My Battle With 'Acne' and How I Achieved Clear Skin

How I Overcome Acne and How I Maintain Clear Skin

If you are reading this, you are maybe going through a rough time with your skin and are feeling pretty defeated!? I know! I have been there. I developed acne when I was around 21 and it stuck around for a few years and now I have finally (fingers crossed!) overcome it and my skin is pretty much clear.There a various factors than can cause and effect acne but in this post I am just going to focus on the products that I used to control my breakouts and what changes I made to my diet that helped. 

MY SKINCARE ROUTINE

I tried various products and did tons of research to find out what works for my skin and I came up with a simple yet effective skincare regime which really helped clear my skin up.I have oily skin but I have learnt not to be afraid to use moistursing and oil based products on my skin. I cleanse EVERY morning and evening, in the evening with The Clinique Take the Day off Cleaning balm and in the morning with the REN EverCalm Clay Cleanser. Both these cleansers are gentle on my skin yet effective at removing ALL my makeup. I always cleanse my skin with a clean washcloth and warm water.

I then like to DOUBLE tone. I firstly like to use a acid toner; my favourite being the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Toner. I  then go in with a hydrating, antibacterial toner, such as the La Roche Posay Serozinc or the Lush Tea Tree Water. Both of these are brilliant and effective and really affordable. I will then usually keep things simple and finish off with a face oil or moisturiser. My new favourite at the moment is the ESPA Balancing Face Treatment Oil which really leaves the skin feeling hydrated and soothed. 

I like to use treatments on my skin a couple of times a week. I have no particular routine when it comes to this, I just use treatments when my skin needs it or I have time. I like to use a face mask once a week and the one I have been using for a while now is the GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment. This is a fantastic mask for really lifting all the gunk from the pores and giving your skin that thorough clean, to help avoid breakouts.

I also use Alpha H Liquid Gold once a week to really exfoliate and smooth the skin. I suffer with dark spots left behind from acne so the Liquid Gold really helps with this along with the Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator. 

I have done thorough reviews on each product mentioned above on my blog so if you are interested in knowing more above the products please refer to there. I cant go in to too much detail on every single product otherwise this post would be far too long.

DIET AND SUPPLEMENTS

• Drink plenty of Water. I cut out fizzy drinks almost completely and I try and always drink at least a litre of water a day.
• Exercise. I starting to do some light jogging and running and partake in yoga and spinning classes weekly.
• Supplements. I like to take multi-vitamins, pro-biotics and Pure Omega 3 Fish Oil.
• Eat Clean. I have tried to cut out as much rich, sugary and fried food as possible. I still have the odd treat of course, but I have incorporated much more fruit and vegetables in my diet.

If any of you guys would like any more info about any of the products listed above then please comment below and I will be happy to help :)

XOXO