Day #4
This morning I washed with warm water and a velour cloth. I tried not to be rough or exfoliate. I did a milk wash before applying a small amount of coconut oil. The milk wash really smooths out my skin!
I am a little worried that the milk is a potential allergen. Maybe I shouldn't be putting anything at all on my face except water. Oh, this is so hard.
I didn't apply any makeup or lip products today.
I stopped brushing my teeth with Crest last night. Today I bought some Orajel toddler toothpaste to use since it is free from SLS or fluoride.
I have thrown out a bunch of products. Most of my stuff with SPF, formaldehyde, SLS and other related chemicals have been tossed. I've still got a few things left, like shampoo and shaving cream. I plan to ditch the shaving cream, but will probably keep my shampoo. I tossed my Neutrogena concealers, too. I am thinking about tossing most of my makeup anyway, since I've had everything for at least a couple months now.
Before bed I washed with warm water and put a small amount of CO on my face. Brushed teeth with the new toothpaste (which is actually a clear gel).
I've also started sleeping with my long hair pulled back in a braid. This keeps it off my face and hopefully protect my hair at the same time.
My lips are not happy without lip balm. Coconut oil is just not the same!
Here is what I ate today:
Cottage cheese and sweetened fruit
Blackberry Vanilla tea
1 Cutie
Almonds
Cashews
Salad with carrots, cheese, Canadian bacon and a teaspoon of Ranch
1 1/2 avocado
Turkey patti
Peas and corn
Red Raspberry tea
I drank water, but need to make a bigger effort at drinking more each day. Tomorrow I will start taking my vitamins again.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Dry, Brittle Hair
About a year ago I went in for a haircut because the top layer of my hair was so dry and damaged. It was splitting and breaking all over the place.
The gal that cut my hair asked what on earth I did to my hair it looked so bad. It looked like I had burned it or something. I do not color my hair. I was using a blow dryer occasionally.
Around that time I was under a lot of stress and had lost a lot of weight in one month (I'm already underweight as it is). I thought that perhaps my hair problems were due to stress and because my nutritional intake had been messed up.
I started taking Biotin, but didn't really feel that it made a difference. I also purchased shampoo and conditioner from Sally, along with some argan oil. My hair started to look better, but it was still breaking and splitting.
About two months ago I stopped using shampoo daily. I went down to twice a week from about 6 times a week. I used conditioner after and 2-3 other times in the week. The other days I either "washed" with water or kept it dry.
I also started oiling my hair every day. I would use a tiny bit of jojoba oil or argan oil in the morning. At night I would put about a half teaspoon of jojoba oil in my hair, concentrating on the lower half.
This has helped so much and my hair does not have nearly the damage it used to. I still see a split end here and there and do still get breakage.
Last week I noticed I only needed to use shampoo once in the week. I also use a very tiny amount and focus on the scalp. I'd say I use about a dime size. My shampoo doesn't contain formaldehyde. It does contain SLS, though. When it runs out I will look for something better.
When I condition I focus mostly on the middle of my hair down to the ends. Then I massage it around and rinse it very, very well.
Last night I put coconut oil in my hair and also massaged it into my scalp. Today, after washing, my hair feels so soft and amazing! When using coconut oil I will need to focus more on getting out in the shower. The hair at the base of the neck is difficult to get at.
Another change I just made is that I now use an old cotton tshirt to dry my hair. I squeeze and scrunch the water out gently. I do not rub or tug at the hair.
I am really enjoying the results. My hair is in better shape than I can remember. This is an easy routine to keep up!
The gal that cut my hair asked what on earth I did to my hair it looked so bad. It looked like I had burned it or something. I do not color my hair. I was using a blow dryer occasionally.
Around that time I was under a lot of stress and had lost a lot of weight in one month (I'm already underweight as it is). I thought that perhaps my hair problems were due to stress and because my nutritional intake had been messed up.
I started taking Biotin, but didn't really feel that it made a difference. I also purchased shampoo and conditioner from Sally, along with some argan oil. My hair started to look better, but it was still breaking and splitting.
