Vanity is different from Self-Care. Don’t dismiss self-care because it feels “vain,” and don’t excuse vanity by calling it “self-care.”
Even Jesus Himself allowed time for self-care and reflection so He could do His Father’s work.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35 NIV
We weren’t created to be adored by others, but we also weren’t created to run on fumes! Taking time for self-care can be incredibly humbling as we realize we can’t do it all and need time to refill ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Give yourself grace!
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Acne and breakouts on your face are bad enough. When it appears on your shoulders, back, and chest, it can be embarrassing and incredibly painful. Good skincare products are vital to treating acne and any other skin condition (more on that later!), but there are internal and external factors that affect acne, too. If your acne is showing up all over your body and not just your face, your skin is probably reacting to a combination of internal and external irritants.
As an acne survivor myself, here are some things I needed to address to treat face and body acne:
10. Dirty Makeup Brushes: Makeup brushes (or beauty blenders, sponges, etc) rub against your skin and pick up dirt, bacteria and other gunk. If you leave your brushes sitting too long, they can become a germ-breading ground. This can turn into irritation and breakouts on your skin. Clean and disinfect your brushes as least once a month using a gentle soap- do it more often if you wear makeup daily, and do it every time you let someone else use your brushes.
9. Under-washed Towels and Pillowcases: You probably have a semi-regular routine for washing your towels and pillowcase, but, if your skin is breaking out, you might not be washing them frequently enough. A pillowcase should be washed once a week. Oil and sweat from your face seep into the pillowcase at night and can really gunk up your pores. Towels need to be washed at least every other week with hot water (throw in a little vinegar if they smell sour!). They collect lots of dead skin when you step out of the shower and towel off, and since they are damp for a while afterwards, that leaves plenty of time for bacteria to fester and be transferred back to your skin.
8. Old cosmetics and skincare: Whether it’s a stick that you apply directly to your skin, a pot or a bottle that makes contact with your fingers, or a compact that you dip a sponge or a brush into, lots of dirt and oil can be transferred into makeup or lotion and can slime it up over time. Even the highest quality makeup and skincare will eventually “expire,” too. If you haven’t used skincare or makeup within six months of opening it, it’s best to toss it. (This is also a good reason to ask if you really need that new item from the beauty aisle before you buy it- the stuff you have at home needs to be used!).
7. Laundry Detergent: This one can seem far-fetched, but the residue left on clothes, towels, and bedsheets can really irritate your skin and cause breakouts. My parents have tried to use Tide Sensitive, but even then my skin completely freaks out when I visit them and sleep in sheets that were washed in it. All of the detergents I have tried and found helpful come from direct sales companies (and all these links go to my friends who sell them) but a natural foods store might have a comparable brand in their household aisle.
Norwex– one bottle of this stuff lasted me almost two years (doing 2-3 loads of laundry a week) and it’s made with gentle, sustainable materials. This is what I currently use! (This link goes to my Norwex Consultant, Rachel.)
Amway SA8 Laundry Detergent (also available in powdered form). I first realized the difference that laundry detergent could make in my skin when I tried this one in college. (This link goes to my friends, Scott and Kelsey, who are Amway Business Owners.)
Ecosense by Melaleuca– this one is a bit trickier as you need a referral to buy it, but if you shout out into social media that you’re looking for a Melaleuca rep, you’ll be surprised at how many people respond. I used Ecosense for a few years and it made a huge difference from grocery-store brands.
6. Using a loofah: These things look pretty and sometimes even claim to be made out of natural materials. But, if you are breaking out on your chest and back, the bacteria and dirt that gather in a loofah might be (part of) the cause. Try switching out your loofah for an exfoliating bath sheet* that can hang flat and dry out entirely between showers. (I’m still using the same one I bought years ago; they hold up great!).
Loofahs can take several days to dry completely. Dark, humid showers and bathtubs are the perfect place for them to breed acne-causing bacteria.
5. Hormonal Imbalances: Many women experience a few (less than five) blemishes just before or during their monthly cycle. However, constant acne, especially if it is painful, cystic acne, or if it centers around the chin and jawline, may point to something deeper. Chances are that if you are a woman who is experiencing this, you are also experiencing other symptoms such as painful periods, prolonged PMS, hormonal headaches, etc. Give yourself some well-deserved self-care and talk to your doctor about your hormonal health. Birth control pills are a popular (and effective) method of treatment, but there are other options available, too.
