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How Lovely to be a Woman: Birth Control, Hormones & the Joys that Come with It
As a pharmacist, Dr. Julie weighs out the pros versus the cons of various birth control methods to help equip others in choosing what option may be best for them.
Ad campaign for Uniform Advantage scrubs feat. yours truly @juliejberry. Taken by @kc_photog954. MUAH @renatadoddy.
As many woman do, I started hormonal birth control pretty early on in my life due to my acne concerns and heavy periods, so by the time I started pharmacy school, I already felt relatively educated on the matter. What I was surprised to discover was how much I didn’t know and how useful so much of the information was!
So whatever your current situation is—whether you’ve got heavy periods, hormonal acne, PMS, or you’re actually looking to prevent pregnancy—I hope you walk away from this blog having more peace of mind regarding what the options are and feel more empowered going into your next OBGYN appointment.
Disclaimer: This is not a fully comprehensive study on all things birth control nor is it meant to replace seeing your physician. It’s simply meant to arm you with knowledge on the matter so you can discuss it further with your provider. See your OBGYN for more information :)
But first! Storytime…
Fleming Island High’s “Bye Bye Birdie” circa 2007
When my high school theatre department put on their rendition of “Bye Bye Birdie”, Kim MacAfee’s catchy song “How Lovely to be a Woman” quickly became engrained into my brain, especially as my body was undergoing all the changes of puberty. Although there are many lovely aspects to becoming a woman, it certainly doesn’t always feel like it when the bloating, heavy bleeding and the excruciating cramps hit you out of left field. Why doesn’t Kim mention all of those parts of being a woman? Singing “it’s wonderful to feeeeel, the way a woman feeeeels…” has a comically harsh ring to it when Aunt Flow comes knocking on your door. Nonetheless it helped me chuckle through the difficult realities of being a woman.
Like many women, my first and primary exposure to birth control was oral hormonal contraceptives. Although it can be up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy (if taken perfectly), it can be easy to forget to take it on time or to maybe miss a dose, and so it is likely about 91% effective. And if you miss multiple doses in a row… then you may have an unwelcome, lengthy visit from Aunt Flow.
But the reality of the matter is that although oral contraceptives are one of the most popular options, there are so many other options out there… some of which are more effective, more convenient, and could be better tolerated. They may even be cheaper for you with your insurance. So let’s dive in and see what option may work best for you!
Surprisingly Simple Solutions to the Side Effects
Some of the most common contraceptives out there regardless of sexual activity are oral contraceptives or “the pill”. Despite its popularity, many women experience various unwanted side effects and end up getting their prescription switched up. Although the topic of women’s health is naturally and expectantly complex, I was amazed at how straightforward the solutions were to women’s various issues. If you’re having issues with the pill, chances are you are experiencing either an excess or a deficiency in one or both of the hormones in your prescription.
Many of the oral hormonal contraceptives out there are combination contraceptives, meaning they have two hormones in them: an estrogen and a progestin. (It may also have iron or ferrous sulfate in them—you’ll know because “Fe” will be at the end of the brand name—but that doesn’t affect the concept illustrated here.) The estrogen is often ethinyl estradiol, but there are a lot of different kinds of progestins: norethindrone, levonorgestrel, norgestimate, desogestrel, drospirenone just to name some of the most common ones.
When I was on the pill, some of the common issues I kept running into was nausea and decreased libido. Thirty minutes after waking up, I’d be dry heaving in the bathroom as if I was pregnant! I would run late to events... it was horrible. The libido wasn’t an issue for me when I wasn’t sexually active, but of course when I got married, that was a different story! What I discovered is that my two major issues both pointed to the same problem: too much estrogen! Most combination oral contraceptives have 0.03 mg, 0.02 mg, or 0.01 mg of ethinyl estradiol. Mine had 0.02 mg so after seeing my OBGYN, I was promptly changed to a contraceptive with 0.01 mg of estrogen and later was switched to a contraceptive with no estrogen, but we will get to that later ;)
Check out the chart below if you are experiencing side effects to figure out what your solution may be!
Click here to learn more.
May the Odds Ever Be in Your Favor!
If you are looking to prevent pregnancy, do you know what the odds are for each birth control method? Outside of abstinence, there is no 100% effective birth control option out there. However, the options are NOT all created equal. Check out the chart below to see which options are the most effective!
Image credit: The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. Click here to read more.
Additional info: About 22% of women get pregnant in a year with the withdrawal method (or “pulling out” during ejaculation).
In terms of efficacy, I’m a HUGE advocate for getting either the implant called Nexplanon or an intrauterine device (IUD). They are both more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and depending on type, tend to be well-tolerated.
As someone who has tried so many kinds of oral contraceptives and had issues getting the doses just right for me, I could not recommend getting an IUD enough! So many of the issues I had with the oral options, I do not experience AT ALL with my IUD! I thought I knew which one I wanted going into my appointment, but this is why talking to your doctor is so important…
With all the side effects I had experienced prior, I thought the best option for me would be the copper IUD (called Paragard) since it has no hormones. After discussing it with my physician, she highly recommended I take a different route. Why? Because of the heavy irregular bleeding that often comes with getting the copper IUD. Although it can be kept longer than other IUDs (up to 10 years), many patients end up getting it removed prematurely because they can’t tolerate the side effects. So she recommended the Kyleena for me!
Kyleena, Mirena, and Skyla are all kinds of levonorgestrel IUDs. Skyla has 13.5 mg of levonorgestrel (the lowest amount of hormone of the four) and can be kept for up to 3 years. Kyleena has 19.5 mg (also a low amount) and can be kept for 5 years. Mirena has 52 mg and can be kept for up to 8 years.
Although each of them can be used regardless of whether or not you have had kids, Kyleena and Skyla are slightly smaller than the Mirena, and therefore more suitable for women who have never had children and could make the insertion more comfortable.
So real talk… what is it like?
So I’m not gonna lie, the Kyleena insertion was painful, but…
It’s a very fast procedure. Mine took less than 5 minutes.
There are meds you can take to make the experience more comfortable!
It’s a few minutes of pain for up to FIVE YEARS of not just protection, but for me and for so many other women, little to no periods (and less cramping too). Can I get a Hallelujah?!
What I’ve told many of my girlfriends is, honestly, it feels like the ideal way to go through life as a woman. I don’t have to worry about my period anymore because even if I do get a period, it is very light, and all I need is the thinnest liner. And just in case you are worried, no it will not affect your fertility once you have it removed. Your fertility resumes as normal. There have been studies to show that there is no significant difference in the fertility of women on birth control who have a period every month and those who don’t.