About two months ago I stopped using shampoo daily. I went down to twice a week from about 6 times a week. I used conditioner after and 2-3 other times in the week. The other days I either "washed" with water or kept it dry.
I also started oiling my hair every day. I would use a tiny bit of jojoba oil or argan oil in the morning. At night I would put about a half teaspoon of jojoba oil in my hair, concentrating on the lower half.
This has helped so much and my hair does not have nearly the damage it used to. I still see a split end here and there and do still get breakage.
Last week I noticed I only needed to use shampoo once in the week. I also use a very tiny amount and focus on the scalp. I'd say I use about a dime size. My shampoo doesn't contain formaldehyde. It does contain SLS, though. When it runs out I will look for something better.
When I condition I focus mostly on the middle of my hair down to the ends. Then I massage it around and rinse it very, very well.
Last night I put coconut oil in my hair and also massaged it into my scalp. Today, after washing, my hair feels so soft and amazing! When using coconut oil I will need to focus more on getting out in the shower. The hair at the base of the neck is difficult to get at.
Another change I just made is that I now use an old cotton tshirt to dry my hair. I squeeze and scrunch the water out gently. I do not rub or tug at the hair.
I am really enjoying the results. My hair is in better shape than I can remember. This is an easy routine to keep up!
Thursday November 29th
Day #3
I washed with warm water. I applied some Aubrey moisturizer, but washed it off immediately. :/
I wore eyeliner and eyeshadow and lip balp and a lip stain today.
I did a milk wash in the morning.
After doing some more research I purchased some organic coconut oil and organic apple cider vinegar.
I put a tiny bit of coconut oil on the dry patches midday.
Spent hours doing research in the afternoon. Read that some people had success with eliminating sugar and yeasty type things from their diet. UGH!!! Not a fan of elimination diets!
I have decided to quit as much sugar and baked goods as I can. Maybe I should even keep a food diary.
Before bed I washed with warm water and applied a little bit of coconut oil. It only takes a little bit of CO to take away the tight, itchy feeling.
My face is probably a bit better, certainly not worse.
I washed with warm water. I applied some Aubrey moisturizer, but washed it off immediately. :/
I wore eyeliner and eyeshadow and lip balp and a lip stain today.
I did a milk wash in the morning.
After doing some more research I purchased some organic coconut oil and organic apple cider vinegar.
I put a tiny bit of coconut oil on the dry patches midday.
Spent hours doing research in the afternoon. Read that some people had success with eliminating sugar and yeasty type things from their diet. UGH!!! Not a fan of elimination diets!
I have decided to quit as much sugar and baked goods as I can. Maybe I should even keep a food diary.
Before bed I washed with warm water and applied a little bit of coconut oil. It only takes a little bit of CO to take away the tight, itchy feeling.
My face is probably a bit better, certainly not worse.
Wednesday November 28th
Day #2
Today I stopped using terrycloth washcloths. Instead I am using the cotton velour washcloths I have. They are very soft.
I washed with warm water. I put on a bit of jojoba oil. No makeup. Used lip balm.
Mid morning I applied a milk compress. This was too relieve the itch. It helped get rid of the dead skin and made my skin feel a bit tight.
This evening I met with friends. One used to work at a health food store and she mentioned the jojoba oil would be too heavy. She said they always told people with dermatitis to get coconut oil.
Before bed, washed face with warm water. Put on a pea sized amount of Aubrey Rosa Mosqueta moisturizer. I just couldn't help it!
Face wasn't as red today. I wonder if the milk helped with redness.
Today I stopped using terrycloth washcloths. Instead I am using the cotton velour washcloths I have. They are very soft.
I washed with warm water. I put on a bit of jojoba oil. No makeup. Used lip balm.
Mid morning I applied a milk compress. This was too relieve the itch. It helped get rid of the dead skin and made my skin feel a bit tight.
This evening I met with friends. One used to work at a health food store and she mentioned the jojoba oil would be too heavy. She said they always told people with dermatitis to get coconut oil.
