Skincare, Weight Loss and Checkpoints
Today is the day! I’ve officially lost 100 pounds. I couldnt believe it when I stepped on the scale. Looking back at this journey, there were so many points where it felt impossible, and yet, here I am. Over the course of a little over a year, I’ve shed more than weight—I’ve gained health, confidence, and an entirely new outlook on life.
In the beginning, I was dealing with a bunch of health issues—everything from needing a CPAP machine at night to struggling just to walk up a flight of stairs. But beyond the physical, there was a mental and emotional toll too. It wasn’t just the weight itself that was heavy, but the impact it had on my life. After a hospitalization around the holidays two years ago, I knew it was time to make a change. But like so many, my initial efforts at diet and exercise didn’t stick, and the weight crept back on.
Then, I decided to try GLP-1 medications, and everything changed. These medications helped regulate my appetite and gave me the boost I needed to lose weight steadily and healthily. And while the road wasn’t easy, it was manageable. Each pound I lost wasn’t just a number on the scale—it was one step closer to a better version of myself.
5 Things I Learned:
1. Set Checkpoints
Losing a large amount of weight can be overwhelming, so I found it helpful to break the journey into smaller chunks. After every 20-25 pounds lost, I’d stop and take stock—what’s changed? What do I need to adjust in terms of clothing, skincare, or lifestyle? It was helpful to have a friend or accountability buddy because it can be hard to see yourself objectively. Even now, after losing 100 pounds, I sometimes still see the person I was before. That mental shift is the hardest part.
2. Adapting Your Skincare Routine
As the pounds came off, my skin faced new challenges. GLP-1 medications may impact skin health, such as collagen and barrier health, and as a result, I had to update my skincare routine regularly. At every 20-pound check-in, I would reassess my skincare. I incorporated peptides like Snap 8 and GHK-Cu, added Vitamin C and retinol, and focused on boosting hydration and collagen. It’s been key to maintaining elasticity and preventing sagging skin as I lost weight.
3. Prioritize Protein, Vitamins, Electrolytes, and Fluids
Staying healthy during weight loss isn’t just about reducing calories—it’s about what you put into your body. I made sure to prioritize protein and vitamins, get regular blood work, and drink plenty of fluids. Consistent checks with my doctor helped keep things like vitamin levels and hormones in balance, especially since estrogen is stored in fat and can be affected by weight loss.
4. Find a New Hobby to Replace Emotional Eating
Emotional eating was a huge part of my life, and losing weight meant finding something new to replace that. For me, it was formulating skincare products—it gave me something creative and rewarding to focus on. Finding a hobby, whether it’s exercise, art, or something else, is key. You need something to fill the void left behind by old, unhealthy habits.
5. Stay Active in Nature
Once I’d started losing, I made staying active a priority. I didn’t hit the gym—instead, I embraced nature walks and hiking. My family joined me on these walks, and it became something we did together. Not only did it help with maintaining muscle mass during weight loss, but it also provided mental clarity. You don’t have to love the gym to stay active—find what works for you, whether it’s yoga, walking, or something else.
This journey has been life-changing in more ways than I ever expected. I’ve learned to take care of myself, both mentally and physically, and I’ve realized that weight loss isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building new habits and maintaining them for life. If you’re on your own journey, remember to set small goals, take care of your skin, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey.
