Melissa shares her personal journey of maintaining skin health amidst a series of medical challenges over the past year. Her focus is on exploring non-invasive methods to combat the effects of surgeries and hormonal changes, specifically from undergoing a myectomy and halting hormone replacement therapies (HRT).

Melissa made a conscious decision early on to avoid using Botox, fillers, or undergoing plastic surgery due to her health history, including multiple surgeries for Crohn’s disease and breast cancer. With family health being a priority, Melissa turned her attention to skin care strategies that do not pose any risk to her ongoing battle with health issues.

Stopping HRT had significant impacts on Melissa’s skin. Her skin lost its elasticity and overall youthful appearance, products of reduced estrogen levels. Melissa candidly discusses the visible changes she observed, such as less firmness and clarity.

In addition to red light therapy, Melissa supplements her skin care routine with derma rolling, employing a 0.25 needle. She specifically focuses on areas with significant fine lines, including around the lips and forehead. This routine appears to facilitate enhanced skin elasticity, countering some effects of hormonal changes.

Despite the setbacks faced from halting HRT and involving other treatments, Melissa observes a notable advance toward healthier skin. Although acknowledging the impossibility of restoring her skin's condition to its pre-HRT status, she finds contentment and peace with her current skin elasticity and appearance.

"I feel satisfied where I am now, and isn't that the main thing?"

Melissa shares her hopes for the future, emphasizing that while she continues her skin care regimen, she remains steadfast in valuing non-invasive methods that prioritize overall health and lifestyle stability. She hints at a future collaboration with her partner, Doug, to delve deeper into supporting someone with cancer, promising insights into maintaining support and health in trying times.