When you hit 30s

I was a lazy person when it comes to skincare. But when I hit 30s things changed. What worked in my 20s did not work anymore. My skin needed more attention. Minimal care did not work anymore. I needed a routine to get healthy skin & keep it that way. Of course, I did not realize this then.

Credit: The Sun

I was hit with hormonal acne in my 30s with severe cystic acne taking lead. I had clear skin throughout my teenage years & my 20s. Occasional breakouts during menstrual, but that was the max. So getting a severe case of acne in your 30s all over forehead, cheeks, jawline is very depressing.

I don't really use make-upI haves even in my 20s. My skincare regime consisted of cleanser, moisturizer & compact powder. I started to read a lot and tried almost everything from commercial solutions to natural remedies on my skin. This made my skin worse. I had cysts but at the same time dry, dull & flaky skin. The scar left by the cysts were dark & deep. Frustrated, I ditched everything. Let my skin be. Then the cysts started to slow down but I had super oily skin.

As a last resort, I went to a skin specialist. I was prescribed with birth control pills to balance the hormone & series of natural skincare regime consisting of a cleanser, acne serum, vitamin C serum, moisturizer.

To my surprise, it was starting to turn around. Skin still oily thou but no more cysts. No more breakouts. So I started digging the internet for more natural skincare solutions. Alas, they were limited to none, especially in Malaysia. Digging deeper, I found DIY Natural Skincare Solution. I started making my own. I started with Deodorant paste which later I improved to Deodorant stick & Lavender Body Oil.  I also learned how lifestyle, hygiene, hydration & chemical-free skincare plays a role in having healthy skin. 

So I started making changes to my life. Among the things I did:

• Drinking at least 2 liters of water every day
• Take green-tea daily
• Eat lots of RAW food i.e fruits and salads
• Go super low & substitute white sugar 
• EXERCISE!!!  sweat it off
• Go low on carbs & high in fiber & protein
• Control caffeine intakes 
• Watch out for food causing breakout. Mine are nuts, high carb, white sugar & dairy. 
• Take additional care on facial hygiene i.e
• Have a dedicated face towel
• Have a pillow cover when sleeping
• Keep your face hydrated ~ moisturize
• Don't use drying or peeling skincare products
• Tilt your head backward when washing your hair
• Don't let the toothpaste foam in contact with your skin when brushing your teeth

What worked for me may work for you. You will never know if you never try. My skin has improved tremendously. My skin is more balances now. As I am reaching 40, I can feel my skin changing again. It's becoming dryer. Lines & pores are more visible. I am working on solutions. Especially on hydrating my skin from within. I'll tell you in my next post.

In the meantime, listen to your body & work out a solution. It could be a single solution or a combination of multiple things like mine. Whatever it is, take charge of your skin. OWN IT.  

Remember: 95% of your selfie is your skin.