Over the past couple of years, I have struggled with adult acne. My skin will be fine one minute, then the next it will freak out -- mainly all underneath the chin. At one point, I was covered in bumps underneath my chin that hurt and I knew some changes had to be made -- externally and internally. While I still get break outs now, these products along with some other internal changes have helped reduce my acne tremendously!
A little background -- I was using Epiduo since my sophomore year in highschool, up until about a year or so ago. It would work, but I feel like I hit a point where my skin was just so used to it that it wasn't as effective. Not to mention it was a pain in the butt to have to keep going to the doctors just to get a new prescription. So I set out to find some new products that would work for me.
Daytime Routine
After I wake up in the morning, I will take a hot wash cloth and wipe it over my face. I then used this gentle skin cleanser to wash my face and then afterwards apply this moisturizing cream.
These two have actually been staple products of mine for a while and I always feel refreshed afterwards. These are the only two things I use in the morning -- super simple!
Nighttime Routine
At the end of the day, I use make-up wipes to wipe off all of the make-up from my face. Currently, I've been loving these ones from Target. Doing this helps eliminate most of the product from my face before beginning my night time skincare routine.
After cleaning my face with a towelette, I'll then go in with the Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser. My friend recommended this product to me because not only does it help with acne, but also has anti-aging properties -- which is something I really wanted to start incorporating into my routine.
Afterwards, I'll go in with a toner then apply this anti-aging cream also by Murad. I've repurchased this treatment a couple times and have just recently ran out again. The nice thing about these products is that a little bit goes a long way and I'm able to get about 3 months of use from the cream and about 6 months use from the face wash. Score!
This next product was also recommended to me by another friend. I have been wanting to start using retinol, but I was afraid that it would dry out or even worse, irritate my skin. I don't know if it's just this product or what, but boy I was wrong! This has instantly become one of my favorites in my skincare routine. I actually talked about it in my post of the Things I've Been Loving.
This is the last product I will apply on my face and I love the way it feels. Since using this product, I've noticed a difference in my acne -- not to mention my skin feels softer and more hydrated!
While all of these products have helped my skin majorly, there are other factors that also can affect how my skin is. Here are some internal changes that have helped.
Internal Changes
1. Cutting out dairy
I noticed about two years ago that not only would my stomach get irritated after eating cheese and milk, but my face got cystic acne like no other. Besides the occasional ice cream and pizza, I really try to stay away from dairy now. If I do eat dairy, I always feel the consequences afterwards -- so this change has seemed to be for the best!
2. Stopping Hair, Skin, & Nail Vitamins
After getting engaged, I really wanted to grow my short hair out for the wedding. I started taking Hair, Skin, and Nail vitamins daily. I was nervous because when I took biotin in college my skin broke out like crazy, but I figured it had been a while so maybe it would be okay now. WRONG. While I think the vitamins helped growing my nails and hair, my skin suffered from breakouts and cystic acne so I cut them out about 6 months ago and my skin has since calmed down.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Shots
After doing some research of the benefits, I have added apple cider vinegar shots into my weekly routine. I try to remember to do it daily, but I feel like I always forget a day here and there. It seems to aid in the way my skin looks when I take it consistently and I'm all for getting rid of bacteria from the inside out!
4. Drinking Water
This may seem like a no brainer, but honestly this has made a huge difference. While I only ever drink water, coffee or tea on a daily basis, there have been times where I completely forget to drink water with a meal or even throughout the day. Lately, I've been making sure I always have my water bottle with me and I'm constantly refilling it throughout the day. Not only does it make me feel hydrated and have more energy, my skin also looks and feels soft and hydrated.
5. Limit Sweet Intake
Okay, so I have a love for dark chocolate. When I have a sweet tooth, dark chocolate is my go to. I find after holidays and indulging in sweets my skin goes into a bit of a freak out. Sometimes it can be hard
for me to stay away from chocolate when I'm craving it, but I just make
sure I don't have too much during those times.
For me it was important to make changes to help my skin not only externally, but also internally. I hope some of this tips can help any other you struggling with the same issue! This routine may change as time goes on, so if I find any other products that help, I'll keep you posted!
No comments:
Post a Comment