Behind The Butter/ Product Reviews

The Skinny on Skincare

So, in response to your many a plea for a skincare post, here it goes! This is pretty much my first “non-food” post that I’ve ever done but if it has good response I would definitely be interested in doing more “lifestyle” posts in the future. It really is all up to you all, my readers! You tell me what you want to read and I shall write 🙂 Just keep in mind though that what has worked for me might not work for you. I am in no means a professional, I’m just giving out my opinion. Definitely schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you want a personalized skin care program!

To start, here’s some history

I’ve always had sort of problematic skin growing up, as did my brother. Its not that I had horrible acne, its just that my skin was always quite prone to breakouts, especially blemishes that were actually “under” the skin that only a professional could extract.  Of course when this is happening and you are 15 years old it seems like the biggest deal in the entire world and, as a result, I tried everything. Finally, the Clinique Three Step Plan (minus the lotion) totally cleared my skin up and I swore by it. I probably used that soap and toner every single day for five years…..and my skin looked great! Then, I turned 20.

And I’m not sure still what happened! Suddenly at the ripe age of 20 my skin TOTALLY freaked out. I, in turn, freaked out as well because my trusty Clinique had failed me and my dermatologist told me that skin changes when you leave your teenage years and that’s obviously what happened to me. For the next two years I had constantly broken out skin. I was switched from antibiotic to antibiotic to, at points, even STEROIDS to get it in control. And nothing worked. It was just awful. I know everyone says beauty is only skin deep and that is 100% true, but I remember quite vividly crying in the bathroom one night because my skin was just so awful.

I think the big turning point for me was my eyebrow waxer, who also did facials, in Charleston (I went to Stella Nova for you Charlestonians). She introduced me to an all natural brand, Ole Henrikson, that really saved my life. No, it didn’t totally clear up my skin but I just FELT better off of those powerful steriods and chemicals that an old dermatologist had prescribed for my “acne”.

She also introduced me to the make-up that I still use religiously years later—-Bare Minerals. I could not LIVE without this stuff. I really think that that played a huge role in clearing up my skin and its so gentle and pure you could even sleep in it (trust me, I know).

Here is my current make-up bag:

img_0318

As you can see, I use and ADORE the Bare Minerals foundation, the bronzer and the concealer. I use these three products every single day and have been for 2 1/2 years now. They are a must have!

Now, after graduating from College of Charleston and coming back home to Tampa I finally found a truly wonderful dermatologist (a staple for everyone!). Her aim is to be as holistic as possible while still treating the problem. When she found out that a past doctor had prescribed me steroids and antibiotics for years, she was horrified. She stripped everything away and told me just to wash my face with a cleanser she prescribed and that was IT. No pills, no creams…nothing. She is a huge fan of Bare Minerals as well and told me that’s the best possible make-up you could ever use on your skin. At least I was doing something right!

Two years later and I’m still using Rosaderm, the cleanser that she prescribes. Yes, it is full of icky chemical things and not all natural but it works for me so I stick with it. Someday I’d love to branch out and try a totally holistic and all natural face wash but I just feel too comfortable with my Rx because it really works for me and has totally cleared up my skin!

I still use Ole Henrikson suncreen (spf 30) every.single.day.of.my.life. This is, other than Bare Minerals, the ONE product that I just couldn’t live without. Even in my poorest state, I’m willing to shell out the $24 for a new tube every six months or so from Sephora. I use it every day, rain or shine, whether I leave the house or lay in bed all day.

sun_light_chamomile_2oz

Also, when I can afford it (not at the current moment, unfortunately) I ADORE Ole Henrikson’s Firm Action Mask. I love the smell of this and what it does to my face! After I use it I always feel so fresh and clean…..it is a little $$ but very worth it!

firm_action_mask_17oz

And finally, when I can afford it again, I really love Ole Henrikson’s Walnut Complexion Scrub! I don’t currently use this because it is too pricey for my budget right now but I’ve gone through a few jars in the past few years and just love it.

walnut_scrub_171

I know there are a few loyal St.Ives Apricot Scrub followers in this group but based on my own personal experience, I can’t stand the stuff. I know it does wonders for some people but it really messed up my skin and I’ve heard from a few people (all dermatologists) that its not the best to use because the little kernals can actually get wedged in your skin and cause more breakouts.…..not trying to dissuade you from it but if you have broken out skin and are using it, beware!

