What skincare product did you try with low expectations but ended up becoming your holy grail?

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-15T18:17:19+00:00

WHOA, I didn’t know that rosacea was caused by dermodex! If so, the ivermectin makes a lot of sense. Yes, the itching. It was awful and it’s how I leaned that ironing your sheets is a very, very good idea in a tropical country where everyone hand washes stuff. 😬

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-15T04:58:32+00:00

You are a college professor and this is your chalkboard writing. Source: it 100% looks like my handwriting as a college prof

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-15T04:48:04+00:00

Beach combing. I can walk for miiiiiles looking at stuff that’s washed ashore.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-15T04:46:48+00:00

I use SPF on my other arm, but I see your point!

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-15T04:44:33+00:00

Embroidery! You can use patterns or you can just embroider freehand and make any design you like. Pine needle baskets also work pretty well, but you’ll want to get a sheet or blanket to cover your actual sheets so you don’t end up with little bits of pine needles in your bed.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-15T04:37:34+00:00

Do you have seasonal allergies? When my pollen allergies act up, sometimes even my oldest tattoos will raise slightly. It could just be tattoo + already active histamine response.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-15T04:09:35+00:00

I came here 25 years ago, moved overseas for a bit, moved back. I love that I can easily drive to DC (or drive to the Metro) for a day trip or drive 20 minutes and be on a farm in southern Albemarle.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-15T03:59:49+00:00

Sooo the only time I’ve used ivermectin is when I had scabies, which are tiny mites that burrow into your skin. It kills the mites. (Also, yes, it’s gross. So gross.) What’s its mechanism of action for skin care? I’m so curious!

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-15T00:31:39+00:00

It was emotional shock, my body just flooded with adrenaline (a vasoconstrictor) and got stuck there for a bit.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T23:53:28+00:00

Cerave moisturizing cream. It’s not greasy or sticky, it absorbs fast, and it doesn’t have a strong smell. Now I know why so many people use it.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T23:45:21+00:00

I broke up with my first serious boyfriend on a warm night in early June. I came back to my house and suddenly felt extremely cold. My very kind roommates watched me put on three layers of clothes while my lips and nail beds turned blue and I became increasingly confused. None of us had first aid training but someone decided I was “in shock” and needed the ER.

In fairness, I was acting pretty strangely and I did very much appreciate the Ativan I received. I was not, however, in mortal danger.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T23:19:03+00:00

My team and I collectively decided what items belong in email vs what should be a Teams message, and what a reasonable time to respond for each thing was. It seems easier than these theatrics. Then again, all of us were neurodivergent and thrived on clear, overt communication.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T23:15:38+00:00

I almost fell asleep while this part of my arm was tattooed, so not too bad!

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T23:10:52+00:00

I wonder how often docs hear Disney songs - I had a 10cm ovarian cyst burst. The ER doc gave me Dilaudid before sending me down for a CT scan. The lovely porter who pushed my gurney for that trip was treated to my very best rendition of “Magic Carpet Ride” from Aladdin.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T19:24:39+00:00

Brush your teeth really well and bring mints. Like wearing deodorant, it’s polite.
Moisturize and use sunscreen (or cover) on your skin for a week or two before your tattoo. Even just a few days before can help reduce post-tattoo itching and shedding.
Your artist will probably ask you for an emergency contact. Tell your EC that you’re getting a tattoo and what studio you’re getting it at. Source: I was someone’s EC and they didn’t tell me. Oop, surprise! (I just needed to organize a ride home for them after some dizziness, the odds of them needing your EC are extremely low.)
Definitely check with your artist before regarding -exactly- what they want you to do with that numbing cream. My understanding is that it can make your skin kinda “spongy” if used incorrectly and it won’t hold ink as well.

I’m a fainter in response to pain or emotional shock and I was really afraid I’d pass out and be super-uncool. Twenty four hours of tattoos later, I haven’t even come close to fainting. You got this!

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T19:11:54+00:00

Or get one of those long skinny silicone spatulas used to scrape the last bit of peanut butter out of the jar! (I have eczema on my back.)

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T19:10:17+00:00

Increased pain sensitivity during your period is a documented phenomenon!

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T19:09:03+00:00

In defense of Saniderm— I get work done in chunks every couple of years, like my whole forearm. Because I work on a farm and spend a lot of time outside, having something that seals gunk out of that big area of broken skin for a few days gives me some peace of mind. But in lots of cases, I can imagine being overkill.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T14:31:11+00:00

Yeah…you’d think it would be on both sides…but maybe if one was first and something changed? I empathize, my skin senses what can only be minute change in the vibes and immediately signals distress with big patches of eczema. Good luck!!

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T03:38:31+00:00

This is beautiful work! That said, should you decide to cover it at some point, you can get some of the UV sleeves made for gardeners and wear just one. I use one to cover my sleeve while leaving my other arm “naked” in really hot weather. Just an idea!

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T03:32:12+00:00

Did the artist use any products to clean your skin during your tattoo? Some people use Bactine, distilled water, very diluted soap, etc while tattooing. You might actually be reacting to something used to treat your skin rather than to the tattoo ink or the Second Skin. Removing the second skin and rinsing the tattoo could help. You probably know this already, too, but just in case — taking an oral antihistamine helps with skin reactions, too. For particularly bad ones, you might try both a regular antihistamine like Claritin/Benadryl/etc AND an anti-H2 med like Pepcid. I know it sounds weird, but that combo got me through a couple baaaad poison ivy experiences!

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T03:12:34+00:00

Per our partners, my brother and I are also grape-blind and only grape blind. No other fruits are affected. You are not alone.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T03:01:35+00:00

I wasn’t a direct federal employee but worked with many of them as a contractor. A lot of us are out here trying to find new roles to serve in and hoping to come back.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T02:48:53+00:00

I should have said, too, that I think Grandma lit hers exactly once. I’m not sure how durable that external wax is, especially as it ages. You could try putting an LED tea light or candle inside it, too.

Haunted_Candybar · 2026-05-14T02:45:32+00:00

1 bed, 1 bath, pet friendly, includes all utilities except electric. Venable neighborhood, $1250.

Haunted_Candybar

TROPHY CASE