Category: lupus

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Day 1: Why I Write About My Health #NHBPM

The Lupie Chick
When I was first diagnosed with Lupus, I instantly took to the internet. I wanted to arm myself with as much information as possible. I was prepared to be over whelmed and immersed in everything regarding Lupus.  I was alarmed by the amount of “repetitive” information that was available. Everything was a repeat and very “ text book” .  I was clear what Lupus is (was), but I wasn’t clear as to how people lived with Lupus. What a day was like for a Lupie Chick ™.  How Lupus affected friendships/relationships/marriages.  How Lupus affected people’s mental state.  How Lupus affected peoples emotional/physical/sexual health. I had LOTS of questions.  I could not find what I was looking for; nothing was really answering what I wanted to know.  (For me), I needed visual, clear, concise answer(s). Based on the lack of information available, I decided to write from my perspective and keep it REAL & RAW (no sugar coating). If I was in pain I wanted to describe or show pictures of the type of pain or the intensity level of the pain. I was going to show my bare face (without makeup) and talk about the scares, the nasty remarks, and assumptions people make about you when you have an invisible disease. I wanted to provide an outlet for my fellow Lupie Chicks™ to know that they were not alone and we could cyber space high five each other.
I will never forget my first posting telling the world, I Have Lupus; people were calling me with tears in their voice telling me I had taken them on an emotional roller coaster. I heard from friends I havent from in years (more than 10).  It wasn’t my intention to make anyone cry or become upset, I wrote from the heart.  I wrote as if I was speaking to my girlfriends or family. I’ve found that my ability to be open and my style of writing works for the type of platform I’m building.
I’ve started posting daily pictures of myself saying Hello /Good Morning to my fellow lupies. If I miss a day, people will inbox me on Facebook or text me and say “where is our daily picture?”  I never knew that a simple picture would/could make someone’s day, or provide a little encouragement.  
Not too long ago, I received a mention on Twitter that said “because of the Lupie Chick I know more than I ever thought I could or wanted to know about Lupus and the struggle”.  I don’t know this young lady, never knew that she read my blog or tweets. I received a message from another young lady telling me “because of your blog I now know how to be a better friend “. I don’t get many (any) comments on my blog, and I wasn’t positive if anyone was reading my blog, UNTIL  I get the random messages, text,  or tags of people wearing purple, or mentions of “ The Lupie Chick”.  Just the other day, my hands had swollen and I was in severe pain. I posted a picture on line and a young lady asks “what’s lupus?”  I was in too much pain to type (reply) on my mobile, but I fought through and took a screen shot of the Lupus Foundation page explaining what Lupus is. Even in my mist of a challenge I was able to educate someone on this little known invisible disease.  I’m so honored and humbled to be able to do what I do, and I’m MORE honored and humbled to my readers and audience who help spread awareness.   I know that I will never stop writing, I will never stop bringing awareness, and I will never keep quiet – This is WHY I Write About My Health!
Until Next Time,
Live ~ Laugh ~ Love
Stay Connected
Instagram:@naturally_lupie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mzSixx
Twitter: @lupieeChick & @AuNaturaleDC

The information included on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Atlanta, aunaturale, autoimmune, diabetes, domestic violence, healthy, Iyanla Vanzant, life, lupie chick, lupus, lupus Awareness, majestic divas, mz sixx, peace, purple, womens health

Are you living in PEACE or PIECES??