Before bed, washed face with warm water. Put on a pea sized amount of Aubrey Rosa Mosqueta moisturizer. I just couldn't help it!
Face wasn't as red today. I wonder if the milk helped with redness.
Tuesday November 27th
Day #1 of self treatment.
Washed face with warm water only.
I broke down and used a few drops of jojoba oil on my face. It was so dry! And I figured jojoba oil is natural, right?
I applied eyeliner and eyeshadow. Used lip balm, too.
My face did get worse. By the evening my face was red and dry and bumpy. It was spreading. I now had very dry skin up and down the sides of my mouth and chin, around my nose (left side and under) and a few dots around my eyes. Several pinprick sized pimples were scattered in the dry patches.
Washed face with warm water only.
I broke down and used a few drops of jojoba oil on my face. It was so dry! And I figured jojoba oil is natural, right?
I applied eyeliner and eyeshadow. Used lip balm, too.
My face did get worse. By the evening my face was red and dry and bumpy. It was spreading. I now had very dry skin up and down the sides of my mouth and chin, around my nose (left side and under) and a few dots around my eyes. Several pinprick sized pimples were scattered in the dry patches.
Monday November 26th
On Monday I noticed the rash had returned on the side of my nose. The sides of my chin had been red and bumpy for a couple weeks. I put on creams and ointments and my normal facial products.
I spent time googling to see if I could turn up what has been going on with my face. I immediately came across Perioral Dermatitis. Everything seemed to match, other than my case not looking as severe as the photos. I found a lot of great information out there, including some message board posts where people shared what they did to treat their dermatitis.
Luckily, they all seemed to agree on the basic course of action.
First, you discontinue the use of all washes, soaps, lotions, creams and ointments on the face. You can wash with warm water and that is it.
YIKES!
Anyone who has had this knows that lotions, creams and ointments become your friend.
Second, the dermatologist may prescribe a 6-12 week course of antibiotics and maybe a non-steroid topical cream. It may or may not come back.
I have decided to do the elimination thing and if that doesn't help I will go the dermatologist route.
From all my reading it looks like the actual cause is unknown. So, it may be caused by yeast, fungus, bacteria or a virus. Since that is true, going straight to the antibiotics seems silly to me.
I decided that Tuesday I would stop using anything on my face.
Oh, and it will get worse before it gets better!
I spent time googling to see if I could turn up what has been going on with my face. I immediately came across Perioral Dermatitis. Everything seemed to match, other than my case not looking as severe as the photos. I found a lot of great information out there, including some message board posts where people shared what they did to treat their dermatitis.
Luckily, they all seemed to agree on the basic course of action.
First, you discontinue the use of all washes, soaps, lotions, creams and ointments on the face. You can wash with warm water and that is it.
YIKES!
Anyone who has had this knows that lotions, creams and ointments become your friend.
Second, the dermatologist may prescribe a 6-12 week course of antibiotics and maybe a non-steroid topical cream. It may or may not come back.
I have decided to do the elimination thing and if that doesn't help I will go the dermatologist route.
From all my reading it looks like the actual cause is unknown. So, it may be caused by yeast, fungus, bacteria or a virus. Since that is true, going straight to the antibiotics seems silly to me.
I decided that Tuesday I would stop using anything on my face.
Oh, and it will get worse before it gets better!
My Skin Diary
I am starting this blog to keep track of my efforts to get rid of the Perioral Dermatitis I've had off and on for over a decade. I have not been diagnosed by a doctor. I have been reading lots of medical websites and message boards this week. :)
My case seems to be milder than many that I have seen in pictures online. I don't have as many bumps and not as much redness. I hope that means it will clear quicker.
What had I been doing to my face the past year?
I had been using regular terrycloth washcloths to wash my face.
I exfoliated once or twice a day with Deep Sea Cosmetics Regenerating Facial Cleanser.
I used the makeup remover wipes from Walmart to remove makeup before bed.
I sometimes used the new Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover and did try their Purifying Pore Scrub, too.
I used Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Moisturizing Cream at night (used to use morning and night until I added tinted moisturizer to morning routine).