Pro Tips for IUD users
I recently had my Kyleena removed because it was approaching its five year expiration date. My husband and I decided that we’d like to wait a bit longer to have kids, and since I loved the Kyleena so much, I decided to get another one! I learned quite a bit this time around, so I’ve got the INSIDE SCOOP for you! Literally… hahaha
Ad campaign for Uniform Advantage scrubs feat. yours truly @juliejberry. Taken by @kc_photog954. MUAH @renatadoddy.
I was not offered any medications for my IUD insertion the first time (surprisingly many OBGYN’s don’t), but I was determined to make it a more comfortable experience for myself this time around, and I’m happy to report, after receiving the medications I advocated for, the insertion was much better.
There are several medications you can request before going in for your appointment: misoprostol (Cytotec) to help soften and dilate the cervix, an anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazepine) like alprazolam (Xanax) or diazepam (Valium) to relax you if you’re nervous and provide mild sedation, lidocaine to numb the area, and ketorolac (Toradol) for inflammation and pain.
Misoprostol may be taken orally or inserted in the vagina before the procedure. It is imperative that you are not pregnant when you take this medication because it can cause birth defects or be abortive otherwise. It may cause some GI upset like diarrhea, but it does not last. If needed, you can also take loperamide (Imodium/Anti-diarrheal) to help.
I was pretty nervous going into my procedure so the Xanax I was prescribed definitely helped calm me down. Since it is sedating and the insertion can be painful, I recommend having someone there with you to drive you to and from, so there’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Lidocaine was injected directly into my cervix which sounded really intense at first, but honestly, it was not bad at all. The doctor asked me to cough as he injected it to help alleviate the discomfort.
Ketorolac is an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) like ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) which treats inflammation and pain. Unlike ibuprofen and naproxen, it is prescription-only. It comes as pills and as an injection. My provider decided to inject it into my arm before my insertion so it would be quick-acting.
Photo cred: Cleveland Clinic
The removal process of an IUD is usually quick and relatively painless since they usually just need to pull the strings. My strings were too short so they had to remove mine via scope (hysteroscopy) which made me a little apprehensive about the procedure, especially having my removal and my replacement done all in one go. Although it was a lot to do, I am so happy I took all these meds beforehand because it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be, and the procedure itself was still really fast—maybe 15 minutes?
Either end of my actual IUD on ultrasound!
A month after insertion, I went in office for an ultrasound so they could ensure it was in the proper place and it was!
Oh and despite me having different insurances the first time versus this time, both times my new IUD was free. The scope procedure was not, but that’s not usually necessary for IUD removal.
IUD not for you? Consider the Nexplanon!
If the IUD option is not for you, the implant, Nexplanon, is also a really phenomenal option! It can be kept for up to 3 years and is one of the most effective birth control options on the market!
Photo cred: Cleveland Clinic
I’ve asked my good friend- we’ll call her “C”- about her personal experience with it, so you can hear first-hand what it’s like! Here’s her story:
What the procedure was like…
The insertion of the Nexplanon was not painful, but uncomfortable. Personally, I found it unsettling to be putting a plastic object into my body so although the physical pain was not significant there was a lot of mental struggle during the procedure. There are multiple people in the room for the insertion. The doctor and nurse numbed my left arm which quickly worked. The insertion was fast, and they immediately covered it with a bandage.
Following the procedure, my arm was very sore near the site of the insertion. It took a few days to move it without noticing a slight pain that felt similar to a small cut or bruising.
It cost me about $600 for this implant. When it was offered to Julie as an option, it was going to cost her $100, so it really just depends on your insurance.
What it’s like to have the Nexplanon…
For the first couple months of having Nexplanon and I had on and off spotting near-constantly. I read this was common and decided to wait it out. After about six months I stopped spotting at all. From month six to a year and a half, I had a good experience with Nexplanon. I like to joke that "it was great until it wasn't".
I did not have a normal period while on Nexplanon, but I had a lot of unpredictable spotting and cramping for many months. Eventually I had no bleeding at all. After about a year and a half I had intense fatigue, extremely low libido, bloating and mild cramping (without any spotting). After about six months of these symptoms, I decided it was not worth having anymore and got it removed around the two-year mark.
For reference, most women tend to have it removed around the 2 year mark, with the most common reason for early removal being irregular bleeding.
Removal of the Nexplanon…
The removal procedure involved a shot to numb the area. I kept my Nexplanon card in my wallet that stated the date of insertion, location and doctor for easy reference (pro tip!). It took the doctor several minutes to remove the device. This was due to the fact my body made a "bubble" around the foreign device, which is uncommon. The doctor needed to make additional cuts to remove it. I felt a lot of pressure and tugging, which was very uncomfortable, but it eventually it came out. The recovery involved my arm being very sore for about a week. I still have a very small scar on my arm from the removal and insertion procedures.
My fertility came back almost immediately, with my period starting about a week after the removal.
What about Fertility-Based Awareness Methods?
If you’d prefer to stay away from hormonal contraceptive methods altogether, you may consider Natural Cycles! It’s important to keep in mind several factors before deciding if this option is best for you:
Statistically speaking, Natural Cycles works best for people who had been using non-hormonal options before (condoms for example). If you are switching from hormonal contraceptives to Natural Cycles, your risk of getting pregnant is higher. Click here to read the study.
According to the FDA, the typical use of this app resulted in approximately 6.5% of women getting pregnant in the first year. The failure rate drops to 1.8% if used perfectly. The “perfect use” group involved women who, “had sexual intercourse on a day when the app predicted they would not be fertile or because their contraceptive method failed when they had intercourse on a fertile day”. The “typical use” group involved women who, “sometimes did not use the app correctly by, for example, having unprotected intercourse on fertile days.” User error is a huge factor on the efficacy of this method. Click here to read more.
The clinical trials for this method involved women who used the app for an average of only 8 months. So if you are looking for a longer term solution, this option may not be best for you.
It involves an almost daily commitment. You must preferably track your basal temperature every day in the morning immediately upon waking, and preferably around the same time every day. If your usual wake up time is 8 a.m., you should exclude the temperature reading for that day if it’s past 10 a.m.. They recommend checking your temperature at least 5 days a week for the best accuracy.
For a monthly subscription, it cost $16.99 per month plus $39.99 for the basal thermometer. For an annual subscription, it’s $119.99 per year ($9.99 per month) and comes with a free basal thermometer. Check with your insurance to see if they will help cover some or all of the cost of this option.
So many choices… which is best for you?
Ad campaign for Uniform Advantage scrubs feat. yours truly @juliejberry. Taken by @kc_photog954. MUAH @renatadoddy.
When it comes to birth control, it is so important to choose what’s best for you! That’s why I’m a huge proponent of arming yourself with knowledge about what options are out there and weighing out the pros and cons. For me and for many women, it can involve a bit of trial and error, but I hope that this blog can help guide you so you have a better idea of what you want/need before going into your next OBGYN appointment.
