💚 How to Detox Your Skin Naturally This New Year 💚

 New year, new skin! 🥂✨ If you're looking to refresh and reset your skin, here are my favorite natural detox tips to help you glow from the inside out:

🌿 1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Water is your skin’s best friend! Aim for at least 8 glasses a day to flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated and plump.  Women over 40 should aim for 90 oz. or more per day.  

🥗 2. Eat Skin-Loving Foods
Fill your plate with greens, berries, and healthy fats like avocado and salmon. Antioxidants + omega-3s = glowing skin!

🌬️ 3. Let Your Skin Breathe
Ditch heavy makeup once a week and let your skin take a breather.

🧴 4. Detox with a Charcoal Mask
A charcoal mask is your go-to for pulling out impurities, unclogging pores, and leaving your skin feeling refreshed. Pair it with a hydrating serum for the perfect balance.

Here is the Good Housekeeping Charcoal Mask Winner: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/concern/blemishes-acne/clearproof-deepcleansing-charcoal-mask-301029

🛁 5. Sweat It Out
Exercise or try a sauna session to release toxins through sweat. Just don’t forget to cleanse your skin afterward!

A great way to cleanse in the gym without needing water or a shower is to wipe down with Micellar Water: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/product/cleanser/mary-kay-micellar-water-990279407

💤 6. Get Your Beauty Sleep
Your skin repairs itself at night, so aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night to wake up looking refreshed.

💆‍♀️ 7. Practice Self-Care
Stress can wreak havoc on your skin. Take time to relax, whether it’s through yoga, journaling, or a calming skincare routine.

What’s your favorite way to detox your skin? Let’s kick off the year with a fresh, glowing start! 🌟

If you need help finding products to detox naturally, I’d love to help. Just drop me a message! 💌

For more help with Adult Acne, follow on Instagram at @breestillings or Join the Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1164076597262404

Why Does Acne Get Worse in Winter?

If you’ve noticed your acne flaring up as the temperatures drop, you’re not alone. Winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin, and for many, it’s a season when breakouts become more frequent. Understanding the connection between winter and worsening acne is key to taking the right steps to maintain clear, healthy skin.

The Role of Dry Air and Indoor Heating

In winter, the air outside becomes colder and drier, stripping your skin of its natural moisture. To make matters worse, indoor heating systems crank up the heat, creating a warm but moisture-depleted environment. This combination leads to dehydrated skin, a condition that often triggers your skin to overcompensate by producing excess oil.

This overproduction of oil can:

1. Clog your pores.
2. Mix with dead skin cells (which also build up faster in dry air).
3. Create the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria.

Essentially, winter conditions create a cycle where your skin struggles to maintain its natural balance, leading to more breakouts.

Tips for Staying Hydrated and Balanced

The good news? You can combat the effects of winter weather on your skin with a few simple adjustments:

1. Hydrate Inside and Out

• Drink More Water: It’s easy to forget about hydration when it’s cold, but your skin needs moisture from the inside. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily.
• Use a Humidifier: Running a humidifier in your home can restore moisture to the air, keeping your skin from drying out.

2. Switch to a Gentle Cleanser

Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of natural oils, exacerbating dryness. Opt for a hydrating, non-comedogenic cleanser that cleanses without leaving your skin feeling tight.

Here is my daily foaming cleanser with plant stem cells: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise-repair/timewise-repair-volufirm-foaming-cleanser-990324797

3. Moisturize Like a Pro

Layer your moisturizer to lock in hydration. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose lightweight, oil-free moisturizers.

Love your moisturizer but need something extra in the winter?  Apply this hydrating booster BEFORE your moisturizer to increase it's effectiveness: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/collection/clinical-solutions/mary-kay-clinical-solutions-ha-ceramide-hydrator-990284879

4. Protect Your Skin Barrier

Introduce a weekly exfoliant, like glycolic acid, to remove dead skin cells gently. This can prevent clogged pores without over-drying.

