So often, I am focused on health issues that affect the Ostomy community, and I spend a great deal of time mentoring and assisting those in need. All who know me, however, know that another huge passion of mine is the world of fashion and beauty. In fact, I believe that for the most part, there isn’t a beauty trend that has not appeared on my radar screen, although my age and stage of life prevent me from embracing all of them. One part of beauty that I never ignore, however, is that of skin care. Taking care of my skin has been paramount to me since many years ago when a wonderful aesthetician told me that although my makeup artistry was positive, my skin was in poor condition, and that makeup alone would never create the effect I desired.

Therefore, without further ado, I will share some of my thoughts. Please remember that, of course, we are all different, with different skin types. Similar to other ileostomates, however, I have very dry skin, because we lose fluid throughout the day and night. The winter months rob us of our natural moisture, as well, and all may feel the dryness in their homes and cars.

Key to good hydration is exfoliating or ridding the skin of the superficial layer which may be flaky and patchy. In order to do that, use an exfoliating cleanser two to three times a week. Almost every brand of skin care will have one, so I will leave it to you to find the one most comfortable for you. The good news is that the other nights, you can use any cleanser effectively since they only have to clean the face. I do not cleanse in the morning, despite working out every day. A splash of water towel-dried is usually enough.

Serums are key building blocks, and I use a vitamin C in the morning (Vibrance Super C or Nourishmax Vitamin C+B+E Ferulic Serum) are both wonderful; I use Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum at night.

My skin is now ready for hydration and I use either stureClinique Moisture Surge or Moisture Masque or Perricone MD Intensive Overnight Moisturizer. Nighttime is repair time for the skin so the creams will be particularly beneficial. Daytime means adding a dedicated sun protector moisturizer, and I look for at least an SPF of 30 or above.

Hyaluronic Acid preparations are fantastic for sealing the moisture, so nighttime means a thicker one (I use PCA Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask) and for daytime, their Hyaluronic Acid. Lastly, and oh, so important, is an emollient eye cream at night. I have found Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream to be worthy of the title! I warm it between my ring fingers at night and then a very light touch of it in the morning. Topping my lashline is Grande Lash MD serum for growth and strength and Vaseline to keep my lips moist. If you are wondering how I have any time to do anything else in life after my extensive skincare routine, I don’t blame you! I am out of breath just writing all of this. But like anything else, laying out the supplies I will use like I do my ostomy supplies, makes for quick application. And like my ostomy supplies, I just wouldn’t be ME without them.

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