Nearly four years ago, during the pandemic, my skin took a drastic turn for the worse as I battled acne for the first time. Up until then, skincare wasn’t a priority—I simply washed my face with soap and used random African moisturizers, unaware of the harmful chemicals they contained. I had no idea about proper skincare routines or the impact they could have on my skin.
This article tells how my skincare journey changed when acne appeared, and I found a simple 3-step routine that helped. I’ll talk about the products and steps I used every day and the important lessons I learned. Follow along as I share skincare tips, taking care of yourself, and how I got my skin healthy and clear again.
I’ll also explain how a simple skincare routine with just three steps can effectively treat acne. You don’t necessarily need a complicated or fancy skincare routine. I’m living proof that keeping it simple can work wonders, and I’ll explain everything in detail.
Without further ado, let’s dive into this article!
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Dealing with Acne:
Dealing with acne can be a challenging journey, often filled with frustration and uncertainty. For me, it began almost four years ago during the pandemic when my skin suddenly broke out in acne, something I had never experienced before.
Initially, I didn’t have a skincare routine and used basic soap and random African moisturizers, unaware of their potential harmful effects. As my acne worsened, I realized I needed a more structured approach to skincare.
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, or cysts. Factors like hormonal changes, genetics, stress, and diet can contribute to acne flare-ups. For many, finding the right products and establishing a consistent routine is crucial in managing and eventually overcoming acne.
For more info about acne, I’ve provided a comprehensive article about what it is especially if dealing with dry sensitive skin.
Suffering from acne on dry-sensitive skin?
How to treat acne on-dry-sensitive skin? Experts suggestions.
In my journey, understanding my skin type and the specific triggers for my acne was indeed crucial.
A Journey Minimalist Skincare Routine
A Personal Journey and How It Started:
When my acne started worsening during the pandemic, I decided to see a dermatologist, but due to high demand especially during that period, I had to wait for an appointment.
When I finally saw her (my dermatologist), she recommended a three-step routine since I’d never had a skincare regimen.
She stressed that the key to healthy skin is simplicity—just a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. She gave me products for morning and night routines, but unfortunately, they didn’t work.
Despite trying several more products she suggested, none helped. So, I stopped seeing the dermatologist and took matters into my own hands.
I did my research and slowly started testing different products and methods. That’s also when my journey with skincare and blogging began.
Discovering Effective Steps and Products:
Through trial and error, I discovered that a minimalist approach with just three essential steps could significantly improve my skin’s condition. This included gentle cleansing, targeted treatments like acids for exfoliation, and adequate hydration to maintain skin balance.
The following are the products and steps that have made a true difference over time:
Morning Routine:
Cerave Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser: This gentle cleanser became the foundation of my morning routine, effectively cleansing without stripping my skin. Product review here.
Hada Labo Lotion and Moisturizer: The Hada Labo range, from their hydrating lotion to moisturizer, played a pivotal role in transforming my skin. These products provided intense hydration and restored my skin’s moisture balance.
To learn about the differences and what each range does, check this article here.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Suncream: Essential for protecting my skin from further damage and maintaining clarity throughout the day. Check the product review here.
Night Routine:
CeraVe Cream to Foam and Oil-to Foam Cleanser: A double-cleansing approach with CeraVe ensures thorough makeup removal and deep cleansing. Foam cleanser review here.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid: Starting with 5% lactic acid and gradually increasing to 10% lactic acid, coupled with hyaluronic acid (HA), this exfoliating serum significantly improved my skin texture and clarity. Check the review here.
Hada Labo Milky Cream: This rich moisturizer provided overnight hydration and helped repair my skin barrier over time. Review here.
Note that occasionally, I would incorporate other products into my skincare routine, such as vitamin C and similar items, although these were not central to my regimen.
Lessons Learned: Navigating Acne
Patience and Persistence:
- Achieving clear skin wasn’t instantaneous—it took nearly three and a half years of consistent effort and experimentation. Through this journey, I learned valuable lessons:
Understanding Your Skin:
- Knowledge is power—research and understand your skin type and its specific needs.
Consistency is Key:
- One step at a time; avoid overwhelming your skin with too many products too quickly.
Self-Care Matters:
- Prioritize self-care, stress reduction, and a balanced diet to support your skin’s health.
Be Patient:
- Results take time; stay committed and trust the process.
Simplicity Wins:
- A minimalistic routine can be just as effective as complex regimens.
Exploring Options on Your Own
- While professional advice can be helpful, feel free to try different products and methods independently. Doing your research and getting advice from trusted sources can help you find what works best for your skin.
No Instant Solutions
- Remember, acne doesn’t disappear overnight. It’s important to be patient and realistic about what to expect. Consistency and finding the right approach for your skin are essential for long-term results.
Take It Slow
- Don’t rush into using too many products at once. Start with one product at a time and give your skin time to adapt. This approach helps you understand how each product affects your skin and allows for better control over your skincare routine.
Dealing with Aftermath: Hyperpigmentation and Scars
Even after acne clears, dealing with hyperpigmentation and scars can be daunting. I have to admit that dealing with post-acne concerns like scars and hyperpigmentation remains a work in progress for me.
However, with newfound knowledge and a gentle approach, I’m gradually incorporating targeted treatments while continuing to prioritize skin health.
Managing Fear of Acne Recurrence
Initially, the fear of acne returning can be overwhelming. However, as time passes and your skincare routine proves effective, this fear diminishes.
Stay positive, stick to your skincare regimen, and trust in the progress you’ve made. Most importantly, be proud of your journey and yourself. Try to love yourself every step of the way—that’s the beauty of it all.
Conclusion:
My journey with acne taught me invaluable lessons about skincare and self-care. By embracing a simple yet effective routine and staying patient, I’ve achieved clearer, healthier skin.
Remember, everyone’s skin is unique—what worked for me may not work for everyone. However, with persistence, knowledge, and a gentle touch, you can find what your skin needs to thrive.
