how i cleared up my acne

I never imagined that I would write a post about skin care. I have had years of my life when my skin was great and years when it was awful but in general, I have never loved my skin. It was pretty clear in my 30's but into my 40's it was AWFUL.  However, I have finally found a skin care routine that has really cleared up my skin and I want to share it with others who might have the same problems I did.

For the past several years, I had hormonal breakouts every 2 weeks.  It was embarrassing and I became pretty self conscious about it.  My doctor put me on an antibiotic for a few months about 3 years ago and it cleared up but then it came right back. I do not like being on antibiotics long term so I did not want to try them again.

Last fall, I finally had enough and went to a new dermatologist.  She tried a few things.  None of them worked and I had reactions to one medication.  She eventually said she did not have any more options for me.

Out of complete frustration, I came across an article on Pantothenic Acid and acne.  I read the article and it really clicked for me.  My hair and skin have always been a tad oily compared to my peers.  My micronutrient and mineral tests always show that I am low in pantothenic acid.  Also, I have adrenal and thyroid disease which is related to this article.

BEFORE doing anything, I ran this by my adrenal and thyroid doctor.  But she agreed that it would be safe and plausible for me to increase my dosage of pantothenic acid and see if it worked.  I was not willing to take the mega doses that some suggest.  I was already taking this brand below (one capsule once a day).

Solgar Pantothenic Acid 550mg 100 Vegetable Capsules

However, my doctor and I decided to try two capsules twice a day.  I did read that a few people experience hair thinning on this regimen. Since I did not want to risk that and these other supplements prevent hair thinning and boost the effectiveness of the pantothenic acid, we added this supplement as well.

Twin Lab L-Cysteine  I take one of these with each dose of the Pantothenic Acid.

So, I take two pantothenic acid capsules and one L-cysteine (twice a day- usually with breakfast and after dinner).

I went back to my dermatologist for a check up and told her about these supplements.  She could not believe the improvement in my skin.  She was not aware of these supplements but said she was going to go research them because of the results I had achieved.  I am telling you that the results were fast. My shiny forehead was gone within days. Also, my hair is not oily at all anymore.  I can even skip a day washing it (which I NEVER did before).  I have had only one small blemish in the last 2-3 months! It has been miraculous for me.  I wish I had before and after photos.  My skin is the best it has been in years.

I am sure that some people will take longer to respond or have to increase or decrease their dosage but this worked for me and it worked very quickly.

I also changed my cleansing routine shortly after the supplements.  I now wash with this soap

You can sometimes find it at Target.  Or you can order it here.

It is awesome.  My skin feels so soft and clean.  It is not drying at all but very cleansing.  I use it morning and night. I cannot imagine ever using anything else to wash my face.

At night, after washing with that soap, I use Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Organic Raw -- 32 fl oz
on a cotton round as a toner. Do not rinse if off!  I leave that to dry and then follow with a very light moisturizer. The apple cider vinegar has balanced my skin and helped even out the tone.  I have some red marks from my acne and they have lightened immensely and quickly from the ACV.  I have no doubt they will be gone shortly.

If you are new to Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) as a facial toner, start slow.  Shake the bottle well (you want to get the "mother" which is a mix of proteins, enzymes and good bacteria at the bottom of the bottle) and either wet your cotton round with water first or dilute the vinegar.  It might sting a bit.  And your eyes might water a bit.  Just stick with it.  I promise, you will see amazing results.  I use it full strength now but I worked up to that over a few weeks.

My new routine is so easy and inexpensive and my skin has never looked or felt better.  I will never have flawless skin but I am so much happier since it has cleared up.

Also, my boys use these in addition to the soap with great success.  I think teen boys like the ease of these and they have worked great!

Obviously, I am not a dermatologist or any kind of medical doctor.  I have seen such a dramatic improvement after years of frustration that I wanted to share my finds with y'all.  PLEASE talk to your doctor before adding any of these supplements to your routine.

Also, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I will answer them as best I can.

Taking a little break...