4. Food Allergies: A dairy allergy is one of the most common causes of ongoing adult acne. Sometimes, acne is the only symptom (no stomach pain or nausea), so it can be hard to pinpoint. The good news is, many people find they can still occasionally enjoy ice cream or pizza and not suffer chronic acne. Try going a few weeks with zero dairy and see how much your skin improves.
3. Cheap and/or scented cosmetics: Cheap lotions, body washes, and makeup can be loaded with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin (they are also often a source of unethical or unsustainable ingredients, such as mica or palm oil). Invest in some higher quality makeup, lotion, and body wash without fragrance. If you are on a really tight budget, ask your dermatologist about drugstore brands that might be easier on sensitive skin.
2. Showering in the wrong order: Shampoo and conditioner are made to clean and care for your hair and scalp, but the residue they leave behind can wreak havoc on the rest of your skin! When showering, always shampoo and condition your hair first (if you shave in the shower, do that while the conditioner sits in your hair) and then wash your skin and your face! If you like to leave conditioner or other products in your hair, tie your hair up or cover it with a shower cap before cleansing your skin.
Dry Skin: This sounds ironic, since it is supposed to be excessive oil that causes our breakouts! But, skin that is naturally dry and/or dried out from harsh products can break out due to irritation, or because oil glands are going into overdrive trying to moisturize your skin. Make sure to drink enough water to hydrate your skin from the inside, and add a high-quality moisturizer or hydrating serum. A moisturizer locks in your skin’s natural moisture; a hydrating serum creates chemical reservoirs on your skin to absorb water from the surrounding atmosphere and add hydration. My favorite is Rodan&Fields Active Hydration Serum*. It feels like silk on my face and doesn’t interfere with acne treatments! If you shop through this link, I will be your consultant and receive commission. If you have a friend or family member who is a Rodan&Fields consultant, I encourage you to shop with them!
I’m a pageant girl. I love, love LOVE all things sparkly. My jewelry collection (formed on a Dave-Ramsey-following-teacher’s budget) has it’s share of silvery and earth-toned items, but my favorite things are always the ones with sparkly stones. And, at age 34, even some of my decor still includes sparkle and glitter. Hey, it’s my space! Why not?
Naturally, I’m drawn to makeup that involves some shimmer. I’m not talking about a fierce, glittery, going-out look – I’m referring to that little bit of shimmer that you see in eye shadow or highlighter, or in some lipglosses or body lotions. It’s fun and it’s fashionable…but it often comes at a cost to someone else.
Mica, the mineral that creates the sparkle in cosmetics
The mineral used to create this shimmery effect is called mica. It’s a shimmery mineral found in parts of Asia, Africa, and even in some areas of North and South America.Mica can be listed in cosmetics as “mica,” “potassium aluminium silicate” or “CI 77019”. It is usually not considered harmful (although some people can be sensitive or allergic to it), and it can be a vital part of local economies. While ethically sourced mica is available, it is estimated that 60% of mica used in the cosmetic industry comes from parts of south eastern Asia, where labor exploitation and child labor trafficking is rampant.
In this video, Refinery29 and journalist Lexy Lebsack venture into a village in India to observe children and families working in mica mines. Many of the children talk about longing to attend school, but it is not a financial option for them or their families. In heartbreaking moments, young children tell Lebsack about their peers who were killed when part of the mine collapsed. Just as they prepare to lower the camera into one of the ominous-looking mines, Lebsack and her team are forced to make a quick exit, as they are warned that “Someone is coming!” The people behind these mines know that their work is evil and corrupted, and they don’t want it being shown to the rest of the world. Lebsack goes on to explain that broken bones and other serious injuries, as well as respiratory issues are all too common among the children. Sadly, because of the low pay and long hours that prevent children from attending school, many of them are caught in a cycle of poverty that will continue for generations.
