Q:What Breakout?
Frustrated and tired of the constant breaking out?๐๐ฝ
Yeah so was I.
I should start by saying I don't have really bad acne, I just occasionally breakout mostly between my brows, forehead and jaw area [hormones]. That being said, my breakouts can range from bearable, moderately bearable to can't be concealed angry.
I posted 3 weeks ago about my breakout skintuation and got a lot of questions about it and thought I would share ๐
I made a couple of changes to my skincare routine during this period:
Benzac AC 5 Wash & Gel
Masking
Make-Up Free
Exfoliate
These products contain benzoyl peroxide, a chemical used to treat mild to moderate acne. Benzoyl peroxide works to treat acne by killing the bacteria that causes acne; drying the acne and causing your skin to peel.
Benzac AC 5 Wash*
I used this ONLY where I was breaking out, between my brows and forehead. I left the wash on for about 30 seconds before washing it off, followed by my Clinique Anti-Blemish Toner. Then proceeded to use my [VERY moisturizing] Eucerin Smoothing Face Cream 5% Urea.
This was my first time using this product, I felt this really worked for me. I used it twice a day, morning and night. In hindsight this was probably too much! Once a day [at night] would have been sufficient enough. I stopped using the wash after 4 days! My spots on my forehead and between my brows were almost ALL gone at this point. I stopped using it not because it wasn't working but because it dried my skin [Probably cause I was using it twice a day & the toner probably didn't help]
Benzac AC 5 Gel*
After the wash and toner, I applied this directly on my spots.
I continued using this product even after I stopped the wash on the remaining spots and only at night. I'm still using it now whenever/wherever I need it.
Will I use Benzac again?
Probably the Benzac AC 5 Wash ONLY. The Wash and gel together worked to dry out the breakout [Gel alone is a bit Meh๐].
*PS: These product will most likely be sold over the counter. I bought this in South Africa, where it's sold in the normal skin care section. When I first used the Benzac Gel, I was in London and it was sold over the counter in the pharmacy section.
Masking
If you follow me on Instagram you now I'm an avid masker! I adore masks! When I'm breaking out or my skin is having a spotty moment, I especially love using my Origins Clear improvements Active Charcoal mask. This mask draws out the impurities [brings pimples to the surface]. I alternate using it all over my face [weekly], my [Oily] t-zone or just on my spots [as often as I need]. This really helps me get rid of my breakouts quicker!
Make-Up Free
I regularly go make-up free, especially when I'm breaking out [I don't want no problems!] I like to allow my skin to breathe instead of covering it up and clogging my pores more. This also gives it a chance to really heal. So if you've seen me around bare spot-faced, that's what I'm doing ๐
Exfoliate
My pores were very clogged due to an accumulation of dead skin cells [causes breakouts]. I stumbled on the Bioderma Sรฉbium Exfoliating Gel by chance and I'm currently loving my results. I use this once or twice a week, depending on how my skin feels/looks. My skin definitely feels smoother, supple and clearer. Exfoliation is needed to take off the dead skin and aids in cell renewal which heals the skin [Acne scars/dark spots be gone!] This for me really changed my skintuation and is what I feel is maintaining my clear skin right now.
If your normal products are just not working to treat your current breakout and you want quick results?
I would say give the Benzac Wash a try, only for a couple of days at night [short-term fix]. Try clearing masks, going make-up free as much as you can and exfoliate weekly.
For Long-Term Skin improvement? Exfoliation is KEY