Like many individuals who face challenges with acne, I initially attempted to address the issue independently before consulting a dermatologist by trying a myriad of products. I have experimented with over 30 products in my quest to combat acne. I will share my firsthand encounters with various products and procedures that are highlighted on my treatments list. I want to emphasize that my experiences may differ significantly from yours: while I discuss my personal journey, individual results may vary. Despite identifying soy as the culprit behind my skin problems, there are specific products that did contribute to a positive change, although they didn’t completely resolve my skin issues.
In the beginning of the journey to clearing my skin, I would often hear “the products may make your skin worse before it gets better,” “It could take 3-6 months to see any results,” “Do not stop using it, your skin can start breaking out again.” I had so many questions; why does it take three plus months to work? Why are all these people seeing these miraculous, life changing results and my skin looks a lot worse than before I started using this product. Why me? I learned that when you are desperate to improve your skin, you will try just about anything, especially when the reviews, and the before and after pictures are good.
The Products……
This clay mask is very effective! It offers a deeply purifying and rejuvenating experience. It made a huge difference in my skin’s texture and complexion when using apple cider vinegar in place of water. It doesn’t completely get rid of your active acne, but it helps diminishes it and improves your texture.
I started using this spot treatment after I realized that soy was the reason for my acne troubles. This product was recommended by my Esthetician (Skincare by Anna in Studio City, CA). Usually, I cook my own food to ensure I do not consume any soy but when I go out to eat sometimes the server/waiter isn’t too sure and I end up breaking out at restaurants that aren’t as allergen friendly. I ALWAYS see a noticeable difference after using this mask in my skin texture and the diminishing of my active acne. It offers a deeply purifying experience. You can feel the clay extracting impurities from your pores. This isn’t a cure for active acne, but it definitely helps!
This isn’t an item that I highlighted on my topical list, but I briefly want to talk about this mask. I was stationed in South Korea for over a year (2014-2015), and I believe that Koreans have some amazing skin care products, however what works from them may not have worked for me because I am of African descent. I used this mask for a few months, and I did not really notice a difference in my skin, although I felt like it did clean out my pores to a certain extent. The upper left photo is the day before using the mask and the bottom left photo is the day after using this mask. (I understand that the lighting is a bit different, but as you can see there isn’t much of a difference, even after using this product twice a week for a few months).
I have read plenty of books on acne and skin care. But there was a book I read called “The Acne Answer,” by Marie-Veronique Nadeau (free on kindle). Towards the end of the book she gives the names of products and its purpose. In my opinion, I thought that book was helpful in some ways. She mentioned this product (Paula’s Choice) and I did see a slight difference in my active acne after a few days of use. It doesn’t completely get rid of your active acne, but it helps diminishes it.
Did you know…….
-Globally, the skincare industry is worth an estimated $171.7 billion globally (Statistics)
-Americans spend over 3 billion dollars yearly on over-the-counter acne treatments and an estimated $3 billion more on prescription acne treatments and office visits.
-About 10% of people with Acne see a dermatologist for their Acne.
-About 30% of acne sufferers rely on over-the-counter products to “treat” their condition.
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