As a teenager, my skin was pretty calm. I suffered the odd breakout that typically cleared quickly, I had combi-skin but again it never really posed any problems. Growing up I made sure I cared for my skin by removing makeup before bed, choosing skin sensitive creams and cosmetics and I only really wore minimal makeup during the day.
It seemed to have worked because I managed three pregnancies without the dreaded 'pregnancy skin' and it was only once I hit thirty that things started to change. I first noticed pigmentation or melasma, realising there was nothing I could do to cure it I made sure I wore a suncream to try to reduce the number of new patches from popping up. I then started to notice my pores were really visible, almost as though the skin had been dyed, it looked like millions of little blackheads which really upset me because nothing I was doing would fix the issue.
Fast forward nearly two years and I was officially diagnosed with cystic acne, I have good skin days and really bad painful skin days. I don't wear makeup, I completely threw away most of my old cosmetics for fear that the bacteria would worsen the breakouts and also any skincare products that were harsh or contained allergy-prone ingredients. While my skin hasn't cured it definitely has improved lately with a new skincare routine, supplementation routine and less stress.
In the beginning, I presumed that harsh toners, scrubs and acne marketed treatments were the way forward - I was so wrong. I must have wasted hundreds of pounds on products that made the issue worse, see this was is caused by hormonal changes brought on by one-million-and-one reasons. Stripping the oils away from the skin will only make it produce even more to compensate for the loss. Most people also presume if your skin is oily or combination that you need to steer clear from oils, serums and moisture of any sort - that's wrong - you actually need to add more!
Did you know that acne is caused by dry skin or more so, dehydrated skin and bacteria plugging the pores? This blockage gets infected and once the air hits the infection it becomes what we know as pimples, spots and whiteheads. Cysts are infections deeper in the hair shaft.
So how do you fix the issue?
Well first it takes time and, things may get worse before it gets better. medications are an option but for some, it's simply too harsh for the skin and the body, I was one of those people. The skin first needs to be cleaned to stop bacteria and infection, it needs to be exfoliated to get rid of the built-up flakes and dehydrated skin cells and, it needs hydration. Like the tortoise and the hare the slower you take this journey the better it is. Anything that promises you results in one, two or even three months is only a temporary measure and may make the situation worse.
Strip your routine right back. Throw out anything that's past it's used by date (yes really) and, get used to the huge change that's about to happen. When washing your face, use a clean sponge or cloth and water. That's it. Crazy right? At first, your skin will feel weird, almost balmy but it won't stay that way. Each morning and night be sure to apply a gentle moisturiser or serum, even if you have pimples. Make sure you're staying hydrated and watch what your eating and drinking as allergies or intolerances will make your skin worse as any imbalance will affect your sensitive hormones.
So once you've made those changes and you've gotten used to what's making your skin worse and what's making it better, you'll start to add products into your routine. I currently use a moisturiser, toner and serum. I don't use any exfoliators, scrubs or anything that's aimed at 'cleaning' the skin because water and a cleansing pad do this for me. I use the toner to remove excess oil at night before I apply moisturiser and the same in the mornings. When I'm feeling the need for a treatment I use frankincense essential oil and I use a face mist spray to add extra hydration in during the day while I'm at work.
You may have also seen my post on Fountain's Molecule supplements, if not you can catch that here - this supplement along with iron are the only supplements I take. They've made a huge difference also.
First Aid Anti-Redness Serum | Once a cyst or pimple has healed I'm always left with redness that's almost scar-like and makes my skin look like there's are still pimples. This serum tackles that redness by hydrating the skin and boosting the healing process and reducing inflammation. It's safe for sensitive skins and doesn't contain alcohols, parabens and nasties.
Whatever you choose to do, just know that things will improve if you're willing to make changes. Acne tends to be an internal and external condition so keep this in mind when you're planning your new routines.
These are great suggestions. I too have combi skin and I'm prone to blackheads on my nose as I have deep pores. I'm currently a water only washer and use a micellar water to double clean then a light moisturiser.
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Oooh the konjac charcoal sponge looks and sounds interesting, I have so many blackheads around my nose which I can not shift. I will have to look into purchasing that! Really helpful and informative post :)
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