Growing up, I struggled with having acne and not knowing how to take care of my skin. Due to harsh ingredients like alcohol and benzoyl peroxide found in acne treatment products, my skin was left feeling dry in some places and super oily in others. It wasn’t until I went to school to study esthetics, where I realized these very products were making my skin imbalanced. I learned that because they don’t hydrate, they leave your skin dry, or with an over production of oil. Because of this, I decided to take a balanced approach to skin care and change my entire routine.
I still occasionally get a pimple on my face, but I’ve learned how to take care of it by using gentle and soothing products to even out my skin and spot treating the acne flare-ups versus using an entire acne treatment line. Keep reading to see products I’ve used over the years and some new favorites I’ve learned to love.
Cleanse & Tone
Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser*
- Ideal for all skin types
- Calms over-processed skin caused by a hormonal imbalance
- Contains Lavender, Echinacea and Raspberry extracts for their calming properties
S.W. Basics Toner
- Ideal for oily and dry blemished skin
- Purifies and soothes to promote a clear, calm complexion
- Apple Cider Vinegar balances oil production and evens out skin tone
Mask & Exfoliation
Buff Her Strawberry Lemon Crumbles
- Ideal for all skin types
- Gentle on the skin and removes dead skin cells
- Strawberries tone skin and Lemon fights blackheads and acne
Protective Nourishment Blueberry Scrub Mask
- Ideal for all skin types
- Softens and brightens the skin
- Blueberry extract and Lactic Acid revitalize skin
Serums
Kypris Clearing Serum*
- Ideal for all skin types
- Reduces skin inflammation
- Apple Fruit Extract minimizes appearance of old and new blemishes
Tammy Fender Clarifying Dermagel
- Ideal for all skin types
- Helps prevent against acne scarring
- Thyme detoxifies and heals the skin
Moisturizers
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer Spf 30*
- Ideal for all skin types
- Protects against sun damage
- Squalane restores skin’s natural moisture
Earth Tu Face Hydrate + Repair
- Ideal for irritated and dry skin
- Hydrates and repairs skin, use as night cream
- Immortelle reduces appearances of scars and acne
Spot Treatments
Belif Tea Tree Oil*
- Ideal for all skin types
- Soothes and heals blemishes
- Tea Tree Oil detoxifies
Indie Lee Blemish Stick
- Ideal for all skin types
- Shrinks acne spots
- Witch Hazel is anti-bacterial
Eve Lom Dynaspot
- Ideal for all skin types
- Doesn’t dry out the skin
- Salicylic Acid helps to clear the skin
With a balanced approach to skin care, the overall focus is to soothe and calm your skin while spot treating any acne flare-ups.
Have you struggled with adult acne? What products have worked for you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
*products always in my skin care rotation
I like the look of that S.W. Basics Toner! I’m ordering! If you’re taking suggestions, I would love to read what make up brushes you recommend! 🙂
Let me know how you like the toner, Michelle. Thank you for your suggestion. I will definitely consider doing a more extensive post on brushes. In the meantime, you can read more about some of my favorite brushes here. Enjoy!
Strawberries toner looks like if would be something to taste?
Hi Samelia,
The Strawberry Lemon Crumbles does smell good enough to eat!