I have a passion for testing and writing about anti-aging skincare, particularly skincare with the potential to tackle what I have termed skinflammaging (a combination of the terms skinflammation and inflammaging). I am a licensed clinical psychologist & devoted mom of three spunky young daughters (and two fabulous shelter dogs). I am also a lupus warrior. I have always loved skincare and have been a sunscreen worshipper ever since I was old enough to apply it. My interest in taming inflammaging was sparked by seeing how rapidly and dramatically lupus—with its chronic inflammation–aged me, despite all my years of taking good care of my skin. I am living proof that inflammaging is not just an abstract theory. Though I may not ever reverse the damage entirely, I am determined to slow it down by taking time for self-care, managing inflammation, and by making healthier, more conscious choices about what goes in and on my body.
My ups and downs with lupus have shown me both the fragility of our human bodies and also our deep capacity for resilience. I realized (finally) that my everyday choices matter. I now question the everyday products I use and have decided it is time to be more conscious about where these products come from and what is in them.
Lovely with Lupus is a beauty and wellness blog focused on celebrating our individual beauty and taking time for nourishing skincare rituals that tame inflammaging.
I am relatively new to lupus; I am someone learning and trying to cope as I go. I am not arrogant enough to think that I speak for anyone else, but perhaps somewhere along the way I may strike some common ground. I believe there is much to be learned in both solitude and in community.In the period leading up to my diagnosis, I lost weight without trying and visibly aged years in a matter of months. Even with improvement in my general health, my face still looked dull, irritated, and droopy; seeing my own reflection made me feel old and (even more) tired. Skin involvement is just one of many lupus-related challenges, but the issue is not just superficial–it can have a big impact on quality of life and daily functioning. My own skin challenges (e.g., photosensitivity, sun-sensitive rash, accelerated photodamage/skin aging) inspired me to start this blog. There are a number of lupus-specific rashes, and (so far) my experience is based on the photosensitive rash triggered by UV exposure.
I am invested in finding, trying, and most of all sharing quality resources and innovative products that help to: minimize UV exposure, boost UV protection,
tame skin inflammation, repair photodamage, and/or minimize signs of aging. I primarily try to write about things that I think are worth sharing. Feel free to share your own experience if it differs from mine and/or to make suggestions for future posts.
My Way of Giving Back
As part of this blog, I will make a donation to the Lupus Research Alliance each time I am granted the opportunity to feature a product. Thanks for visiting.