I’m having loads of fun engaging with you all on Facebook Live. If you missed my chat on Thursday, you can watch it below. (My wifi shut down after the first three minutes and I had to start the chat from the beginning). You can find the names, photos and description of the products I featured below the video.
Acne can be caused by several reasons including stress, your family history, hormonal changes and contact with the hair and skincare products you use. I’m also convinced that my poor diet (I loved eating fried foods) played a role.
Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
One of the first products my dermatologist recommended was Purpose. It’s a soap-free, oil-free facial cleanser. I’ve been using it for more than eight years. It’s available in the drugstore and costs less than $13.
Azelaic Acid (Finacea)
The zit isn’t even the worst part about having adult acne – the red scars are. It’s only a matter of time before a pimple leaves, but the scarring can almost become permanent. For the scars, my dermatologist recommended Finacea, an azelaic acid that does wonders for people with rosacea. The prescribed medication lightens the scars which then leads to clearer skin.
The dermatologist also told me about topical creams with Retin-A but said that it can be harmful to a fetus. At the time I wasn’t planning for a family but I still felt uncomfortable with the risk so I opted out. I urge you to always ask your doctor about the side effects or risks of every prescription no matter if it’s a cream or pill.
Moisturizers
When I had adult acne I was afraid to add moisturizer to my daily routine in fear that it would cause a breakout. But hydrating your skin is vital in your battle against acne. Not moisturizing can actually lead to more zits. Look for oil-free moisturizers. I try to use products that are free of parabens, dyes, and sulfates like the Neutrogena Naturals moisturizer above.
After the live chat, my friend Shirley Nunez from Orlando chimed in under the comments with a tip about using Roden + Fields. Nunez has worked with the cosmetic company for a couple of years and says Roden + Fields “is the #1 premium skincare brand for acne in the United States.” She recommends using products from the Unblemish line to combat acne. “Clinically shown to combat the entire acne cycle, this sophisticated regimen helps unclog pores, calm your complexion and keep adult acne from making unwelcome appearances on your face.” Shop Roden + Fields here.
Cleansing Water
If you’re like me and would rather go straight to bed without washing your face, then I strongly encourage you to add the following products to your night desk as soon as possible: Simple Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water and facial wipes.
The micellar cleansing water is purified water that boosts hydration. It’s filled with vitamins and there’s no need to rinse after removing makeup with a cotton pad.
Cleansing Wipes
There are so many facial cleansing wipes out there, and I’m not in love with all of them. One I did enjoy recently was Shea Moisture’s African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wipe. It’s designed for oily and blemish prone skin. The tea tree oil gently removed my makeup without irritation. You can find the wipes in your local drugstore.
On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
A couple of weeks ago I used the On-the-Spot Acne Treatment for the first time. I had a little zit right under my nose and it was gone the following day. The On-the-Spot Treatment provides maximum results without drying your face. It contains only 2.5% of Benzyol Peroxide. I like that it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores).
It’s because of products like Purpose, the prescribed azelaic acid and sensitive skin moisturizer that my face was cleared of adult acne. Although pretty rare, I still get whiteheads and a zit once in a while. Everyone’s skin is different but these are the products that worked for me. I strongly recommend you speak with a dermatologist to see what skincare routine works best for you.
