Ahh the highs and lows of motherhood. Before having Boden I was in the clear — literally — with my skin. Afterward — not so much. This year I’m dedicated to getting back to clear skin — once and for all. I’m leaning on the expertise of my friends at Lifted Beauty & Wellness for their help and will be sharing my journey.

My Skincare History

I’ve always struggled with acne. Puberty gave me hell in high school. I had an oily t-zone and plenty of pimples to add color and texture on my cheeks, chin, forehead. Thank god for Cover Girl compacts, ammiright?

My parents took me see a dermatologist, where I remember them prescribing me topical ointment along with using Cetaphil cleanser. It subsided. Then it came back and I got on a Proactiv regimen. Then this went on and on throughout college and post-college. I’m sure my unhealthy habits around binge eating Pita Pit, drinking Coors Light and lack of water didn’t help.

As I progressed through my twenties, I realized how a healthier lifestyle directly impacted how I felt on the inside, and then looked on the outside. I was working out regularly, sweating out toxins. Eating more greens, drinking a ton of water. I still would have a good time on the weekends, which would often throw me off, but my face was better. And in return, I gained more confidence.

Enter my thirties and it’s a whole new ballgame. I finally felt like I figured out the right mix between working out, eating, and living life well. I left the stresses of my 9-5 and dove headfirst into entrepreneurship — where setting a morning routine was my jam. Doing the things that fueled me.

Then, as I hit my 33rd birthday, I became pregnant — just as I had planned. I was in the best shape of my life and my skin was reflective of that. That whole “you’re glowing” thing proved to be true during my 1st and 2nd trimester. Yet in the 3rd, I was graced with my old friend’s presence once again — not on my face, but on my back.

Hormones are a hell of a thing. I definitely don’t have all the answers here but I know they are directly related to the highs and lows I’ve experienced with my skin. After having Bo, the horrific backne calmed down. Until about month three when I was hit with postpartum anxiety and depression outta nowhere. It was hard. I was emotional, down, stuck. And my face… back to its oily self. Pimples that were deep and painful. Texture on my face everywhere. A vicious and recurring cycle month over month that always heightened during my period.

I tried many products — which spoiler alert, as an influencer can be a positive and a negative. My skin is sensitive, so jumping around from product to product, no matter how clean or medically backed, did not help my healing process. Not to mention the whole wearing a mask in 2020 thing. I grew tired and frustrated and desperate.

2021 : My Year for Clear Skin w/ Lifted

So enter 2021. I’ve been a mother for almost a year and a half, and I am ready to cut the shit. I crave a fresh face. Clear skin. No makeup. Full confidence. I’m disciplined when it comes to life and so if changes need to be made — I’m ready for them.

I’m a believer in things happening for a reason, and so when Beth, the owner of Lifted Beauty and Wellness, reached out to me to inquire about a photoshoot with The Grey Edit Photo, I was excited to not only work with her, but learn more about her story and business.

The team at Lifted is amazing. We’ve been shooting content for their marketing needs regularly and each time I’m left with a sore face from smiling and a ton of info on what they offer. I confided to the fresh-faced crew about my struggles with acne, scarring, discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Beth put my mind at ease relaying confidently that they could help…

sign me up.

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Lifted’s Plan for Clear Skin

The images above were taken at my first appointment with Lifted. We took pictures and I chatted with Beth and the team about the recurring issues with my skin. We put together a game plan consisting of a few key elements:

1. Icon Laser Skin Revitalization
2. HydraFacials
3. Medical Grade Skincare Products (Epionce)
4. Hormone Testing/Balancing

Sharing a bit about each element below:

Step 1 :: Icon Laser Skin Revitalization

At this first appointment, we would tackle the laser treatment, which sounds much scarier than it really is. The Icon laser skin revitalization is a non-surgical treatment that uses lasers to rejuvenate the skin and reverse the aging process. The laser technology is also referred to as an “IPL” for intense pulsed light.

The images below showcase this treatment being done by IngaLisa, a Master Aesthetician at Lifted. She used a cooling tube and gel to lessen the heat, but it was very little to no pain. The lasers stimulate collagen and elastin production — which in the end result in a reduction of scars/redness. As you can see, the color is heightened in the process (which means it’s actually working).

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Overall, the appointment was exciting and relaxing. The results were noticeable — my skin looked fresh and rejuvenated. Typically, patients can notice improvements after their first treatment, but because of the scarring and deeper acne issues I’m dealing with, it was going to take me a few more. Below are shots I captured upon returning home (with samples of skincare products to try out that would help the process).

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Step 2 :: HydraFacials

Two weeks later, I returned to Lifted for a HydraFacial treatment. If you haven’t yet tried this type of treatment, please do yourself a favor and book it now. It’s SO good.

The treatment is non-invasive and uses a suction type tip that has water flowing through it and various serums custom to your needs. It cleanses, extracts and exfoliates while hydrating all in one and feels so purifying. HydraFacials remove the gunk from your pores and afterwards, you can see it floating around in the water/solution — which is truly gratifying. An elevated facial to say the least that helps even out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

The treatment was done to help maintain my skin results from the IPL and I definitely noticed a difference walking out. I’ll plan to get more of these as well for maintenance.

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Step 3 :: Medical Grade Skincare Products (Epionce)

After testing out one of Lifted’s preferred skincare lines, Epionce, over the last two weeks, I decided to purchase a handful of products that would help me achieve my goals. Epionce is an evidence-based product line developed by dermatologist Dr. Carl Thornfeldt whose passion is rebuilding the skin barrier. It’s sold only through licensed skincare professionals, such as Lifted, and I am loving everything from the scent, consistency and feeling with each product I’ve been using.

Below is my new skincare regimen as suggested by the Lifted team:

1. Cleanse with Purifying Wash (contains salicylic acid to treat and prevent acne)
2. Apply Lytic Sport Tx and leave on for 5-7 min (helps to reduce imperfections/texture)
3. Apply Intense Defense Serum (includes botanical sources for anti-aging)
4. Moisturize with Renewal Facial Lotion (improves radiance, reduces signs of aging)
5. Spot Treat with Purifying Spot Gel (penetrates pores, clearing blemishes)
6. Apply Renew Eye Cream (reducing dark circles and puffiness)
7. Finish with Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen (UV protection, slight coverage)

If you’re interested in trying Epionce, you can buy directly through Lifted Beauty & Wellness in Madrona, or use their code for free shipping on the Epionce website.

Step 4 :: Hormone Testing/Balancing

Last but not least, is hormone testing. Another amazing aspect about Lifted is that they have a Medical Director, who’s a licensed Naturopathic Physician. Dr. Patrick Fox believes in connecting the dots to each person’s unique makeup to discover and treat the root cause of the issue. Beth suggested I connect with him to get my hormone levels checked through bloodwork to learn if there’s something causing my skin issues and how I can rebalance.

This week, I see Dr. Fox at his Fremont Practice, Constellation Naturopathic, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ll be sharing more about my experience and learnings in another post — as I know it’s going to be eye-opening.

In the meantime, I hope this post could was helpful to you in case you’re experiencing similar issues and craving clear skin. I’d love to learn any solutions you’ve found to be helpful in the comments below.