So after all of that, here’s my current line-up for skincare:

img_0329

The two exfoliators on the left side are NEW products that I will be trying. I tried the tea tree oil one a few days ago and really liked it but it was quite abrasive so I would only use that once a week to really get all the gunk out. The Neutrogena one comes from a straight recommendation from my Dermatologist and I will be using that at night and the Rosaderm in the morning, daily. Then of course you have my cleanser and sunscreen, both of which I use daily.

When I heard last month that Caitlin was going to follow Angela’s plan for glowing skin, which involved a Green Monster daily I totally hopped on the bandwagon! Guys, it really works!! I swear my skin has had more of a “glow” to it since I started drinking these vibrant smoothies every day. Also, I think juicing really helps. My skin was totally broken out and awful not even two months ago and then I quit drinking coffee, started jucing fresh, organic veggies a few times a week and drinking green smoothies every day and I have seen drastic results!

Of course your diet is huge, too. I don’t really touch fried food for the most part and eat as unprocessed of a diet as possible. No soda or artificial sweeteners ever go pass these lips! 😉 You could scrub and apply ever zit cream known to man to your face but if you don’t clean up your diet you never will see a change. It took me awhile to figure out what you eat really DOES matter in how your skin appears. When my diet is crappy or I drink too many cocktails, I instantly lose that glow and start to break out. Simple as that.

One final word is WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN!

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  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    June 1, 2009 at 10:21 am

    Love the skin care info!! I too am a HUGE fan of bare minerals and have been using it for years. LOVE IT! It’s true; it is so important to wear sunscreen!!! My mom did her whole life and looks about 10 years younger than she really is. And diet is important too. In fact, I may whip out the blender for a GM now!!!! YUM!

  • Sammie
    June 1, 2009 at 10:30 am

    I use a prescription sulfur based wash and it is amazing. Thanks for the other product recommendations.
    Isn’t Dannon Light & Fit yogurt full of aspartame?

    • jenna
      June 1, 2009 at 10:32 am

      Sammie,

      I’m not sure…I never eat it anymore! I just can’t. It tastes so fake to me. I had one yesterday and felt like I was about to gag! I wouldn’t be surprised if it was…I know it has a ton of fake sugar in it as well as artificial flavors.

  • Sammie
    June 1, 2009 at 10:36 am

    I agree they are nasty. Just wondering because I saw that you ate one yesterday and I was shocked – you always put such healthy things into your body.

    • jenna
      June 1, 2009 at 10:46 am

      Sammie,

      I know 🙁 Unfortunately that’s the problem with road trips. Sometimes you just have to do as good as you can!

  • Melissa
    June 1, 2009 at 10:38 am

    Great post and all my makeup is BareEscentuals/Bare Minerals. LOVE IT!! Seriously the best stuff out there–I’m always complemented on my complexion now, and while I never had a problem with acne or anything before, I guess the difference is really noticeable now that I wear BM 🙂

  • Angela
    June 1, 2009 at 10:43 am

    I agree about the sunscreen- I wear it everyday. I like Neutrogena SPF 45 moisturizer. I wear it under my makeup each day. I also like the spray on stuff for my body. Quick and easy!

  • Jenn
    June 1, 2009 at 10:48 am

    Jenna, thank you for your skincare suggestions. I say, “Keep ’em coming!” I do plan on trying your suncreen (hopefully I can buy online since we don’t have a Sephora here in Fort Wayne, IN). Last Thanksgiving at age 37 I had “blemish” on my forehead that just wouldn’t go away. I made an appt. with a dermatologist, and who wouldn’ve thought that I had skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma)!!! I’m way too young! I had surgery in February that removed it all, thank you Lord. But, I will now be much more carefull about sunscreen and protecting myself.
    Thanks again!
    Jennifer

  • Nikki
    June 1, 2009 at 10:51 am

    I love everything you write. I’d love to hear more about your skin care routine. I have the same problem as you and I actually asked you a few months ago about your make up and I’ve been using Bare Minerals ever since. I LOVE IT!