Discuss the options with your doctor and ask any additional questions you may have! Be your biggest advocate and choose what’s best for you. I hope you find an option that you are as happy with as I am with mine :)
How to Get Your Best Skin Yet!
Dr. Julie Berry explains the science behind skincare and recommends her favorite products which have transformed her skin!
Because you deserve to feel confident in your skin!
Since many beauty or skincare companies won’t do this, I find it important to be completely transparent: This image has not been retouched nor am I wearing any complexion makeup (only a tiny bit of brow product & mascara). There is only skincare on my face!
On one ordinary day in 2015, I remember thinking…
“I hope one day I will feel confident enough to walk out of the house without wearing makeup.”
I’m happy and thankful to say that I finally got there!
As someone who has struggled with problematic skin for many years, I’ve tried so many different skincare products and been on various kinds of birth control, antibiotics, topicals, and even on the harshest skincare prescription of them all—Accutane—all to get my skin under control.
As a 32 year old, I’ve also experienced how my skincare needs have changed over time, especially in the last 5 years or so. Whereas my skin used to be very oily and acne-prone, it is now drier and more wrinkle-prone.
Also 6 years ago, I married the love of my life, Austin, who has some different skincare needs to mine, which we’ve honed in on too, including his occasional eczema flare-ups.
When I started really prioritizing my skincare regimen several years ago, I discovered several key ingredients that have truly transformed my skin, and I’m overjoyed to say that my skin has never looked better!
Between both of our changing skincare needs, my plethora of personal experience with prescription and OTC skincare products, and my pharmacy school education, I hope I can save you some hassle in your skincare product search and equip you, too, to have your best skin yet!
Click the buttons below to jump to a specific skin concern!
First things first:
What is the proper order of using skincare products?
Using the products in the right order is important for proper absorption and therefore getting the most out of each product. Are you following this order?
Image credit: Cosmopolitan
If you are looking at the above chart and feeling overwhelmed at having an 8-step routine, don’t worry! If you are going from using regular soap and water every once in a while to even just a twice daily 2-step routine of cleanser and moisturizer, that is HUGE progress and will likely make a dramatic difference in your skin! You can always add more steps down the road as necessary ;)
The Basics: Cleanser & Moisturizer
Austin & I have been faithfully using both of these Fresh products for YEARS! They are so, so good. If you had to start with just two products, these would be the ones to get!
I actually switched from my another cleanser to this one after receiving a sample of it and discovering it was better than what I was using. It thoroughly cleans the skin without stripping it of hydration like other cleansers, while also providing yummy ingredients like soy proteins, cucumber extract, and aloe vera which are helpful for soothing, tightening and reducing the appearance of aging skin from sun exposure (yes this is even great for sunburns)!
This is Austin’s and my go-to moisturizer. It’s a daily lightweight moisturizer for all skin types that’s hydrating without giving an oily appearance and improves the look of texture and fine lines. Hydrating and anti-aging? Sign me up!
Although not 100% necessary, I feel it important to note that I have experienced a significant change in my skin by using a clean towel every time I wash my face. It helps to remove any makeup, dirt and oil buildup off the face, without leaving behind any nasty bacteria that may be living on your typical washcloth. Since noticing how fewer breakouts I get because of these towels, I won’t travel without them! Plus, they’re dermatologist tested and approved.
*This image has not been retouched.
Acne
Unlike some other medical conditions, acne is a complicated topic because it can be caused by four different mechanisms: excess oil production, bacteria, inflammation, and hyperkeratinization (excess skin cell & keratin production leading to clogged pores). Many times, you don’t know which are your causes until you try various medicines. For example, if your dermatologist suspects your acne may be bacterial in nature but in reality it is not, an antibiotic won’t help you. That’s why Accutane, despite its severe side effects, is effective at treating acne: It works against all four major causes of acne.
Plus, there are a myriad of acne triggers: hormonal changes (which is why birth control is sometimes prescribed), stress, diet, even medications. This is why having conversations with your healthcare provider(s) (dermatologist, pharmacist, OBGYN) can be helpful. Click here for more information.
That being said, having a consistent skincare regimen is crucial for maintenance and prevention of breakouts. The standard twice daily skincare regimen—once in the morning and again before bedtime—is an absolute must. You may need to wash your face more frequently if it’s gotten sweaty or dirty after going to the gym or being outside in the heat. The more prompt you can be with this, the better.
If you have the foundational 2-step skincare routine down pat (cleanser & moisturizer) and are still experiencing acne breakouts, it’s time to add toner and/or spot treatments into your regimen!
Toner
Toners help to cleanse the skin further by unclogging pores of any excess oil, dirt, and makeup and removing dead skin cells.
Scientific Pearl: Salicylic Acid has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and fights hyperkeratinization.
This toner is one of my staples because it has salicylic acid to treat & prevent acne, acetyl glucosamine to clear dead skin cells and silica to absorb any excess oil. That means this toner combats all four major causes of acne!
To apply the toner, I usually apply one to two swishes of it on a new cotton round and swipe away any remaining grime from the face. It’s always so satisfying to see how much dirt you have cleaned off after toner!
Spot Treatments
There are two types of spot treatments I like to have at all times- one for day and one for night!
Day
As a model, the moment a blemish pops up- I’M ON IT! I’m ready to get it gone which is why I love using this Perricone MD Salicylic Acid Spot Gel when I do my skincare routine in the morning. I also love applying it to those smaller blemishes that don’t necessarily need an acne dot, whether on my face or my body (apply after showering). Plus, it doesn’t dry out the skin or make your skin flake like other acne treatments do.
Night
These acne dots are such a LIFESAVER! Just apply them to a breakout after toner, keep them on overnight for at least 6 hours and VOILÀ! You can say peace out to that nasty pimple (or at the very least, start the process of kicking it out the door)!
Scientific Pearl: It contains salicylic acid (anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and fights hyperkeratinization- that’s 3 of the 4 major causes of acne), retinol (fights hyperkeratinization and hyperpigmentation), and aloe vera (promotes skin healing and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties).
Scientific Pearl: Niacinamide is also a golden ingredient for acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Click here to jump to an amazing niacinamide serum which can be used day or night!
Scientific Pearl: Mentioned earlier with the acne dots, retinol can be a great ingredient to add into your regular skincare regimen for acne prevention for its ability to unclog pores. Click here to jump to an affordable retinol serum which can be used only for nighttime!
Still dealing with the post-acne aftermath?
If dealing with any discolorations or hyperpigmentation, jump to the dark spot section here!
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
As you get older, signs of aging are inevitable and so many people look to fillers and botox injections without really taking advantage of all skincare has to offer first. Since it’s such a hot topic, I did a whole blog post on botox/fillers if you’d like to read it here.
