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Do any of you struggle with acne? Maybe it’s puberty, maybe you slept in your makeup and a blemish just popped up, or maybe it’s genetic… For me, it’s HORMONAL…
ACTUALLY- flash back 10-12 years ago, and I had acne all over my face. It wasn’t just hormonal then. This is something I’ve always dealt with unfortunately, BUT knowing what I know now… I can share how to control those stubborn blemishes!
1 – Take Your Makeup Off – The Right Way!
The easiest way to take your makeup off is with a makeup wipe … right? WRONG. Maybe it’s easier but it will help clog your pores if you only use a makeup wipe and don’t cleanse afterwards! I’d recommend using a “makeup-melting” product like my personal favorite, Boscia’s MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil.
This product cleanses deeper into the skin rather than just taking off the makeup and leaving debris in our pores. The leftover debris is what causes acne or blemishes – because there is still debris built up in the pore it accumulates and creates the bumps we dread. You can also use cleansing water, a very popular one in the beauty community is by Garnier “SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water” – this is a cheaper alternative to a cleansing oil!
2 – Wash Your Face
This is important to do after taking off your makeup. However you choose to take off your makeup you should always CLEANSE afterwards! This is called a “double cleanse” If you struggle with Acne there are many products you can use – focus on ingredients like, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc. If you’d rather focus on more natural ingredients… Look for things like, tea tree oil, white bark extract, clay, etc.
Cleansers go EVEN DEEPER into the skin versus the “makeup melters” or cleansing waters/oils. Whenever washing your face you want your skin to feel fresh and clean, NOT dry or gross! Ingredients like salicylic or benzoyl peroxide can dry the skin out so it’s important to MOISTURIZE!
Some cleansers I personally use are Murad Clarifying Cleanser, Murad Time Release Cleanser, and Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser. For days I truly struggle with Acne I use the Murad Clarifying Cleanser. For days my acne is a bit more mild, I use the Murad Time Release Cleanser – this would be best for someone who is a bit drier, and struggles with Acne! I use the Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser whenever my acne has been a bit more controlled. I love this cleanser because after washing my skin feels amazing! I highly recommend each product!
3 – Add Some Treatments
This step could be it’s own blog post – there are so many different treatments out there that focus on different things! I’m going to focus on products that have helped me personally, to control my acne.
Some of my favorite treatments include Kate Somerville, Murad, Algenist, Drunk Elephant – and more! If anyone reading this blog post wants me to go into detail (in it’s own blog post) then let me know via comments below! One product I’ve recently been loving is the Murad Rapid Spot Treatment. If I feel a pimple on it’s way I’ll just apply this sucker on, and it will reduce the inflammation on the spot! 10/10 recommend this to someone who struggles with acne.
Another treatment I love to use is Kate Somerville’s sulfuric treatment (EradiKate Acne Treatment)! It’s pink & has liquid inside- but you have to let the 2 separate. This is so great for the cystic acne I get, which is often. It will dry the pimple and bring everything to the surface! (Cystic acne is deep into the skin and can be very stubborn) An alternative- and cheaper solution is Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion. I’ve used both, and both give me great results! Another treatment I love are serums. Serums penetrate the skin deeper and are the best treatments for any skin type. For me, I love to focus on serums that have an AHA/BHA complex, or one or the other. Now, getting into Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) & Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) would make this blog post WAY too long – but to put these in simpler terms- both help the skin for the better. An AHA basically exfoliates the skin naturally while a BHA focuses on specific solutions like Acne treatments (salicylic acid). An example is Drunk Elephant’s night serum (T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum) – this is amazing for anyone honestly! It helps rebuild skin texture and I personally think it helps with scarring.
4 – Moisturize
As I mentioned before, moisturizing is IMPORTANT! No matter what your skin type is, you should always have a good moisturizer. I have an oily skin type, sometimes combination depending on the weather/products I use. but mainly OILY. I use to hate my oily skin but as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to appreciate it. Down the line, when I am 45 I’m hoping my skin will still retain moisture like I’m 21.
Since I am oily I tend to stick to moisturizers that have more of a gel-base versus a cream base. Cream is best for those who are drier and need more moisture, gel has a lightweight feeling and are best for those who are oily! I personally love Boscia’s Green Tea Moisturizer or Belief’s Aqua Bomb! When it comes to moisturizers, I haven’t found a drug-store or price friendly alternative– if you know of one, please share the love!
If you struggle with acne, you are not alone! This has been one of my oldest insecurities and I STILL struggle with it! Don’t be afraid to ask your dermatologist for help as well. I’ve gotten to a point to consult one as well. Don’t let pimples, blemishes, or BULLIES control or ruin your self esteem! No matter what, outer beauty doesn’t define you.
Until next time loves!
everything beauty 