I had to learn this lesson the hard way...

"Love the skin you're in..."

So like

Why are you being so mean to it?

 Picture the scenario...

You've just gotten out of the shower, your face is squeaky clean, and those pores are nice and open. Then, you take a look in the mirror. You get closer. And closer. Before you know it, you're nose to nose with your reflection and your hands have creeped their way up to battle the unwelcome little bumps. Black heads. White heads. Pimples. Be gone.

STOP

 Step. Away. From The. Mirror. It's not worth it sis, I promise. Stop it. Stop your man. Stop your girl. Stop your kids. Stop yourself.

I get it. You want them gone. Who invited them to the party, anyway? Was it you, stress? Or maybe it was you, dirty mask. Pretty smelling face wash, how could you betray me? Or...Sleeping with make up on, I swear if it was you...

I'm not an aesthetician. I'm not a dermatologist. But babe, I've worked in the industry long enough - and have personally experienced - the icky ew of picking - and the wrong skin care.

Question...

 How are those Wally World products holding up? Cerave slays, right? Those cutesy creams you see in the commercials look appealing, I get it. 

Jessica Alba is looking 20, promising the magic of some retinol that reverses age and minimizes lines. SOLD. Ulta brands that are charging you $100 should work. 

Just go ahead and toss it in the cart-

 ...oh so convincing. Don't hate me, but...

Take it back. Throw it away. Burn it. Bury it. Just make it go away

A little piece of knowledge - over the counter skincare is pointless. Did you hear me? OVER THE COUNTER SKINCARE IS POINTLESS...I'll just stop there. It sits on top of your skin. Sure, it smells clean. Oooo look at that glow! But will it make you look 30 when you're 40?  Will it hide those forsaken picking spots? Will it really murder and prevent the growing little face demons? No. These products basically adult ace painting. It goes on. Sits there. Then goes away.

N. O. P. E

I'm not even getting paid to promote skin care (Monat, ZO Skin, Skin Better, hi. hire me) but the truth is, these are the products that are tested to penetrate into the skin. Wrinkles? Bye. Discoloration. Who is she? Anti aging, prevention, moisture, oh my! 

I'm speaking based on experience. I used to throw some Ulta type of face wash on my scrubbie, followed up with "anti aging" cream that Jen Anniston used on a 20 second commercial (after squeezing pimples and leaving my skin puffy and swollen, of course). Oooo toner and witch hazel? I was a goddess. The break outs happened. The popping and poking continue. Then I accidentally gave myself a homemade chemical
peel trying to demolish them. Bad. Bad. Bad

If you see an ad on TV and can buy it over the counter, your burning bills. Just rub some peanut butter on cash and let your dogs have at it. 

Why are you spending money on pointless products when you can actually invest in your face? YOUR FACE.

I'm just here to help

Stop rubbing coconut on your face to lock in moisture. Stop wasting money on products that essentially do nothing. And please, for the love of...stop rubbing those "micro rollers" everywhere. You're causing more damage. You're asking to look older. You're asking to break out. And when you ask a professional for advice - listen.

Skin care specialists make recommendations based on what your skin needs. We all have different skin. Just because Stacy over there is using Vitamin C and Retinol 1.0 everyday doesn't mean you should use Vitamin C and Retinol 1.0 everyday - I learned this the HARD way. You have to know what your skin is basically begging you for.

So here's the thing...

If you want to really prevent aging, reduce scaring, minimize break outs, and not have bad reactions, you HAVE to do your research. Basically find the gym for your skin. Find a routine and regime that is for you. And stick to it. Stop throwing money at corporate companies that have zero benefit, and start throwing money at me. Just kidding - start investing in your face. It's what you see everyday. What the world sees. Build that confidence, hun. It's not that hard of a decision. You deserve it.

Guys, I didn't forget about you. Please stop using your dove soap bar to clean your butt and your face. Start using SPF and skin care products. You're not trying to look like her 70 year old sugar daddy at 50.

What did we learn today, class?

nix every and all store bought products

stop using "popular" skin care methods

learn, love, and take care of your skin

talk to someone who KNOWS 

exclude all butt to face regimens

Your face is the only one you have - cherish her