It’s important to note that hydration and sun protection play key roles in giving your skin its most youthful appearance. So with that, adding a facial oil, serum, neck cream, eye cream, and/or sunscreen to your skincare regimen will all help in this age-defying quest.
*This image has not been retouched.
When I hit my mid-twenties, I started noticing the wrinkles start to come in and I’ve discovered some ingredients that are key to reducing their appearance: Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol.
Hyaluronic Acid binds to and retains water, making it perfect skincare ingredient for hydrating and plumping the skin, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is a substance that naturally occurs in the body but depletes as we age, so it makes it all the more vital to include it in your skincare regimen!
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that increases skin cell production, exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and promotes collagen and elastin production, making it a key anti-aging ingredient while also reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
This powerful serum contains 5 different weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and visibly plump the skin.
Scientific Pearl: The lighter the weight of hyaluronic acid, the deeper into the skin tissue it is able to go. Having different weights of this ingredient ensures it will be its most effective, hydrating each skin layer.
This cost-effective retinol serum is an Allure Best of Beauty award winner that targets premature signs of aging and uneven texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Scientific Pearl: Retinol can make you more prone to sunburns so use it only at night. If new to retinol, start off by applying only 1 to 2 nights per week. Increase gradually as tolerated.
This incredible eye cream contains BT Matrix™ which has retinol-like strength in diminishing signs of aging. It also boosts collagen production, visibly diminishing wrinkles while its unique blend of black tea extract also lightens dark circles. If you struggle with crow’s feet, this is the eye cream to get!
This sea-worthy formula of seaweed amino acids, copper peptides, hyaluronic acid and bounty of botanical actives revitalizes damaged skin, hydrates, improves texture, and plumps fine lines and wrinkles.
Scientific Pearl: An esthetician once told me that your neck is often the first place to show signs of aging, so make sure to use all those other skincare products (cleanser, toner, serum, oil, sunscreen) on your neck too, applying in an upwards motion against gravity!
Having sunscreen in your skincare routine is vital in prevention of premature aging from harmful UV rays. I love these SPF drops for the face because it has an oil-like consistency, so it absorbs into the skin beautifully (and therefore doesn’t easily get into the eyes like other sunscreens- my husband loves it!) and as makeup brand, it also blends with makeup well!
This gentle oil contains retinoid ester which improves the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, supports skin elasticity and evens out redness (it’s as effective as retinol while being gentler on the skin, making it great for sensitive skin or new users of retinol), botanical complex for reducing redness, and avocado seed oil for plumping fine lines and delivering rich age-defying vitamins.
Scientific Pearl: Retinol products can make you more sensitive to the sun so only use at night.
I personally used to be very scared of applying oil to my face. Won’t it break me out?! I’m happy to say- it didn’t. If apprehensive, start with using only a couple drops of a retinol oil at night. If you need more hydration, introduce a vitamin C oil for the day.
Redness
Being a fair-skinned woman, I am definitely prone to redness, especially as I’ve gotten older. Gosh, I even have rosacea in my family. But then I discovered the golden ingredient: Niacinamide! It reduces inflammation, thereby calming redness (from eczema, acne, or other skin conditions) and evening skin tone and improving texture! Oh and did I mention that this powerful ingredient also hydrates, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and tightens pores?!
This hydrating serum is a staple in my collection! It gives my skin the most beautiful, youthful glow while also evening my skin tone and visibly reducing any hyperpigmentation.
Oh and you can also mix it with your foundation to give it a dewy finish. Who knew?!
Dark Spots & Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, occur due to an overproduction of melanin and can affect any race or ethnicity. It can be caused by a variety of factors including (but not limited to) acne, sun damage, and injury (cuts, burns). Although dark spots can take a longer time to heal, some key ingredients to speed up the process include azelaic acid (possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, and skin lightening properties), tranexamic acid (reduces excessive pigmentation by inhibiting melanocyte activation), and mandelic acid (an exfoliant that regulates oil production, unclogs pores, reduces inflammation, and lightens dark spots). Niacinamide (mentioned above- it also limits the transfer of melanosomes which synthesize and transport melanin), retinol (mentioned above with its skin renewal benefits) and vitamin C (mentioned later- it has skin-brightening properties) can also help!
This incredible spot treatment fades stubborn dark spots (sun spots, age spots, post-acne scars, melasma) and contains azelaic acid derivative for skin brightening, tranexamic acid for preventing discoloration, and phytic acid for exfoliation.
This cost-effective spot treatment contains mandelic acid to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation and post-blemish marks, glycerin for hydration, and encapsulated retinol to fade discoloration and dark spots. Use only at night.
Dryness & Dullness
When it comes to dryness and dullness, hydration is key! Adding a hydrating serum and/or face oil to your skincare regimen will likely make a huge difference in this area. Additionally, vitamin C is an important ingredient to consider since it is powerful brightening and firming antioxidant that improves the look of dark spots and dullness, protects against sun damage, and promotes collagen and elastin production, giving it anti-aging and texture benefits.
With dryness being very common around the eyes, don’t forget to give your eyelids some love too!
This clinical strength serum contains vitamin C for improving tone and discoloration, glutathione to recharge vitamin C, and ergothioneine to support the skin’s natural antioxidants.
This Allure Best of Beauty award-winning facial oil contains vitamin C to visibly brighten the skin, squalane to lock in moisture, chios crystal oil to revitalize and firm the skin and rose extract to boost radiance.
This lightweight, depuffing eye cream contains super lotus to visibly smooth lines and boost radiance, horse chestnut flower extract to target crow’s feet, and vitamin E to protect and sooth the delicate eye area.
Texture & Pore Reduction
To smooth uneven texture of the skin, BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) and AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are key ingredients in the conversation because they exfoliate dead skin cells. AHAs minimize the appearance of skin aging, whether from fine lines, sun damage, or discolorations. BHAs (like salicylic acid) have far-reaching exfoliation benefits from acne to psoriasis to rough, bumpy skin and enlarged pores.
This gentle exfoliant has papaya fruit extract to smooth skin and increase clarity for a radiant glow and pineapple fruit extract, BHA and AHA to exfoliate, reduce the look of dark spots and smooth skin texture. Use it after your cleanser on dry skin!
This wonderful facial mask contains whipped non-drying clay infused with hyaluronic acid to clear pores and hydrate the skin, watermelon enzymes to visibly brighten, and BHA and PHA to clear pores and gently exfoliate.
This concentrated serum of BHAs, AHAs, mandelic acid, and willow bark extract works by utilizing anti-bacterial properties, exfoliating skin's surface, accelerating cell turnover, and unclogging pores.
Are You Ready?!
*This image has not been retouched.
