I have never had perfect skin. For the past 10 years I have struggled with pimples, but even more so, with stress-induced, swollen, painful  cysts.  But even in my worst state, when no amount of concealer could  hide my problem, I would still have friends, and even complete  strangers, tell me how nice my complexion was.  Because even broken out, my skin was always even-toned, smooth, and glowing.   

Six months ago I moved from Los Angeles, California to Geneva,  Switzerland.  Within 2 months the cysts had disappeared.  I was  relieved. I felt like finally, at 27 years old, the problem would be  a thing of the past.  But in place of the cysts came more pimples, and horribly dry, irritated skin that was red, splotchy, and spotted.  Geneva has quite a dry climate and you cannot find a water softener in  the whole region, so my skin became parched.  Within 4 months of living in Geneva I felt like I had aged 10 years.  

On top of the  pimples & redness, my skin became thick, lined, and dull. I have a  stressful job, so this I'm sure also contributed, but even more so I blame it on the lack of moisture.  

My "before" picture was taken  about 8 weeks after we arrived in Geneva.  I actually have makeup on in  this picture, but you can still see the redness.