I KNOW I'm not the only one who can't stand It...

For anyone who knows me, or has read my blog, they'll know my biggest skin complaint is my dry skin. For those of you out there who also suffer from it--truly, I feel your pain. The only way I have found to deal with this is just to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. This, however, became a bit of an annoyance after a while. 

You know when you're putting on sunscreen at the beach and you don't have a mirror? You are always afraid of not rubbing it in all the way. Well, it's embarrassing enough pulling out your moisturizer in class, and even more so when you realize you haven't rubbed it all in!

So I figured. It's time to buy a moisturizer that will actually last me an entire day and the only one I have found that could do that was Enza Essential's moisturizers. It was so convenient and easy to apply just once in the morning and once at night, losing altogether the embarrassing in-class application and the half smeared look I was not too thrilled about. 

For those of you with really dry skin, I recommend Saturation Herbal Creme- a moisturizer made just for you and that dry skin that won't quit. 

I've Been Saved!

As I'm nearing the bottom of my Sustaining Glow Creme, I now realize just how much it's saved me through this winter! As I'm writing this, it's -11 degrees in the frigid Eau Claire and it's actually insane how much of an effect crossing the freezing, wind whipping bridge to class every day (it's in the top ten coldest places in America!) When I get in from class and look in a mirror, the first thing I see is the redness, and I mean RED. The second thing I notice is the flaking of my skin. It's especially bad on my forehead and cheeks. This is just proof that this winter has hit my skin much worse than it has other winters, but Sustaining System has saved me from letting anyone else notice!

My sister, Stephanie said the same thing. She started using the Sustaining system products as well. And like me, she had been struggling with dry skin this winter as we do every winter. She said she's noticed a big difference in cleansing her face from the products she used to now the Enza products. As a busy mom, with another on the way, she's been searching for the easiest way to maintain her face throughout the winter, and she's happy to say she's found it. She notices much fewer dry spots, but more than anything, she's noticed improvement in her face.

With winters like these, I'm not sure how I (or my face) would have survived without the products. The Sustaining Glow Creme especially has been an absolute lifesaver for me, keeping dryness and all it's irritations away! I'm looking forward to my picking up another bottle of Sustaining Glow Creme!

The Confidence Factor

It is the absolute worst when I wake up the morning of a presentation, interview or meeting with a giant, red blemish. I honestly feel like that is the only thing anyone will notice when they see me, and I know its all I will be thinking about anytime I'm talking with someone. 

I've actually been struggling with a few troubled spots on my chin and forehead that seem to just keep coming back. My first day of classes was this past Tuesday. After having 15 years of "first day of class," I've given up a little on trying to look really nice on those days, because after all, they're going to see my normal self the rest of the semester! But I was pretty annoyed that my skin was still acting up and the first time seeing my friends after break I would have pimples sticking out saying hello even before I could. 

Of course, it probably doesn't look as bad as I make it out to be- it never does. But no matter how well it seems covered or how much smaller it seems, I get really self conscious! It takes all my willpower to get my mind off it enough to not keep touching it, which of course, only makes it worse!  

But, after a nice relaxing facial and with a more consistent skincare routine, my skin is healing, and so is my confidence. My revised New Year's resolution? Stop obsessing over pimples!

Be Awake without Waking Up

Growing up with three older sisters was never easy when I was young. I felt like I was constantly trying to be like them, meaning, I was slathering on makeup at the age of 6 and trying to get on the bus thinking I looked as pretty as my teenage sisters. Luckily, my mom didn't ever let go to school with my artwork on my face.

But, now that a few years have past, and I've learned how to properly use mascara and eye shadow (more or less), it's amazing having older sister's to look up to and visit. What's even more fun is when they start to have families of their own. Two of my older sister's have babies in their family- one with a baby boy and the other, a baby girl. I'm lucky enough to be an aunt of the two adorable babies, who gets to come over to babysit and play without dealing with the pain of those late nights. 

Currently, my sister Meghan and her husband are the ones dealing with those kind of late nights, with their 4 month old, Emma. While there is no way I can completely relate, I know how obvious those all-nighters studying show on my face- whether it's the baggy eyes or the zombie-like complexion, it's usually pretty obvious when I don't get a good night's sleep. As a little Christmas surprise, I gave Meghan the Enza Essentials Eyebright Eye Gelee and Hydra Gel in hopes that this would help her look and feel a little more awake after those late nights. 