No matter your gender, race, or ethnicity, you deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your skin! Many of these products have worked wonders on my and my husband’s skin, and I believe they will work great for you, too!
All I gotta say is… are you ready for your best skin yet?!
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Meds You Never Knew You Needed: 11 Possible Solutions for a Talent’s Common Problems
As an actress, model, and pharmacist, Dr. Julie Berry uses her chemistry knowledge to help fellow actors and models solve some common concerns and put their best foot forward for their next booking.
Featured in Uniform Advantage Scrubs
Your alarm loudly sounds off at 4 a.m. on the dot, and your adrenaline kicks in. That gig you auditioned for, did the callback for, and officially booked a few days ago is finally here, and you can’t wait to get to set! You make yourself a delectable double shot espresso, wash your face, and try to look like you didn’t wake up at 4 a.m.. You grab your bag, jump in the car, and try to ease any nerves as you navigate through traffic.
When these days come, nothing is more thrilling! You’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and many times, that yes is making up for the other 20 no’s you got over the course of the month. You want to put your best face forward and ensure that all factors within your control are prepped and ready for the shoot. You’ve checked off all those to-do’s on your list (if you need a good checklist, click here), but you are wondering if there is anything else you can do to be better prepared for the shoot day ahead.
Believe it or not, there are some chemical substances/medicines other than your delicious caffeine (I mean, who doesn’t love those amazing cafecitos they sometimes have at crafty?! But I digress…) that may make your life a little easier as an actress or model! Many of them can be found in your skincare or self care, and many of them can be found over the counter! Let’s talk about it…
I don’t sweat… I glisten ;)
It was one of the first “big” commercial jobs I had booked which I had self-submitted for. I had woken up super early to get there in plenty of time, was immediately taken to wardrobe, hair, and makeup, and then was told to take a seat while they were shooting another couple first. I took that time to get to know the other actor I was paired with for the day. I was thrilled to be there and was just soaking in every moment.
Then a sort of panic started to kick in- why are my armpits sweating so much? I excused myself to the bathroom, got some paper towels to dab the area, and went back to the holding room. But it kept happening! So I would periodically excuse myself to dry my underarms and tried to do everything I possibly could to prevent any armpit stains. Thankfully the shoot went amazingly, but I was so frustrated that I had to deal with my body “acting up” all day. This caused me to do some research to prevent that situation from happening again which led me to discover this incredible antiperspirant!
Now I always have it on hand, but let me fill you in on how to use it and what to expect! You apply it the night before a big shoot or audition, right before you go to bed, and it lasts for up to 72 hours! Great, right? Down side: It can cause your armpits to be itchy so make sure to apply a thin layer. A little goes a long way! Also it can mildly stain your clothes so make sure it is fully dry before you put on your shirt and/or put a shirt on that you don’t mind possibly staining.
Also, it does not replace a deodorant so make sure to still use one in the morning.
You look tired…
I hate when people say this… it’s so rude! How do they think we will respond?! Haha! But anyways, of course, getting lots of rest the night before should work wonders, but even if you do, what can you do to help ensure you look well-rested? Here are two ways!
I love using Red Eye Drops the morning of a big shoot. They work so quickly and add that special wide-awake touch in making those eyeballs pearly white!
Good thing to keep in mind if you wear contacts: Make sure to give your eyes about 15 minutes to absorb the drops before putting in your contacts. That way, the medicine goes where it’s supposed to go and doesn’t get absorbed into the contacts instead.
Nothing like caffeine, amirite?! This Caffeine Undereye Balm is perfect for visibly depuffing, tightening, and brightening the undereye so you look refreshed and ready to go!
Maybe she’s born with it….
Well, she’s not… haha! It takes effort! Everyone wants that beautiful, flawless-looking skin, and there are a lot of skincare ingredients that can help you have your best skin yet! As someone who has struggled to have clear skin, it’s been a journey for me to find products to address my various skin concerns. I was on Accutane for a while, and boy, was that drug rough on my skin! It made my skin so utterly dry that it cracked and bled… it was miserable. But I didn’t have any acne! Hehe, ehh…..
Over the last several years, I’ve zero’ed in on my skincare regimen, and I really feel like I have the best skin I have ever had. Here are some of my faves:
Niacinamide Serum to reduce redness, tighten pores, reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation & hydrate the skin
Salicylic Acid Toner to cleanse skin & prevent and treat acne breakouts
Retinoid oil to reduce signs of aging, unclog pores, reduce redness, and make your skin look more healthy & plump
Now for skincare for the body…
AHA Body Scrub to exfoliate dry, rough, bumpy skin and make it oh so smooth & soft
Witch Hazel to apply after shaving to help soothe and calm the skin. To be followed up with a body lotion of your choosing :)
Salicylic Acid Body Wash for treating & preventing body acne
What a beautiful smile…
I started using whitening strips as a teenager, and although I liked the look of having whiter teeth, the experience of wearing them was always miserable. Ever since I started using this teeth whitening kit, I’ve loved my results and the experience of using it is so much more pleasurable! Use it for 9 to 30 minutes and done!
Hydrogen peroxide & carbamide peroxide teeth whitening kit to make your teeth beautifully white without causing teeth sensitivity
A prescription that may help…
Lastly, since I am a pharmacist, I figured I would touch on a prescription medication which may help certain performers. This is not for everyone, but it may help those who have the physical symptoms of anxiety in higher pressure situations (rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, etc.). There is a medicine called Propranolol which is commonly prescribed for performance anxiety. It is a beta blocker, which is a class of medication that is often prescribed for high blood pressure. Unlike many other anxiety medications out there (like Xanax for example), this medication is non-addictive and doesn’t make you as sleepy. Your doctor would need to evaluate you and check your vitals to ensure that you would be a good candidate for it, but it’s nice to know there are options out there if that’s something you struggle with. See your physician for more information :)
Who knew?!
I would have never guessed that having medication and chemical knowledge could be so helpful in this completely different industry. I hope these tips help solve some problems you may be experiencing and that you more confidently walk into that next booking, knowing that you look and feel your best. You are doing the thing, and you should be so proud for how you have withstood the inevitable rejection to now reap the glorious benefits of your perseverance! You are doing great!
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Under the weather? Here’s what meds to take!
Dr. Berry discusses the best OTC and behind the counter medications and supplements in symptom relief for the common cold, flu and COVID as well as what to expect when you see your healthcare provider.
Featured in Uniform Advantage Scrubs
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I didn’t plan on writing a healthcare-related post this soon, but is it just me or does it seem like everybody has been sick lately? It had been a while since I had gotten sick, but even I had to do a telemed visit recently. It always seems like it hits you at the most ill-fitted (hehe! ehhh…) time— I had to miss an in-person audition and everything! Being sick just sucks. But I will say, being a pharmacist definitely has its advantages, one of the main ones being: you know what to take when you feel horrible. So I’d love to share some insight with you when that nasty lil bug hits ya! Direct from the pharmacist’s mouth!
