Skin

My focus right now is on make-up, but any cosmetologist will tell you that you have to start with a good canvas. I've struggled with acne since I was 13 and let me tell you, it has been a battle. I've tried everything from Proactiv to prescription products and everything has worked for one year, then stopped. The best my skin has ever looked was at my wedding. That year I spent about $1000 on chemical peels because my skin was pretty weathered, but I was also following a strict regimen that involved three different chemicals and 10 minutes of icing my face every night. And I still needed two cortisone injections the week before my wedding to avoid a flare-up.

This means I am extremely sensitive about my skin. I have a few family members who received my grandmother's beautiful skin who still manage to suggest that I have an acne problem because I don't know how to take care of my skin. Have I ever considered seeing a beautician? Have I tried X line of products? You know, they just are a little careful about the make-up they choose ... have I heard of hypoallergenic foundation?

Lord help me. I've lost count of how many dermatologists and cosmetologists I've seen. They all get excited when they see my skin and they know, they just know that they can fix my skin. After a few months they're still spinning their wheels. "Well, let's try this semi-controversial product ... it may give you cancer, but it should clear up your skin."

I'm being facetious, but only sort of. It's amazing to see my skin become the bane of someone else's existence.

Now I have another issue with my skin care: I'm breastfeeding. While I was pregnant I had to stop most of my typical regimen. My doctor prescribed an ointment that was safe to use while pregnant and it did pretty well. But now that I'm nursing my son, the options are wider ... sort of. It is really difficult to test products for safety and efficacy in pregnant women. In nursing women? I don't know if it's difficult or if no one thinks to do it. I'd like some really conclusive evidence about glycolic acid and breastfeeding, but apparently it's too new to be included in the books of my La Lache League leader or the lactation consultant who runs one of the playgroups I attend. They think it should be fine, however, so I'm using it.

Already my skin is looking better. Of course I still get flare-ups. And I'm not sure whether some of them aren't caused by my foundation. But I'm back to a three-part ointment system and supposedly because they're only topical and don't enter my bloodstream, they're safe for my son.

Here's hoping.