However, there is a silver lining. I, through my many trials and tribulations, have found a regimen that keeps my flare ups - somewhat at bay. I am not saying by any means that this is the cure all to acne, but what I am saying is that this particular regimen has helped me, and can maybe help someone else!
Now a little bit about my skin type - I have extremely dry sensitive skin. Therefore my products cater to this very important need. I am not postulating that this would not work for someone who has oily skin, it very well may. Now, the method to my madness.
In the morning I use Clean and Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser. It incorporates bursting beads as well as vitamin c and ginseng (which if you are anything like me in the morning, you need all the help you can get!). This is by Johnson and Johnson and you can pick it up at your local Walmart.
At night before my shower I take my make up off with Neutrogena make up wipes. Once finished showering I then wash my face with Aveeno Active Naturals Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser. This is a very gentle cleanser (as it states on the bottle) and it contains a very important compound that has been shown to clear and prevent future breakouts, salicylic acid. Now to get all scientific on you: Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring chemical compound that has bacterial, fungal, and keratolytic properties. This means that it is a fantastic exfoliating component, especially for cleaning out clogged pores. It also completed phase 4 clinical trials as a treatment for acne - in science talk, not only is this impressive as it takes years to complete a phase 4 trial, but it also puts alot of scientific backing behind this particular product. All this information is available to you at pubchem.ncbi. In addition this magical solution also contains soy, which is moisture rich and is what my skin type desperately needs after a long, drying day (especially in the winter). This is another Johnson and Johnson product, however it is a little more expensive than the clean and clear product, but still available at the local Walmart. For your viewing pleasure there also is a lovely cameo from Sabrina.
Every time I wash my face, afterwards I need to moisturize. For an acne prone individual this is where something could go very wrong. Using a heavy face cream can cause your pores to become blocked. When pores are blocked for lengthy amounts of time those ugly blemishes that we so very much want to avoid, appear. This is the reasoning for my next recommendation - Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion. This lotion type is available in varying weights. I chose a light weight lotion that allows my skin to breathe at night. It is important to note that I allow my skin to dry fully before applying lotion to my face. I will carefully pat dry with a clean towel, then allow the air to do the rest - about five minutes. Again another product that is available at Walmart.
This is my very basic, everyday skin care regimen. If I am undergoing a sort of flare up - which is usually caused by over indulgence of sweets, or skipping a step in my regimen - I alter this method slightly. At night after my Aveeno cleansing I will NOT moisturize with Eucerin, as I don't want to over lotion - I want my blemishes to fully dry overnight. This has actually shortened several of my flare ups pretty significantly.
However after something like this (an extreme drying out process) my blemishes are gone but my skin is patchy and flakey. So what do I do next? Moisturize, but not overly so. Some of my favorite products to use are on the expensive end, but I want to recommend them anyway. I am sure that there are many alternatives to use on the cheaper end - just look for something light weight with heavy impact.
My recommendations are: Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Night and Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Premiere Intense Moisture and Renewal Regeneration. Since these are on the pricey end, I only apply them to the areas of my face that need them. Just remember, a little goes a long way.
Again these are just products that cater to my skin needs - I firmly stand by my regimen for myself. I will be ecstatic if it helps others. But I believe the take away from all this is: find a regimen that works for you and stick to it, so you can save some face.
