Acne care recommendations

[Rixiowo]

So I’ve been using proactiv for my acne care for the past couple of years and I honestly don’t want to use it anymore, it’s not very good for the skin. I stopped using it once before and tried some products but my face completely blew up with pimples in places I didn’t normally get acne before I was using it so I’m kind of scared to stop using it again. So is there some acne care that you recommend? I’m also wanting to find some skin care I can use along side the acne care that will help fight fine lines/wrinkles, past acne scars and all around healthier looking and feeling.

[marydiva]

I've been struggling with acne since I was a teen. For the first time in a decade, my skin is FINALLY responding to treatments. It's been a journey, but here's what I learned:

1. Makeup wipes are not the same thing as cleansing.

2. Harsh scrubs (physical exfoliants) are irritating for your skin. Use chemical exfoliants instead. 

3. Speaking of exfoliation - YOU NEED TO! Use a chemical exfoliant at least twice a week. I would also use a retinol daily at night. 

4. Wash your face AM/PM, without exception. At night, use an oil-based cleanser and double cleanse. Your cleansers should ideally be "creamy" and not strip your skin or leave it feeling tight. 

5. Spot treat your acne. I recommend using Differin (you can find it pretty cheap on Amazon) and investing in some hydrocolloid dots. Amazon has some, but my ALL time favorite brand is Peace Out Acne Dots. They are little miracles! 

6. Know the steps involved in your routine and stick to them. 

Some of my favorite brands are The Ordinary, Drunk Elephant (although this can get pricey), MaeLove, Farmacy and Origins. I use Epionce for my SPF (which honestly has changed my skin in SUCH a positive way). 

Serums that were lifesavers include MaeLove's GlowMaker and The Ordinary's Niacinamide & Zinc. I use both of those in the AM. 

Consistency, patch testing and patience do wonders for skin. Add in a healthy dose of hydration, and you're on the right path!

I also take collagen daily and use HUM's skin detox supplement! You've got this girl! 

[Rixiowo]

Thank you! This helps a lot! Are there some cleansers you recommend that I try? There’s some I’ve got on my radar already like Boscia detoxifying charcoal cleanser and the philosophy purity made simple cleanser but I’m kinda iffy on them.

[Anonymous]

The Ordinary!!!!!

[KelseyThompson]

I had the same bad luck with Proactiv. Now I had been using the Murad Clarifying Cleanser, Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment, and then I use products from the Ordinary to help even out my skin tone. The Ordinary products seem really powerful and they are a great price!