Is there an age limit on this?

Thursday night, I experienced my first professional facial (I know, I know. I am a beauty buff. But, I am just more of a DIY girl). As I imagined, it was relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating.

While the esthetician wrapped my face in a steaming towel infused with some lavender concoction, she asked me about my face-cleansing routine and the products I use. This is when it went from euphoric to embarrassing. Without even thinking about how my answer would sound to this high-end esthetician, I replied “Johnson & Johnson Clean & Clear. I’ve been using it forever.”

Cue laughter. Cue judgmental, patronizing laughter.

“Johnson & Johnson. Are you a teenager? I don’t think so.” I chuckled along with her at first, but then I went through an emotional rollercoaster.

First, I was amused by her response. Next, I was embarrassed by my pedestrian product use. Last, I was annoyed that this woman was laughing at me and my personal hygiene.

So as I brooded about the esthetician’s response on my way home (I never claimed to let go of things easily), I thought, “What is so wrong with using Johnson & Johnson, a product that I have been using since my 4^th grade gym teacher gave us an awkward personal hygiene class.” I get approximately one zit a year and have some pretty fabulous skin if I do say so myself. Friends are always telling me how jealous they are of the fact that I always seem to have flawless, porcelain skin. Seems to me that my “teenage” skincare practices are working just fine.

If a product works perfectly for you, there is no need to switch to something that costs ten times as much. I use my fair share of high-end beauty products. I truly believe that many of the more expensive products cost that much because they are so much better for you. But can’t we have a nice mix of drugstore and boutique products? No one I know only buys designer clothes, and the same mentality should apply to your beauty products. If something has been working for you, there is no need to sacrifice it just because it is sold in a CVS or also used by teenagers.

So for now, I am going to stick to using my beloved Johnson & Johnson Clean & Clear. It only costs me about $6 and I have no desire to start paying $60 for a product that works just as well. So the next time I am pampering myself with a facial, I will proudly announce that I use Johnson & Johnson Clean & Clear.