The Lupie Chick



Painting by Yvette Crocker
Yesterday I spoke to an ex (whom I haven’t spoken to or seen in more than 17 years). He seems so broken dealing with a lot of heath issues (specifically diabetes) and the lost of his immediate family members. He had been dealing with a lot of guilt from situations that occurred during our relationship and had remained in that moment. Listening to him made me realize that we have life choices.  We can live in PEACE or PIECES! I realized that I choose peace while he had chosen pieces. Yes, I know it is very difficult and hurtful to lose all of you immediate family members, and it’s also difficult to live with an illness (the same illness that had taken the lives of his family), BUT you have to choose PEACE. Choose to deal with whatever is before you and GO THROUGH IT (not around it).
I think back on all the test that I’ve had to take to have this testimony I speak about today. I have no shame and no silence.  I survived sexual abuse, domestic violence abuse, the challenges of being a teenage parent, betrayal, mis fortune, financial instability, unemployment, and now fighting for dear life to beat Lupus. I FOUGHT and will CONTINUE to fight EVERYDAY for the rest of my life.  We all have a responsibility to live our best life (whatever that may be). I know that everything that has happened to me happened for a reason to make me realize just how AWESOME I really am. I’m much stronger than I ever knew or imagined I could be. Do I have fear-of course I do.. but I have taken lemons (my fears & life challenges) and turned them into champagne (success)! This is MY LIFE- and whatever the devil has taken from me- HE CAN KEEP IT- BECAUSE MY GOD HAS SOMETHING BETTER FOR ME!!!!! I choose to live in PEACE!
To all of you that read this post- I ask you- how you will live the rest of your life? In PEACE or PIECES????

Until Next Time Fam

Live.. Love.. Laugh…

The Lupie Chick™

Stay Connected
Instagram:@naturally_lupie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mzSixx
Twitter: @lupieeChick & @AuNaturaleDC

The information included on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Atlanta, autoimmune, beauty, DC, Falcons, Grandmother, lupie chick, lupus, lupus Awareness, mz sixx, natural hair, purple

Celebration of Life (My Life)

The Lupie Chick



Me- 41st Birthday



Yesterday was my 41st Birthday (yes, I’m in my forties honey… I don’t look a day over 30 -at least that’s what a twitter follower told me J lol..lol..) . Yesterday I took the time to reflect and appreciate the wonderful gift of life. This time last year I was still dealing with the diagnosis of Lupus and trying to figure out just how I would live. Besides a flare up and depression, what should have been a milestone celebration (my 40th birthday) was anything but. This year I decided things would be different. I’ve grown to accept that I will forever have lupus BUT Lupus won’t have me. I will NOT stop living. I will (and have) become an advocate and a glimmer of hope for all my lupie sistas who are still fighting. When I awoke yesterday (mainly from Face Book notifications – You guys were on it! Mini me had the first notification at 11:59 p.m. Saturday night), I immediately knelt down and THANK THE LORD for allowing me to live and survive another year-despite Lupus.



My New Grand daughter Mailia Elizabeth Fowler



I’m in a new city (I relocated to Atlanta), I became a grandmother for the 2nd time (hi Malia), my projects and businesses are thriving, I’m happy and BLESSED. I knew I would not sit around sad or depressed on my birthday this year. I was going to get dressed, put on makeup and rock out like only Mz. Sixx can. I decided I would get out of my comfort zone and I would start crossing a few things off my “50 before 50” list.



#My View- after the Falcons beat The Oakland Raiders 23-20



Yesterday afternoon, I attended my first live NFL game yesterday (Atlanta Falcons vs. Oakland Raiders). It was very exciting to sit in the executive suite (hosted by Verizon Wireless). The view was awesome- nothing like watching it on TV. I felt like I could reach right over and touch the players. I could see every move, every play, hear every cuss word (lol) and actually understood what was going on. I felt myself cheering and screaming like a Justin Beiber Fan (sweating out my freshly blow dried natural hair) cheering for the falcons to make a touchdown. For the first time I think this year, I had on my infamous 5 inch stiletto ankle boots, leather legging, and an Asian inspired top. Some of the executives kept touching my pants & rubbing my legs (Saying ummmm ” I like those” looking at me like I was a pulled pork sandwich). If I was conceited I would swear they were checking for me…lol..lol.. My co workers surprised me with a cake, they sung Happy Birthday, and we DRANK LOTS OF WINE ( lol..lol). During half time, the band played the wobble- and YOU KNOW YA GIRL GOT HER WOBBLE ON!!!!!! The cheerleaders did a skit and the players do a chat- and you RISE UP (#ayeeeee) #Go Falcons, it was like a party (or maybe I turned it into one …lol..lol..). Nonetheless, this chica had a ball. Food, wine, good company, and the home team won-made for an enjoyable afternoon.



