My Skin Care Regimen

I told you how I was going to clear my skin once and for all in 2013. But giving updates on my progress would be pointless if you first didn’t know my regimen to care for my face. I also have a mini update; In the post I linked I mentioned I was having a bad break out. As of now, I have no new acne and all those blemishes are already healed up! I’ve been taking HSN and fish oil at lunch and then HSN and saw palmetto at dinner.

Also, I don’t really get normal acne (though I did over New Years) but mostly painful cysts. I’ve found a great way to heal up active cysts quicker but nothing I’ve tried stops them from forming. I’ve learned that my acne is probably caused by hormones since it occurs mainly in my chin area. My aunt claims it is too much dairy but I hope not since I love cheese!

I’m hoping this will work for me but it may not work for you. I think most mild acne can be cleared with a proper regimen but severe acne is often an internal problem. I will continue to provide updates on the condition of my skin while following this regimen.

Cleansing

I had been using my Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil bar but I found it a bit drying (I use it on my back and chest now). Now I am using the Olay Foaming Cleanser Sensitive and like it. It doesn’t seem to be overly drying and cleans well.

I’ve also incorporated the Alba Botanica Natural AcneDote Deep Pore Wash back into my system since it is natural and has salicylic acid. I will probably use it 2-3 times a week.  I found out the AcneDote wash isn’t very “natural” and recently changed to the Simple Facial Wash Gel which is much gentler. The facial wipes are for make up removal or when I don’t feel like washing my face. Sometimes I will just wash with water too.

My face gets cleansed twice a day. Once in the shower when I use the Olay or Simple. And once before bed where I use wipes or just water.

Moisturizing

I’m currently using these two moisturizers but mainly the Simple one. I’m almost out of the Yes To moisturizer. It contains SPF 15 and I find it a bit heavier than the Simple one. I like these because they are mostly natural and won’t irritate my skin. The Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer is a light lotion type product. It has no fragrance and is noncomedogenic.

I apply moisturizer once in the AM after I have cleansed my skin, typically after a shower. I also use moisturizer more often after a chemical peel when skin is dry.

Treatment/AHA

These are my two Alpha Hydrox products which contain alpha hydroxy acids, specifically glycolic acid. They aid in the turnover of cell production, exfoliation, collagen production and all that jazz. One is a bit gentler than the other but I’m currently using the souffle with 12% AHA more often. I’ve also learned the Souffle now comes in a bottle rather than a tub, boo for me :/

I apply this product after my PM cleanse and leave it on through the night. I wouldn’t use these for a day or two after a chemical peel. These products can also be very drying but with proper moisturizing I don’t have problems. I like to think these help with acne but they just make your skin glow!

Exfoliate

Good skin needs proper exfoliation, whether manual or chemical. Baking soda makes a great, affordable scrub and has replaced my Simple facial scrub (mainly because of mineral oil). To use, just mix a bit with your cleanser and gently cleanse your face. Afterwards I like to tone with apple cider vinegar to balance the pH of my skin.

My chemical exfoliant is a 40% lactic acid peel. I actually just used this today and my skin looks very clear! Lactic acid is a gentle acid that helps with acne as well as hyperpigmentation and red marks. Chemical exfoliating is my preference as it seems to provide better results and work deeper within the skin.

I will be using the baking soda once or twice a week or when I feel my skin needs a little scrubbing! The peel will be used once every 1-2 weeks. Overexfolation can be bad for the skin so I will need to use these options sparingly.

Other Treatments

There are a few other things I do for my skin, such as a simple ACV toner for use after baking soda. I also occasionally do a lemon and egg white mask which is supposed to tighten up pores, tone skin, and lighten red marks. Another thing I do is rub banana peels on the skin which is great for acne and marks.

Supplements I am taking include Hair Skin and Nails, Fish Oil, and Saw Palmetto. Fish oil and saw palmetto are meant to balance my hormones and stop my acne from forming. I hope to provide a complete skin update within a few days!