Slow & Steady Wins The Face!!
“Consistency is key,” we’ve all heard of that saying. Whether it’s concerning your job, studies, relationships, or goals, if you think about it, being more consistent in all areas would most likely get you closer to where you want to be.
When you’re feeling tired, overworked, unmotivated, frustrated, and a slew of other overwhelming emotions, it’s so easy to give yourself that out. To say, “I’ll get to it tomorrow.” Procrastination is the killer of your goals. The hardest part is showing up day after day, or at least it is for me. I swear if procrastination were a sport, I’d be Michael Phelps status!
But why am I talking to you about procrastination in a skin care blog? Simple, consistency applies to seeing lasting results in your skin! I, personally, am in a very long, annoying, infuriating, sometimes alienating, and highly-rewarding journey to healing my skin and body holistically. I’m not going to sugarcoat it – it sucks for the most part. It requires a lot of patience, self-discipline, self-acceptance, and self-forgiveness because you will fail…a lot.
To those that use prescription-grade topical or oral medications for their skin, I pass zero judgments. I have been there, I have done that, done that, done that, and then did it again a few more times. I know how frustrating it is to do all the right things and still wake up to inflamed skin. Whether you struggle with acne, eczema, psoriasis, or any other non-curable skin disease, if you feel that taking medication is what’s best for you, your lifestyle, and mental health – DO THAT!! Only you know what’s best for you in the now. My only suggestion is to keep a close relationship with your doctor while you’re taking any prescription medicine, especially antibiotics.
I’ve mentioned in some of my past blogs that I have a sensitive stomach and sensitive skin. Random rashes, contact dermatitis, nausea, and itchiness are common responses I get from certain fabrics/materials, foods, fragrances, medicines, products, weather climates, etc. Just a sensitive girl, living in a sensitive world! As an adult, I made the conscious decision that I will no longer try to suppress the havoc that is happening in my body, that I will try to figure it out and deal with the consequences for the time being – however long that may be (insert eye roll and big SIGH here).
I knew that the medicine would never cure my acne (there is no cure), and I knew that if I wanted real results, I would need to make new and uncomfortable changes in my lifestyle and stick to them. Holistically to me means no longer taking medicine for my acne, listening to my body, staying away from foods that I feel cause an inflammatory response within my body, and using professional-grade products instead of OTC(over the counter). If you plan to go the holistic route, do your research, look for a professional to guide you through it, follow their advice, use your products consistently, and give yourself the time for a learning curve. It will payout in the long run, but it will be a long, bumpy road to getting there.
My point is, whatever route you choose to take to heal your skin, be consistent with it. Even if you’re trying to solve your skin woes using modern medicine, prescription medication, botox, fillers, and more high-tech ways, consistency is key!! If you go with the more medical side, show up to the appointments, do the blood work, avoid what they tell you to avoid, and do what they instruct you to do. Be consistent in your plan.
Your skin care routine at home is 80% of the work! Do not skip out on your products. Be patient, be consistent, and reach out to your professional before adding or removing things from your routine. Don’t be deterred by flare-ups; they will happen. Know that changing your skin for the better will take a lot of time and patience. It will not be quick. Showing up for yourself will be the only way to change your skin for the better.
XO – Pachee