    Please don’t ever stop writing though about your healthy eating. I love following a close diet to your’s and it helped me tremendously with they way I feel and look.

    THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR WRITING. 🙂 You rock!!

  • Kt
    June 1, 2009 at 10:52 am

    always fun to see what others are using. Made my first green monster today, it totally rocked, after biking 24 miles this cooled me off instantly and has left me with a refreshed feeling, my new favorite drink, who needs coffee…. 🙂

  • Jenna
    June 1, 2009 at 11:09 am

    I really liked this post. This was great for some people who cant afford to go to the derm. Its important for people to be aware that they SHOULD wear sunscreen everyday regardless of the forecast! and that diet plays a HUGE role in the appearance of your skin.

  • Rose
    June 1, 2009 at 11:12 am

    We essentially use the same products! I’m a true believer in Bare Minerals and anything tea tree by the Body Shop.

  • Taylor
    June 1, 2009 at 11:14 am

    I’ve always thought my skin breaks out more after I use St. Ives apricot scrub! I just thought it was my imagination. And I use that same cover girl eyeshadow combination 🙂 Thank you for your review – I really think I’ll be looking into bare minerals!

  • valerie
    June 1, 2009 at 11:15 am

    I have a question about the Green Monsters. I’m interested in trying one because I’ve heard a lot about them recently. Do you just put all the ingredients in a regular blender to make one? Thanks!! I love your blog!

    • jenna
      June 1, 2009 at 11:17 am

      valerie,

      I use a Vita Mix to make all smoothies, which is essentially just a pro high speed blender. You could totally just use a regular blender—Ryan does every morning!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance)
    June 1, 2009 at 11:16 am

    I love that you are a sunscreen pusher. most important skincare practice, ever!

  • Sarah M
    June 1, 2009 at 11:17 am

    Great post Jenna!

    I have had skin issues my whole life. I totally understand when you say that it can bring you to tears. I think it’s because of what it does to your confidence. I have been on Accutane at 2 seperate times in my life and really want to try to find a natural routine that works for me. I got the Bare Minerals about 2 months ago and I swear my skin feels totally different! Once I start my GM regime, I’ll hopefully see more positive changes.

  • Rachel
    June 1, 2009 at 11:18 am

    Thank you for such an informative post! My skin is just as “bad” now at 24 as it was when I was 14 and it’s endlessly frustrating for me… yet I’ve never tried *really* hard to make it better. I know everyone is different, but I’m sure your recommendations will help a lot of us out!

  • Jennifer @ His N' Her Health
    June 1, 2009 at 11:18 am

    I love Bare Minerals! Thanks for the wonderful post!

  • Katrina (gluten free gidget)
    June 1, 2009 at 11:33 am

    I agree about the Light n Fit yogurt! blech! I don’t know how I used to eat the stuff. Thanks for all the skin care advice. This FL weather has done a number on my skin. (not my face though… yuck!) I’m going to give this whole GM thing a try. I just worry it won’t fill me up in the AM.

  • Recipes for Creativity
    June 1, 2009 at 11:33 am

    That post was great, thanks! I’m so happy you use sunscreen every single day and are telling all of us about it – because that’s so important and I know we don’t all do it. Me included. But I seriously just bought some today and am going to wear it every day now! I’m also going to look up what Rosaderm is…I’m not that crazy about my dermatologist; I’d love to find someone more holistically inclined.

  • Angela
    June 1, 2009 at 11:41 am

    You should try the Aveda Tourmaline Exfoliating Cleanser. It has very little grains, smells wonderful, and gentle. It leaves my skin so soft and I love the luxurious feel. It’s very natural also! I’ve had an tube for over 1 year now. It lasts even though it is pricey.

  • AmyJoGo
    June 1, 2009 at 11:56 am

    Thank you for sharing what works for you! I made my very first Green Monster today and as someone who is trying to lose (a lot) of weight, I can say that this smoothie certainly makes it easier to down the veggies. I love spinach but there are just times when it gets tiresome to eat the same old spinach salad. Anyway…I used 2 Cups Spinach, 1/2 red pear, 1/2 semi frozen banana, a few splashes of V8 pomegranite/blueberry juice and a cup of ice. Oh…and a teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil(I’ll use 1/2 a teaspoon next time). It’s delicious!

