Longtime readers of this blog know ALL about my skincare struggles (previous posts from 2011, 2013 and 2015). My last acne episode was my worst to date – with 3 separate doctors/dermatologists pushing me to go on Accutane. I chose not to go on medication, opting for self-treatment instead, and while I still break out, when I compare my skin to where it was 2 years ago, I’m very happy.
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| c/o Top (worn over a lace cami) / Jeans / Sandals (similar) / Bag |
I’ve picked up SO many tips from reading message boards and blog
posts – and I want to share everything that has helped me. But when it comes to writing it all down – I keep putting it off, because there is TOO much information! So I’ve decided to split this topic up into 3 parts:
- My Current Skincare Routine
- What I Did to Avoid Accutane
- How
I Cover my Acne with Makeup (since my friends had no idea about the
state of my skin – and were surprised to see what I was covering under
my makeup!)
I’ll link in the future posts as I write them – but for now, let’s get started with my skincare:
MORNING
- Wash with Spectrojel
- Use Tria Blue Light Device (read why I love it here)
- Spray with Avene Thermal Spring Water
- Apply Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Treatment, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer and Neutrogena Water-Light Sunscreen
EVENING
- Use Pond’s Cold Cream to remove eye makeup
- Wash off makeup with Clinique Take the Day Off Balm
- Second cleanse with Spectrojel to remove any greasy residue
- Apply Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Treatment
- Apply prescription 0.25% Retin-A
- Pat on Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer mixed with Kosmea Rosehip Oil
- Apply anti-aging moisturizers on my neck and hands
TWICE A WEEK
- Apply Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser as a mask and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash off, then use Spectrojel and a Clarisonic to cleanse my face.
MY GENERAL THOUGHTS
- These products are tried and tested on my sensitive skin – I’ve been using them for at least 2 years if not longer.
- Although Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide are commonly used to treat acne, they don’t suit my skin. So for bacteria fighting and spot-healing purposes, I use the Tria Blue Light device and Retin-A.
- I’ve recently added Pond’s Cold Cream as an eye-makeup remover – and it’s the most effective and gentle remover I’ve ever tried. I mix a dime-size amount with a splash of warm water and apply it over my eyes. It instantly melts off my mascara and liner. I then take a wet cotton pad and wipe off the Pond’s. This technique keeps my eye area hydrated, prevents unnecessary tugging of skin and keeps my lashes healthy.
- I use Rosehip oil at night for added moisture, and also because it has anti-aging and scar-repairing properties. I’ve previously tried using Jojoba oil, but it broke me out. I read many reviews of different Rosehip oils and chose Kosmea because it’s cold-pressed and organic.
- I love using the Kiehls Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser as a mask. I apply it in the shower and let it sit for 10 minutes, so that the Amazonian White Clay can clean out my pores. I use circular motions to remove the mask – allowing the ground Oat Kernels to lightly exfoliate my skin. My skin always feels so soothed and clarified after using this!
Hope you found this post useful – do you have any must-have skincare products?
Great post! I really think it'll be useful to many people. I really don't struggle with acne anymore, but I used to get horrible cystic bumps on my chin and they took weeks to go away and were painful. I'm not sure what has changed but I'm more aware of my skin as I get older. I will try that rosehip oil 🙂 you look beautiful and I'm happy you found products that work!
Thanks sweetie! Let me know your thoughts about the rosehip oil! I was so relieved that it didn't break me out because most oils and moisturizers do! Also, another benefit to the Rosehip oil is that it naturally makes skin look more bronzy!
Yes, great post! I struggle with it, and I'm 32. No fair! I saw a dermatologist 3 months ago, and I've been using 2 topical medications in conjunction (Differin in PM and an antibiotic in AM). It's on the up and up…with a few odd breakouts here and there. I hear ya, Accutane is a potent drug, I took it in my early 20s and wouldn't want to do it again.
So glad that your acne treatment is helping! Accutane is so strong and has many side effects – I know many people who used it and have had an improvement – but I know others who had to go on it again or had their acne return. For me – I was worried of the side effects – esp if it didn't work for me in the end!
Love Avene products, they are great for skin, and also need to try some of the ones you suggested xoxohttps://theninebyivana.blogspot.com/
Eeeek sorry Elaine – deleted your comment instead of publishing it – ooops! Pasting it in below:Elaine Atkins has left a new comment on your post "My Current Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin": Really glad you found a routine that works for you! It's so funny about acne prone skin. I haven't found anyone with similar skin that has the same type of routine! I've had to change mine up recently due to the whole pregnancy thing.
but this cream works great on my breakout, it lightens my pimple marks and dark spots plus it slowly bringing my skin back to its normal condition. Acne Clinic NYC
Reading skincare reviews can help you save some of that money and only try the products that receive good reviews. Here are the findings