My Sunday Night  routine includes doing this Revealing Radiance Peel to exfoliate: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise-repair/timewise-repair-revealing-radiance-facial-peel-300524

5. Avoid Overheating Your Space

While it’s tempting to turn up the thermostat, overly warm indoor air can exacerbate dryness. Keep your home at a moderate temperature and bundle up instead.

6. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Yes, even in winter! UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, contributing to skin damage and inflammation. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin year-round.

This Daytime Defender prevents against UV rays AND Blue Light Rays: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/product/moisturizer/timewise-daytime-defender-spf-30-990307128

Why Balance Is Key

Your skin’s needs change with the seasons, and finding the right balance during winter is all about staying hydrated without overloading your skin with heavy or pore-clogging products. By addressing the root causes of winter acne—dehydration and oil overproduction—you can help your skin stay clear, calm, and healthy.

Remember, clear skin is not just about fighting acne—it’s about supporting your skin through every season. If you’re looking for more personalized skincare advice, I host virtual learning events where we dive deep into topics like this. Let me help you build a routine that works for you all year long!

Have more winter skin questions? Drop them in the comments below!

Cheering you on,

Bree

For daily tips follow @breestillings on Instagram

US Customers only, join the Facebook Community for Repairing Hormonal Acne:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1164076597262404

Postpartum Acne Journey: Finding Hope and Healing while balancing Hormones and Motherhood

There’s a unique kind of exhaustion that comes with new motherhood. Sleepless nights, feeding schedules, endless cycle of diapers and laundry, Oh my! But what many women aren’t prepared for, amid all the changes, is the sudden onset of hormonal acne. As if the roller coaster of new motherhood wasn’t enough, now you’re dealing with breakouts that remind you of teenage years you’d rather forget.

For many women, postpartum acne hits hard. And it’s not just the occasional pimple. It’s persistent, red, inflamed bumps, particularly around the jawline, chin, and cheeks, that only seem to get worse each day. The frustration is real, and for some, it becomes more than skin-deep. It can feel like your skin has become an enemy, magnifying the exhaustion and postpartum blues that are already at your door.

Why Postpartum Hormonal Acne Happens

When you’re pregnant, estrogen levels rise and, for some, result in that mythical “pregnancy glow.” I remember thinking my skin was the best it had ever been! But after birth, hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, drop sharply. For some women, this hormonal shift leads to an increase in androgens, male hormones that can trigger excess oil production and, in turn, acne, and surprise....facial hair.  Add in the stress of caring for a newborn, sleep deprivation, and likely less-than-ideal nutrition in the flurry of new motherhood, and you’ve got a perfect storm for hormonal acne.

If you’re experiencing this, please know you’re not alone. There’s no shame in feeling like your skin isn’t behaving, or that each new breakout feels like a personal defeat. You may even feel resentment toward your body for putting you through one more battle.

Rediscovering Hope and Finding Solutions

Let’s take a breath together. You are doing something extraordinary every single day. But you deserve to feel confident, and you deserve to feel cared for, too.

I’ve been where you are—desperate to make it go away, trying every product I could get my hands on, only to be let down again and again. And after many years, I realized it wasn’t about an overnight fix. It was about understanding what my skin needed and giving it grace, patience, and gentleness. It was about learning to love myself despite my imperfections.

Here are a few things that have helped me and many other mommas get through the worst of hormonal acne:

1. Simplify Your Routine: A few quality products can go a long way. Focus on a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and (when you’re ready) a treatment like glycolic acid or another AHA. Less is more, especially on sensitive, inflamed skin.

2. Focus on Nourishment: When you’re exhausted, it’s easy to reach for quick snacks and sugary drinks. I get it—I've been there. But small changes, like adding more greens and healthy fats, can have a calming effect on inflamed skin over time.  Make the investment in high quality, plant based protein powders to get your nutrients on the go.

3. Be Kind to Yourself: Don’t let your skin’s appearance affect how you see yourself. You are enough, exactly as you are. Those tiny humans you’re raising love you unconditionally, acne and all.  So SHOW up in the dang selfie with your baby!