After about a month of using them, she said the Eyebright Eye Gelee really relieves the bags under her eyes and it does make her look more rested, even when she doesn't feel it. She added that the Hydra Gel helps her skin feel less dry and even seems to brighten up her face after using it in the mornings. Of course, as Emma gets older, Meghan is beginning to get a little more sleep at night, but nevertheless, she says the products really have been a quick, easy way to "wake up" in the mornings!

Fighting Back to Winter Dryness

As I sit at my desk, applying lotion to my cracking hands every hour or so, I will be the first to commiserate with anyone dealing with dry skin this winter. While my knuckles crack and bleed, my legs look and feel scalier than a fish-- and I can't even begin to describe my knees and elbows. 

All my complaints aside, my dry skin has (believe it or not) improved this winter. I've learned more about skin care and finally looked into what I should be doing, besides complaining, to deal with my dry skin. Through a little research, trial and error, here is my list of the best ways to minimize irritated, dry skin. 

• Don't take too hot of showers. Although it is one of my favorite ways to de-stress and relax at the end of every day, the hot water can strip the skin of it's oil barrier that naturally softens the skin. If you notice your skin reddened after a shower, that is a sure  sign that your skin has already started drying out. Try using lukewarm water instead.
• Watch the blow-dryer. Lately, I've tried to let my hair air-dry before resorting to the extreme heat of the blow-dryer. The skin on your face and neck is thin and extended use of heat from a blow-dryer can break capillaries and permanently dry out and damage those areas. 
• Cover up! This winter, I've invested in warm hats, boots, gloves, mittens and scarves just to make sure that the least amount of skin is exposed to the harsh winds and low temperatures. The less your skin is exposed outside, the less it will be affected by the weather.
• Drink water. Water keeps your body hydrated and your skin hydrated. The more your skin is naturally hydrated, the less you will have to use alternatives such as lotions or moisturizers to sooth the dryness.
• Apply moisturizer after showering or bathing. By applying moisturizer to your body right after showering, while the skin is still wet, you can more effectively lock in moisture and maintain it longer. 

By making these simple changes in your daily life, you can reduce the amount of irritation caused by dry skin. Although the winter cold may still get the best of your skin, these tips will help you begin your fight back.

Like Mother, like Daughter

Fair, freckled, easily burned and dry--that about sums up family's skin. Our Irish background gave us our fair and freckled look, while our home in the heart of Minnesota has blessed us with red, sun-burned skin in the summer and dry, cracked skin in the winter. Lucky us, right?

I know, I know- I've gushed enough about how the Enza products have saved me from dry, flaky skin this winter, but because I feel their pain, I wanted to help with my mom and my sister's skin this winter, so I gave them each a few products when I saw them for Christmas. 

My Mom, my niece Emma, and me on Christmas

This weekend, I did some catching up with my mom on the phone. After talking about plans for my Dad's birthday, my classes and the usual updates, she told me about her new products. She's using the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator every morning and night along with Enza's Sunscreen in the mornings. My mom has always been a stickler about us always wearing sunscreen on our fair skin, so she got a kick out of me giving her sunscreen to wear. She loves this product, though, more than other sunscreens because she's noticed it also acts as a really great moisturizer--making it all too perfect for our family's skin. 

And as a new Grandma of two, with another grandchild due in April, my mom was excited when I told her about the Tri-Peptide and it's anti-aging properties. After using it a few weeks, she said she's already noticed some fading in her wrinkles, especially from when she wakes up to when she puts it on in the morning. She also commented that it makes her face feel really soft- which for our dry skin is no easy task. 

This weekend I'll be heading back to Minnesota to see my family, and I'm looking forward to talking with my sister's about their products!

My Christmas Aftermath

January 4, 2013, 11:00 AM--

After spending time at home with my family, it's always a little hard to leave, and this Christmas was no exception. With my huge family, there's never a dull moment when we're all together-- whether its watching my 18-month-old nephew dancing to "Gangnam Style" or hearing that my sister and her boyfriend finally got engaged, there is always so much going on- even in just the week I was home. 