Now before we get any further, this is not meant to replace a consultation with a medical provider—even if I were to “see” you directly, I can’t prescribe medication to you or formally diagnose you. That’s not what I went to school for. This is merely to give you some guidance on what’s available, how to alleviate your symptoms with some over-the-counter (OTC) and behind-the-counter medications, how to help boost your immunity, and what to expect when you see your healthcare provider.
**This is not an all-inclusive breakdown of all these medications—how to take them, important warnings/precautions associated with these drugs, pertinent drug interactions, under which disease states you cannot take certain medications, etc.—that would take far too long for me to get into here! So please refer to your healthcare provider and the package inserts included with each drug for more information :)
In this blog post, I will be covering upper respiratory tract illnesses (stuffed/runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, fever, etc.) in adults between the ages of 18 and 65. I’ll break down the symptom relief management by category. Medication therapy can get a bit more complicated in the pediatric and geriatric populations, so to keep things concise, adults between 18 and 65 will be my target audience in this article. So without further ado, let’s get into it!
Dr. Berry's Cold / Flu / Covid Symptom Relief Cheat Sheet
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Dr. Berry's Cold / Flu / Covid Symptom Relief Cheat Sheet 〰️
Fever and/or Pain
There are two major OTC categories for fever reduction and pain relief- Acetaminophen and NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).
Acetaminophen (abbreviated “APAP”) is the generic name for Tylenol, and although it is over-the-counter, you can take too much of this medication. When overdosed, it forms a toxic metabolite, called NAPQI, which causes liver toxicity, which is obviously a very serious issue. So right off the bat, let’s dispel the notion that just because it’s over-the-counter, it must be safe. That’s simply not true. It doesn’t mean that we need to avoid it either- it is an invaluable asset for all kinds of patients, especially for those who can’t take NSAIDs for one reason or another. Since acetaminophen falls in a separate category to NSAIDs, it can be given together with or alternated with NSAIDs which is also a major bonus!
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Comes as 325 mg, 500 mg, 650 mg tablets and liquid formulations.
Directions: Take 325 mg to 1000 mg every 8 hours as needed. Do not exceed 3,000 mg (or 3 grams) within a 24 hour period.
A lot of medications have acetaminophen in them. Make sure to check the “Drug Facts” section of each OTC product plus any prescription medications you are taking (a lot of prescriptions abbreviate acetaminophen to “APAP”) to make sure you are not taking more than recommended!
Seek medical attention immediately if your fever is 103 F or above or if it persists for more than 3 days or if the fever is accompanied with severe signs/symptoms (severe headache, rash, confusion, vomiting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, painful urination, seizures, etc.)
Unlike Gucci or Louis Vuitton bags, there are relatively few medications where the brand is better than the generic so save yourself some money and get generic!
NSAIDs have a leg up from acetaminophen in that they not only treat pain and fevers but also inflammation. The two most common NSAIDs are Ibuprofen (brand: Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (brand: Aleve). It’s a known phenomenon that if one NSAID doesn’t really work for you, a different NSAID very well could! So if you don’t get much relief from ibuprofen, try naproxen! And vice versa. Just make sure you separate the two medications out from each other by at least 8 to 12 hours (wait 8 hours after ibuprofen before taking naproxen or wait 12 hours after naproxen before taking ibuprofen). Unlike acetaminophen, NSAIDs can thin the blood so it’s not recommended for those with stomach ulcers or bleeding conditions. For this reason, you may have been told by your medical provider to avoid NSAIDs and aspirin-containing products before a medical procedure or surgery.
NSAIDs: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Comes as 200 mg tablets OTC and liquid formulations
Directions: Take 200 mg to 400 mg (1 to 2 tablets) every 8 hours as needed. Do not exceed 1,200 mg in a 24 hour period.
NSAIDs: Naproxen (Aleve)
Comes as 220 mg tablets OTC
Directions: Take 220 mg to 440 mg (1 to 2 tablets) for the first dose, then only 220 mg (1 tablet) every 12 hours thereafter as needed. Do not exceed 660mg in a 24 hour period.
Still have a gnarly sore throat despite acetaminophen and NSAIDs? Try these!
Chloraseptic Lozenges
Contains Benzocaine & Menthol which help numb and soothe sore throats
Directions: Take 1 lozenge every 2 hours as needed. Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth.
Chloraseptic Throat Spray
Contains Phenol which numbs the sore throat within seconds.
Directions: Apply 1 spray every 2 hours as needed. Allow it to remain in place for at least 15 seconds before spitting it out.
I love to use this one at bedtime so my throat is soothed to avoid coughing
Nasal Congestion & Runny Nose
This is one of the main reasons why I personally don’t like taking Dayquil/Nyquil. There are better drugs out there. Your typical Dayquil and Nyquil usually have a nasal decongestant in them called phenylephrine. Although available in so many cold/cough OTC medications, the FDA advisory committee is looking into having it removed from market because “it works no better than placebo” at relieving nasal congestion. So let’s talk about meds that do actually work! It’s “cousin” if you will, works beautifully, and although you don’t need a prescription, you can only get it behind the counter in the pharmacy- it’s pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). The alternative options are nasal sprays- Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and Steroid Nose Sprays such as Triamcinolone (Nasacort), Mometasone (Nasonex) & Fluticasone (Flonase).
Oral Decongestants
***NOT THE SAME AS SUDAFED PE WHICH IS OTC*** Sudafed PE is just phenylephrine which is the weak nasal decongestant I mentioned earlier.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Works by constricting the blood vessels in the nose and sinuses, thereby reducing swelling, draining fluids, and allowing you to breathe through your nose again
Not OTC or Rx, but behind the counter in the pharmacy. This means you don’t need a prescription to get it, but without a prescription, you must show your ID at the pharmacy counter, sign the pharmacy log book and are limited in how much you can buy (only one box at a time).
Comes as generic pseudoephedrine 30 mg given every 4 to 6 hours, brand Sudafed 12 Hour Extended-Release (ER) 120 mg given every 12 hours, and brand Sudafed 24 Hour ER 240mg given every 24 hours. It also comes in formulations with antihistamines like Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) called Allegra-D or Zyrtec-D respectively.
Cons: Pseudoephedrine is what they call a sympathomimetic which means that it works in conjunction with your sympathetic nervous system, or fight-or-flight system. Because of this, it is known to cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure which is particularly unfavorable if you are trying to sleep. I recommend taking pseudoephedrine in the morning to counteract this potential side effect. You can also try taking it in the Allegra-D or Zyrtec-D formulation since antihistamines can cause drowsiness (especially if you suffer from allergies and could benefit from the antihistamine anyway).
