Battling the Beast that is my Skin; My Dermatologist Journey

Being the shimmery awesomeness that is the face behind Glam Dazzle Fetish requires me to maintain a certain level of not only knowledge but also appearance. I get asked so many times about my experience in cosmetology and I always say that is boils down to one thing PASSION. A monkey with not one creative bone in its body can be taught the steps to a long layered haircut, but it takes passion to perfect that haircut over and over again and then to seek out new ways and better technique instead of becoming complacent. That is what separates cosmetologists from hair artists. It is also what separates a woman with a hobby from a beauty guru. I can sit behind a computer and copy and paste the same rhetorical beauty advice that has been recycled time and time again in magazines, blogs, and on some YouTube channels or I can explore, use, and create and then turn around and share my findings with you. I can also feign an interest in beauty and walk around with less than desirable skin, absolutely no makeup and my hair in a ponytail and you would be none the wiser, but I have a passion to be better, to feel better, and to look better. In the last few weeks it has become more and more apparent that I need to seek out advice and become better educated about my skin which leads me to my first rendezvous with a dermatologists. Get in, buckle up and put your listening ears on because I am bringing you along for the ride.

Some Background on my Skin and Why I Made the Appointment:
I am 25 forever, at least that is what my husband thinks, but in the real world where I am not a unicorn riding mermaid with multicolored hair I may be about 4 years past that exact age. I have never had a reason to pay much attention to my skin except for a quick wash in the morning and an appropriate concealer included in my makeup routine. As a teen I was blessed with only mild breakouts and had no clue how great and dewy my skin actually was or I would have stared at myself a few more times in the mirror with remarkable admiration. In my early 20's, much like many of my peers, I was under the ill educated notion that I looked much better with a fresh brown kiss from the sun and I just may have used that coffin like contraption to attain said tan. I am naturally pretty fair (MAC NW 20) but I can catch a tan without burning. Let's just say that I did my research and realized that what I was doing caused way more damage than it was worth and have since boycotted the coffin. I started to get serious about skincare about 3 years ago and have experimented with many serums, moisturizers, and cleansers. I would say that if I had to classify my skin from the ages of 18-27 it would be normal with a sprinkle of oily TZone in the late afternoons. I had it fairly easy. Well that was then but....... dun dun DUN..... after the birth of my last son on July 18, 2011, I have taken a downward spiral of sorts. It started out as bad breakouts and blackheads right around the same time each month when my hormones happened to go into spastic fits. Then my skin started to have concentrated breakouts along my jaw line. Some of these breakouts would be painful and cystic like. Now it has morphed into a mostly dry textured feel along my entire face with breakouts lasting the entire month on my jawline and down my neck. I have tried different things to no avail. I know these products are great products (Cetaphil, LUSH scrubs, GlamGlow to name a few) but I think I just need more education on what and how to use products as well as diet and actual facts behind the problem. Also I am not exactly a spring chicken anymore but I want to look like one for a very long time. When I started to notice little lines by my eyes (I refuse to use the word that starts with the name of a black bird and ends with the bodily anatomy attached to the bottom of our legs) I knew that I needed to find out what I can do to negate any further lines or damage in general to my skin. I look at my face (skin) as a canvas and if the art that I want to portray to the world is going to be inspiring and beautiful then I cannot have canvas that is not properly maintained nor ready to be turned into a masterpiece.

Tips on Choosing the Dermatologist and Questions to ask:
The very first thing that I did was log onto my insurance companies' website and searched for in-network dermatologists. I would always recommend doing this because it will be the most cost effective. If you do not have health coverage or it isn't a factor then I would do an online search and look for the next things that I am about to talk about. There are 2 types of dermatologists, general and cosmetic, the main difference is that a cosmetic dermatologist are more ideal to deal with issues that require injections, peels, and lasers and not ideal when looking for a diagnosis or advice. In my case I want a general dermatologist who can diagnosis my acne and aging issues. The web is plethora of information and most doctor offices now offer websites that include bios of their practitioners. I checked for a Board Certification from the American  Academy of Dermatology because quite frankly I am not looking for advice on my skin from someone who studied orthopedics in a third world country. I called the office and talked to the receptionist in order to make my appointment. She was very knowledgeable and seemed to have a pleasant disposition which is important to me. She asked what my concern(s) were and assured me that the doctor I chose dealt with cases like mine. She advised me that I should stop now using any and all products on my skin (including makeup which I was extremely bummed about) so that the doctor could examine the true nature of my skin. This is pretty standard advice and I would do this even if you are not directed to do so. My appointment is next Tuesday and I am excited to learn and have a better complexion. I wanted to be prepared so I researched some common questions and tips that should know before your visit;

• Know what your specific concerns are and be prepared to explain them and then listen to what the doctor recommends without interrupting with what you have researched
• Know what you have been using on your skin as far as products (including supplements, makeup, lotions, cleansers, masks, and anything else that you put on topically)
• if any lasers or injections are recommended make sure the doctor is doing them and not simply supervising 
• What is my skin type?
• If medication is prescribed what are the possible side effects?
• How soon should I start to see improvement in my skin?
• What if I do not see any improvement or my skin gets even worse?
• Are there any self-care tips that I should be practicing to improve the quality of my skin?
• Are there any changes to my diet that you recommend?
• Are there any changes to the over the counter products (crams, lotions, cleansers) that you recommend? and which are best for my skin type
• What is the best sunscreen to use for aging?
• If you are curious about Botox this is your chance to ask an expert
• What causes my acne?
• If you are worried about any moles this is also the time to ask about them
• How often should I exfoliate and do you have any recommendations?
• Are self tanners really safe?
• Are there supplements such as Biotin that can improve my skin and do you recommend them?

These are the questions that I plan on asking and I am also bringing along a notepad and pen to write down all the advice that I receive so it is fresh and accurate. I am truly excited to go to this visit and of course I will be back to tell you what I find out and update you on my journey. Until next time I am going to go try to enjoy my lazy makeup free weekend where I hide in my home and snuggle with my husband while watching Dexter!

- Nicci