Ever since we moved to Sonoma County in March, my skin has been kind of a nightmare. The water here is much harder than the water in Alameda County (who would have thought that our city water would be so much better than the country water? Sad but true), and my skin has been reacting badly. And I’ve been trying everything I can think of to bring things back into balance: I tried using rubbing alcohol rather than soap and water to wash my face, on the recommendation of a friend. I tried using a witch hazel toner after washing my face with soap and water, to get rid the remnants of soap scum that hard water supposedly leaves behind. I’ve tried various potions and serums and treatments. But I’m still getting nasty pimples that take FOREVER to go away.
So after doing seriously extensive research, I decided to splurge and by a Clarisonic Mia2. I’ve heard great things from friends and other bloggers about how clean and clear it leaves their skin. And I need some clean and clear these days.
So far I’ve only had it for a few days, and my initial impression is positive: I do notice that my skin feels a lot smoother after washing. But will it be the miracle I’ve been looking for? Will it make the difference for me that it claims to make? Is it worth the kind of ridiculous price tag? I’ll let you know…
I always have problems with my skin whenever I move or visit a place with different water. Luckily it always recovers after it acclimates. Hopefully that will be the case with you. Good ol rubbing alcohol was my trusty routine for many years! I wish it still worked. You can try using distilled or spring water, or even filtered water to wash your face. But your face will still be in contact with hard water when you bathe, so I’m not sure how much that will help. There are things you can do to counteract the hardness and pH difference of the water though that may help clear things up. I found a filtered showerhead that can solve one of your problems, and it’s an inexpensive fix: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0006VVN1S/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?keywords=filtered%20shower%20head&qid=1388724741&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
You may be able to find a wash that balances pH as well. Good luck darling!
XOXO
You were the friend I was talking about re: trying rubbing alcohol! I remember you telling me that years and years ago. But I didn’t really like the way it made my skin feel. Thanks for the shower head recommendation!
I have found that Mario Badescu’s spot treatments work great for me, so maybe check them out until you get things under control. The drying lotion in particular really seems to speed up getting rid of whiteheads.