I went to the cardiologist this week and he is trying to rule out/consider three possibilities for what is going on with my heart.  I wore a heart monitor, had an echo cardiogram and I am having an echo stress test next week.  I still do not have any results though.  He said that my history of adrenal insufficiency could be causing the heart issues as well.

Anyway, I am busy working (and I love my work) and have some other things going on here that are taking my attention so I am stepping away from the computer for a little while.  I am not sure if it will be a few days or a few weeks but my posting will probably be lighter for a little while and I am sure I will not be keeping up with blogs that much as well.

I know I will pop in with an Easter post and a wrap up of Lent!

Also, I have decided to start taking clients by phone or skype for parenting, relationship and/or life coaching.  If you are interested in setting up a session or finding out more, leave me your email in a comment (I will not publish it).

Finally, if you are in the Houston area, please come see Race to Nowhere tomorrow night! It is free and open to the public and I am helping to facilitate the discussion. We watched this film with our boys a few weeks ago and it is so powerful.  You can see the trailer here.
(Thursday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m at the Becker Early Childhood Center)

A piece of my childhood

I am very nostalgic. When we were growing up, we had a small silver aluminum tree in our formal living room at Christmas time.  My Mom put all of our handmade decorations from school or girl scouts on that tree.  I had forgotten all about that little silver tree until the past few years when I started seeing these trees for sale in antique stores or in decorating magazines or blogs.  Apparently, they are back in vogue.

Last year, I was reminiscing about our special silver tree with Dave and I could picture my red construction paper stocking stitched with a hole punch and yarn and decorated with silver glitter in my mind.  We saw this silver tree in an antique store the week after Christmas and Dave bought it for me.

I have decorated this tree with vintage ornaments because we have had another small tree that have all the kids ornaments and handmade goodies.  They put that up every year in the upstairs hall outside their bedrooms.

I LOVE my vintage tree (thank you Dave!) Like me, she shows some signs of age and wear.  But I can sit in my office and look at how her branches and the beautiful old glass balls glisten in the sunlight and it makes me smile.  I wish I could completely capture the way the light dances through the old and imperfect balls.  It is simply beautiful and nothing new could compare.


I also want to tell you about a blessed opportunity. Some of my amazing friends Diana, Lisa and Stef are hosting an incredible month of giveaways to help support the orphans of China.  They have fabulous things to giveaway.  Please visit any of their blogs to read more about it.  The difference this will make is really incredible.

It's my birthday

Yup...I am another year older.  Kate asked me if I was 24 and I said, "Yes, yes I am, Kate."  Truth is I am a bit older than that and while my age does not thrill me, I feel very blessed.  I have an incredible husband, fabulous kids, loving family and lots of good friends.  Life is very, very good.

Dave, being the sweet husband that he is, hosted a surprise dinner party in the wine room of one of my favorite restaurants a week or two ago.  He invited our closest couple friends that we have known for years.  We have been going to church with these couples since our babies were born.  They are such a special group of friends to me. We had a lot of wine and a lot of good food and laughter.

I don't really like surprises and I really don't like big parties but this was perfect. Absolutely perfect!!  In fact, during the dinner one of my friends, Charlie asked what was still on my bucket list.  People had been talking about exotic trips and sky diving and gliding and bungee jumping.  I told him that I like my feet on the ground and that this dinner is exactly what I love to do...spend time with the people I love.  And I mean it.  I feel so lucky to be surrounded by good and loving people. There is nothing else I would rather do.

{this one cracks me up because we are all doing the same thing with our hands but I have no clue what we were talking about:)}

My sweet husband also bought me a beautiful watch that I have wanted for a while...



And he sent me flowers...



Today, our good friends took us out for a delicious birthday lunch after church.
It was fun.  And tonight we will have cupcakes as a family:)

Thank you Jodee and Janet for the cards you sent.  I was touched beyond belief that two sweet bloggers who I have never met would remember my day and send me a card.  Y'all are so special.  And thank you to all my friends who called, e-mailed and facebooked me sweet wishes:)