Hello ladies, I need your help. I am starting to get tired of constantly wearing foundation, I am young and feel like I might as well enjoy my skin while it's still smooth, plus I hate the lines that foundation can sometimes leave and can only be noticed when out in the sunlight. The problem is, I feel conscious about what my friend calls discoloration. I am not sure what it is, some of it is little pink spots around my cheeks (not freckles), and some of it is old scars from pimples I popped (yeah I know, worst thing I could have done). Since I am pale, it seems very obvious and there's not a single color of foundation out there that blends in flawlessly with my skin tone so that I can at least get away with applying it to my cheeks and chin, where the discoloration appears; I have to end up applying it to my entire face. The discoloration spots have been there for months, some even for years, and show no sign of disappearing. I am not interested in going through a painful face peel for this, and I'd like to feel comfortable enough in my own skin that I no longer need to wear makeup to the pool or beach for fear that people will see the spotting. I am always being told I have beautiful, porcelain skin and while it is smooth and I have no scarring or acne pockmarks since I never had acne, I am still uncomfortable about the spotting, as vain as it sounds, and I always keep checking my makeup so people will never realize that the makeup is what is making my skin appear flawless. Do you ladies have any natural solutions not involving makeup or pain that can get rid of this discoloration so I can go back to just wearing lipstick and maybe mascara and get rid of my dependence on foundation? Thanks in advance!
Thanks to all for your advice. I should probably start by making it a "doctor day" and taking a day off from work to take care of all my other medical appointments and visit a dermatologist to make sure it isn't rosacea or some sort of allergy/irritation that is causing the pink spots. At that time, I can also ask about any treatment options like the laser some of you mentioned. Someone at work mentioned something called the Clarisonic so I will probably ask the dermatologist about this as well. If the doctor thinks it's not worth spending on or I cannot afford these treatments, I may just decide to switch foundations, and will definitely check out Mary Kay cosmetics, for a more natural look. I guess that for the time being, I will just have to get over my fear of not wearing foundation by the pool or at the beach, since the only waterproof makeup I know of (Dior Skin), does not come in a shade light enough for my skin.
Get in contact with a local Mary Kay consultant. As her about the Even Complexion Essence. It will take a couple weeks to show the results, but it DOES work--very well!
I have just discovered one of the best products that I have ever used for skin-and I am a product junkie who sometime spends over $100 a pop for skincare items. In one month this product has completely changed the texture and look of my skin. Moreso than even the Retin a that I use. Its called Booth derma M 36 Glycolic Acid Skin Resurfacing Solution and you can get it at RiteAid. Its very mild and doesn't sting like some glycolics can.
As far as foundation goes the best one I have ever used is MakeUp Forever Face And Body. It has a gel like consistency that melts perfectly into your skin so you cannot tell you have foundation on. It does not sink into pores or lines at all. I have tried a bazillion foundations and this is def the best. It is a little pricey but worth it. You can get it at Sephora.
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Mary Kay has an Even Complexion Essence & Mask which work great. They also have a wide line of foundation colors for an exact match. You should def wear a sunscreen like their Day Solution SPF to avoid further discoloration. I also recommend their Tinted Moisturizer w/SPF, very light weigh with a subtle amount of color.
Drinking enough water? Your body weight in pounds, divide in half- that number make ounces- that is minimum. See if that clears it up.
best, k
Hi N.. I am a Mary Kay Consultant. I would love to show you some possible solutions for you and have you try the products. Its all entirely complimentary with no obligation to make a purchase. You can reach me through my website at: www.marykay.com/mrivas .
I'm a product junkie too and always searching for something to help fade imperfections! Here are some suggestions (the Booth derma sounds good - haven't tried that yet and may just do that)...
1. For makeup: Go to Sephora or Ulta. They let you try Bare Minerals at Ulta. The mineral types of powder makeup (concealer or foundation) amazingly cover up any little flaws and you don't have to cake it on or use it all over your face. I'm sure they could find a shade that works for you.
2. Wear sunscreen every day to prevent further discoloration. I like LaRoche Pochey from CVS - pricey but it has mexoryl which doesn't break down as easily or wear away.
3. Bio Oil - it can make little spots and scars less noticeable. CVS sells this too or find it cheaper elsewhere maybe.
4. As for CVS, they have a FANTASTIC beauty return policy. You can use a product, if you don't like it, return it for full money back within 30 days!!!
5. See a dermatologist. I agree about the fraxel laser being about the only proven method. But your doc might have other suggestions. Also years ago I went to the doc and got Tri Luma fade cream for melasma. It was harsh on my face, burned and made it red so I couldn't use it, but it's an option for some. It's expensive too unfortunately...
5. Two other products I like which are peels which help exfoliate so newer skin appears:
- philosophy microdelivery peel
- Ole Henriksen invigorating night gel
6. One other product I like is a concealer - Olay Cover Girl Simply Ageless. Great stuff, highly rated. Doesn't wear away, you only need a little bit to cover and it stays put. I do not wear any foundation, I just use this and set with a tiny bit of face power. It works for me.
Maybe get free samples of any pricey high end treatments at Sephora - ask them! Good luck!
See a derm-between retinols and glycolics there is a solution-if you want to an OTC solution there are lots of products-I too am pale and had discolorations and I find some helpful products are: Philosoply Microdelivery Peel or Avon Glycolic Peel (cheap on ebay and very effective_ also dab a little Vitamin E before bed (read reviews on Makeupalley.com it helps with these types of issues. But your best bet is probably retinol or glycolics-they may also suggest a hydroquinone product (which will totally help) but the only problem is when you stop using it the spots come back. Invest in the derm before spending lots of $$ on subpar OTC products though!
Have you tried Mary Kay? They have a match for every color out there, and their foundation is actually good for your skin (I've been using it for over 10 years, and still look like I'm 25).
Go to their website to find a consultant near you.
