How I got ride of my acne with 3 products in 1 week

Before we start off, I know all skins are different and react differently towards different product types. I also know all acne has different causes as well, mine was primarily caused by wearing fabric masks, so technically mascne then. For the best results, I would strongly recommend a dermatologist as a professional opinion. However, these products here did a pretty good job for my skincare needs and might help you out as well. So let's think of it as more of a product review article that works alongside other products to produce results, over a recommendation article.

The products here were all tested individually with minimal results, but for some reason combining them helped a great deal and cleared everything up within 8 days. I have not yet had any recurring breakouts since using the products, but there were some other small side effects that I have pinpointed for you below in regards to which product may have caused it.

1. Vichy Normaderm phytosolution intensive purifying gel

The discovery of this face wash was actually by accident. With a previous article I wrote about skincare ingredients, salicylic acid was one mentioned and greatly praised, therefore I was looking for the best salicylic acid product and it was something in this range. However, when I went to Dischem to purchase the other product, a lady working there said it might be too strong due to me having dry skin, so I ended up taking the wash instead. At first, I was like really? Another face wash? I already tried so many acne clearing face washes that just did not help at all. Yet this one in conjunction with the other products really did magic and I do believe it’s because of its salicylic acid concentrate. The great thing about this face wash is that it is natural and also suitable for sensitive skin types. My sister, who has extremely sensitive skin and experiences eczema is also able to use this and feels it works wonders for her as well. The only side effects we both experienced was that it dried out our lips a lot and our skin partially (most likely due to its formulation being more suitable for oily skin types). However, this was easily overcome by just applying a good lip product (in my case the Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream) and a moisturizer for very dry skin (I used The Body Shop Hemp Heavy-Duty Face Protector). The dry effect did however work great for ridding of the acne, to such an extent that some pustules actually fell off! In the beginning, I used this cleanser morning and night, but now I’ve reverted to only using it at night and soon I’ll only be using it 3 times a week.

2. Lush tea tree toner Toner Water

If you’ve been up to date with my skincare routine videos, you would know that this is my absolute favorite toner, ever. It is so light and so gentle on my skin, whilst also refreshing at the same time. Originally I bought this to apply after washing my face and before I commence with my skincare routine in order for other products to penetrate better. Throughout the process, I came to realize it had an almost calming effect on any inflamed parts on my skin. This product, therefore, helped in clearing up my skin due to this. The tea tree oil acts as an antibacterial and antiseptic means for spot-prone skin. My current one is almost finished as I use it at night and during the day, however mostly during the day if I have other actives (such as retinol) to apply at night. It leaves my skin fresh and, well, toned. Of course, being a Lush product, it is both natural and 100% cruelty-free!

3. Hey Gorgeous Banish & Repair Serum

If you know me well, I have probably recommended this product to you and to your mother and your sister and your neighbour, because it really is fantastic. I never knew how great this product actually was, until I stopped using it. It kept my acne under control, it did not take it away completely, but it definitely prevented more from popping up. Working in conjunction with the two above mentioned products showed such brilliant results. For one, it helped with some hydration when the face wash was too drying and secondly it helped with faster healing of the acne scarring, it might be due to it containing hemp oil (I don’t know if the product is supposed to do this, but without it, the scarring took longer to fade away.) This product smells amazing as well and is suitable for all skin types, it also lasts a while as a little goes a looooong way. The only downfall about this is that due to its ingredients being very natural and mostly compromising of essential oils it does not have a very long shelf life. This did not bother me, however, as I used it often enough, both morning and night. My serum is close to finished though, so I’ve opted for only evening usage until I am able to get a new one.

Of course, along with these three holy grail acne fighters there are other things to also take into consideration, however, I’ll just stipulate the three most important things

1. Hydrate! Drink your water and flush out those toxins.

2. Moisturize! If you don’t moisturize, your skin will naturally produce more oils that will in turn clog your skin again.

3. SPF!!! SPF!!! SPF!!! Sunscreen is absolutely key. Actives such as salicylic acid and tea tree oil do slightly compromise your skin barrier, so you need to protect it.

That’s all, for now, my lovelies, I hope this could be of help to some of you, mascne has been such a pain in the cheek for so many of us, at least you’re not alone and have resources to look after yourself and your skin. Who knows? You might just inspire the next person to do the same.

Keep going, keep glowing & keep growing.

You’re doing amazing!

• B x