Since Junior High school, I have had hair growing on my areas of my face and neck. The sadness began when I could hear the whispers from my classmates. I actually had someone say to me, "you're wolfing". I can recall being extremely hurt by the comment because I was actually in relationship with this person. Like, what they said and how they said things mattered to me.
I actually don't remember the first time I used a razor on my face/neck. It was the worst thing that I could have ever done!!! I mean the worst. I didn't know any better. I wish that I did. After doing research (years later) I only (now) use topical creams and tweezers to remove the hair on my face/neck.
I believe the condition that affects the condition of my skin is Hirsutism. I have done my own personal research, but I haven't had my skin diagnosed by a professional in over a year. I've had 2 previous consultations and was always advised to consider laser resurfacing/laser hair removal. At this point I haven't had the finances to take that option.
Some days I feel like when people see me, it's all that they see. I've cried over it. I've been stressed about it. I have had pity parties in the mirror over it. For years, I wouldn't leave the house without wearing foundation because of it. Part of my desire for perfect skin is totally related to the condition of my skin. If you've never had a skin condition, you won't understand. I can admit that I've felt ugly. Harsh, but true.
Writing this blog is hard
I think I've started this process over 10 times and just felt like I couldn't do it. Today, as I sat with my mirror and my tweezers, I was thinking about how tired I am of the process. I've learned that in sharing, you inspire and help others so in my attempt to feel better, I decided to share.
I have used toners and brighteners, unfortunately because of the pressure on the skin with removing the hair, the bumps don't get better and the discoloration continues. I have learned to control how I remove the hair with tweezers. That, is hard. It's hard not tearing into the skin for that last piece of hair. REAL HARD. When you want it gone, you simply want it gone.
Now the other hard part....
here's my skin
no makeup, no brows but I had to do a lip! *girls in red rock*
Skin was cleaned. No other products were added.
lower chin area
notice how some of the hair grows straight and some curled
full chin/upper neck area
jawline/upper neck area
side of face/lower jawline area
this is a few days after a hair removal using topical cream
side/jawline area
enlarged to show skin texture
the inflamed bumps are very painful
the bumps with external hair aren't as bad
with makeup
I have managed to work at getting a good coverage. I'll admit, this is the reason why I prefer a cream foundation because there's no point in me wearing makeup unless it covers my hyperpigmentation.
If you struggle with this...
I'd like to know how you maintain your skin? What products you use to help with the reduction of hair growth? What products you use to brighten the skin?
Thanks for reading.