I’ve struggled with acne for years! I actually used Proactiv for a while and it worked great. I used to get so many compliments on my clear skin. However I stopped using it around the end of college, because the subscription component was inconvenient. Since then I’ve been using products you can find at your local drugstore.
To be completely honest, a lot of these products from the drugstore suck! They claim to help you achieve blemish free skin, but most of the time that’s not the case. In fact, a lot products worsened the condition of my skin. I had lost hope until I stumbled on Paula’s Choice Beautypedia.
As the name suggests, the Beautypedia is essentially an encyclopedia for skincare products. I immediately started looking up a bunch of the products I was currently using and saw that they had bad reviews. I figured these reviews might be on to something, because I was having negative results from the products I was using. I’ve started incorporating some of the products with high ratings. Within a week my skin’s already improved tremendously and these are just products you can pick up at the grocery.
I love grooming, but I don’t talk about it much because who’s going to take advice from someone with bad skin? Now I feel completely confident sharing some of my favorite products that actually work!
Cleanser
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Foaming Cleanser
Cleansers with acne medicine such as salicylic acid aren’t effective, because they’re not left on your face long enough to penetrate the skin. That’s why I switched to milder cleanser like the Ultra Gentle Daily Foaming Cleanser. I have combination skin, so this cleansers leaves my face clean without completely stripping it of moisture.
*Protip: If you ever have a negative reaction to a product, don’t be an afraid to inform a company. I contacted Neutrogena about a product drying out my skin and they gave me a full refund and coupons!
Toner
Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
Cleansers can be a tad bit drying, but adding the right toner to your routine can rehydrate the skin.
Exfoliant
Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
I used to think that you only needed a cleanser or an exfoliator, but you definitely want both! It’s rare that you find one product that cleanses and removes build up effectively. What I like about Philosophy’s exfoliating wash is that it doesn’t contain micro-beads. Instead finely ground natural ingredients are used to gently polish away dead skin cells.
Moisturizer
Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Lotion
This lotion has made all the difference in my regimen! As I mentioned before, salicylic acid isn’t effective in cleansers, because it’s not left on the skin long enough. A lotion with salicylic acid exfoliates the skin which helps reduce acne! Although I love this lotion, it’s not very moisturizing, so I like to follow up with another moisturizer.
Now Solution Pure Avocado Oil
I like using this a moisturizer because it’s very hydrating and backs skin elasticity.
Targeted Treatment
Clean & Clear – Persa-Gel 10
Acne is the result of infected skin and this product contains benzoyl peroxide which can disinfect blemishes.
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