Ms. Healthy Face

When my dermatologist prescribed Differin gel aka Adapalene, I thought, “Awesome! I’ll just put this on my face, and ‘Voila’  -- I would be acne free.” I was incredibly wrong! After two nights of applying Adapalene on my face, I began to break-out with cystic acne, my skin became super sensitive,  burned when I splashed my face with water, and the skin on my face began to peel. After experiencing these negative side effects, I did some research on the manufacturer’s website, WebMD, Google, Instagram, Youtube, etc. So, I want to share with you what I learned… How does Differin Gel/Adapalene work? Differin gel/adapalene is a type of synthetic retinoid. It is one of the mildest forms available. Retinoids help your skin slough off (or  desquamate ) dead skin cells at a more normal rate. Sloughing aka exfoliating your dead skin cells is beneficial in that the dead skin cells don't bind together and clog your pores. When your pores aka oil ducts are clogged, you get acne!

Before I was pregnant with my first son, my acne treatment included using Benzaclin in the AM followed by moisturizer. Benzaclin has the power of two acne-fighting ingredients in one acne treatment - benzoyl peroxide and topical clindamycin. In the evening, I used a 3% benzoyl peroxide facial wash, Triaz, followed by moisturizer.  However, once I became pregnant I could not use those ingredients without harming my baby. My acne was terrible. My face erupted on my chin, and around my nose. Most of the break-outs on my chin were cystic acne and very painful. After my first son was born, I was nursing and so, I thought I could not use any acne fighting chemicals. After nine months nursing, I became pregnant with my second son and so, the acne continued. After my second son was born, I was over feeling depressed about my skin's condition, and so, I made an appointment with my dermatologist to see what I could do with my acne. She prescribed me Differen gel or .1%. I was so excited that

I love Trader Joe's! Recently, I discovered their face wash with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is amazing. It an essential oil and acts like a natural antiseptic. Some claim it is almost as good as benzoyl peroxide, which is awesome for acne-prone and sensitive skin people like me. I was eager to switch from my sensitive Cetaphil because I have been attempting to limit my paraben exposure, and so I began using it for my daily facial cleansings -- twice a day. The tea tree oil wash smells great - mainly from the tea tree oil, which is a camphoraceous smell. However, using it twice a day began to dry out my skin. So, I went back to TJ's to try out their other face wash. The 'Nourish' face wash is an awesome complement to the tea tree oil wash. It's light, fragrance-free, and doesn't leave your skin feeling tight and stripped. It's perfect for the morning facial cleansing! I would definitely recommend both the washes. I like to use the tea tree oil wash at night a

Trying out #yestograpefruit correct and repair serum tonight. First impression: reminds me of putting aloe vera on your skin...because it leaves a slight film. My face feels smooth though. Let's see if it help my#acnescars in my chin area. The smell is not fruity or super perfume-y, which I do not mind at all because it means there are no added chemicals used for fragrance.  The bottle costs about $19.99 at my local CVS, but you only need a pea-sized amount, so it will last a while! Stay posted for my results! #yesto #yestomovement#parabenfree #healthyface #healthyfacereview x, @Ms.Healthyface