Ever since I was about the age of 12 (possibly even younger) I remember suffering with acne. It was a painful (literally and figuratively) experience, especially with it starting so young and having people ask what happened (as if I had a bug bite or something of the sort). Thankfully, over the years I’ve learned what products do and don’t work for me, as well as how to manage the breakouts when they do occur to reduce the length of time they stick around for.
For the past few months I’ve taken a less aggressive approach to my skin and I’ve learned that it yields the best results. The more products, scrubbing, and treatments that I put on my face, the angrier my skin gets. So, lately what I’ve been doing is only washing it, using a benzoyl peroxide treatment, and moisturizer once a day at nighttime. Yes, I said once a day.
A couple of years ago I found Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash, Redness Soothing Cream Cleanser that seems to have been the gentlest yet most effective thing for me. Since my skin is perpetually red in certain areas (around the nose, around my eyebrows, and around my chin) and prone to dryness with foaming cleansers, this cream wash was perfect for me. Ever since I started using it my skin has been happy, calm, and never itchy or tight after washing.
After washing, I apply a dime size amount of the benzoyl peroxide treatment just to keep breakouts at bay. The one use is from acne.org and is part of their 3-step skin care line. However, since I was already happy with my cleanser and moisturizer, I just picked up the treatment. I spread a thin layer of this stuff all over my face, being careful to avoid my eye area as the skin there is much thinner and more sensitive.
Once the treatment has settled into my skin and feels dry I squirt a quarter size amount of sweet almond oil into my hands, rub it in to leave a thin layer on my palms, and then…slather it all over my face! Yes, that’s right, I slather oil on my face. I picked this one up at Whole Foods. Then, I climb into bed, let it sink it as I do my final internet peruse of the night, and then it’s lights out!
In the morning, all I do is brush my teeth, and rinse my face with warm water and my skin is perfectly moisturized and ready for my makeup that day!