    I plan to make a visit to Sephora soon to buy the Bare Minerals starter kit and will also be looking to try some of the skin care products you mentioned too!

  • bobbi
    June 1, 2009 at 11:57 am

    love this post, yes I wear my sunscreen but not as much as I should 🙁 Jenna thanks!

  • devan
    June 1, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    Hey!!
    A really great skin care line I use is RIVERSOL. It is used by a ton of makeup artists, and is based on a five star hydration concept! I LOVE it. You can get free samples at http://www.riversol.com

    best wishes!!

  • Melissa
    June 1, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    I love that Cover Girl mascara! It’s so inexpensive and I think it’s better than the higher priced brands. I’m confused about the Bare Minerals makeup application. Is it hard?
    I love these posts. Keep them coming!

  • Amanda
    June 1, 2009 at 12:04 pm

    St. Ives apricot scrub always dried my skin out terribly. I’d come out with more skin flakes than I went in with!

  • brandi
    June 1, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    Great post! I’ve been wanting to try Bare Minerals – I’m going to try it soon, I hope! I just think it sounds so much better than putting on the thicker foundation everyday. I do use sunscreen lotion every day on my face, though!

  • Elise
    June 1, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    St. Ives Apricot *Cleanser* is my go-to skincare product. I loved the scrubs and cycled through most of them trying to find a formula that worked for me, but they all did an awful number on my skin. The cleanser is much different than the scrubs and has small, gentle exfoliating beads and a nice smell. I’m a huge fan, and my skin has stayed remarkably clearer since I started using it. It’s a little difficult to find sometimes, but Amazon always comes through (I get it in bulk = cheaper). I follow up with a simple scent-free, oil-free moisturizer from Neutrogena. Keeps me clear and glowing!

    And just a tip for anyone with scars or spots from past blemishes: I rub Vitamin E gel on the spots (buy capsules and pierce them open to get the gel out). Helps clear up scars in no time!

  • Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
    June 1, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    Ugh, my skin went to hell when I turned 25 – after NEVER having a problem with it before then! I tried to “dry” up my breakouts, but it turns out that drying my face out was making everything worse! Now I slather moisterizer on twice daily – I use Prescriptives brand Comfort Lotion – it is a Godsend!

  • Kristin
    June 1, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    Ugh, I envy the girl (or guy really) who hasn’t had problems with their skin! It’s funny that all these skin care posts are flying around, I was just thinking about doing the same when I switched to Burt’s Bees from Proactive. I have always had problem skin and never could go to a derma, but tried Proactive for a while and it helped NONE. So recently I switched to Burt’s Bees cleanser and Garden Tomato toner…love them! It’s fantastic to find something that works!

    I will have to check out Stella Nova (once I’m out of the poor house) b/c I have heard nothing but good things about that place! Ooo just saw someone mention Vitamin E, I use that as a nightly eye cream! (Of course I guess only time will tell if that works 🙂

    Also, just wanted to wish you well. I love your blog and all of the great ideas I get from it (Coconut water being the #1 thing) and it’s fantastic that you are keeping it up through tough times. I can only imagine it’s a welcome distraction from everything else.

    Sending good thoughts your way chica 🙂

  • Brooke (HomegirlCanEat)
    June 1, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    Thanks so much for this post!! I have suffered with acne my whole life and I too, remember crying on my bedroom floor because I was so embarrassed of my skin. I still break out a lot due to STRESS! It’s crazy, when I am in school, my skin is horrible. Then when I am on vacation and happy, clear skin! I still take minocycline (which helped my face and back A LOT) but I still I am coming immune to it! 🙁 I am going to look up that Ole Henrikson brand right now! What wash did you use? Thanks so much again to help me feel normal in my skin!

    • jenna
      June 1, 2009 at 12:14 pm

      Brooke,

      I never used the actual face wash from Ole just because I’ve always used the one my derm prescribed for me!

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner?
    June 1, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    Thanks Jenna! My makeup bag looks ALMOST identical, except I have bare minerals eye shadows too!!

