dr.callender – The Lupie Chick Project

Hi loves,
Thank you for all the compliments you guys have given me about my skin ( and hair). I appreciate all the love and I’m shocked that so many of you have noticed. Most of you know that I had scarring left from a Lupus flare up and I was really embarrassed and insecure about my face. I wore full coverage makeup( foundation) along with Dermablend – EVERYDAY – including hot summer days. I now only wear press powder ( yes!!!). I eventually found a dermatologist who took the time to access all of my skin care issues & needs. My dermatologist is Dr. Callender. She has taught me how to care for my skin at home and has turned my skin around!!!!! I started to see improvement in 4 weeks. Click Here to revisit ” Loving the Skin I’m In” The number one thing she has taught me is SPF!!! Yes, ladies- if you’re African American YOU STILL NEED SUN SCREEN!!!! ( because I have Lupus I have to use SPF 70, but all of my products contain at least SPF 50)

Naked Face ** Summer 2011 **

MAY-May 9, 2012- Naked Face

I tried to get up close so that ya”ll could my skin

Alot of you have asked what am I doing for my skin. I will share my regimen with you all, BUT this is a regimen that works for me and my skin type and was pescribed to me by Dr. Callender. I highly suggest that if you’re experiencing any skin issues, you should consult with a dermatologist before starting any new regimen or before applying new products to your face.

Skin Type: OILY- problematic, sensitive skin with large pores..

Morning

Splash my face with cool water
Apply Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Face Wash ( From The Body Shop) with fingers
Cleanse face with Clarisonic Cleansing Brush
Rinse Face with cool water ( using fingers/hand- NO WASH CLOTH)
Pat Dry
Spritz face with Rose Water ( I use it as a toner)
Apply Neutrogena Moisturizer with SPF 70
**Optional**-if I’m wearing makeup I apply Philips Milk of Magnesia as a face primer
Apply make up ( Clinque Stay Matte Sheer Press Powder)

Evening

Remove makeup with a makeup wipe ( I use neutrogena makeup remover pads or unscented baby wipes)
Do the oil cleansing method ( 50:50 mix of Grapeseed oil & Castor oil, 2 drops of vitamin E) ** I only do this if I’m wearing makeup.. If not I skip this..**
Steam face with a warm (soft) wash cloth, wipe away oil residue
(1) pump of neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser ( purple bottle)
Apply with hands/rinse with cool water
Pat dry
Spritz face with rose water
Apply 4% strength hydroquione with a q-tip to any dark marks or blemishes
Apply a thin layer of Differin Gel

Weekly

Change my pillow cases
Wash my makeup brushes ( using EVOO and Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo)

Monthly

First Sunday of every month Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Bi-Monthly

See Dr. Callender

Quarterly

Classic pearl facial at The Pearl Spa ( in Fulton, MD )

Today May 9th- Pressed Powder, Blush, Eyeshadow,

& LipGloss ( Hair Flat-Twist Out)

There you have it! That’s my regimen- and I stick to it- no matter how sleepy or tired I maybe. I take the time to do all the above. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get rest. Suffering from insomnia I’m still struggling with getting enough sleep. ** Baby steps**

People with lupus know the disease can affect various parts of their body, both inside and out, in a variety of ways. Though lupus is known to affect the joints, kidneys, heart and lungs, more often than not, one of the clearest signs that a person has developed the disease is the way it affects the skin.

Lupus had (in my opinion) had taken my beauty. My face was on display for everyone to give me that side eye and saying ” what the heck happen to you??” Although my family and friends assured me that I was beautiful and it was “ok”- I felt like that ugly duckling. A dear friend of mine ( First lady of Blue Line Productions – Rana) sent me a message one day that read ” I miss your pretty face”. She was referring to not seeing me out and about at local functions in the DC metro area, I started balling- because I literally MISSED MY PRETTY FACE! I’m 6″2 and wear 5 inch stilettos ( well I use too, until lupus started affecting my joints and my feet- damn him!) and I would walk in a room LIKE I OWNED IT-( at least like I paid the light bill..lol..lol..)- then came the red sores, the black scares, and the discoloration in my face- and my obsession with Dermablend!!!!! I would pack that stuff on like my life depended on it. I was hiding… and worse of all- I hated the skin I was in……

** wearing full coverage Dermablend makeup **

My physician gave me a referral to see Valerie D. Callender, M.D. to assist with my skin condition

Dr. Valerie Callender is an internationally recognized Board Certified Dermatologist, who is known for her expertise in Pigmentation Disorders and the medical and surgical treatment of Hair Loss in Women. Dr. Callender has written twelve (12) textbook chapters and many articles for academic journals. She has recently co-edited a textbook on the Treatment for Skin of Color

Dr. Callender office is located at 1220 Annapolis Road, Suite 315, Glendale, MD (301)249-0970. Her office offer a range of facial treatments, cosmetic procedures, & body treatments. On my appointment date- the office was PACKED! The ladies at the reception area were very nice and & courteous. My wait wasn’t as long as I expected ( I waited maybe 15 minutes before I was taken to the examination room). Dr. Callender’s assistant took a quick assesment of my medical history, and my concerns. 10 minutes later enter in Dr. Callender herself. We chatted a bit, she tried to lighten the “mood” ( I was very tense and nervous). As soon as Dr. Callender put on her gloves and started examining my face, the tears started to flow. She immediately stopped and comforted me. She continued her examine, speaking in a calm voice and re assuring me that all was going to be ok. I advised her what I had been doing, what products I’d been using, and just blurted out ” I hate the way I look, I don’t look good and I don’t feel good”. We discussed treatment plans, and she tried to assure me that she would help me. She asked me to trust her- she told me SHE WOULD NOT GIVE UP – MY SKIN WILL BE CLEAR AGAIN! At the end of the examine, I ask- ” what makeup brand would you recommend for me?” she looked up at me ( dead in the eyes) and replied ” NONE- when I get through, you wont need makeup!” ** what did she just say.. I wont need make up … whoo freakin hooooooo!!!! let the treatment begin!!!!** {insert laughter from myself and Dr. Callender}

Below is my daily routine prescribed to me by Dr. Callender ( she actually wrote this down for me- including the steps!!!!)

** yes, my clarisonic is PURPLE in honor of my daily fight with Lupus**

~AM~

Cleanse (w/ clarisonic brush & Neutrogena Forming Face Wash)

SPF 70 ( all over face)

apply hydroquinone (4% strength) to dark spots ( using a qtip)

optional: apply makeup

~PM~

Cleanse (w/clarisonic brush & Neutrogena Foaming Face Wash)

Apply thin layer of Differin Gel ( all over face)

apply hydroquinone (4% strength) to dark spots ( using a q-tip)

I have been following this routine for 4 weeks. Look at me now!!!!!

Category: dr.callender

REQUESTED – My Skin Regimen

Loving The Skin I’m In