Lesback offers hope as she describes the Child Friendly Village Model that Human Rights groups strive to create. She also talks about Lush Cosmetics and their commitment to using synthetic mica in all their products. Other makeup brands that use ethically sourced mica or no mica at all include:
Crunchi: Crunchi is committed to cosmetics that are safe for the wearer, the environment, and ethically sourced. I bought a bronzer and a lipstick from them just recently and loved both- they go on with just enough color to “pop” but still look subtle, and they stayed on throughout the day. The bronzer actually doesn’t have any shimmer to it- which is good. In my foundation and contouring tutorial last month, I explained why bronzer should be matte! This link takes you to my friend, Tasha; if you shop here she will be your advocate and will receive a small commission.
Omiana: Omiana makeup is made with ethically sourced mica and cruelty free, mainly vegan raw materials. I bought an eye-shadow tri-color pallet from them and demonstrated it in an eyeshadow tutorial last month. The pigment is light, but that makes for an easier natural look!
Devinah Cosmetics: Devinah is an Indie makeup line that is great for bright colors and over-the top artistry. I haven’t been able to try their products yet but I’d love to hear from anyone who has! What I do know is that they are cruelty free and committed to ethically sourced products.
BeautyCounter: Some people might cringe at anything related to direct sales or multi-level marketing, but I’ve had overall positive interactions with their consultants. This link takes you to my friend, Angela, but if you have a friend or family who is a consultant I encourage you to buy from them. BeautyCounter is a certified B Corporation and they are committed to using safe, ethical ingredients in their cosmetics. This link takes you to my friend, Angela. If you shop through it, she will be your consultant and will receive a small comission.
Mica is a seemingly small ingredient that we can easily overlook- but for those trapped in the mines, it is a consuming cycle of poverty and modern-day slavery. Remember: as you shop for your cosmetics, your money is your voice!
10. I am a high school ESL Teacher. I earned my M.Ed from the University of Minnesota and have taught six years. Being a teacher means grading papers and planning lessons late at night, arriving at school at 7am, and dealing with politics, but the kids are what keep me going!
9. I suffered from acne from the time I was 11 until I was 31. Not just a pimple here and there- painful, all-over, face and body acne. It was a long journey of trying different skincares and makeup routines, but it also took many years of experimenting with nutrition, medicine, and my surrounding environment to get it under control.
8. I am a shameless obsessed cat mom. I picked up my Russian Blue mix, Gabriella, at a no-kill shelter three years ago. Of course there were the initial few days of hiding under the bed and hissing every time I got near her, but she has been my snuggle-bug and my live-in therapist ever since.
7. I started competing in pageants when I was a senior in college and eventually held the title of Miss Wisconsin International in 2013. That’s been on pause until I pay off my student loans…and then we’ll see what happens.
6. I volunteered with an anti-trafficking ministry when Superbowl XXVI came to Minneapolis. Six months later, I moved into their building as a Residential Volunteer. My role was to be available to do life alongside survivors of human trafficking who came to live with us while they rebuilt their lives and sought healing, and to assist with street outreach and anti-trafficking trainings. My year of service ended, but it is still my mission to fight modern slavery, both in my city and around the world.
5. I traveled to Hawaii for Spring Break in 2018 with my teacher-bestie (because every teacher needs a teacher-bestie!). It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and it reminded me of the importance of caring for the creation that declares the Glory of God.
4. I studied abroad in Mexico my junior year of college, spent a summer doing missions work in southern France, and served as a missionary teacher in Spain for a year. My absolute favorite place I’ve visited, though, was the San Blas Islands in Panama. I was baptized there in the Caribbean sea, after the pastors helped me translate my testimony into Spanish and Kuna.
3. One of my favorite symbols is a starfish. It reminds me that I cannot save everyone- in fact, I cannot “save” anyone. But, only by God’s grace, I might be able to make a difference for one.
2. I’ve run The Twin Cities Marathon and Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth. Maybe someday I’ll try a triathalon.
1.I have mentored a group of girls through my church youth group since they were in 6th grade, and they are graduating in 2021! In the summer of 2019, I accompanied them to our triennial LIFE conference in Orlando. A few of us walked through the Justice Experience with Agape International Missions, and I accompanied one to a seminar called “Awakening to Creation in Crisis” by Ben Lowe. These were the most impactful experiences of the entire week for me, and the truths that I took away from them are the drive behind this entire blog!
