I thought I would tackle this in one long blog post, as those who suffer from acne like me know just how important it is to have a skincare routine that works well. If I am missing one of my products, then my skin will always let me know! I have had acne ever since I was 10 years old, which was hard as I was the only person in my class with it and people called me names and would ask why my face looked the way it did. It wasn't nice, and made me feel uncomfortable, especially before my mid-teens when I was only one of a few.
Over the past few years my acne has drastically improved. I have tried so many products on the market, as well as prescribed medication, but recently I have had to change my former medication. This has meant my skin has worsened again, especially as I have been stressed with my final university exams. Because of this, I have decided to use the opportunity to switch up my routine a little and find some different products.
My skin is clearing a little now and hopefully will improve over the summer and now that I am less stressed. Here are the products that I use on a regular basis, as well as products I have tried and didn't work for me. As you can see, my favourite brand is Neutrogena. I know they also do a cosmetics line, but I don't believe that it is available in the UK.
Daily:
Avon solutions balanced + matte spf 15 day cream and complete balance night oil-free gel
Love the moisturiser as it's so light weight and it doesn't even feel like I am wearing any at all. The one non-negotiable in a moisturiser for me is that it must have spf: everyone should wear at least spf 15 every day if they spend time outside as it's so so so important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
The night-time gel I really like because I think that it is mainly water with very few chemicals, which is good because it moisturises without adding many other ingredients to your skin, which I assume is good.
Neutrogena visibly clear pink grapefruit oil-free moisturiser
This smells delicious! I have some grapefruit moisturiser from The Body Shop too, so it's all about grapefruit at the moment! I love this product because it doesn't break me out and I after I use it at night, I can still feel the effects of it in the morning.
Nivea daily essentials refreshing facial wash gel
Although I didn't like the Nivea moisturiser at all, I like this gel. It's not the most amazing product I have ever tried, but it seems fine and so far hasn't broken me out. At some point I would like to find a better daily gel wash.
Bio-oil
This is a product to be used for the long-term for acne scarring. It doesn't make an instantly noticeable difference, so I'm not really sure if it works, but most people swear by it, so I shall continue to use it.
As needed:
Neutrogena gentle exfoliating wash
After I found out that it is harmful to exfoliate your skin twice every day - oops! - I only use this a few times per week and I love it! This is the product on the post that I have used consistently for the longest amount of time.
Quick fix clay mask
At first I thought this mask was breaking me out, but it turns out it was something else after all. It's actually very moisturising and feels like a pamper product, rather than just another face product, which is good after a long day's work. It contains deep sea mud, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil - all good things for acne sufferers!
Witch hazel tea tree peel off face mask
It's not a luxurious-feeling face mask, but it works well and is oil free, which is great if you have acne like me. My Mum loves it as well!
Neutrogena visibly clear rapid clear treatment
It actually does what it claims to do and that is to visibly reduce spots in 4 hours. I had an awful blemish on my chin and so I was very grateful for this product. It's probably best to use without applying makeup over the top
Wouldn't recommend:
Simple kind to skin vital vitamin day cream
A friend recommended this to me as she has always used it, but as soon as I put it on I knew I didn't like it at all! It left an oily film across my skin. I tried to use it for about a week, but the situation didn't improve at all so I just gave the pot to her! I've heard lots of people like it though, so it's probably just my skin.
So there you have it! These are the products that I use on a daily basis to combat acne, as well as one which didn't work for me. I am always on the look out for new things, so if you have a recommendation please leave it in the comments and I will get back to you :)
