My life lately has been...
AN EXPERIMENT
I've always had cystic acne on my chin. It's been mild, maybe 1-3 zits at a time. Until about 5 months ago when it was basically an explosion on my face. I had 15 at one point. I have no idea what caused it. Very little had changed in terms of my diet, product use, stress, etc.. According to the internets, acne in this area of the chin is hormonal. For the last 5 months I've made some lifestyle changes to try and figure it out. I've gone basically dairy-free, which has resulted in much lusting over ANYTHING cheesy. I've increased my intake of fruits & veggies, and seriously reduced my intake of refined sugar. I've started replacing my beauty products with natural alternatives. I've been keeping up with workouts as well, since they help manage hormone levels. There have been some improvements, but my skin is basically back to where it has always been. Still mild cystic acne, but now with discolouration (battle scars) from the episode.
I'm still working on figuring it out.
EXHAUSTING
I know we all go through this, but things are just that much harder when you get home from work and it's dark out. Basically motivating yourself is impossible. I only work an 8.5 hour day, but during that entire time I don't turn my brain off. The private sector is go-go-go, and since I'm hourly and can't work overtime, there's a lot of stuff I need to get done. I'm not complaining, I LOVE being busy. It's why I went into the private sector in the first place. I like a challenge. But recently it's fried my brain and when I get home, all I want to do is snuggle into my bed with Netflix. The lack of sun and a fresh blanket of snow isn't helping, either.
REWARDING
With all this craziness at work, some opportunities have come up. I've been working hard for something, and it looks like Monday will be the "make it or break it" day. Wish me luck, because my success with this basically decides my future. Dun dun dunnnn.
EXCITING
My cousin from Denmark is coming to Canada for Christmas!!! I haven't seen her in TWO years! I am so incredibly excited to spend a few weeks with her. Although I have a grown-up job now, I was able to swing a day off so I can cram in some serious family time and cousin lovin' (not in a weird way, you weirdos). Can't wait to see you, Line!
Re cystic acne on chin - I had it very badly, for years & years - I am convinced it is hormonal - the only thing that fixed it was going on the pill 'Diane' (called that in Australia, may be something else in US/Can). I know it's not ideal but external/diet did nothing for me - Diane made it disappear.
ReplyDeleteAnd please - don't touch/pick them at all, it will scar for life!
Yeah - I have been on Alesse for years, and when I went off it for a while, my acne got really bad. So I went back on a few years ago. Then I had this weird episode where it got worse, so I've recently switched to Tricyclen, which is supposed to help. I just don't want to be stuck on the pill to manage it. And I don't know when it's supposed to fix itself, if ever..
DeleteGood Luck on Monday! You are a rock star - don't ever forget it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kimiko :)
DeleteGood luck with the work opportunity...I have my fingers crossed for you that you'll get it! I only work 6.5 hours a day but I'm still exhausted when I get home, so I totally understand. I just want to hibernate during the winter!
ReplyDelete-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Thanks for the luck :) And I'm glad someone else understands my pain! I get so tired by 4pm these days!
DeleteAhh good luck today, I hope it goes well!
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
Thank you :)
DeleteKelly, I can 100% relate. I'm in my late twenties and struggled with cystic acne up until a few years ago. Mine was also on my chin and around the same amounts as you. Mine got really out of control a few years ago when I started drinking soy milk (as an alternative to lactose free milk). The hormones in the soy caused my acne to go wild! Once I stopped the soy my skin cleared up and it never came back. I still do get the occasional small pimple on my chin, but never cystic anymore. I'm not sure if you consume soy, but if so, you might want to try and eliminate that.
ReplyDeleteUuurrrggggg I wish it was that simple. I have replaced dairy with almond milk, and I'm trying to stay away from soy because of the hormones in it. So I've already tried to make that change. Thanks for the tip though :) It seems like it's different for everyone!
DeleteOf the three kids in my family I was the only one to get acne and I still get breakouts combined with dry patches. I'd be using the same products for years and finally visited a dermatologist who put me on a line of products that's helped tremendously. It's frustrating making lifestyle changes and trying to pinpoint causes. I can emphasize. So it's Monday as I write this and I'm dying to hear what came of your make it or break it opportunity!!! Sending good thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteI have an appointment with a dermatologist in January and I can't WAIT until I see her. I'm hoping she can give me some product advice for sure.
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