Promises Turned into Experiments

Lent.  It begins the day after Fat Tuesday and during gluttonous Mardi Gras.  It's the time all good Catholics know to give something up...a fast if you will, 40 days until Easter.  This year it's 46 days, go figure I decided to do an experiment on myself with 6 extra days.

I relinquished sweets/treats and alcohol (except for red wine...a girl needs to unwind!) As I honed in on why I chose to give these tempting treats up, I thought it would be even more interesting to see how my skin would respond to these dietary changes. Perhaps one of the top 5 questions I get asked from patients: what foods do I need to avoid in order to stop breaking out?

Let me clear up any confusion...I am by no means an unhealthy eater. Just out of convenience I find myself nuking what’s supposed to be Lean Cuisine's version of sweat and sour chicken, lemon chicken and rice, or enchiladas. My other option ~ eating out with friends. And what’s a dinner with friends without desert?

Nor do I have bad skin. The only time I remember going to the dermatologist was when I was in high school. That’s almost a rite of passage these days.

I figured, if I give up the processed food, sweet deserts, and chips, my skin would have to be glowing right?

Those of us who work in this field know that we can’t pinpoint one food or food group to directly cause acne. Eliminating certain foods from your diet won’t cure acne problems either. My advice: If you eat McDonald’s every meal every day, your skin is probably not going to look its best. If you eat raw organic food every meal every day, your skin is going to look good. Probably not the most realistic lifestyle in either situation, but a combination of both (leaning more towards the organic side) will likely yield clearer skin.

So in an effort to do what I say and not what I do…I have commenced this 46 day excursion with no sweets, treats, or alcohol (immunity goes to red wine) and a week later I’ve already been assaulted on 2 separate occasions with my high school foe.  Hope is not lost, and I haven’t given in to temptation…yet.  Here's hoping that my updates will encourage my Lenten sacrifices. 

40 days and counting,

Bella Derma

To Each Their Own Routine

Routines. Have you ever really thought about your "getting ready" morning routine? It can actually be broken down into different phases: Shower, Prep, Style, and finally Primp.

I was almost done with my Primp phase as I was putting on my mascara...the last and most crucial step...I challenge any man to attempt this fine art most women have mastered. Go to fast and you might smudge on your eyelid. Go to slow and you can cause clumping (and clumping leads to a whole other heap of obstacles).

As I put on my third and final coat of mascara it dawns on me 1.) not only did I just put on 3 coats of mascara and can't tell the difference between coat 1 and coat 3, but 2.) I just used 3 different types of blackest black mascara!!! Are you serious? I have one to lengthen, one that adds volume, and one I bought simply for the patent-pending brush. Just as soon as I questioned myself for gorging on mascara, I shuddered to think of what my nonexistent eyes might look like without my "if-you-were-stranded-on-an-island-what-can't-you-live-without-please-let-me-take-it-on-the-plane" item!

It's not just me, right? The mascara industry toys with women's emotions promoting their perfect creation. They have spinning wands, vibrating wands, long skinny brushes, fat brushes, black, brown, green, and purple colors all promising hopes of having long, thick desirable eyelashes. Even I jump when I come across an ad for mascara never seen on the market. I'll tear out the page in the magazine and make sure I have to buy it the next time I'm shopping!

Am I alone in this? (sigh)

Well, I guess I'll resign to the fact that I will always be on the quest for the perfect mascara ~ one that lengthens to no avail, adds volume like hairspray, and doesn't run off under my eyes giving the dreaded raccoon look. Until then, if you see me in the street clutching my bag instinctively, it’s because I’ve “discovered” the crème-de-la-crème and am out to hunt that baby down. And maybe, just maybe I’ll indulge you with my new treasure so you can fulfill your primping phase too.

Batting my Lashes,

Bella Derma

Change is Good

Lately, I've been surfing the web purusing various health and beauty blogs, and they all seem to have the same monotonus tone. It's all very informational, but getting through it is like eating frosted mini wheats with no milk. Then I looked back on my own blog posts...I forgot the milk too!

So it's time to spruce it up a bit. Make things a little more interesting (and bearable) to read. I need this blog to be something that we can all relate to about our skin woes and triumphs. This is a change for more frequent posts, that will hopefully bring not only skinformation, but a little insight into my life as I'm consumed with lotions, potions, and everything else to make us look younger/brighter/smoother.

Looking Skinsational,

Bella Derma