A Skincare Routine of My Own

If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have spent thousands of dollars on creams, lotions, emollients, serums, and moisturizers. If you had asked me years ago, I would've told you all these products that I was using. When I thought they were doing good for my skin when, in fact, they were probably doing more harm. In social media, it is all about skincare and all these new products that will make your skin glow. Today's society glorifies beauty and doesn’t give much credit to peoples' natural skin.

Do doctors know best?

As a child, my parents told me that doctors and medical staff know best. My siblings and I were to follow everything they would say without ever questioning them. Why would I question a professional who went to school for years to help skin sufferers heal their skin?

For a long time, I didn’t understand what was going on with my skin. I was doing everything my dermatologist told me, and nothing was working. Even though the treatments wouldn’t work, I would still try to do them and hope that I would be able to heal one day.

Moisturizing in moderation

It wasn’t until I started to do research and learn about moisture withdrawal. Moisture withdrawal to me means using moisturizer, but at a moderate level and not overusing moisturizers. An example I can think of is when I would buy a big tub of Aquaphor, and I would finish it all in less than a week. As soon as I felt dry, I ran to get my Aquaphor because I thought that would help me. Rather I was spending hours per day applying this product and being comfortable with my whole body. If you have used Aquaphor or Vaseline before, you understand how sticky this product can be.

A consistent skincare routine

Now I can buy a tub of Aquaphor, and it usually lasts me around a month or more, depending on my usage. I have seen improvements since I don’t use any products on my skin besides Aquaphor. During my shower, I use the dove unscented bar soap all over my body. Once I am out of the shower, I add Aquaphor to my hands and sometimes a bit on my body. I am talking small amounts, not pouring the whole jar on my body.

My skin can be very reactive to new products. Another reason why I like to stick to the same products. Currently, I am in graduate school and working part-time, so I don’t have much time to send on my skincare routine. This is a fast and easy routine for me to handle.

How would I have handled it differently?

If I could go back to my childhood years, I would tell myself many things. For example, I would question dermatologists and doctors about skincare products. I would ask more questions about the long-term side effects of medication. My involvement would be more present rather than just receiving the medication that wouldn’t help me. I can’t replay my past, but I can be more cautious and aware of the future in my treatment plans. It is important to speak up and use our voice. We know best how our skin is working and reacting to certain treatments.

How was your skincare experience? Did you ever question medical professionals on the treatment plans you were receiving?