. This is pretty true. However, I've always had issues with my skin. I break out with cystic acne much more than I would like (um, not that anyone would ever want to, but you get it) and it's been practically untreatable most of my life. Every doctor I've seen has put me on antibiotics and topicals, which just don't cut it. I finally went to see a doctor (dermo) last week for the first time in ages. I was so pleased that I did! Finally a doctor that seems to understand my skincare needs and doesn't think drying me out even more is the way to go. So, here's a quick little update on my new beauty/skincare regimen. (Consider this a new-year's resolution, of sorts...)

-- I'm using an antibacterial face wash in the mornings called RE-10 wash. It's also helping with my redness!
-- I'm using a topical antibiotic (doesn't dry me!) called Clindamycin at night.
-- I'm taking Sprionolactone to work at the hormonal level, since my acne isn't really due to bacteria as much as it is stress/hormonal imbalance.

And I've definitely stocked up on nice, new products. Ones not from the drug store (which are not a problem, but honestly, I just could never find any facial cream/wash that ever worked for me):

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($28)

Ladies? This was a miracle on my dry skin. Literally, I went from flaking and scaly to moisturized practically overnight. Not only does this work at the surface level to help with flakiness, it gets into the skin to moisturize and heal at a deeper level. I love it and totally recommend it-- good for all over the body.

Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser ($32 for 16 oz)

This has been nice and gentle on my face. My only hesitation on buying it again is that it doesn't do the best job in taking off my makeup-- I still need an eye makeup remover to get the excess mascara off. Otherwise, I do like it!

And finally, I'm waiting to receive two products that seem to be highly lauded: Peter Thomas Roth's Unwrinkle Peel Pads and his Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Creme (mouthful.). I'm excited to report back on how those work when I receive them.

So, anyone agree with me on those products? Disagree? Recommendations?