I also used Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn Moisturizing Cream for a few weeks at night.
I used jojoba oil on my face under my tinted moisturizer.
If my face was especially "dry" around my nose and chin I would apply Hydrocortisone cream 1% and/or triple antibiotic ointment.
I sometimes apply Tea Tree Oil neat to pimples, but have mostly stopped since it seems to be too harsh.
I started using Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in fair to light last spring because of the SPF 30.
Prior to the tinted moisturizer I used mineral makeup on my face. I used blush only sometimes. I always wear eyeliner and eyeshadow and have several different brands that I use.
Then there are all the lip products I use. I am a "don't leave home without it" kinda gal when it comes to lip balm. I have been trying different brands lately, some with SPF and some without. I have also started trying out lip stains and lipstick. I didn't even think about that as a source of my problem, but I saw it mentioned somewhere as a possible problem.
I read a lot of things that talked about a possible link to fluoride and anti-tartar toothpastes. I guess that means I am going to stop using my Crest Sensitivity toothpaste. I only started using it within about the past year or so.
This about covers it for products I've used on my face.
What condition is my face in? What are my symptoms?
My Perioral Dermatitis begins on the lower left side of my nose as a small bumpy red patch that becomes scaly. It is dry and itchy. I had my first episode around 13 years ago. At first, I thought it was dandruff.
The past couple years I have been having red, bumpy patches on the sides of my chin, as well. I didn't think the two symptoms were related until now. I thought it was acne. The patches would break out with small pimples or larger, painful, itchy bumps. The patches do get dry, but no scale.
The use of Hydrocortisone cream makes it better at first, but it either hangs around or comes back.
These are the only symptoms I have ever really noticed. For the most part it is an uncomfortable condition that makes your skin look and feel bad.
My case seems to be milder than many that I have seen in pictures online. I don't have as many bumps and not as much redness. I hope that means it will clear quicker.
What had I been doing to my face the past year?
I had been using regular terrycloth washcloths to wash my face.
I exfoliated once or twice a day with Deep Sea Cosmetics Regenerating Facial Cleanser.
I used the makeup remover wipes from Walmart to remove makeup before bed.
I sometimes used the new Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover and did try their Purifying Pore Scrub, too.
I used Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Moisturizing Cream at night (used to use morning and night until I added tinted moisturizer to morning routine).
I also used Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn Moisturizing Cream for a few weeks at night.
I used jojoba oil on my face under my tinted moisturizer.
If my face was especially "dry" around my nose and chin I would apply Hydrocortisone cream 1% and/or triple antibiotic ointment.
I sometimes apply Tea Tree Oil neat to pimples, but have mostly stopped since it seems to be too harsh.
I started using Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in fair to light last spring because of the SPF 30.
Prior to the tinted moisturizer I used mineral makeup on my face. I used blush only sometimes. I always wear eyeliner and eyeshadow and have several different brands that I use.
Then there are all the lip products I use. I am a "don't leave home without it" kinda gal when it comes to lip balm. I have been trying different brands lately, some with SPF and some without. I have also started trying out lip stains and lipstick. I didn't even think about that as a source of my problem, but I saw it mentioned somewhere as a possible problem.
I read a lot of things that talked about a possible link to fluoride and anti-tartar toothpastes. I guess that means I am going to stop using my Crest Sensitivity toothpaste. I only started using it within about the past year or so.
This about covers it for products I've used on my face.
What condition is my face in? What are my symptoms?
My Perioral Dermatitis begins on the lower left side of my nose as a small bumpy red patch that becomes scaly. It is dry and itchy. I had my first episode around 13 years ago. At first, I thought it was dandruff.
The past couple years I have been having red, bumpy patches on the sides of my chin, as well. I didn't think the two symptoms were related until now. I thought it was acne. The patches would break out with small pimples or larger, painful, itchy bumps. The patches do get dry, but no scale.
The use of Hydrocortisone cream makes it better at first, but it either hangs around or comes back.
These are the only symptoms I have ever really noticed. For the most part it is an uncomfortable condition that makes your skin look and feel bad.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)