4. Seek Support: Talk to your healthcare provider if your acne is severe, as there may be postpartum-safe treatments that can help. And remember, there are communities of women who’ve been through this and understand the struggle. You don’t have to face it alone.

Moving Forward Together

If there’s one thing I want you to take from this, it’s that you are seen and understood. You are not alone on this journey. Hormonal acne doesn’t define you, and it will get better. Be gentle with yourself, give your skin the time it needs, and remember to look at that beautiful face in the mirror with the same love you show to everyone else. 

Follow @breestillings on Instagram for daily tips

Does using multiple brands of skincare hurt or help?

Do you have a bathroom cabinet full of different products?  

Do you love trying new things that you see on TikTok or Marshalls?

Having a drawer full of different products can actually harm your skin.  Here's why:

Using multiple skincare brands can lead to potential issues like:

1. Ingredient Overload: Mixing products from different brands may unintentionally combine ingredients that don't work well together, leading to irritation, dryness, or breakouts.

2. Inconsistent Formulations: Different brands use varying concentrations of active ingredients, which can disrupt your skin's balance and cause sensitivity.

3. Redundant Products: Using similar products (like multiple exfoliants or acne treatments) from different brands can result in over-exfoliation or irritation, damaging your skin barrier.

4. Allergic Reactions: Without knowing the full ingredient list compatibility, there's a risk of triggering allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.

It's best to stick with a curated routine where products were designed to work together or consult a professional to ensure products work harmoniously for your skin type.

Next time you are allured by a beautiful new feature at the store, remind yourself about these potential issues.  Stick to one brand that you love!

Shop the #1 Direct Selling Beauty Brand in the world for 2 straight years: www.marykay.com/bstillings

The Top 10 Skincare MYTHS!

 Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking at the 1st ever Female Veterans Empowerment Luncheon for their "Mind, Body, and Soul" event.

Here are my notes:

Here are some of the top skincare myths that often circulate:

1. Oily skin doesn't need moisturizer
   Many believe that using moisturizer on oily skin will make it worse. However, skipping moisturizer can actually trigger more oil production. The key is to use an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer.

2. Higher SPF means better protection
   SPF 100 doesn’t offer double the protection of SPF 50. In fact, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Higher SPFs provide only marginally more protection, and reapplying is more important than using the highest number.

3. Tanning clears up acne
   While tanning might temporarily reduce redness, UV exposure can actually make acne worse over time by damaging the skin and leading to more breakouts.

4. You don’t need sunscreen indoors
   UVA rays can penetrate windows, meaning you still need sunscreen even if you're indoors, especially near windows or screens.

5. Anti-aging products are only for older people
   Prevention is key. Using anti-aging products, such as retinol or antioxidants, in your 20s and 30s can help slow the aging process and maintain youthful skin.

6. Natural products are always better for your skin
   Just because a product is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Some natural ingredients, like essential oils, can be irritating to certain skin types.

7. Pores can open and close
   Pores don’t have muscles to open or close. However, steam can help loosen debris inside them, making them appear smaller once cleaned out.

8. Exfoliating daily is good for your skin
   Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and strip away its natural barrier, leading to more harm than good. It's best to exfoliate 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin type.

9. Drinking water is enough to hydrate your skin
   While hydration is important, drinking water alone won't solve skin dehydration. A good moisturizer is needed to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.

10. Expensive skincare products work better
    Price doesn’t always equate to effectiveness. The key is to look for the right ingredients that work for your skin type and concerns.

These are some myths that, when busted, can really elevate a skincare routine! Do any stand out that you'd like to focus on in your events or promotions?

Understanding Hormonal Acne: Causes, Treatments, and How to Regain Control of Your Skin

 Hormonal acne can feel like a never-ending battle, showing up just when you think your skin is under control. It doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager or an adult—hormonal acne can affect anyone. But what exactly causes it, and most importantly, how can you treat it? Let’s dive into the world of hormonal acne and explore how you can take charge of your skin health.