  • Marcia
    June 1, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    Thank you very much for this information. I must admit to having zero skin care regimen. I was in a wedding in October and had my makeup done. When asked what my regimen was I said “um…”

    I’m very quickly (end of the month) approaching 39, and the kind of haphazard sunscreen application, soap wash, etc., just quite isn’t working like it did in my 20’s. I really need to work on regular facial cleansing (right now I just wash in the shower), more diligent use of sunscreen. I generally only wear makeup once/month (not allowed on my job), but I like your tips for that too. I have had problems on and off with acne my whole life (so does my mom, still, at 65).

    Maybe I’ll have to try the green smoothies…I have chard in my garden!

  • Kelly
    June 1, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    I rarely comment on your site, but I am a loyal reader and Twitter follower. First of all, like others, I love the skin care post and the idea of some more lifestyle posts! Also, I too have to back you up on the fact that GM’s improve your skin and overall energy levels! I have one almost every day and feel much healthier as a result. And I also have used Bare Minerals and will swear by it!

  • Whitney
    June 1, 2009 at 12:19 pm

    Jenna! Love hearing about your skin care. It’s assuring to hear about someone else having skin problems in their 20s…and I thought all this was supposed to go away after my teens! Anyway, I know a lot of people rave about the BM, but my personal experience with it was a nightmare. It contains tons of oils, so if your skin is sensitive to oils (even if they are natural) people should look at oil-free foundation products ONLY!

  • Natalie
    June 1, 2009 at 12:21 pm

    Thanks for the great post! I love to hear what others are using, especially since my skin has definitely had it’s ups and downs over the past few years. Also starting making some Green Monsters. I found out recently I’m pregnant and it’s a great way to get in some extra folic acid 🙂

  • Erin
    June 1, 2009 at 12:22 pm

    I LOVE Bare Minerals! I also use the Neutrogena face soap, and it’s worked really well on my skin. I also started drinking coconut water (I buy it at Whole Foods) and I swear that’s helped a lot, too. Someone told me that Rebecca Romijn drinks it and she’s always got a great glow about her.

    Thanks for this!

  • Ellen (Peace In Motion)
    June 1, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    Its so great that you started taking care of your at such an early age. Sunscreen is the BEST thing you can do for your skin, and so many young people avoid it because they want that bronze glow. I too wear sunscreen daily, no matter what the actual weather is, in hopes that my skin will not be so damaged as I get older!

  • SuzanneRN
    June 1, 2009 at 12:34 pm

    Thanks for the skin post! I absolutely adore bare minerals too! My Mom turned me on to it when I was in college and I have never turned back! The Ol Hendrikson walnut scrub is awesome too! I just discovered that product in Queens and this post reminded me to go get some more…

  • Bec
    June 1, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    love the post! Thanks for the tips, I’ll definitely have to try bear mininerals make up!

  • Amanda
    June 1, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    I’m new to blogging, but I’ve been reading yours for a bit and lurking 😛

    I just wanted to say that I love The Body Shop products! The tea tree oil face mask thing makes my face so amazingly soft, I love it! I also have been using the bare minerals for like a year now and I will never use another makeup.

  • Kara
    June 1, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    Hey there – so I usually read in Google Reader and don’t comment but had to pop over for the skincare discussion. I just wanted to point out that Ole Henriksen’s sunscreen uses chemical sunscreen compounds, not natural ones. There’s some concern that the estrogens in chemical sunscreen can be damaging to your skin and overall health. I spent YEARS searching for a truly all-natural sunscreen that had both zinc and titanium dioxide – you want both for the best coverage. I have finally found a couple: right now my favorite is a British skin care line called Kimberley Sayer – she makes an SPF 25 that has zinc and titanium dioxide and is not only all-natural but organic. There is a lotion for combination skin and a creme for regular skin – I use the latter. You can get it at Uperea.com which is a Canadian online natural beauty products retailer – you do have to pay shipping but great selection. Hope this info is helpful – I spent SO long searching for the right sunscreen that I now totally prostelytize about it!

  • Sheri
    June 1, 2009 at 12:53 pm

    Love the post! I always love more information on a face care plan…mine can use some tweeking every now and then! As I am getting older now I have had to change a few things like getting wrinkle cream! ACK! 😉

  • Leila
    June 1, 2009 at 1:24 pm

    great post. Love the recos. Also, thanks for pushing sunscreen, not enough of us wear it and wear it enough. I wear mine every day even on days that don’t seem “sunny” because those can actually be the worst for uv, etc.

