Seven Spring Trends (Thoughts?)

Well, leggings are comfortable. Not everyone cares whether they are flattering. Not everyone defines flattering in the same way. I’m sitting here in denim overalls, not the fashionable kind, the kind from the feed store. Are they fashionable? Are they flattering? Are they even meant for women? I don’t actually care. They are comfortable, incredibly practical and I like them. Since no one is forcing anyone to wear leggings, I’m just not sure why others are so bothered by this choice? You don’t have to like the way someone else looks.

Because it’s literally the best thing to ever happen to my wardrobe. And yeah, cheap leggings aren’t the most flattering, but a well made pair give you as much coverage as other pants.

Comfortable and they can look good. Also — I live in DC and feel like alll the women (young, old, all body types) wear them around the city on the weekend. It’s def not an “over 50 crowd” thing.

i used to think that too! ” Leggings are not pants'” ala Blair from Gossip Girl – back when the show was at its height of popularity. Now i’m a 36 year old mother who lives in leggings. why i wear them:
1. They are comfortable.
2. They are flexible. I need something flexible for all the bending, crouching and kneeling I do with my son.
3. Speak for yourself- I look great in leggings! :)

i live in switzerland and hardly ever see leggings (but i do wear them for errands because like them or not…they are comfortable! but wide leg flowy pants are EVERYWHERE….i love that trend!

I’ve already seen the butterfly clips making a comeback on Instagram. Head to your mom’s house now and break out that stash!

exactly

I’ve heard that using Head and Shoulders shampoo as a body wash works great (it contains salicylic acid). Stridex in the red box works great and also helps get rid of bumps on arms and legs and ingrown hairs. Checks a lot of summer needs boxes for like $5!

My only remedy for that was the birth control pill (worked like a charm), followed by getting much older. I know your pain!

I agree with Jo! Salicylic acid-based washes are best. I would also recommend making sure to change sheets once a week, soak your bras in oxyclean before washing them, and using sunscreen meant for faces even on your back.

<33

Ugh, BACNE! My dermatologist recommended an antibacterial cleanser to help. I used Cetaphil’s Antibacterial Bar Soap for a while, but they recently reformulated/ renamed it: https://www.cetaphil.com/products/deep-cleansing-bar. I’ve used the new version and like it, too. Their Daily Facial Cleanser is also the best…I even had my mom ship it to me when I studied abroad in Germany ;)

Ugh, YES. I have struggled with this my entire life (I am thirty and it refuses to quit.) I just ordered the Paula’s Choice Salicylic Acid Body Spray about a week ago (so fingers crossed) and instantly clicked buy on the brush that Joanna suggested. There are so many dresses I fall in love with but do not have the confidence to wear because of my always unhappy and sensitive skin. I have always worn leather jackets over cute dresses because I was worried my skin looked bad. But, it’s just too dang hot in the summer to do that anymore!

I found that washing your body AFTER your hair helps. Gets any conditioner off your back from rinsing your hair.

Using a salicylic acid cleanser would work, but a good BHA will stay on your skin longer. Paula’s Choice makes an excellent BHA lotion that you can apply with an applicator (Bed Bath & Beyond makes a good one). You can also try using a benzoyl peroxide at night, but make sure you wear a white shirt, as it tends to bleach everything it touches.
One suggestion I’ve heard is to rinse your shampoo & conditioner out while bending forward, as some of the ingredients can irritate & clog skin if it runs down your back.

I’ve suffered from embarrassing acne on my backside for many many years and it wasn’t until I took my son to the dermatologist for body acne and she prescribed him something called Sulfacleanse and he saw such quick results that I made an appointment for myself and got my own prescription. There’s a zero dollar co-pay program which is awesome. It doesn’t smell pretty but it worked like a charm and cleared it up quickly.

This hasn’t been mentioned yet but it worked wonders for me (after trying many of the recommendations above to no avail): Cupping. You know the circular bruises Olympic swimmers sometimes have? The suction cups bring blood to the surface of your skin (or something like that) and that has helped my bacne disappear. I still have scars I’m working on, but no live zits!

Your back will have circular bruises on it (which I think look cool), for a couple of days after each treatment, but they go away and apparently I’m not the first person who reported bacne disappearing with cupping (says my acupuncturist who does it for me).

I know it can be expensive, but if you’re running out of solutions and can afford it, give it a try. Acupuncture/cupping is covered by my insurance (the only good thing about my SO being in residency is the amazing insurance we get), so for me, for now, it’s free.

Exfoliation with a back brush is imperative to keep pores clear of dead skin buildup. Then moisturize, which seems counterintuitive but keeps skin supple enough to prevent blockages that lead to breakouts. I use organic almond oil on damp skin, all over.

I love Alba Acnedote face and body scrub. It’s salicylic acid, with a natural abrasive and it’s $10(or cheaper) for 8oz! I use it all over my body and it’s magic.

Like Jo said, salicylic acid will do the trick. This soap contains SA along with sulphur. I have used it for years. https://www.amazon.com/SAL3-Salicylic-Acid-Sulfur-Soap/dp/B00685KUGA/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1N4LILJL88T85&keywords=sulfur+and+salicylic+acid+soap&qid=1558533860&s=gateway&sprefix=sulphur+and+%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-5

These are all great suggestions! My bacne recently cleared up on vacation and I realized it’s because I wasn’t wearing bras. There is a type of acne that is caused by friction and apparently that’s what mine was. I’ve been wearing strapless bras since then and it’s kept my back clear. So weird, but I feel so relieved!

You belong in Idaho! The only trend in here that wouldn’t immediately mark you as a visiting Californian are the black-and-white prints. :)

I totally agree! Every time I try one on, I feel like a twelve year old trying to wear my mom’s clothes.

I’m with you. To me, midi dresses work on a model-type body: super tall, straight figures. I’m petite and they make me feel like I’m on Little House on the Prairie!

I’m glad it’s not just me! I’m 5’3 and midi dresses make me look stumpy and frumpy.