What is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne, as the name suggests, is acne that’s directly tied to fluctuations in your hormones. While acne is often associated with puberty, hormonal acne can appear at any age, and is especially common in adult women. The reason? Hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and even stress can trigger breakouts.

These fluctuations can cause an overproduction of oil (sebum) in the skin, which clogs pores and leads to the development of pimples, cysts, blackheads, and whiteheads. Typically, hormonal acne appears on the lower part of the face—around the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks—but it can show up anywhere.

How to Tell if Your Acne is Hormonal

Not all acne is hormonal, so how can you tell the difference? Here are a few signs:

• Location: Hormonal acne usually appears on the lower third of your face (jawline, chin, and neck).
• Timing: If you notice your breakouts coincide with your menstrual cycle, there’s a good chance your acne is hormonal.
• Cysts: Hormonal acne often results in deeper, more painful cysts rather than surface-level pimples.

How to Treat Hormonal Acne

Treating hormonal acne requires a multifaceted approach. It’s important to address the root cause—hormonal imbalance—while also taking care of your skin. Here are some of the most effective treatments:

1. Topical Treatments

• Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives help speed up cell turnover, preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Helps kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin's surface.
• Salicylic Acid: This beta-hydroxy acid exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores, making it great for surface acne and blackheads.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Stress Management: Reducing stress through yoga, meditation, or regular exercise can help balance hormones and improve skin health.
• Diet: Limiting foods that cause spikes in insulin, like refined carbs and sugar, can help reduce breakouts. Some people find success with anti-inflammatory diets rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

3. Professional Skincare Treatments

• Chemical Peels: Help to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and promote faster healing of acne scars.

Regaining Control of Your Skin

Dealing with hormonal acne can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can regain control of your skin. Start by consulting with a dermatologist to identify the best treatment plan tailored to your needs. It’s important to remember that what works for someone else may not work for you, so be patient and consistent with your treatment plan.

Schedule a CHAT with ME!!!!!!

Final Thoughts

Hormonal acne is more than just a skincare issue—it’s a reflection of what’s happening inside your body. Understanding the root cause, whether it’s hormonal imbalances, stress, or lifestyle factors, is key to managing and treating it effectively. By combining targeted skincare products, oral treatments, and healthy habits, you can clear up your skin and regain confidence.

Remember, clear skin is a journey, not an overnight fix. Stick with your routine, be patient, and let your skin heal from the inside out.

Schedule a CHAT with ME to come up with a plan that fits your lifestyle, budget, and dreams of clear skin.

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What is the difference between Tretinoin and Retinol for Acne and Aging?

 Tretinoin and retinol are both forms of vitamin A used in skincare, but they differ in strength, potency, and how they work:

1. Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid):

   • Prescription strength: Tretinoin is a more potent form of vitamin A and is available only by prescription.
   • Faster results: Since it’s already in its active form (retinoic acid), it doesn’t need to be converted by the skin, making it more effective and delivering quicker results.
   • Uses: It is commonly prescribed for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. It works by speeding up skin cell turnover and promoting collagen production.
   • Side effects: Tretinoin can be more irritating to the skin, especially for first-time users. Common side effects include dryness, redness, peeling, and increased sensitivity to the sun.

2. Retinol:

   • Over-the-counter: Retinol is a gentler form of vitamin A available in many skincare products without a prescription.
   • Slower results: Retinol must be converted into retinoic acid by the skin before it becomes active, so it takes longer to show results compared to tretinoin.
   • Uses: Retinol is also used for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and treating mild acne, but it works more slowly and is less irritating, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
   • Side effects: While retinol can still cause irritation, it is generally much milder compared to tretinoin.

Both are effective for anti-aging and acne, but tretinoin is stronger and acts faster, whereas retinol is milder and better suited for beginners or sensitive skin.

Shop my favorite Retinol 24/7: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/skincare/mary-kay-clinical-solutions-retinol-05-set-990280260

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