Me-Rocking my Leather Leggings



It felt good to get out-breathe fresh air- and celebrate MY LIFE… MY WAY! The celebration hasn’t stop and it won’t stop (in my Diddy voice.. “Won’t stop..Can’t stop”). I made a vow to myself to live MY best life and KEEP THE CELEBRATION GOING!!!!!!
** please peep the #purpleEverything #LupusAwareness-EVERYDAY**



The infamous Bathroom Pic ( in the Executive Suite @ The Georgia Dome)



Until Next time fam,
Live.. Love.. Laugh..
The Lupie Chick TM

Follow Me

Instagram: Naturally_Lupie
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/Mz.sixx
Twitter @AuNaturaleDC & @LupieeChick
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Get past the excuses!

The Lupie Chick

** In my Sunshine Anderson Voice** “I’ve heard it all before-all the excuses why you (me) can’t work out.  I’ve decided to get up off the cough, bury the excuses and get moving!!!! My body is going down and it’s time for me to pick it up!!!!! I’m tackling my destructive habits, done with the pity party, and instead of investing in spanx (I’ve been known to wear 2 pair of spanx at one time-pretty much cutting off my circulation and the ability to wobble or drop it low lol..lol..) I will invest in work out gear and equipment.
I went for a brisk walk yesterday for the first time since being diagnosed with lupus (July 2011). I told ya’ll that every time I make up my mind to workout-mister ole evil ass creep in. On my way home-it started raining, more like storming.. ok.. I’ll do the Zumba on the wii,**no excuses** mid way home, migraine was coming on.. NOPE-whipped out my peppermint essential oil and was rubbing my temples like my life depended on it ** no excuses**-Guess what?? I got home-it had stopped raining, and my migraine was fading to black… ITS ON!!!!!!!
I put on my T-shirt, leggings, and sneakers and hit the pavement.
** Please note the Lupus T-shirt, Lupus Bracelet, and purle shadow-#LupusAwareness EVERYDAY**
 Showing support to Running For Lupus with the “L” Hand Sign
When I was through I was a sweaty mess.. But I was ecstatic that I completed DAY 1 workout and didn’t cave into any excuses!!!! Below is my stats from the workout-using the sports tracker app on Android

The Top 6 Exercise Excuses and How to Beat Them

Just like everyone else, people with lupus need to exercise regularly or engage in some kind of movement, and most people with lupus can take part in some form of activity.
 We all know that being physically active makes you healthier; you’ll sleep better, feel happier and more energetic. But when it comes time to actually get out there and start moving, many of us have a long list of excuses not to exercise — too little time, too little energy, or we simply don’t like to work out.

How can you get past the excuses and get moving.

Exercise Excuse No. 1: “I Don’t Have Time.”

During your TV shows, use resistance bands, or walk in place. Or use Tivo so you can skip the commercials and see a one-hour show later in just 40 minutes, That’s 20 minutes of activity right there. Better yet, turn off the TV and spend your newfound time working out.

Music-When we moved into our new home, we didn’t have cable for a week or so- we turned on the radio, I realized that most stations have an online presence so I could still hear my go-go and Biggie. I was moving and grooving all around the house.  
Your exercise doesn’t have to be a formal workout either. Try making small lifestyle changes that help you move more: take the stairs instead of the escalator, don’t drive when you can walk, and get a pedometer and try to increase the number of steps you take throughout the day.

People who exercise regularly make it a habit.  They haven’t bought any more time during the day than anyone else. What we’ve done is prioritize it. We find time for things we value.

Exercise Excuse No. 2: “I’m Too Tired.”

It may sound counter intuitive, but working out actually gives you more energy. Once you get moving, your fatigue will likely disappear.

You’re getting the endorphins [feel-good hormones in your body] to release, and you’re getting the circulation going — as opposed to coming home and crashing on the couch.

It may help to work out in the morning, before you get wiped out by a demanding workday.  If you’re not a morning person, don’t worry, just work out whenever you feel the best.


Exercise Excuse No. 3: “I Don’t Get a Break From the Kids.”

Take the kids with you. While they’re swinging, you can walk around the playground or the backyard, or jump rope. Walk the kids to school instead of driving them. During their soccer games or practices, walk briskly around the field.

