Hi there J
I first want to address the thing that I have had the
most success with in overcoming: my skin
When I decided to
first begin blogging a few months back, my acne had been at its absolute worst.
I was diagnosed with cystic acne by my
doctor and she started me on a combination treatment that has worked absolute
miracles for my skin. I can’t begin to
tell you what a daily struggle it was for me when my acne was at its
worst. I didn’t feel comfortable in my
own skin, and no amount of makeup would cover up the deep pimples all over my
cheeks and chin. If you suffer from any kind of acne, you know the same feelings of shame and embarrassment that I was experiencing.
I did everything by the book. I cleaned my makeup brushes regularly, used oil-free products, changed my pillow case weekly, and was diligent about washing my face morning and night. It just wasn't enough. The year that I spent trying to get my skin to clear up seems like a big blur to me.
I spent nights alone at home instead of out with friends because I just couldn't stand to be seen with so many pimples on my face.
I sincerely hope that if you find yourself reading this and are experiencing the same feelings and struggles with your acne, you can rest assured knowing that there is hope for you. It may take some time, and it may take several attempts at different combinations that work for you, but eventually, all of this will be a behind you, and you can show off that confidence that was masked behind your acne.
It has now been several months since I sought advice from my doctor, and the difference in my skin is phenomenal. She put me on a combination of anti-bacterial gel for the mornings, and a retinol based cream for the evenings. I reduced my regimen to simple essentials only. No more toners or medicated moisturizers. Apparently, there is such a thing as "over treatment" and that was a part of the problem. Nearly everything I was using, including my makeup, had some form of salicylic acid in it. The effect was severe drying of my skin, which lead to an overproduction of oil to compensate, which equals more acne! Don't make the same mistake I did.
Here is my healthy skin regimen
Morning:
Cleanse with Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
(Creamy and has a sort of menthol feeling to it. I like it though, it wakes me up. Some may find this irritating, however) Before I used this, I was just using Cetaphil because it is gentle and doesn't contain any active ingredients, but I got the OK from the doctor to add the Benzoyl Peroxide now.
Apply RX anti-bacterial gel and wait 20 minutes before applying additional product
Moisturize with Estee Lauder Day Wear SPF 25 (oil-free, non-acne genic, and SPF, it is PERFECT)
Then apply makeup as normal. I've been using Estee Lauder's Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup SPF 15
This stuff will cover anything. I highly recommend it for those pesky acne scars.
Evening:
Cleanse with Alba Botanica Even Advanced Cleansing Gel
Retinol based RX cream
Beauty sleep 8 hours!!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. I thought I knew everything there was to know about skincare, and of course, I was wrong. It took seeing a physician to realize how serious my condition actually was, but it also gave me the tools to correct it.
I sincerely wish you luck with this if you're struggling with it! Let me know what treatments you have tried and what has worked for you!
Melissa
I did everything by the book. I cleaned my makeup brushes regularly, used oil-free products, changed my pillow case weekly, and was diligent about washing my face morning and night. It just wasn't enough. The year that I spent trying to get my skin to clear up seems like a big blur to me.
I spent nights alone at home instead of out with friends because I just couldn't stand to be seen with so many pimples on my face.
I sincerely hope that if you find yourself reading this and are experiencing the same feelings and struggles with your acne, you can rest assured knowing that there is hope for you. It may take some time, and it may take several attempts at different combinations that work for you, but eventually, all of this will be a behind you, and you can show off that confidence that was masked behind your acne.
It has now been several months since I sought advice from my doctor, and the difference in my skin is phenomenal. She put me on a combination of anti-bacterial gel for the mornings, and a retinol based cream for the evenings. I reduced my regimen to simple essentials only. No more toners or medicated moisturizers. Apparently, there is such a thing as "over treatment" and that was a part of the problem. Nearly everything I was using, including my makeup, had some form of salicylic acid in it. The effect was severe drying of my skin, which lead to an overproduction of oil to compensate, which equals more acne! Don't make the same mistake I did.
Here is my healthy skin regimen
Morning:
Cleanse with Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
(Creamy and has a sort of menthol feeling to it. I like it though, it wakes me up. Some may find this irritating, however) Before I used this, I was just using Cetaphil because it is gentle and doesn't contain any active ingredients, but I got the OK from the doctor to add the Benzoyl Peroxide now.
Apply RX anti-bacterial gel and wait 20 minutes before applying additional product
Moisturize with Estee Lauder Day Wear SPF 25 (oil-free, non-acne genic, and SPF, it is PERFECT)
Then apply makeup as normal. I've been using Estee Lauder's Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup SPF 15
This stuff will cover anything. I highly recommend it for those pesky acne scars.
Evening:
Cleanse with Alba Botanica Even Advanced Cleansing Gel
Retinol based RX cream
Beauty sleep 8 hours!!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. I thought I knew everything there was to know about skincare, and of course, I was wrong. It took seeing a physician to realize how serious my condition actually was, but it also gave me the tools to correct it.
I sincerely wish you luck with this if you're struggling with it! Let me know what treatments you have tried and what has worked for you!
Melissa
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