This Christmas, I treated my three sisters and my mom to products from Enza Essentials and I'm really looking forward to seeing if they like the products as much as I do!  I'll keep you updated on their favorite products, but in the meantime, I think I may have found my new favorite product... 

As with any holiday (or anytime I go home) I shoved my healthy mind-set aside and had my fill of Christmas cookies with hardly any exercise. And I'm paying for it this week. My skin started breaking out right after Christmas. So when I got back to the office yesterday, I was given the Spot Extractor to get rid of my painfully apparent blemishes. 

I applied it a few times yesterday afternoon and before I went to sleep, and I can see and feel the blemishes significantly reduced. I'm still applying it a few times throughout the day today in hopes I get rid of it before it drives me crazy!

Confidence in a Bottle

December 20, 2012, 9:25 AM--

My Enza's skin care is simply routine now. But surprisingly, it's not that annoying routine- like having to do the dishes after dinner. As weird as it sounds, I have come to enjoy using all my products before bed and especially when I wake up in the morning. It gives me visual proof, everyday, that it is working and my skin is improving. That's something to wake up to. With now smoother skin and a brighter complexion, I feel much more confidence in my skin's appearance.

And that, of course, helps a little bit with the rest of my confidence.

With Christmas just around the corner, it also means Winter break is within sight. I'm heading to my home in Minnesota to celebrate Christmas with my family. I have to say, getting Christmas presents for my sisters was easy after taking a peek at in the Enza Essentials shopping room. I'm excited to see how my sister's and mom like them after they've heard me talk about it, probably way too much.


We'd love to hear your stories too! Share your experience with Enza Essentials and you can be featured in our blog! Contact heather@enza.com.

One Less Thing to Worry About

After seeing the major improvements in my face, I convinced my roommates to also use my Enza products. One of my roommates, Lauren, just had a breakout on her chin that morning and was ecstatic to try something to get rid of it. She used my Sustaining Cleanser and the Spot Extractor. She commented how her face felt really tight after the cleanser, but after using the Sustaining Glow Creme, she commented how much better her skin felt- much more hydrated and smooth. Since, my other roommates have been really excited to try the products. All of them have raved about the Glow Creme, especially with the cold winter and snow this weekend! We're all feeling a little stressed with this being our last week of classes and letting Enza take care of our skin care is one less thing to worry about. 

After month one of using Enza Products, my complexion is unbelievably brighter. I feel much more confident in my skin and I can't even find any blemishes on my face! 

The Things I Never Thought I Would Say

November 30, 2012, 10:30 AM--

I think I've finally got it down. I'm not going to lie, the first few weeks, I struggled- I was not used to using 3-5 different products on my face, so I would forget my toner, or nightly glycolic serum. But after three weeks of using the products, I've mastered the routine and am starting to see how these products are improving my skin in ways I didn't think were possible.

The number one thing I notice is how soft and hydrated my face feels. Soft skin? Me? And I know it's that time of year when my skin starts to get uncomfortably dry because I am constantly putting lotion on my hands and legs, but I have yet to notice any dry spots on my face or neck since using these products. In fact, my face feels incredibly smooth and I have never had my face feel like that-- especially in the winter. I've said it before but I'll say it again, I owe it to the Sustaining Glow Creme, and I am completely obsessed with it.

I've also began to notice a much brighter complexion. Looking back, my skin was always pretty dull and my face probably screamed "I hate mornings" about as loud as as I would think it to myself. As much as I still hate waking up, after I complete my skin care routine, I am still surprised to see how much these products help me fake my "awake-ness," And that is no easy task.

But my skin's not perfect by any means. I'm still struggling with the breakouts around my nose and chin-- and now I've even spotted a blemish or two on my forehead. I think its becoming worse now that my semi-annual finals- freak out is in full swing. I'm just hoping the breakouts won't stay as long as my test anxiety will!

Sure Wish I Hadn't...

November 27, 2012, 10:10 AM--

It seems that whenever I go home for a weekend, my mom absolutely loves spoiling me with my favorite home-cooked meals. Which, of course, I never complain about considering my college-student idea of a home cooked meal is Mac and Cheese. And on top of that, baking and watching cheesy chic flicks is our favorite Friday night routine- meaning we make our deliciously unhealthy baked goods, then eat them as we watch Sweet Home Alabama or Crazy Stupid Love. So you can only imagine what the extended Thanksgiving weekend did for me.