Intranasal Decongestants
Since we are at the nasal spray options, I’d figure it’d be a good idea to address proper nasal spray technique! Make sure to blow your nose beforehand, then gently insert the tip of the nasal spray 1/4 to 1/2 inch into your nose. The key is pointing the spray away from the center of your nose and instead back more towards your ear. Lean forwardly slightly (unless instructed otherwise) and close the nostril you are not treating. Then follow the instructions on the packaging as to whether to inhale when you spray or not. Try to avoid blowing your nose for 15 minutes post-treatment.
Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
Provides fast and powerful relief of nasal congestion for 12 hours by causing constriction of the blood vessels in the nose
If you are having a hard time breathing through your nose, this drug can be such a lifesaver!
Directions: Spray 2 to 3 sprays in each nostril every 12 hours as needed. Do not exceed 2 doses in a 24 hour period.
Cons: You can only use this drug for up to 3 to 5 days. Otherwise, it can cause rebound congestion, so save it for when you really need it!
Steroidal Intranasal Decongestants (ending in “-one”)
They work by reducing inflammation in the nose, thereby helping to relieve sneezing and a runny or blocked up nose.
Unlike Afrin, steroid-based sprays can be used long-term with relatively few side effects or risks.
There are several to choose from so it really just comes down to preference.
Fluticasone (Flonase)
Directions: Spray 1 spray in each nostril every 12 hours or spray 2 sprays in each nostril once daily as needed. Do not exceed 2 sprays in each nostril in a 24 hour period.
Triamcinolone (Nasacort)
Directions: Spray 1 to 2 sprays in each nostril once daily as needed.
Mometasone (Nasonex)
Directions: Spray 2 sprays in each nostril once daily.
Cough- Is it wet or dry?
The OTC options for cough are really pretty easy thankfully and dwindle down to two main medications: Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Guaifenesin is an expectorant; the purpose of an expectorant is to thin and loosen any mucus caught in your throat and help expel it (yum!). So if you have a cough, it’s important to ask yourself—is it a wet or dry cough? If it’s a dry cough, you really only need Dextromethorphan. If it’s a wet cough, you would probably benefit from taking both Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin.
Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
Comes as 15 mg and 30 mg IR (immediate release) tablets, and ER (extended release) liquid formulations
Directions (30 mg/5 mL ER liquid): Take 10 mL every 12 hours as needed. Do not exceed 20 mL within a 24 hour period.
Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
Comes as 600 mg ER, 1200 mg ER, and liquid formulations
Directions: Take 600 mg to 1200 mg ER every 12 hours as needed. Do not exceed 2400 mg in a 24 hour period.
Guaifenesin & Dextromethorphan (Mucinex DM)
Comes as an immediate release (IR) formulation- Guaifenesin 400mg/Dextromethorphan 20mg IR to be taken every 4 hours as needed
Comes as extended release (ER) formulations- Guaifenesin 600mg/ Dextromethorphan 30mg ER or Guaifenesin 1200mg/Dextromethorphan 60mg ER to be taken every 12 hours as needed
Stomach Upset
There are several options when it comes to stomach upset, so I like to break it down based off the type of GI upset: indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea.
Calcium Carbonate (Tums)
It’s an antacid used to treat indigestion (upset stomach) and heartburn.
Works by neutralizing stomach acid within minutes and lasts a few hours
Comes as chewable tablets and liquid formulations
Directions (1000mg Chewable Tablet): Chew 2 to 3 tablets as symptoms occur. Do not take more than 7 tablets in a 24 hour period.
Simethicone (Gas-X)
It treats flatulence by providing quick relief of excess gas and bloating.
Comes as capsule/softgel, chewable tablet and liquid formulations.
Directions (180 mg Softgel): Take 1 to 2 softgels once daily as needed after a meal. Do not exceed 2 softgels within a 24 hour period.
Loperamide (Imodium A-D)
It’s an antidiarrheal used to treat bouts of diarrhea.
Comes as tablets, capsules and liquid formulations.
Directions (2 mg Tablet): Take 2 tablets (4 mg) after the first loose stool, then take 1 tablet (2 mg) after each subsequent loose stool. Do not exceed 4 tablets in a 24 hour period.
Vitamins for Everyone!
Regardless of what symptoms you are experiencing, consider taking some vitamins to help boost your immunity! Unfortunately, not all vitamins and supplements have the data to back up their use since the regulations to have them brought to market are much less rigid compared to prescription medications. From the FDA’s perspective, they fall under the umbrella of food, not drugs. For this reason, these are the vitamins I like to recommend since they have the most favorable clinical research behind them: Vitamin C and Zinc.
Vitamin C
It’s a supplement that helps the immune system and offers antioxidant support.
Comes as tablets, chewable tablets and capsules
Directions: Take 1000 mg (2 tablets of 500 mg) once daily with a meal.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace element that plays a vital role in immune support.
Comes as tablets
Directions: Take 1 tablet daily with a meal.
Multivitamin
Who doesn’t love a gummy vitamin?! Make sure to take a multivitamin for general wellness and to help prevent any nasty bugs in the future :)
Directions (for the multivitamin linked): Chew 2 gummies once daily.
COVID Testing from Home!
If you’d like to figure out whether or not you have COVID, you can get a test shipped directly to you! This one contains 5 tests and you get your results in 15 minutes!
Summary!
If you’re reading this and you’re not sure where to begin, fear not! I have created a flowchart cheat sheet for you! Just identify what your symptoms are and follow the prompts to determine what meds may be best suited for you. Feel free to refer above for more information on each medication. I have also included a legend in the bottom right corner of the flowchart for easy access :)
If on your desktop, just click on the photo and it will expand for you, or if on mobile, you can zoom in and out of the photo directly.
I hope this information has equipped you with knowledge on how to treat your symptoms and that you are on your way to feeling so much better! When that nasty bug gets you, I recommend seeing your PCP or urgent care sooner than later so you can get better as quickly as possible. They will be able to prescribe you an antibiotic (if bacterial), antiviral (if viral) and/or steroid (to reduce inflammation and help you overcome infections more quickly) as necessary which will treat the underlying issue(s). It’s recommended for many antibiotics, antivirals, and steroids that you take them with food so make sure to ask your prescriber how to best take them to help avoid any side effects and get the most out of them. Some even have some dietary restrictions (a common antibiotic, doxycycline hyclate, for example, can bind with calcium-containing products in the stomach, making it less absorbed and therefore less effective) so also ask if there are any foods, supplements, or medications to avoid while on your prescriptions.
