For the last ten years, I have struggled with moderate acne and sensitive, combination skin. Solving these skin problems has been one of my biggest recurring resolutions, with no lasting results… until now. After eight months on a strict, prescribed regimen, I can happily say that my skin is clearer and healthier than it has been since puberty.
#iwenttosleeplikethis
My goal for this post is to help others dealing with the same issues save some of the time (and money) I wasted (and avoid the mistakes I made along the way).
If you suffer from acne (or know of someone who does), here are my tips for clearer skin:
WALK OUT OF THE DRUGSTORE AND INTO THE DERMATOLOGIST’S OFFICE
I have spent hundreds of dollars on skincare products with hopes that I would land on that “miracle” treatment that would solve all my problems. For a long time, I foolishly believed that dermatologist visits were not affordable and would do little to cure my acne. It wasn’t until I found a dermatologist in New York (and visited her consistently) that I started seeing lasting results. I have pretty basic health insurance and each appointment costs me $40 out of pocket. She prescribed me two topical treatments (Aczone and Tazorac) that were a bit pricey, but have saved me so much in the long run. So step out of the drugstore aisle, click out of the millions of tabs open on your desktop, and stop trying to self-prescribe the perfect formula; there are professionals who will do that for you.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE RESULTS, YOU HAVE TO COMMIT
I approach my skincare routine the way others might approach… eating? Sleeping? Meaning, I do it everyday, I never miss it, and if I do, then I can feel the effects. This might sound crazy, but it’s the only way I’ve been able to see results. Here are the products I use morning and night, and the order which I use them (click each image to buy online):
MORNING
EVENING
INVEST IN QUALITY PRODUCTS THAT WILL LOVE YOU BACK
I never skimp on product, but I never buy something without doing my research ahead of time. I just discovered NARS Tinted Moisturizer, and while it is expensive, I completely understand why it’s a cult favorite. Lightweight, incredible coverage, SPF 30, top rated on Paula’s Choice, need I continue? This has been great for my skin in the winter when half of my face is dry and the other half is oily, and I need a little bit of day-to-day coverage.
DIET MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Last year I decided to try eating a vegan diet after talking to my parents about the film Forks Over Knives. One of the immediate differences I noticed from changing my diet (within the first two weeks) was clearer skin. I had grown up thinking that diet and acne were not connected, but I’ve realized that dairy and sugar both irritate my skin. While sticking to a fully vegan diet is a pretty significant lifestyle change, it can also help to pin point whether your diet is a culprit of your breakouts.
TRY A SUPPLEMENT
When I began my dermatologist-prescribed regimen seven months ago, I also purchased this little bottle of magic on Amazon. I already take a daily multi-vitamin, and was convinced by the positive reviews to spend the $7 and try Zinc for Acne as well. I think this supplement has also helped my skin immensely, and I’m not the only one; I had my roommate try the supplement about two months ago, and he has noticed clearer, smoother and more even skin with daily use.
Do you have any best-kept skincare tips or tricks? We want to know — share them with us on social media or in the comments below!
