taking control

I haven't been feeling like myself lately... as far as my appearance goes, anyway. I've been watching my skin and hair change before my eyes for a while without even knowing how or why. As I started to analyze this, I realized this is just what happens as we get a little older and our skin and hair just isn't as resilient as it was in high school and gets damaged way more easily--or at least mine does. Besides the age factor, my skin and hair have taken Minnesota winters really hard. I had never experienced this type of dryness and cold before coming to MN and my sensitive skin is definitely complaining. Add that to the fact that I stopped taking birth control pills and my hormones are just.plain.crazy.
For some reason, it has taken me a while to accept the fact that these things are not going to get better on their own but now that I have, I am a girl on a mission to find products that help me take care of my thin, broken hair and my new skin both on my body and on my face.

Now that I am taking control of these issues I want to share the process with you since I know these are things that affect not only me, but a lot of you out there too. Here's what's going on:

FACE. I never had acne in my teen years and I could get away with washing my face once or twice a week. Now, my face is oily, sensitive and--thanks to no more birth control pills--full on acne-prone. I am talking painful cysts and nodules on my chin, jaw and neck. I had an episode of this years ago due to stress-induced hormone imbalance and I am going back to what my dermatologist recommended then, plus the addition of a face brush for mornings. I ordered the products and haven't yet started but I know how amazing they made my face last time so I'm expecting good results. I will also update with future progress. [1 and 2 in the morning, 3 and 4 at night]

1, 2, 3, 4

BODY. contrary to my face, the skin on my body is painfully dry. It can get flaky and ashy and super itchy. I have always struggled with this, especially because all my allergies cause skin reactions and when it's dry it can tend to bleed but I have found two things that help my most sensitive areas. I should say one of the reasons I love my trusty doctor is that she used to work at a hospital in a high poverty area so she recommends a lot of inexpensive yet super effective products. [I sometimes use the oil on my face and I can definitely see a difference]

1, 2

HAIR. my hair has always been thin and I tend to lose a lot of it. It's also really dry, I'm guessing the fact that I went through a really OCD period of my life in high school where I had to shower at least twice a day (and wash my hair every time) definitely made an impact. Now, besides being dry and thin, it has become dull, flat and won't grow, like at all. This is the part that I'm not really sure yet what products are best. I understand salts and sulfates are a big no no and I have been doing my research about silicone in shampoos but I haven't really pinpointed any specific products that might help. So, any advice for hair issues?

If you guys are part of the lucky people with none of these issues I applaud you. But, if you are among those of us who struggle for better skin and hair, let me know in the comments below. If I inspired any of you to try some of these products that have helped me then I feel like my work is done.

Lastly, if you've had any of these problems and have found holy grail products that have made your life better, please let me know! Suggestions are greatly appreciated :)

besos,
Maca