How to deal with “skissues”: Advice from a Charlotte skin expert
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Ever since I wrote a story about my acne-prone skin, a lot of people have been sharing their skin woes with me. And, as it turns out, I’m not the only person in Charlotte who sometimes hates their skin. I figured it was time to stop complaining and start helping readers who have their own skin issues, also known as “skissues.”
Obviously my unsubstantiated late-night online research wasn’t going to be enough, so I called in an expert. (Side note: Do NOT look up your skissues on WebMD. It will always say that a new freckle means that you’re dying. Always.)
To get the real hard facts about skincare I turned to the woman who I trust with my own face: Elizabeth Queener from Woo Skincare + Cosmetics.
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Here’s our conversation:
1) Is there anything that everyone should be doing regardless of his or her skin type?
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Elizabeth Queener: I’m a huge proponent of the theory that whatever is going on internally will show up on our skin externally. Diet, exercise and water intake all play a roll in the health of our body’s largest organ (the skin).
You should always use a good antioxidant serum (vitamin C), a cleanser with a mild enzyme or acid to help with the skin’s cellular metabolism and a good moisturizer.
Mary Gross: Side note: For a long time I never thought diet was linked to good skin. But Elizabeth has convinced me that not eating Bagel Bites and two bags of Skittles every day can really make your skin glow. She has even forced me to try some natural remedies (which I used to think were bunk). But guess what? They make a huge difference. Right now I’m taking Evening Primrose Oil (found at Cannon Pharmacy in the vitamin aisle), using Jojoba Oil (a natural makeup remover found at Healthy Home Market) and drinking my own urine. (JUST KIDDING. Don’t do that.)
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2) Does chocolate really cause pimples? (Please say no.)
EQ: I don’t think so. Obviously, anything in excess isn’t good for you. I’d be more worried about dairy in general than just focusing on chocolate. Dairy causes internal inflammation and is linked to acne.
MG: For those with acne, dairy is not our friend. Goodbye Oreo milkshakes from Pike’s.
3) Do I have the most acne prone chin of all your clients?
EQ: Haha! Definitely not! You’ve been super awesome with your home-care regimen, and we’ve had some excellent results!
MG: Side note: She’s lying. My chin is ridiculous.
4) If Charlotteans were to own only one skin product, what should it be?
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EQ: Well, we’re in the South where the UV index is (usually) higher. I’d say a good sunscreen.
5) Is there anything that people do that they think is good for their skin but is actually really bad?
EQ: A lot of people wash their face four to five times a day thinking that it will lead to clearer skin. But in reality, they’re drying out their skin and causing it to increase oil production, which can cause more breakouts.
MG: I do that.
EQ: I know and that’s why I told you to stop!
MG: K. Sorry.