My acne was getting out of control, and I hated it. I hated having to put thick layers of foundation on my skin to feel comfortable leaving my house. I hated finding a new pimple on my face every day. By my 21st birthday, it seemed that all of my friends’ acne was clearing up, while my acne was still getting worse.
That’s when I knew I had to do something to clear my skin. Once I started actively taking care of my acne, it started to get a lot better. My face is almost completely clear, and it feels really good. Here are 5 things I did to clear my skin. While these steps worked for me, each person’s skin is different and they may not work for everyone.
1. I went on a three-month antibiotic course
My dermatologist prescribed me Bactrim after we realized that birth control was not helping my acne as it does for others. While this drug made my skin look amazing, it made me feel sick. That’s when she switched me to Doxycycline. Doxycycline didn’t clear my skin as fast or effectively as the Bactrim, but it significantly reduced my acne. My doctor also prescribed me a topical Retinoid cream to use at night.
2. I removed dairy from my diet
After my consultation with my dermatologist, I did a lot of research on acne on my own. One common theme I found in the hundreds of YouTube videos that I watched was that dairy products can cause acne. Although it was difficult not eating cheese or frozen yogurt, I noticed a clear difference in my skin when I changed my diet.
3. I started drinking a lot of water
This may have been more of a correlation than a causation, but when I made sure my body was hydrated, my skin began to look better.
4. I removed my makeup with Cetaphil Oil Free Makeup Remover and used CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser after to clean my skin
I have sensitive skin, so it took a lot of trial and error before I found the right makeup remover and face wash that didn’t make my skin peel like crazy. I highly recommend these products, especially if you wear makeup every day like me.
5. I used a hydrating foundation
As a foundation addict, I have tried many different foundation brands and products. I noticed that my foundation was often causing me to break me out. I currently use Tarte Rainforest Of The Sea Water Foundation, and I love the way my skin feels with it on.
Photos by Larisa Birta and Lea Dubedout on Unsplash.com.