Winter Skincare Update

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If I had to choose, I think I’d say winter is my least favorite season. No hard feelings, just the (literal) cold, hard truth. Perhaps my winter attitude is because my skin is gnarly right now. I’m not sure what triggered it. Maybe the stress of the holidays? Everything kind of went downhill after I did dermaplaning a couple months ago. My chin has been so red and angry, which is usually a hormonal sign. The past week or so, my forehead has been going crazy, so honestly who knows! That being said, I’ve been changing things up lately re: my skincare… partially because it is a new season, but also because my skin is clearly unhappy.

Keep reading to see what I’m doing differently, new products I’m trying, and more!

RMS Beauty Uncover Up (shade 000) | RMS Beauty Unpowder (shade 0-1) | RMS Beauty Hydra Powder Blush (in french rose) | RMS Beauty Hydra Dew Luminizer Highlight in Champagne Glow

Some updates…

I’m back using my humidifier again! I also splurged and bought their shower head filter, which I really like too. I just need something on my sink upstairs for filtering… any ideas that aren’t annoying? I could install the one I have downstairs, but it is just supposed to be for cold water.

I’m back on my Ulcerative Colitus 800 mg Mesalamine Pills. I paused them for a second (because soon after I started them, I started breaking out really bad,) but am giving them another shot. I started on the Seed probiotic and am giving it 3 months to see if I like it. I’ll say, I’m almost done with my first month and I can actually tell a difference. It works best when it is taken as directed - on an empty stomach. I sometimes forget this and can tell a difference!! A couple months ago, I started applying castor oil on my

I’m still trying out Organic Olivia’s “liver juice,” but I don’t know if I notice any difference, and I’m been taking it right before my period since the end of summer. Will likely not re-buy. I am interested in her gluco-bitters though?

I’m still doing 1 CorePower yoga class and 1 Pilates class a week and loving it. I’m back at Origin Physical Therapy for the first time since I was cleared 6 months postpartum with the twins. After I complete this, I’m going to do another round of my Diastais Recit program after that. I’m feeling really strong!

I recently completed another hormone panel. I do these every 6 months just to check in, especially because I’m still having acne issues. My numbers aren’t great / point to a possible perimenopause, so it is best for me to keep an eye on it. My OB also does a vaginal ultrasound, which is a must if you are testing your hormones!! The bloodwork for me looks somewhat grim, but the ultrasound looks good. If you’re only doing one side of it, you are missing out on possible information. My OB also wrote me a scrip for Spironolactone. I have been pushing this off because I didn’t want to be on a drug for it, but I’m at a loss, so I just bit the bullet. I’ve been on it for 30 days, at 100 mg. I’m going to try it for 2 more months and if things aren’t clearing up, I’ll bump to 150 mg.

Other supplements and medicines I’m taking besides those listed above are Designs for Health Prenatal Pro (no not trying) and Designs for Health Femguard (think vitex, dim, etc). At night I take Now Magnesium Glycinate, Now Ashwaganda, Designs for Health 5 HTP, and progesterone and a progesterone serum during certain days of the month.

I was using Primally Pure’s Plumping Oil as a phyto retinol, but I’m not sure it agrees with my skin, even though I love it. I used Follain’s Firming Serum for a while, but honestly I’m not sure I noticed a difference? I may try Renee Rouleou’s non-drying retinol soon. I’ve admired her for a while now - she is so smart! But I’m just now really digging into her products. I recently added in her Renee Rouleau Vitamin C&E Treatment and Renee Rouleau Skin Recovery Lotion.

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Show Me Your Mumu Weston Half Zip Pullover Sweater (on sale for over 30% off rn - also available here)

Oh! And Frownies! I’ve actually done them on and off since November and I really like them. I am pausing right now because my forehead is breaking out (I think unrelated,) but I really do like them. I don’t have prominent lines, but there is a crease I’m trying to prevent from worsening / trying to retrain my facial muscles. They don’t really bother me, but I like preventative care. I use the forehead frownies and the rosewater spray. I also like their under eye gels and neck mask.

While I’m still not consistent enough with my NuFace to bring you a review, I am consistently using my facial cups. I love them!! I pulled my NuDerma High Frequency Wand out of the back of my cabinet and have begun re-incorporating that into my routine as well. I am also testing out the Solawave, but haven’t formed an opinion it. At the very least, it feels good to use and therefore I am more frequent with the use.