Use your family time for active pursuit. Go biking with your kids or just walk around the neighborhood with your children. When the weather’s bad, try active video games (Zumba, & Michael Jackson Experience are my favorites), dancing, at home work out videos ( my buddy told me that Julian Michael’s videos are the #TRUTH).

Remember that your fitness is good for your kids as well as you. When mom or dad is more fit, has more energy, the whole family benefits.

Exercise Excuse No. 4: “Exercise Is Boring.”

You should want it and feel good about it before you do it. And it should feel good while you’re doing it.”

So how do you get there? First, find an activity you love. Think outside the box: Join a sports league (I’m thinking about joining the kickball league next season). Or, if you love music, line dancing ( can you say wobble!!!!).  There’s an exercise for everyone.

If it makes exercise more enjoyable for you, it’s OK to watch TV or read while you’re on the exercise bike or treadmill — just don’t forget to pedal or run.

Working out with a group also helps many people. Not everybody’s cut out to go on a six-mile run by themselves.To find a group, look at meetups ( meetup.com or simply recruit several friends.

Every once in a while, try something totally new. Mix it up so you don’t get bored.


Exercise Excuse No. 5: “I Just Don’t Like to Move.”

There are people who really enjoy not moving. They prefer to knit, read books, or watch TV.

If it’s sweating you don’t like, you can get a good workout without perspiring excessively.You can work out indoors, where it’s air conditioned. You can swim so you won’t notice any perspiration. Or, try a low-sweat activity like yoga.

If exercise hurts your joints, try starting by exercising in water. The stronger your muscles get, the more they can support your joints, and the less you’ll hurt. If you’re physical limitations is more serious, check with your doctor/coach who can help you figure out exercises that are still safe and easy to do.

If you don’t like to move because you feel too fat, start with an activity that’s less public, like using an exercise video at home. Walk with nonjudgmental friends in your neighborhood while wearing clothes that provide enough coverage that you feel comfortable.
Exercise Excuse No. 6: “I Always End up Quitting.”

Set small, attainable goals. Then you’re more likely to feel like a success, not a failure. If you exercise for five minutes a day for a week, you’ll feel good — and more likely to want to try 10 minutes a day the next week.

It also helps to keep a log and post it somewhere public (follow hash tag #DivaGettingFit on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook).
 Having an exercise buddy keeps you accountable as well. My buddy is my sista friend Gayna. She encourages me, provides LOADS of tips, and holds me accountable.  Thanks BUDDY!!!!!


It’s harder to start exercising than to stick with it once you’ve got your momentum going. Start a healthy habit today… you will feel better and will want to continue your healthy lifestyle everyday!
If lupus has you on the sidelines rather than in the middle of the action, this new low-impact exercise program, designed specifically for people with lupus, may be “just right” for you. Guided by a licensed A.C.E. instructor who also has lupus, this DVD offers a gentle fitness routine that you can practice in the comfort of your own home. The goal is not to become a super model but to get moving—and to improve your well-being in the process. DVD, 27 minutes.

Disclaimer: All exercise plans should be discussed with your physician or exercise specialist in order to maximize results and minimize possible harm.
Altonia Dugar, au naturale, awareness, lupie chick, lupus, lupus foundation, Lupus Walk, miss naturale, miss sixx, natural hair, natural hair care, women, world lupus day

31 Days of Lupus Awareness Facts

The Lupie Chick


Lupus Awareness Month is observed during May to increase public understanding of this unpredictable and potentially life-threatening disease that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. Here’s today’s important fact about lupus.

May 1: Lupus is an unpredictable and complex autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and can damage any organ in the body with life-threatening consequences.

May 2: Ninety percent of the people who develop lupus are female. Males also can develop lupus and their disease can be more severe in some organs.

May 3: Lupus develops most often between ages 15 and 44. However, between 10 and 20 percent of cases develop during childhood and these cases can evolve more rapidly into serious health complications.

May 4: In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. The result is the production of autoantibodies that causes inflammation.

May 5: Some people have genes that allow them to develop lupus. Factors that may trigger lupus in these people include infections, ultraviolet light, extreme stress, certain prescription drugs, and certain hormones.

