SKINCARE POST - my personal experiences with acne

1. About me

I’m not an expert when it comes to skincare, but I have been suffering from acne for 10 years. All the following is based on my personal experiences.

English is not my first language, so my apologies for the spelling mistakes.

2. My skin

To get an idea what I’m talking about;

I have DRY and OILY skin.

Yes, that is possible. Dry, because of lack of moisture, and oily because of an overdose of sebum.

3. Remedies

1. Clearasil

Even though a popular product, I would not recommend Clearasil. It may work for you at first, but in the end, the chemicals are way too harsh and will dry your face out and make your skin red.

It is a cheap solution, but not the best one.

Second; the products of Clearasil are expensive compared to the higher end brands, that are better for your skin.

I know it may be tempting to use this, because it DOES HELP to get rid of your bumps, but think about it, it's not skin CARE, and you want to take care of your skin.

2. Scrubs

It is best not to scrub your face. Scrubbing can make acne worse, by irritating the skin. You may wash your face gently, using your hands instead of a washcloth (washcloths are very rough as well). If your acne isn’t that bad anymore, and you do want to scrub, be careful which scrub gel you use. The little parts musn’t be too sharp.

Also, don’t scrub too harshly with sugar, and certainly not with salt. I know it may sound tempting, but you are not helping your skin with it. You’re rubbing it open and making it easier for bacterial infections to get into your skin.

If you do use sugar don't rub it in too hard, and be careful.

3. Washing your face

Don’t wash your face too often, excess washing can cause irriation.

Don’t rub your face dry, gently pat it dry, again, rubbing may cause irritation.

Use lukewarm water, too hot or too cold water can dry out your skin.

Don’t use harsh cleansers or soap (such as clearasil ;) ), they can dry your skin out and strip of natural lipids. Rinse your face well, it’s important that no soap or cleanser stays on and clogs your pores.

4. Moisturizing

This may sound strange, but EVERYONE needs a moisturizer. Even people with very oily skin need it. Not to add moisture, but to help the skin retain moisture and protect itself.

However, people with acne shouldn’t use the same moisturizers as people without.

The most important thing is to search for a moisturizer that fits your skin-type and is "oil-free," "noncomedogenic," or "nonacnegenic."

Noncomedogenic products won't clog your pores.

5. Birth Control

This has helped me out wonderfully. However, consult your doctor before taking this step. There are some negative sides to birth control as well.

Acne often has hormonal causes, and this can help.

6. Vitamins

Make sure to eat healthy and get enough vitamins. Vitamins A, B2, C and D are the most important ones concerning skin care.

7. Home-made remedies

Do an internet search about the tons and tons of home-made remedies out there, such as honey and aspirin masks. And I'll post some of my favourites on here as well ^^

Sooooo good luck

And remember, you are more than your acne, okay? It may bring you down but there's more to you than your skin.