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My scars tell stories about triumph, terror, and perhaps lack of better judgement. My scars do not define who I am as a person. I am so much more than the marks will ever amount to. They are just a small part of who I am. Today I am sharing about my story and how to in less than five minutes create a simple morning routine.
My Scars Do Not Define Me
When I was five years old I was playing in the front yard of a neighbors house. In their driveway, away from the road a kind-looking golden retriever approached. I pet the large dog for a bit before I turned to go home. As I turned to go home a tripped on a small hole in the concrete and immediately the dog came over my back and begun tearing at my skull. I remember screaming for help and trying to get the massive dog off my tiny frame but he was too heavy. As I curled up in a ball on the pavement trying to hide my face the dog finally relented. For no reason at all.
I took that chance and RAN. I RAN as fast as my body would let me and not once did I look back to see if the dog had given chase. My face was hot and wet and all I could think of is that if I could get back to my mom that she would protect me. I took the porch steps two at a time and she met my screams at the front door. I buried my face into her and just remember how wet it was.
So much blood.
My pediatrician met us at the door and had cleared his entire schedule. They had to keep me awake and put me in a straitjacket as anyone knows, five year olds do NOT want to lay still when they are in pain, much less as they are stitched up.
Eighty-Eight stitches later and he saved me.
My skull was visible. The nerves to my eyebrows were torn completely. Dr. Berry of Tacoma, WA saved my life. He also told me to, “Keep practicing with those eyebrows,” which I contend is the reason I over-emphasize my expressions… a bit… as I was told that there was a high probability that my forehead would never move. I understand people pay A LOT of money for that. But I like to make faces… so I win. And I was five.
From a vicious dog-attack that nearly ended my life when I was five, to removing a mole that was pre-cancerous, to removing an active tumor from my face. There are some Arnold jokes that go along nicely with the tumor- I laugh so I don’t cry. The doctor called me after cutting the inch-long deep chunk out of my cheek to tell me that it was a type of lymphoma-a very rare tumor. Arnold Schwarzenegger, “It is a TUMOR.”
But my scars do not define who I am.
Honestly, after entering college and learning more about how to take care of my skin (the sun makes the scars more visible on my face) I started using Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel. As a Freshman I used it on all of my older scars and new precancerous divots. Whatever you need to do to remind yourself to do that extra-teeny-tiny step to dab on Mederma-IT IS WORTH IT. Guess what? They will actually remind you to if you want them to send a gentle, daily reminder.
Five Minute Morning Routine
-Slather on the lotion. Moisturizer is definitely a great way to get a smooth complexion.
-Apply Mederma to your scar tissue. Spread evenly and read the directions!
Mederma available now with SPF
I’ve used Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel for over a decade on my facial scars and it REALLY WORKS. People say they don’t notice the scars…. they are either being extremely kind or my personality is finally bigger than my scars. Either way- the product works. Truly. Use it and it works. Don’t use it and it doesn’t work. Simple.
I grabbed a new tube of each- Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel & Mederma® Scar Cream Plus SPF 30 at our trip to Walmart last week. Check out this fabulous- Mederma Buy, Snap, Get Program: HERE.
-Smooth creamy, liquid foundation over your face. Set with mineral powder.
-Contour. This is a work-in-progress area for me. The palette makes it so much easier to get all of the colors done in seconds which as a busy mom of two is necessary in the morning.
-Finish with mascara, eyeliner, and brows. I don’t wear any eye-shadow as I tend to prefer a more natural look and it helps to keep the time down.
Five Minute Morning Skincare Routine
The routine takes me a little less than five minutes. I do not wear makeup every day. But I always wear moisturizer and apply Mederma. So simple and so effective!
Look a little closer…
What COULD be what everyone first is now just a piece of who I am. Through time and the use of Mederma the scar tissue has grown smoother and the discoloration less prominent.
Nighttime Skincare Routine
My nightly skincare routine is just as simple. Wash, moisturize, and apply Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel. I am thankful that the formulation worked on old scars (as I started using it in college) and new ones as I’ve gotten older.
Definitely exactly what you want when you have over 96- NINETY-SIX stitches that have laid claim to your face. I don’t Photoshop my fine lines, acne, or scars on any photos… that would take FOREVER and goodness do I want my son and daughter growing up knowing that it is okay to have flaws. That scars do happen and that they aren’t something to be ashamed of nor embarrassed by.
I would LOVE to hear about some scar stories.
Personal harrowing attempts to fjord a river?
A brush with a battle ax?
No but really, I would love nothing more than to hear about your story and the scars that have left their mark behind. Please share!
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