May 6: Many symptoms of lupus mimic those of other illnesses, and symptoms can come and go over time, which makes diagnosis more difficult. Consequently, lupus can take three to five years or more to diagnose.

May 7: There is no single laboratory test that can determine whether a person has lupus. Diagnosing lupus involves analyzing the results of several lab tests, a review of the person’s entire medical history, and the history of close family members.

May 8: Lupus is treated by a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in conditions affecting the joints and muscles. Some people with lupus may need additional care from specialists, like a dermatologist for skin problems, a nephrologist for kidney disease, or a cardiologist for heart complications.

May 9: More than 90 percent of people with lupus will experience joint and/or muscle pain that can be disabling. Medication and mind-body therapies can be used to help control the pain associated with lupus.

May 10: Lupus can be an expensive disease. The average annual cost to provide healthcare for a person with lupus is $12,643, and rises to nearly $21,000 when lost work productivity is included.

May 11: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinas, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans are diagnosed with lupus two or three times more frequently than Caucasians; however, lupus affects people of all races and ethnicities.

May 12: Successful treatment of lupus often requires a combination of medications. A new treatment for lupus was approved recently, and nearly two-dozen clinical studies are underway to develop a full arsenal of treatments.

May 13: As many as 80 percent of people with lupus experience fatigue. For some, fatigue can be debilitating, even to the point of forcing them to stop working.

May 14: People with lupus are usually encouraged to engage in appropriate daily exercise in order to maintain muscle and bone strength. Care should be taken, however, to balance exercise with rest.

May 15: Systemic lupus is the most common type of lupus. Systemic lupus can affect any organ system of the body, including the heart, kidneys, lungs, blood, joints, and skin.

May 16: Discoid lupus (the most common form of skin lupus) accounts for approximately 10 percent of all cases of lupus and occurs in 20 percent of those with systemic lupus.

May 17: Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like disease caused by taking specific prescription drugs. The symptoms usually disappear after these medications are stopped.

May 18: Women with lupus are at increased risk for loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) and are nearly five times more likely to experience a fracture.

May 19: Blood disorders such as anemia (a low number of circulating red blood cells) are common in lupus, affecting about half of all people with active disease.

May 20: People with lupus should eat a nutritious, well-balanced, and varied diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of fish and lean meats. Lifestyle adjustments should always include quitting smoking, as tobacco products can cause flares of lupus symptoms.

May 21: More than 80 percent of people with systemic lupus will experience some type of nervous system complication, ranging from mild confusion or memory loss to strokes, seizures, and vision problems.

May 22: The malar, or “butterfly” rash on the face is present in about one-third of those with systemic lupus. This flat, reddish rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks, is often the only visible symptom of this form of lupus.

May 23: As many as 40 percent of all people with lupus, and as many as two-thirds of all children with lupus, will develop kidney complications that require treatment.

May 24: Only 10 percent of people with lupus will have a close relative who has lupus or may develop lupus, and only five percent of children born to a mother with lupus will develop the disease.

May 25: About 40 percent of people who were originally diagnosed with cutaneous lupus, which affects only the skin, will go on to develop systemic lupus that can affect any organ in the body.

May 26: Neonatal lupus is a rare condition that affects infants of women who have lupus. With proper testing, physicians can identify most at-risk mothers, and the infant can be successfully treated before or at birth.

May 27: Lupus is not contagious and cannot be “given” to another person. Lupus is not like or related to HIV/AIDS or any other infectious disease.

May 28: With current methods of therapy, 80 to 90 percent of people with non-organ threatening lupus can look forward to a normal lifespan.

May 29: Advancing technology and better understanding of the disease have improved pregnancy outcomes. Today, 80 percent of women with inactive lupus can have successful pregnancies.

May 30: Most people with lupus are able to continue to work. However, some people may require modifications to their work environment and schedules, such as flexible work hours, job-sharing, and telecommuting.

May 31: Today people with lupus are leading healthier lives and living longer than at any time in history, thanks to researchers who continue to discover more about the underlying science of the immune system.