Besides the common issue of weight gain, I started to notice a pretty extreme breakout on my face by the end of break. Usually I get occasional breakouts when I forget to wash my face or something silly, but it's never been quite so bad, and I'm wondering if it's all that Thanksgiving pie I consumed this weekend...

Luckily, I brought my Enza Essentials products home with me. When I saw the breakouts, I decided to  use the Fine Facial Polish. I did the usual routine and left it on my face for about 45 seconds and washed it off. By the next morning, I was surprised to see my blemishes were significantly less noticeable. That combined with my morning routine of cleanser, toner and moisturizer really hid my bad habits well! After a few days now of going through my Enza routine, they're basically gone. Thank goodness for these products!

Enza and Exercise

November 19, 2012-- 1:56 PM

Even though many of you skin fanatics probably already know, I am just learning how complete skin care reaches far beyond your morning and nightly cleansing/moisturizing routine. I mean, did you know that sweating from exercise can actually "detoxify" your skin? I had no idea-- but I figure this can be even more reason for me to kick myself into shape. 

I (like many others) really do enjoy exercise but struggle to find the time (and motivation) for it. So in order to force myself into it, I started a training schedule for a half marathon I will be running in next spring.. which is coming up more quickly than I'd like it to. So anyway, yesterday, I went out for a longer run- the gorgeous weather talked me into it. I remembered from my skin care consult with Deb last week, to cleanse, tone and moisturize my face immediately after working out. And when I did just that, I was surprised to see my face so quickly back to normal after running- not flushed, not red, and not even a little bit oily. My skin felt great instantly. 

Now that I'm working on obtaining flawless skin, I have yet another reason to get out and exercise- especially before the cold weather kicks in! Wish me luck! :)

A day or two later..

November 14, 2012 3:11 PM--

So I've used Enza product 4 times now. Monday night: after a bit of a late night of meetings, homework, and intermural soccer, I was beat. When my roommates and I got back from our soccer game (which didn't go so well..) we were ready to hit the shower and get to bed. But then, the four of us only have one bathroom, meaning one shower. So while I sat to wait for my turn (last, of course), I could feel the sweat on my face drying up- disgusting, and probably horrible for my face. When I finally got to shower, rinsed my face and pulled out my brand new products.

I went through the routine, just like Deb had told me to. I started with the cleanser on my face and neck, and it felt and smelled amazing. It was extremely gentle on my skin, yet once I rinsed it off, I felt completely clean and fresh. I used the toner next and after using the cotton pad over my face, I could see the dirt that had built up in my skin. Next, I tried out the glycolic. It honestly felt like silk as I rubbed it into my face. It stung for just a bit as I was putting it on, but was relieved when I put on the glow crème. This is by far the best moisturizer I have ever used. After putting it on, I really felt my skin glowing. And now that I was feeling pretty good about my new skin care, I decided to finish that six page paper I'd been putting off, and finally got some sleep around 2:00 am.


Waking up the next morning, I woke up a bit irked- I had slept through my alarm, (apparently that late night wasn't worth it) missing my 8:00 am class and had little time to make it to my 9:00 am. I know I'm a college student, but this was literally the first time in three years I have ever slept thorugh a class! How did that happen? So while I was a little annoyed, after looking at my skin in the morning, it made my day a little brighter! My skin seemed clearer and overall felt so much softer. I'm not sure if this was just because I was expecting a change, but even though I was (obviously) tired and sleep-deprived, I felt like I didn't have to cover up my tired eyes as much as I usually do, especially after (quickly) completing my morning routine before class. I truly believe the sustaining glow crème adds the perfect touch at the end of my morning routine to instantly brighten up my face and get me ready for the day!

My Skin Care Consult

November 12, 2012, 3:25 PM--

Today I met with Deb- Enza's Paramedical Skin Expert and learned a lot about what I'm doing wrong. From our conversation, I learned that my current drugstore cleanser was most likely doing more harm than good. A lot of skin care is about PH and making sure it is balanced. The drugstore cleanser I currently use is not specific to a particular skin-type and therefore is a majority of the reason my face becomes so dried out. My new skin care regimen will make sure I obtain that balance which would heal my dry skin, rid my chin and nose of blemishes, and overall brighten my complexion.