Re: Makeup, An airline was 48 hours late with our baggage, so I bought some new stuff! Really into RMS Beauty. Their products do contain coconut oil (which I try to steer clear from,) but I’ve listened to the founder’s thoughts on this and she uses really high end / the best part of the product in it. I have their RMS Beauty Uncover Up Concealer (shade 000), RMS Beauty Unpowder (shade 0-1), RMS Beauty Hydra Powder Blush (in french rose). and RMS Beauty Hydra Dew Luminizer Highlight in Champagne Glow. I realllllly like all of them; the powder specifically makes my skin feel soft? I love it.

RMS Beauty Hydra Dew Luminizer Highlight in Champagne Glow

AM ROUTINE

1. One Love Organics Easy Does it Cleanser. I recently switched back to this cleanser from the PP bars. I still like those, but want to switch around just to see how my face would take it. I use this when I travel anyway, so it’s not a totally new item.

2. Renee Rouleau Vitamin C&E Treatment. A new vitamin c for me! So far I really like it.

3. Renee Rouleau Skin Recovery Lotion. I still LOVE my Primally Pure Balms / how they make my skin look, but this is better for the daytime.

4. Goop Vita C Eye Cream. I’m still trying to see if it * actually * does anything for me, but so far I like it and it feels good under my eyes. I’m so tired these days, so anything helps!

5. Renee Rouleau Anti-Bump Solution. I pump a small amount onto a q-tip and apply as needed.

6. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen. This is my go-to, everyday face sunscreen right now. I prefer zinc based over chemical options.

PM Routine

1. One Love Organics Vitamin B Oil Cleanser. I only do this if I wore makeup or sunscreen that day, otherwise, I just use the bar alone vs double cleansing. I also really like the Primally Pure cleansing oil as an option too. Try it for 10% off with discount code ELLEMULENOS.

2. One Love Organics Easy Does it Cleanser. Same as AM!

3. For moisturizer I’m switching it up. Most commonly, I am usingRenee Rouleau Skin Recovery Lotion. I like to use Everything Balm or Primally Pure Baby Balm once a week or so for cupping, gua sha, etc. Use discount code ELLEMULENOS for 10% off Primally Pure produts.

4. Primally Pure Antioxidant Balm. I have been using this as an under eye balm!

5. Renee Rouleau Anti-Bump Solution. I pump a small amount onto a q-tip and apply as needed.

6. Lip Balm of some kind. Lately it has been Primally Pure lip balm or BKR Paris Water Balm.

Solawave Wand | Primally Pure Bian Stone (use code ELLEMULENOS for a discount) | Primally Pure Facial Cups (use code ELLEMULENOS for a discount)

EXTRAS:

• Acid. I need to get back into regular “peel” type products. I love the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel full strength. I also really like the Goop Glow Peel pads, which I need to buy more of. I love Renee Rouleau’s Triple Berry Peel, followed by the Rapid Response Detox Mask for an at home “peel experience.”

• Face masks. I try to use Primally Pure face masks once a week, usually on the evenings I do the full night routine, before I do all of the steps… It is basically my prep. I have all 3 and mix and match what I use. Lately I’ve been using the clarifying one everywhere though. I reviewed all the masks here. Get 10% off with discount code ELLEMULENOS. For a more of a budget friendly mask option, use this one. I am also still loving 100% Pure’s Bright Eyes mask. If you like sheet masks, I like this brand and prefer to travel with them!

• Facial Tools. I still like my facial dry brush. I also use my gua sha stone and facial cups several times a week. I reach for my NuDerma High Frequency Wand weekly as well. I’m also incorporating the Solawave and my new Bian Stone.

• Facials. I’m trying to get facials every 4-6 weeks to maintain and prevent angry, clogged pores. I’m also doing light chemical peels again! I see Skin by Maddie in Brentwood.

Hopefully come spring I’ll have some clear skin pictures for you!! I was looking at my pictures from new year’s day 2023 and my skin was so clear. What happened?! Ultimately I’m trying to keep stress at bay, which I know triggers my UC and my acne. Wish my luck. Cheers to both inner and feeling good about our beauty!

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