  • Hadley
    June 1, 2009 at 1:40 pm

    I also love Bare Minerals! I’ve also found that eating lots and lots of carrots (with the skin on) really helps bring out a radiant tone in your skin.

    Have you ever tried Jurlique products? I just discovered them and have had good results. They’re all biodynamic, do you can feel good about slathering them on!

  • Yasmin
    June 1, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    This was a great post and would love to see future ones like this! Your skin is gorgeous and I’ve always been curious. I just recently made the switch to BareEscentuals myself and am also using their cleanser. Is your cleanser prescribed or can I purchase that somewhere? So far I love the products but the brushes confuse me! I have the eye make-up but still haven’t gotten brave enough to try it!

  • Lara (Thinspired)
    June 1, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    I really ejoyed this post…thank you for letting us in on your secrets 😉 I love Bare Minerals foundation but I have yet to try their other products. I’ll keep an eye out for that sunscreen…I am also breakout-prone but if it doesn’t cause you to breakout than I won’t worry. You really do have a lovely glow!

  • Caitlin
    June 1, 2009 at 2:05 pm

    love this post!
    I am not sure if you remember but I emailed you a few months ago asking what skincare you used and if you thought that your diet affected your skin. I totally appreciated that and so I definitely love this post!

    Also, what are the best yogurts to get that are not overly sweet and/or full of artificial sugar? I am so used to eating Dannon Light N Fit but I want to switch!!

  • FitFoodie
    June 1, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    Love the info! I’ll have to check those out. I always felt like bare minerals didn’t look that natural on me though…any tips for applying it?

  • Bev
    June 1, 2009 at 3:03 pm

    What cover girl shadow ? And what do you clean the brushes with ? I used BM but I switched to Zosimos minerals (love it) http://www.zosimosbotanicals.com/index.php?osCsid=a46266cc23e71e2f09ecbc0583ac05e2

  • Melanie
    June 1, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    Thank you soo much for your skincare post. These recommendations are fantastic, and your skin definitely shows it. I’m going to look for some of these items next time I’m at the store. I’d look forward to other lifestyle posts also, btw. Fitness/Food is only part of the equation for a balanced life….it’d be interesting to see how else you maintain one!

  • Hangry Pants
    June 1, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    Well you have gorgeous skin and I would never know you had any problems with it. I use that mascara and bare mineras.

  • Gabrielle
    June 1, 2009 at 4:37 pm

    Great Post! I would love to see a continuation with the skin care posts. Our skin regimens are really similar; I also use BM, prescription sulfur face cleanser, and body shop tea tree oil products. I definitely need to venture into green monster territory because your skin absolutely glows!

  • Still Life in South America
    June 1, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    Jenna, this was a great post. I can relate to your experience when you hit your twenties. My skin went berserk. I also had a quack dermatologist who prescribed me a “special formula” that made my skin turn orange and peel. Acne can be very humbling, but you’re right, a healthy diet is a start.

    Thanks for sharing your tips. I break out around my time of the month, but I also experience back acne from exercising. Any ladies have solution suggestions for back treatments?

  • Still Life in South America
    June 1, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    I meant to tell you that I had no idea that you wear makeup. Bare Essentials rocks!

  • Samantha
    June 1, 2009 at 4:46 pm

    Agreed, wonderful post. I love lifestyle posts, and I think it’s not too out of place on a blog with “Live” in the title. (-:

    I have a similar skin history. Teen years, not acne acne, but very prone to breakouts. I think I had at least two hideous zits on my face during my fragile angst years! Then when I got to my early 20s I suddenly started breaking out worse and had a lot of those under the skin pimples that hurt so bad. My doctor prescribed Orthotricyclen for birth control, but that made me so nauseous so I stopped taking it. Then one day she prescribed Retin-A Micro. I was really skeptical because when I was much younger I had tried the regular Retin-A and it was horrid. But I gave it a shot, and the first month was a red, peeling nightmare, but then it suddenly got better. I’ve had pretty much a pimple free face since then! I get the occasional breakout around my period, and my skin is prone to blackheads, but hey, it’s nice to wake up in the morning and not have to put on makeup.

