Until a couple of years ago, I was using one Dermalogica cleanser AM and PM, with a Neutrogena oil free SPF 35 during the day. How DARE I put oil on my face when I classify myself as "oily combo, easily congested/dehydrated and slightly sensitive" ?! Those were my products--that is how I "took care" of my skin. And then, I was reading ingredients, learning about new types of cleansers, reading results from lab tests, and oohing and ahhing over acids, serums, oil cleansers, balms, the works. I'm a particular person to begin with--but skincare takes that claim over the edge. On March 29, 2015, I decided to start a skincare Instagram account. I took my first picture before heading out to Sunday brunch. It was for me, and if you had told me I would still have it a year later, I'd laugh. For me, this is about way more than skincare. this has become self-care. For the most part, I've always had "good" skin. Teenage years consisted of breakouts among the jawline. Until... Novemberish 2014-November 2015. My left cheek issue. I had this patch on my left cheek that would flare up and calm down continuously. There were always things under the surface, and red spots would appear but never come to a head. I swear I'd be meeting people for lunch and they would ask, "How's your cheek doing?" It drove me mad, and everyone knew about it. Looking back, it was 100% anxiety and hormone related. But I attribute the healing (hands down) to fish oil, probiotics, Biologique Recherche P50 1970, and Vintner's Daughter. Then my next skin challenge came. January 25, 2016, I was attacked. Thus, the 24 stitches on my forehead and eyebrow. Skincare became about way more than skin. And at that time, I realized - every time I see those scars, I'm going to be reminded of healing. My goal for 2016. Forget about a red speck on my jawline, I've got scars, a mind, and a heart that are healing. In the midst of an anxiety-ridden and exhausting 2015, skincare became how I took care of myself. It still is. You all, my skincare family, have given me more confidence than I have ever had, bare-faced and filled with so much gratitude. You're learning to take care of and embrace something that naturally envelopes you. I confidently believe there is a connection between skincare and well-being. My background is in psychology, and the relationship between the two fascinates me. This has never been about me shoving products in your face, nor will it ever be. On that note: while I do receive many things to try, everything might not make it to Instagram. Most of the time, I will try something once. But... if I don't like it, there's simply no way I'm going to tell you I do. I'm also not a huge fan of emptying something only to show people an empty bottle; if you have to force yourself to use something, you probably shouldn't be using it. What's the point? Donate it. Use what you enjoy. Use what you love to use (unless it's an apricot scrub, then please email me, we'll find an alternative). This is not about me. this is not about a selfie. this is about us and our well-being. The people I have met through skincare, my Instagram particularly, amaze me. This became especially incredible after my scars and seizure (yay 2016!). There are some special humans in this world-- some who are psychologists (who follow you on IG) willing to call you on their off days to check in, some who you chat with on Friday nights after a couple glasses of wine, some who you'll send to see to give May Lindstrom a hug for you while you're out of town, and some who you will travel uptown to see while they are working on a sales floor. The emails, the comments, the texts and calls from people I have never met in real life. You have changed so much for me, and I love you dearly. I knew this was becoming a "thing" when a follower told me i had changed the way she took care of herself and her family. I didn't think this would ever become something "serious." But it did. I love talking about skin and helping you. My email is always open, and it will remain that way. If you're in the middle of Target and need help deciding between two things, please, email me. I might be staring at my phone. The goal: "you have made me feel better about myself."
11 Comments
glowchaserbeaury
3/29/2016 11:05:21 am
Loved reading this and supporting you!!
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Ashlea
3/29/2016 03:56:23 pm
Beautiful words by a beautiful soul - thank you so sharing - love_thy_skin x
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Hussmile
3/29/2016 04:08:03 pm
Oh caroline this os so inspirational , I suffer from anxiety too and I know how it feels , stay strong and happy sweetheart .
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Allison Petrus-Wilkins
3/31/2016 01:53:44 am
Caroline I really appreciate your honesty. So proud of how far you have come. I rely on your Instagram. Love you
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Mandy
4/4/2016 09:34:51 pm
You're so inspiring, Caroline! xoxo
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Raeanne
4/11/2016 01:19:09 am
Hi Caroline,
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Susie Y.
4/12/2016 02:09:40 pm
Hi Caroline,
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10/6/2022 05:13:19 am
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10/7/2022 11:19:02 am
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10/23/2022 07:41:15 am
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