HOW I CLEARED MY SKIN // SKINCARE THREAD

the two pics above are 2017 vs. now. In 2017, I had a lot of active acne, scarring, and redness, which I’ve been able to clear up for the most part by now. This thread is just gonna be some of the products I used/ my daily skin care regimen :)

note: not everyone’s skin type is different, and these are just products that worked for me and my skin (I have combination type). some of these are also prescription, so PLS pls pls consult with a doctor beforehand bc they’ll know a lot more than I do!

the first thing I do is wash my face - I’ve been using this face wash for the last few years and it’s been so good for my skin bc it’s not overly drying. I use it in the morning and night

I’ll also exfoliate twice a week, but never more than that - over exfoliating can really dry out my skin

After I wash my face, I’ll apply either a gel with adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (in the evening) or dapsone (in the morning). These ARE prescription and can be expensive without insurance, but the generic brands are much more affordable and have the same active ingredients!!

The gels I mentioned above ^^ are super helpful for treating scars and redness when used in conjunction, as well as just normal acne.

After I apply the gels, I apply moisturizer! Moisturizer is SOO important. All of my moisturizers are oil free and I’ve found it’s helped so much with clogged pores. I use an spf 35 one in the morning and another non spf one at night

In the night, I’ll apply a retinol cream after I moisturize. It’s not prescription and has helped me with redness a lot. Just make sure to wear sunscreen and avoid too much sun though, because it can make the skin very sun sensitive!

If I finish my routine and I still have some acne, I’ll apply a spot treatment with salicylic acid, which I’ve found can literally make zits go away in a day or two

For body acne, I use a salicylic acid body wash when I shower and use the same moisturizer I use at night. If I’m sweaty from the gym and won’t be able to shower for a bit, I’ll use makeup wipes on my body and then reapply moisturizer

apart from skincare products, the things that helped me MOST were just diet, exercise, sleep, and TIME. It just takes time and treating your body well, and everyone’s gonna be different! I’ve found that the more I take care of my body, the more it shows in my skin.

and just a reminder: (1) I am not a medical professional so pls consult w a dermatologist if you can! (2) some of the products can be expensive, but there are generic versions that’re far cheaper - just look at the active ingredients and you’ll be able to find something similar

and just a reminder: (1) I am not a medical professional so pls consult w a dermatologist if you can! (2) some of the products can be expensive, but there are generic versions that’re far cheaper - just look at the active ingredients and you’ll be able to find something similar

on a final note! Acne ISN’T UGLY OR GROSS!! we need to stop that toxic mentality, because so many ppl (myself included) feel insecure bc of their acne. and for what? It’s a natural part of life. So I hope these tips help, but also that y’all remember acne doesn’t define you

**a few things I forgot to mention** I cannot emphasize this enough, but these products worked for me only after I started drinking a lot or water and eating as healthfully as I could! The first step has and always has been readjusting diet, water intake, sleep, and exercise!

** in response to comments ** to everyone saying that i used accutane - i didn’t, although some of my friends have and it’s been super great for them! it just wasn’t on my radar when i first started, so i never got around to trying it. Again, this is not me promoting or slamming

accutane - i genuinely don’t know much about it so i cannot speak on its effects apart from those I saw in people i know