Project Skin Deep: Healing from Rosacea and Dermatitis

Here's a recent sweaty selfie after a run. This
is a no make up and no filter look.

They say that a woman's skin cannot hide her secrets. Had she been sleeping late, bingeing on chocolates or stressing over an issue, a pimple breakout would tell her story. Had she taken a little too much margarita on a Friday night out, her lackluster skin on the following day would give it away.

When I had the first signs of dermatitis late in 2010, I was quick to attribute it to a skin allergy and its medication without any sound basis. Scaling near the hairline was a skin problem that popped up from time to time yet, it did not bother me as much as when the scaling worsened and appeared on other parts of my face. Adding to the problem was what later on appeared as mild rosacea, which caused some itching and stinging sensation on my cheeks and between my brows.

Out of worry, I went on a product trial spree---changing my 10-year daily skin regimen to other drug store products and organic finds known to be effective on sensitive skin. None of them solved the scaling and flare ups.

It was only in February this year when I finally saw a skin expert in the name of Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell, Makati Medical Center's Chair of Dermatopathology and Founder of VMV Hypoallergenics. She diagnosed my skin problems as mild rosacea, and seborrheic and photocontact dermatitis. Dr. Verallo's approach to managing my skin problems was holistic. She inquired about my activities and sources of stress as a way to internally address the cause of my woes. Externally, her prescription included washing my face with Oil So Well Virgin Coconut Oil in the morning and at night time; rubbing Red Better Daily Moisturizer on areas affected with rosacea; and putting on Skintangible, a BB cream with SPF 30, every morning.

After six months of consistent use, coupled with healthy lifestyle activities that she advised me to sustain, I am already reaping the benefits of a clearer and healthier skin.

Sharing how I did it with what worked and what did not through the following tips:

1. Get an expert's advice - Here's something that you should not do: Google your skin woes.

At the onset of my rosacea, I relied on Google to take me to popular medical websites that offered descriptions of common skin problems and their corresponding medications. Despite insistent reminders to see a dermatologist, I still chose a DIY approach to solving my skin problems only to realize much, much later that none of my solutions ever seemed to work.

2. Opt for sustainable skin care - I have always lived by the philosophy that skin care should be affordable (within one's budget), accessible (can be easily bought) and always available (self-explanatory). When Dr. Verallo recommended VMV Hypoallergenics, I had no reservations because they were well within my personal skin care budget---not to mention that VMV stores offer occasional 10-15% discounts, and their well-stocked stores are present in malls that are near my home and workplace. I should also say that VMV allows product reservations by phone so if a shop happens to have run out of a preferred item, you can always reserve from another store and agree on a reasonable date or time for pick up.

3. Observe good hygiene - Even the best products in the market can be ineffective when used inconsistently and when good hygiene is not practiced. I would have been cleared from dermatitis earlier had there been no times - rare ones - that I fell asleep with my make up on.

4. Practice healthy lifestyle - The introduction to this post best explains why one should eat healthy and exercise. To eat healthy does not require depriving one's self with the foods we love; all it takes is a conscious effort to eat clean at least 80% of the time. Eating clean means choosing fresh and organic fruits and vegetables - especially those that nourish the skin - over processed food or it can simply be choosing healthy home-cooked meals over some oily fastfood.

Getting enough exercise also helps keep many skin problems (and other diseases) at bay. A good cardio like running, brisk walking, biking and zumba can help improve blood circulation and cleanse pores.

5. Drink lots of water - Water cleanses our body from toxins and other impurities. A well-hydrated body reveals better complexion and helps us feel revitalized after a stressful day at work.

6. Catch the zzzs before they bite - Without enough sleep, our body releases more cortisol -- the stress hormone that can break down skin collagen. Lack of sleep can result in dull skin, fine lines and those hard to rid dark circles under the eyes. Lastly, sleep facilitates cell regeneration, which is essential to curing both skin and emotional problems.

7. Center in your core - Common skin infections with external causes can be easily cured with topical medications; however, persistent problems such as rosacea and dermatitis are said to be more complex than what they seem to be. Studies suggest that stress is a strong factor as such, treatment should be administered more than skin deep.

A lot of this inner work can be addressed by regular meditation, mindfulness and yoga. Being aware of the sources of stress and taking steps to abate them with a calm and focused mind can make wonders not only on our skin but on our whole well-being.

3 Things that Running Taught Me

I never was the sporty type but in April this year, I started running, along with biking and swimming, in an attempt to get back into shape. At that time, I was already spilling bulges off my clothes, refusing to shop for tops and bottoms that should be one or two sizes bigger than my old ones.

Little did I know that more than helping me lose weight, running would teach me things that trained me mentally for my journey to well-being.

1. Focus

Finished 10k in 01:19:41
during my second running event.

When I started running, I had a very clear goal in mind: I wanted to lose weight. A secondary goal was for me to become better at it, having been challenged by some people who did not think I was serious enough about the sport.

To do this, I had to be very disciplined in training. Instead of finding excuses, I made opportunities happen despite my priorities at home and at work, my four-hour daily commute notwithstanding. I also learned that it is impossible to train well if I am both physically and mentally unfit. So I took care of my body by eating right, getting enough sleep and yes, shopping for clothes and shoes that are perfect for running!

From a mere 1k, which I could not finish without alternating walks and panting, I was able to do a full 10k with hardly any walking and pausing for rest.

In running long distances, it is hardly about running fast; it is reaching the finish line. Goal over speed. With this, I realize that FOCUS is the key to meeting one's goal no matter what the odds are and how ambitious it may be.

2. Mindfulness

To maintain focus despite the many things on my priority list, I had to learn to sweep away all worries and fears, and adopt the "I'm here in the now" attitude when I go on my runs. I had to focus not only on each and every step I make, but also on my breathing. At the same time, I had to put all my senses at work in the scene -- whether it's a cityscape of tall buildings or a good landscape filled with lush lawns and old trees -- to remain in the present.

Love running in places with scenic views

As I learned to observe proper breathing and posture in running, each activity became an opportunity to practice mindfulness, a part of the Buddhist tradition, which enables self-transcendence.

Because of this, I often end my runs feeling refreshed with a clear mind and an energized body---full of love and gratitude, and ready to give more of myself to others.

3. Consistency

It's not how you start but how you finish.

My first running event.
It's always great to run for a cause.

One common mistake among those who just started running (and I am one of them) is beginning at top speed, which immediately exhausts the body. What I failed to take into consideration in doing this was that I have to gain my momentum---meaning, I had to let it build up. And once it has, I have to preserve it all throughout my run for me to reach the finish line at an acceptable time.

Similarly, I have to follow consistency in practice. One cannot just be a better runner overnight. It takes practice. It takes discipline. I figured, one of the things that I have to improve on in myself is consistency.

I am glad that running just taught me this.

Today's Reflection: Place Your Life Before God

From a friend in faith:

If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

Romans 12: 6-8 (The Message)