    I’m seriously tempted to try the Bare Minerals makeup. I might have to take a leap and try it after this post!

    Just out of curiousity, what shade do you wear for mineral foundation?

  • Anais
    June 1, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    I also went through some crazy body changes as I grew up…Like my hair for example: it keeps going from straight to curly. Really annoying!

    Those are some good skin care products, I might try Clinique 🙂

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat)
    June 1, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    Awesome post! I’ve had similar experiences with that apricot scrub. I haven’t used it since!

  • Ris
    June 1, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    Great post! my sister and i both switched to bare minerals this winter (i use the lash blast mascara too haha! – i adore it) and since then i’ve stopped using the 2 prescription creams i’ve been on for 5 years and the oral medication that messed with my body when i was on the pill too ….. i never believed the infomercials but one of my dear friends just got me addicted, and i am such a convert… anyways, fabulous post!

  • Kath
    June 1, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    I wasn’t surprised to see you use Bare Minerals too (because it rocks!!) but I was shocked to see we also use the same exact eyeshadow!!!!!

  • Renee
    June 1, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    Great Post!! I (as many others who have written) have had the same rxn to St. Ive’s apricot scrub- it was awful!

  • Alice
    June 2, 2009 at 2:00 am

    Hey Jenna!
    I’ve read your blog for quite a while now, but I’ve never commented until now. I’m a makeup junkie and I hate Bare Minerals! It looked awful and orange and accentuated any imperfection on my face. I found everydayminerals.com and they have huge samples (all you have to do is pay for shipping for them!) and an awesome color/formula range for way less money than BM, and it looks flawless on. I am not a salesperson but I think you check it out!
    Alice

  • Elina (Healthy and Sane)
    June 2, 2009 at 7:03 am

    I loved this post! My skin has been hating me lately and I’ve really stepped it up with my skincare routine. I think consistency is key, and letting products do their thing for a while, at which point you can re-assess whether it works for you or not. Glad you liked that Neutrogena scrub (so it on your latest post) – I may have to check it out once my uber expensive stuff is gone. And I’ve been drinking green smoothies on occasion, but I may have to start doing them daily. If my skin improves, it will be SO cool to credit some fruit + veggies for it 🙂
    Oh and I love bare minerals!

  • Diane
    June 2, 2009 at 11:49 am

    I loved reading all about the skin care – I am a skin care addict and I also love Bare Minerals and have been using nothing but this for years. I even got my 19 year old niece hooked on it. It’s great stuff. Thanks!!!

  • Clara
    June 2, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    Hey Jenna,

    Love the post! I wonder what you use on your skin at night after you cleanse? Do you jsut leave it or apply moisteriser?

    All good things.

  • beerab
    June 4, 2009 at 10:16 am

    Oh I totally agree- your makeup looks just like mine! lol. I have been using bare minerals for a few years I LOVE LOVE them. Then I also use covergirl eyeshadow but I use DIOR mascara (it’s the best I tell you! I think it’s called Runway but it doesn’t clump!) and I also do have MAC eyeshadows and liners 🙂

    Thanks for sharing 🙂 I might introduce that stuff you use to my sister- she has tried so much and her face still breaks out a lot.

  • ChrissyD
    June 4, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    Jenna, I really loved this post. I’ve thought a lot about your glowing skin, especially how it’s been lately. Maybe it’s the happy glow of spending so much time with Ryan 🙂 I had a similar issue with my skin and just recently was prescribed the same face wash. Boy does it stink! But I suppose I’ll get used to the sulfur smell. I’m sure I’m rinsing my face completely, but the scent lingers. I also was prescribed a rosacea cream, but it’s only been three weeks. So we’ll see whether it works. I am tempted to look into the sunscreen eventually. I’m interested in the comment about coffee. I wonder if that could really contribute. I love coffee and not sure I could give it up. I only have 1 or 2 small cups a day and really no other caffeinated beverages. My skin was flawless when I took birth control, but I stopped taking it because I was afraid it was affecting my mood and emotions. But I also have some allergies and notice that when I regularly take my Zyrtec, my acne starts to diminish. Obviously there’s a lot for the medical community to learn still about acne.

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