Ditch the Differin

Little disclaimer- I am not a professional BY ANY MEANS- this is just what I have learned from experience and what has worked for me :)

I've always had an issue about my skin and everytime I visit a dermatologist they ooohh and ahhh "you have beautiful skin!" UM WHAT? Absolutely not! My dermatologist explained to me that blemishes and pimples are just topical and can be prevented by changing habits and your diet (more water, less dairy). Acne, unforuntely is not topical and root of the problem comes from under the skin. I started using Differin my sophomore year in highschool for the blemishes around my chin. My dermatologist warned me telling me that Differin was used to cure severe acne. After using it for about a week I had red circles around my eyes and they were so dry that I couldn't even wear makeup or mousturizer. It burned and was MISERABLE. Don't get me wrong, Differin works for some people but it is not necessary for minor blemishes here and there.

Now everyone knows I was not about to change my diet... sacrifice cutting my dairy intake? I think not!

Here are a few changes I made in my daily routine that have improved my skin:


DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE! 

I know, it's hard to do. It's almost as if I'm not even realizing that I'm doing it. But now that I'm aware it causes breakouts I don't even like to itch my face!  If you absolutely have to touch your face for some reason (itch, fix your makeup, etc.) wash your hands or apply hand sanitizer first. Your hands contain germs and oil that clog your pores. Bacteria and your face DO NOT get along. This is even important for guys. So many of them complain "I've never work makeup in my life, why am I breaking out?!" I can assure you it's because they more than likely go all day without washing their hands and don't even realize that they touch their face. Bacteria+oil= pimples. It's just an easy fix... keep hand sanitizer in your purse at all times!


WASH YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES AND SPONGES!

This is an important step if you want to improve your skin. Your brushes and sponges contain bacteria and if you don't wash them you are just re applying that bacteria to your face. It's just ASKING for a breakout. Clean your brushes and sponges once a week. If you wear makeup everyday, I would suggest washing them every 3 days. I wouldn't just wash them with soap and water- especially if you have sensitive skin and expensive brushes. Below are a few options of good quality brush cleaners:

Mac Brush Cleaner
Coastal Scents Brush Cleaner
E.L.F. Brush Cleaner



USE FOUNDATION WITH A PUMP!

My favorite foundation Revlon Whipped Color stay is sadly in a jar so I make sure I wash or sanitize my hands before I use it. I am completely in love with this foundation so I refuse to stray from it. But if you have the option, buy a foundation with a pump so absolutely NO germs or bacteria is getting into the bottle. Again, bacteria and germs will just be reapplied to your face daily.

LEAVE IT AT SPOT TREATMENT ONLY!

I have ALWAYS been a believer of slapping on the serum, moisturizer, toner, and anything else on my face before bedtime. At my last dermatologist visit he told me "nothing at all is better than too much". He explained that so many people pack on the products at night in hopes that they will wake up the next morning with dramatically different skin. Just spot treat your pimples- don't apply the product all over your face. Your skin needs to be able to breathe so keep the night time products at a minimum. Usually I will only apply moisturizer on my t zone and under my eyes. I use toner 3 nights a week.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR DIET! 

The majority of acne is caused by hormones which is found in a LOT of foods that we consume. If you are serious about clearing up your skin without medication try to avoid: ( all dairy products, cow milk, carbs, red meats, sugar, chocolate, caffeine, processed food, anything WHITE, spicy food, and alcohol.) I know, how depressing. How could anyone give up carbs and chocolate? Being a girl is tough, right?


I wish I would have known in high school to make these minor changes throughout my daily skin care routine- would have saved me a lot of money and worrying! I started making these changes about 6 months ago and my topical blemishes have reduced immensely. So, before you turn to the dermatologist and prescriptions, realize that some blemishes are preventable. I hope this helped!

Thanks for reading!
Leah