There’s only so much that OTC medications can help you since they are largely symptom-relief medications, but hopefully they will help you feel better as you also take prescribed treatment medications. When you see your healthcare provider, make sure to discuss all medications you are taking and ask them which one(s) to continue or if they think a prescription-only medication would work better for you. Hope you feel better soon, my friends!
Pro tip: Whenever buying any product over the counter, do not rely on the name on the front of the box to tell you what exactly is in the box. This might sound crazy, but although some boxes may say different things in BIG BOLD letters, they may actually be the exact same thing. To know what you are truly getting, check the back of the box in the “Drug Facts” section. There it will tell you what the active ingredients are, their dosages, and what function they serve.
If pregnant or breastfeeding, please ask a healthcare professional before use of any of these medications.
Keep these medications out of reach of children. In case of overdose or accidental poisoning, get medical help or contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
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Do I need Botox?
Dr. Berry explores the pros & cons of botox & fillers while also addressing the impact of makeup & skincare on aging skin.
Whether you are in the acting and modeling industry or not, Botox and fillers have become more and more common amongst women, especially within the Gen Z & Millennial generations, and as fine lines and wrinkles started to emerge in my late 20s, I started to consider it. I was surprised by how many women I knew had had it done before, so I began to research it.
Since I am a pharmacist, I went to my favorite drug reference (Lexicomp) which has some of the most comprehensive drug monographs and patient education.
According to this reference, “Botox works by blocking nerve signals to muscles. Then the muscle becomes weaker and cannot move as well. The targeted area will then show less lines and wrinkles.” When I read this, it personally made me hesitate, especially as an actress— I don’t want to immobilize any muscles in my face! Results for botox take 1-2 weeks and last 3-6 months. Although generally considered safe, some common side effects include redness, bruising, and pain at the injection site. If the botox moves toward your eyelids or brows, they may look droopy, especially if you have hooded eyes or monolids. Then there is the rare risk of serious adverse reactions which can include severe allergic reactions, vision impairment, infection, muscle weakness, or paralysis (which you would need to call the doctor/911 immediately for).
Not exactly ideal when you are just trying to minimize some wrinkles. So then I started researching Juvederm which seemed to be a more natural alternative. It is a filler that uses hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the body, to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Results show almost immediately and last 6-18 months. The caveat: It tends to be more expensive than Botox and can still pose some of the rare serious side effects.
So then I started to ask myself (and my friends), why are you considering this? And let me preface: There is no shame whatsoever if you decide to do either or both of these types of injections. It’s so important to be comfortable and confident in your skin. I simply wanted to explore the “why” (and not philosophically or spiritually- that’s a different discussion altogether that I do not intend to touch on here), and what I found is that for many women- including myself- a lot of it came down to how their makeup looked. Aha!! Interesting. The makeup would crease and start to accentuate the wrinkles.
So then I began to ask myself, can I fix these issues with makeup and skincare? And personally, I found the answer to this question to be a resounding YES!
Although I have aged several years since I started to explore these questions, I have never been happier with how my skin has looked with and without makeup, and although my fine lines have not disappeared completely, they have significantly reduced in appearance. I spent a little more on makeup and skincare, but not nearly as much as I would have with injections, and many times the fix to my makeup issues had more to do with technique than the product itself. So I compiled all my tips & tricks here for you!
It all starts with skincare…
Every time you apply makeup, the skin should be cleaned, prepped, and moisturized to not only prevent bacteria buildup on your makeup products (thereby causing acne) but also to ensure that your makeup wears the way it’s supposed to. If your skin is dry, your makeup will highlight that by being flaky, which is no bueno. There are lots of different products to choose from, and it’s important to know what works best for your skin type. Your skincare needs will likely change as you age (mine certainly have!), but I will link some of my faves down below. For reference, I used to have pretty oily, acne-prone skin in my mid-twenties. Now my skin tends to be a combination but leans more on the dry side, being that I’m in my early thirties. Many of the products listed below have anti-aging and hydrating benefits while also preventing acne.
But first things first: Are you applying your skincare products in the right order?
Using the correct order will make sure your skin is able to fully soak up all those lovely ingredients. So, what is the correct order you ask? Let’s get into it!
1. Cleanser
To clean the skin and prevent any oil or bacteria buildup. Make sure to use a clean towel!
2. Toner
To further clean out the pores from any remaining impurities while also preventing acne.
3. Serums
To effectively treat any of your main skincare concerns (fine lines/wrinkles, reducing pore size, hydration, etc.)
4. Eye Cream
To hydrate the eyelids and under eyes and prevent wrinkles
5. Spot Treatments
To treat acne, dark spots or skin discolorations
6. Moisturizer
To thoroughly hydrate the skin, prevent fine lines, and prep the skin for makeup if that is your next step!
7. Face Oil
To hydrate the skin further if needed and treat various skin issues (redness, uneven skintone/texture, and heal dark spots)
Now let’s get to the Nitty Gritty… MAKEUP!
Once the skin is happy and prepped, makeup should lay all the more smoothly! There is a lot I could cover with makeup, but the main two products I have found that make all the difference when it comes to having flawless-looking skin without the creasing or any other nonsense are…
Pore-Minimizing Primer
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Setting Powder
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Pore-Minimizing Primer 〰️ Setting Powder 〰️
If you are like me, I used to think primer was this weird, unnecessary step in the makeup process. It’s usually clear, you don’t see it, so what’s the point? But in actuality, IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE! Its purpose is to make the makeup lay smoothly on the skin and to increase the longevity of your makeup look. Plus, if you have a pore-minimizing primer (as opposed to a hydrating primer), it will keep the makeup from seeping into the pores and creases of your face. Here are the two BEST pore-minimizing primers I have found:
To further keep your makeup from creasing, make sure to not go heavy with the liquid makeup in those problem areas. You don’t need to avoid those areas by any means, just be mindful of it during application. After applying all your liquid products (skin tint, foundation, concealer, etc.), you set it by applying setting powder. Setting powder mattifies the overall look of your makeup and keeps the liquid products in place so they don’t crease.
Now the real trick is in the application: First apply the setting powder to a makeup puff and then evenly distribute the powder on the puff by rubbing it gently on the inside of your wrist. Using a damp makeup sponge, blot out any crease/wrinkle on your face immediately before pressing the powdered puff to the area. I often use this method starting with the undereyes, then eyelids, nose, under the cheekbone and neck, and finish with the forehead. Make all the silly faces you need to to ensure you are not adding powder to an area that has already creased. Here are those products if you need recommendations:
And that’s it! With the right kinds of makeup and skincare as well as the correct techniques of using them, you may find that that’s exactly what you wanted all along! I hope this helps and that you truly celebrate the beauty that you are!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Make sure to use my links below to ensure you get the right products and to help support your fellow actress/model! #CommissionsEarned