Click Here to Learn more about Lupus

Click Here to donate to team Lupie Chicks in the 2012 Walk for Lupus- Baltimore MD – September 29, 2012

Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks in the 2012 Walk for Lupus- Baltimore MD – September 29, 2012

au naturale, lupie chick, lupus, lupus foundation, Lupus Walk, miss naturale, miss sixx, purple, put on purple day

Put on Purple For Lupus- Lupus Awareness Fact

The Lupie Chick

May 18: Women with lupus are at increased risk for loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) and are nearly five times more likely to experience a fracture.

Natural Hair- 3 day old flat twist out- rolled and tucked
 My Brand New #Purple Eyeglasses- Purple Everything
 Lupus Bracelet ” Someone You Know Has Lupus” –
That someone is ” ME”
 Purple Eye Make-Up ( Elf Palette), Purple Lip Stan ( Miliani Cosmetics), Purple Crochet Earrings ( Atlanta World Natural Hair), Purple Print Top ( Burlington Coat Factory)
I’m rocking purple today for myself and all my fellow #lupieChicks!!!!!!!!
au naturale, auto, butterfly, lupus, lupus foundation, Lupus Walk, miss naturale, miss sixx, purple, put on purple day, women

May 17- Lupus Awareness Fact

The Lupie Chick

May 17: Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like disease caused by taking specific prescription drugs. The symptoms usually disappear after these medications are stopped.

Don’t forget to Put Your Purple On Tomorrow For Lupus
May 18th
By joining the Lupus Foundation of America and thousands of people nationwide for Put On Purple Day you can promote Lupus awareness and support the research for a cure.

Click Here to learn more about Lupus

Click Here to donate to ” Team Lupie Chicks”

Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks

au naturale, awareness, butterfly, chronic autoimmune, lupie chick, lupus, Lupus Walk, miss sixx, natural hair, natural hair care, women

May 11th Lupus Awareness Fact

The Lupie Chick

May 11: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinas, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans are diagnosed with lupus two or three times more frequently than Caucasians; however, lupus affects people of all races and ethnicities. Lupus can be an expensive disease. The average annual cost to provide healthcare for a person with lupus is $12,643, and rises to nearly $21,000 when lost work productivity is included.



Click Here to learn more about Lupus

Click Here to Donate to Team ” Lupie Chicks”

Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks at the Walk for Lupus in Sept 29 at Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD

au naturale, chronic autoimmune, lupie chick, lupus, lupus foundation, may 10, miss naturale, miss sixx, women, world lupus day

May 10th- World Lupus Day

The Lupie Chick

About World Lupus Day



World Lupus Day began with a Proclamation 8 years ago by an international steering committee representing lupus organizations from 13 different nations when they met in Eaton, United Kingdom to organize the first observance of World Lupus Day. The Proclamation is a call to action for governments around the world to increase their financial support for lupus research, awareness and patient services.

The Proclamation reflects the emerging issues that people with lupus around the world must face every day. The Proclamation serves to give a single voice to all individuals affected by this devastating and debilitating chronic disease.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. An estimated 5 million people around the world have lupus.



Most people know very little about lupus. But by working together we can change that. Imagine the impact we can have if we all help raise worldwide recognition of lupus, assuring earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and greater support for people everywhere! Join Julian Lennon and pledge to raise awareness for lupus.


Click Here to sign the Lupus Awareness Pledge

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REQUESTED – My Skin Regimen

The Lupie Chick

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

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

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**

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 is a frequently invited speaker at national and international meetings.Dr. Callender has been a visiting Professor of Dermatology at Brown University, the University of Maryland, the University of Florida, Boston University/Tufts and the State University of New York. Dr. Callender has conducted and participated in over forty (40) research studies and clinical trials for both therapeutic and cosmetic products and is a consultant to many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Callender is frequently quoted and featured in both print and electronic media (including a recent segment on the Dr. Oz Show on Hair Loss In Women) and serves on the Boards of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, where she is Secretary; the Skin of Color Society, where she is a founding member and President, and the North American Hair Research Society.


Dr. Valerie Callender
Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
1200 Annapolis Road
Suite 315
Glendale, MD 20769
301-249-0970