How I Tackle Problem Skin

If I told my fifteen year old self that heavily blemished skin and acne would soon be problems of the past she would probably cry with happiness. But even though those days lay long behind me (THANK GOD!) I still have the odd breakout from time to time and am constantly dealing with clogged pores and oily skin. So for the days when that happens I have figured out a routine that helps me to get rid of annoying blemishes and zits.

Most of these products I also use when I'm not currently breaking out as a preventive measure. I use the Clinique Dramatically Different Gel as my nightly moistuizer. As I hardly ever have dry patches or dry skin in general it is important to not overload my skin with heavy creams. Therefore gel textures like the Clinique one are perfect to hydrate my skin but not to clogg my pores or increase shine and oils. I also use the La Roche Posay Effaclar K+ on a daily basis which basically is the less intense version of the Effaclar Duo and helps to get rid of texture and black heads; it also minimizes shine and the appearance of pores. Since using this my skin has become a lot more even and smoother in its look and feel. For gentle exfoliation I use the trusty Pixi Glow Tonic as a lot of toners aimed at oily skin are way to harsh on my skin and dry it out. Also I  don't want  to miss out on that glow it gives.

Now for more acute problem solvers. My first step is always the Origins Out of Trouble mask. As the name suggests this mask is designed to get your skin out of trouble: it cleans out pores, gets rid of oil and debrum and the salycilic acid in it helps to dry out zits. Then I will put some Clinique Clarifying Toner on a cotton pad and then pat it on my problem areas; mostly my T-Zone and chin. This contains alcohol and will dry out the skin but it will also dry out zits overnight so if you don't suffer with severe dry skin I woul highly reccommend this step. Most of the time this will be enough but if I am dealing with very resistant breakouts then the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is the way to go. Be warned, this stuff smells and stings but that is the sign of miracle work. Your zit will be gone the next day. Unfornuately I am often left with blemihes or scars which are way more diffuclt to get rid of than the actual zit. The Orgins Retexturizing mask will then help to exfoliate the skin and resurface the new skin cells under the blemish a little bit faster.

Non-product related tips I would give to prevent breakouts:

1. Don't touch your face!
2. Change your pillow case and your towels on a regular basis
3. Clean your make up brushes at least every two weeks (it's disgusting what accumilates in those)

Which products do you use to tackle problem skin and blemishes?

xx Laura



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