For my particular skin type, Deb put me on the Sustaining System. This system consists of a cleanser, toner, glow creme and fine facial polish and on top of that, she suggested Enza's glycolic serum. My morning routine will begin with the sustaining cleanser. This will simply cleanse debris, my makeup, and excess dirt. Next, I will apply the cool sustaining toner which is to tone and help bring my PH back to balance. Lastly, I will apply sustaining glow creme as a moisturizer before heading out for classes!

At night, I have the whole routine again, and then some. I'll do the same routine as the morning, just with few additions. Before putting on my glow creme moisturizer, I will be using the glycolic serum. The glycolic serum is an anti-aging treatment that exfoliates and softens the skin. Even as a 20 year old, Deb informed me that my skin has already began its aging. By using this, I will be preventing the inevitable signs of aging, including wrinkles and drying out. The last part of my extensive new routine is the fine facial polish that I will use twice a week at night, between the cleanser and toner. The fine facial polish will act as an exfoliator to brighten my skin.

Wow. As a college student who hates mornings and routinely falls asleep on their homework, this is a little intimidating. Nonetheless, I'm really excited to start using the products and see my skin improve!  Wish me luck!

And here come the pimples..

November 5, 2012- This morning I woke up with a super noticeable blemish on my chin-- lucky me! Clearly my classes were too boring last week, forcing me to rest my hand in my chin just to look like I'm still paying attention. This probably isn't a good cycle to get myself into.

But, I have my skin care consult later this week, so hopefully I will be able to get rid of this blemish, along with my easily irritated dry skin. I don't know about anyone else, but this cold weather has done nothing but terrorize my skin. I try putting on moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated, but then I feel that it just makes it too oily. My skin certainly has a mind of its own and I just can't win.

 I'm really looking forward to finally investing in product that will (hopefully!) save my skin this winter!

My Skin: Revealed

Hi, I'm Heather. I'm currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, studying Public Relations and Creative Writing. I recently started my PR internship at Enza Essentials by Rucker, MD. Here, my duties include promoting their products, explaining the benefits, and sharing why they are better than the other products. But my dirty little secret? I don't even use these products myself.

Don't worry, it gets worse. What my bosses and co-workers don't even know yet, is that my skin care consists of a $5 cleanser and a $4 moisturizer from Target. As I continue interning here, I'm starting to feel a little bad about how I treat my skin. 

Now before I get in some sort of trouble, I have to start fixing up my skin care routine- and pretty drastically. So here's a little about my skin care and lifestyle. As I said before, I am a college student; hence, the super cheap product. I have class about 20 hours a week and intern about 20 hours additionally. The remaining time is dedicated to homework and occasionally, I'll slip in a little social time or exercise. I live in a house of four girls, and let’s just say, bathroom time can be pretty slim. I'm definitely not a morning person, yet still find myself staying up well past midnight most nights, only to wake up looking like a zombie the next morning. I eat pretty basic- a bagel in the morning, sandwich for lunch, and whatever is easiest to make when I'm home for dinner. All in all, I lead a pretty typical college-student life. 

And as for my skin? It's really dry. Once these cold Wisconsin winters hit, my face is flaky and feels completely dehydrated. I'm also extremely fair-skinned. Thanks to my strong Irish background, it's impossible for me to get even a hint of tan. Ever. And when I'm outside too long, the sunburn sure isn't shy to show. I also get those random breakouts. As a 20-year old, I've certainly not escaped the adolescent acne and I see it especially around my nose, mouth, and chin- most likely a direct result of resting my chin in my hand, which gets me through the majority of my 8 am classes.

So after admitting to all of you, and myself, that I have--let’s just say less than perfect-- skin I have decided to have a free skin consultation next week with Enza’s Skin Expert, Deb. From here, I will begin using the system that best fits my skin type and any additional products she suggests to me. From there, I will be sharing with you my journey. What it’s like, any differences I see in my skin, if it’s worth it, and my overall, honest thoughts and opinions. My skin: revealed.

Along my journey, please comment with any questions or concerns you have!