For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with my skin.  I have naturally oily skin and high levels of stress, which always led me to break out.  I also have hormonal acne (which camps out on my face about once a month, you know what I’m sayin’?)  Today is the perfect day to talk about skincare and current struggles for Blogger, May I.

I have tried just about every skincare solution on the market (except Proactiv) all throughout high school and college.  I really tried lots of things in college; that is when my skin was the worst it has ever been.  I blame it on the awful water in the PSU dorms.  Ugh, just terrible.  I even tried washing with purified water from my Brita, that’s how bad the water was there!

And of course, makeup makes a difference.  The worse my skin got, the more makeup I used, and the less it could breathe and heal itself…and we begin again.

Fast forward a few years.  I finally have skin that I’m getting proud of and I attribute it to eating fresher, drinking more water, and finding the right things for my skin.  Oh it was a struggle to find, but I did it.  And I did talk about some of my favorite skincare items recently – they still are, but I added a few new things to the mix.

A while ago, a fellow Local Levo leader, Kelly, sent me a message asking if I could help her with something she does on the side, Rodan + Fields.  Developed by two dermatologists, there are specific product lines for adult skincare concerns: acne, aging, dark spots, and overall skin health (look up).  I haven’t really ever committed to only using one line (I still mix and match), but I was definitely interested because her before and after pictures are crazy-awesome.

After taking the skin profile quiz and going back and forth with Kelly, I decided to try the Redefine line.  This line is made to diminish the appearance of fine lines, large pores, and loss of firmness.  Now, I don’t have tons of lines, but sometimes my skin looks dull and I want to get ahead of the curve and start giving my skin good things now before it is too late.

In the Redefine line is a cleanser + mask, pore minimizing toner, treatment + spf day cream, and a restorative night cream.  I’m not a huge fan of the cleanser + mask because when I wake up in the morning, I don’t want to spend 2+ minutes letting it sit on my face first before I actually wash, but I do love this at night.  And when I do use it, I notice an instant brightness in my skin.

The toner is so refreshing and gentle; it doesn’t tingle or sting (sometimes I actually like that because you know it’s working).

The creams are what I love most.  They actually get the job done but they aren’t greasy or heavy.  I feel super moisturized throughout the day without having extra oil production.  There’s a before-and-after skincare progression at the bottom.  Damn, that camera picks up ev.ery.thing.

Kelly warned me that the Redefine line isn’t for treating acne, but I do notice that if I get a breakout, it’s definitely not as long-lasting as it used to be.  Another benefit of the Redefine line is that spots fade quickly now that I’m using something with a little oomph to it.

She also warned me that I may notice an increase in breakouts right after I started to use this.  I’ve been through enough with my skin to know that any skincare switch will always “get worse before it gets better.”  I honestly didn’t notice an increase in breakouts when I started to use these products, so we’re in the clear there.

In addition to Rodan + Fields, I have been loving the Mary Kay Botanical Effects line.  There’s a gel cleanser, toner, gel “hydrator,” and a mask.  The gel cleanser is great in the summer to really tackle oil and makeup.  And the mask..oh the mask.  Mary Kay made a clay mask years ago that’s been pretty much my only skincare constant and they discontinued it.  The Botanical Effects mask has finally replaced that.

Guys, I’m seriously all about the masks.  I have Lush’s Mask of Magnaminty and I just bought Cupcake.  I can’t say good enough things about how they’ve made my skin feel bright and pretty.

And of course, I’m still forever in love with Philosophy.  Their Microdelivery Peel is my weekly treat to myself – my skin feels smooth and fresh after I use it.

I love makeup, but I love having to use less of it, especially in the summer.  The less I can do to a) get out the door and b) feel not caked in makeup all day long is a victory in my book.  Right now, I’m just down to wearing concealer and MAC Mineralized Skin Finish or a light dusting of Bare Minerals.

There’s still some work to do, but I’m happy with the progress.

What are your skincare struggles?  Please tell me I’m not alone!

Kelly sent me Rodan + Fields Redefine kit at a reduced rate, but I wouldn’t be sharing it if I didn’t use it, love it, and believe in it.  Other products mentioned are just because I love them and they work!