A Journey in Adulting & Self-Care

 If you are anything like me...then 2022 seems like a crazy, far-off number that seems way further away than it actually is. That could probably be due to the fact that 2020 and 2021 didn't actually feel like a real year...whole thing was just a flaming dumpster fire. So while I have no expectations when it comes to how 2022 be, I do have some lessons learned when it comes in the self-care department. Here are some things that I have reflected and learned as we bid adieu to 2021. Anti-aging? Nah, aging gracefully This was the first year I got my first grey hair and started seeing wrinkles that stuck around even after I was done smiling. It was followed by aches and creaks in parts where I normally had no issues. So, yup...seems like time was catching up to me. But I was also the best I have ever felt, inside and out. Your 30s are a time when you feel like nothing rattles you. Old insecurities fall aside and I am proud of the person I have become. So aging was definitely not the ene

 If you are a POC who is reaching a certain age, then maybe you've seen them creeping up. The little 3-D freckles that pop up and seem to get darker and more noticeable with time? You've definitely seen them on celebs such as Morgan Freeman. My grandmother had them, the guy who ran the Indian grocery store had them...everyone who was brown and over 50 had them. These are benign papules that develop on the face or neck, sometimes as early as adolescence. Sometimes its sun exposure, sometimes its genetics but they are generally harmless. However, in case anyone is kooky enough to take medical advice from a blog, please always see a dermatologist for any weird or new skin growths! Yeah, yeah they are normal...but I don't want them! There are a few ways to prevent and treat DPN if you decide they are bothering you. You can use glycolic acid to prevent new ones from forming and the ones you have from getting more noticeable. Larger ones will need a doctor to remove them in a way

 Oh, you've done it now...you got super excited about your new skincare haul and went a little overboard with all your products and now your skin looks...weird. How do you know if you have damaged your skin barrier? And if you have, what do you do next? Signs you've Over-Exfoliated: - super shiny skin...like Saran Wrap - feels tight or dry - skin cracks when you make facial features or open your mouth If you are seeing any of these signs, then it is highly likely that you have damaged your skin barrier. Your skin needs to by hydrated in all its seven layers, otherwise you run the risk of drying it out and creating micro tears and allowing fine lines, wrinkles and even bacteria. Steps to Repair Your Skin Barrier: 1. Stop any actives! I remember when I found BHAs...they were fantastic at making the blackheads on my nose disappear. If a little bit works then obviously a lot must work even better, right? WRONG! I was pulling sheets of skin off my nose because I had damaged the barr