So I’ve recently been hit with bad case of acne. I’ve been trying not to let it get to me but it does because it’s a) not cute and b) super tough to cover up with makeup (yup the textured kind..fun!). I’ve figured out a system that works for me after many trials and tribulations (and of course, this may not work for you but I certainly hope it does) and I felt compelled to share since I know, firsthand, how aggravating this can be. Just to be clear, I have combination skin and my acne pattern started at the chin and jaw line then crawled it’s way up to my cheeks, eventually reaching the between-the-brow area but stopping there. If this system helps or sounds like it would help, I definitely recommend it for random patch break-outs as well (time-of-the-month style).
For starters, I love this system. I think it works great but I don’t particularly like the daytime lotion and the SPF is too low, in my opinion but the cleanser and night cream are great. I like to use the cleanser every night and the night cream only on affected, less sensitive areas (the jaw, forehead, chin) for 2-3 days at a time during bad breakouts. Stay out of the sun after using the night cream.
In the AM and once in the middle of the day if I’m able, I’ll do a secondary cleanse with Micellar Water. It’s very mild and won’t dry the skin out.
Along with the Micellar Water in the AM, I’ll typically alternate between using Witch Hazel OR diluted Apple Cider Vinegar (which I also drink a shot of in the AM- it’s good for balancing the body’s pH internally. Remember: drink straight, dilute to apply to face)
After I finish my AM cleansing routine (Micellar Water + ACV OR Witch Hazel), I’ll use Clinique’s Moisture Surge which is non-comedogenic and really moisturizes my skin, after that fully soaks in, I use a little bit (a little goes a long way) of the Kiehl’s Super Fluid (SPF 50) which gives my skin a really nice matte texture for the day.
Once a week, I like to use Origin’s Retexurizing Mask (which is actually pretty mild…no burning) after cleansing but before any kind of night cream/ oil.
For the nights I don’t use the Neutrogena Acne Night Cream, I like to use one of these as a moisture mask before bed and I just apply about an hour before bed (after cleansing) and go to sleep with it on. Both are breakout-safe and super moisturizing. I highly recommend to anyone with acne-prone skin.
As a spot treatment, I put a drop of Tea Tree Oil directly to the affected area and typically by morning it’ll improve greatly.
This cream is great for whenever you’re skin is overly dried out from whatever acne product you’re using. I also recommend Cetaphil cleanser if you want something less harsh or just don’t want to buy the 3-step system.
By Raquel Silver
2 Comments
I have suffered from acne for years ! I use cetaphil along with epiduo gel and it has changed my skin… not
To mention I’ve took a few prenatal pills .. my
Cousin who is expecting told
Me it would help. But I still have VERY bad scarring. At what time do you use the tea tree oil for the scars after you have used the
Moisturizer ?
Hey Shaa thanks for sharing! I use the tea tree more as a spot-astringent/ toner an active pimple- I’ll apply before bedtime, alone without other product under or over. for active scars (flakey fresh ones) I definitely recommend Reviva Labs Vitamin E stick which I mentioned in another post. vitamin E is great for healing scars and marks so I like to apply it as a spot treatment to the affected (flakey red scars and scabs) areas before bed as well but sometimes I’ll use it throughout the day too if the spot is really getting dry and I want it to heal fast. I hope this helps!!