Skin routine and lifestyle tips: Remove acne

I am not a skin expert. The advice that I want to share, is from my experience battling a decade of severe acne and oily skin. I’ve applied makeup to countless people as a trained makeup-artist; I have sold skincare as a consultant at luxury brands, and I have listened diligently to dermatologists.

Before removing my spots and excess oil, I tried: GP prescriptions, Roaccutane, home-made remedies, juicing, Sudocrem and toothpaste. I have purchased from natural, inexpensive and high-end brands.

Take what I say with a pinch of salt – or lemon. This is not ‘formal’ advice and we are all different.

The photos of me are all unedited, unfiltered and I am not wearing makeup – minor a clear lipgloss

Skincare routine

I have three different cleansers.

Simple refreshing facial wash is what I actually use to remove my eye makeup. I find that when I’m in the shower, it breaks down all my mascara and eyeliner quickly. I either cleanse my whole face with this twice, or I use once and then apply another cleanser.

I have a separate post detailing Harley Street Skin Care. After my facial at the Harley Street Skin Clinic, I was advised to cut back on using their exfoliating cleanser. It can be too strong for daily use (depends on skin type) but it really works at exfoliating and creating a smooth complexion.

Formula 10.0.6 is a brand established in Boots and created in 1933. If you love your skincare to smell good, try their So Totally Clean deep pore cleanser. I generally pour this onto a cotton pad and just smell before using. I am hesitant about cleansers that use cotton pads, as I find they are irritable and don’t remove cosmetics properly.

However, it takes only a hint of this and three cotton pads to fully remove my base makeup. Surprisingly gentle and my skin feels great after.

My facialist Sally informed me back in January that my skin is dehydrated. This was due to me needing a richer moisturiser.

I started to use Time Bomb Powerball. It contains 21 natural hydrating agents, fruit extracts and hyaluronic acid. It lasts forever and leaves my face soft. I tend to use as a hydrating boost or as a night cream.

Otherwise, I am using Seriously Shine Free moisturiser. It’s oil free and it’s texture reminds me almost of a primer. My makeup lasts a long time and remains matte all day. The formula itself ensures clog-free pores.

When it comes to acne or treating a skin concern, it makes sense to use a treatment product.

My renewal lotion helps to reduce excess oil production, increases cell turnover and reduces redness. While my pore minimising mask adds radiance, reduces sebum production and penetrates pores to unblock them.

Recently, I have added One Smooth Operator to my routine. Because of the exfoliating products that I am using, I use once a week as a normal exfoliator. Again, another Formula 10.0.6 product that smells divine. The scrub contains gentle beads so no harsh scrubbing. It also uses zinc, oat and pumice, to control oil and draw out impurities.

My skincare tips:

• Be realistic. Yes, I have acne scars remaining and a couple of hormonal spots. But I am working on the best skin for me and not the world’s best skin.
• Skip toner. Controversial in the industry – plenty of experts say yes and no. From my experience, a toner can be irritable and unnecessary – known as an extra ‘add on’ item to entice more spending.
• Focus on your concerns. Judge your skin after cleansing and write what you notice. Does it feel really tight or dry? Is there shine coming through?
• Then look at your products. What’s in your routine that could be causing dryness or additional oil? Sometimes you believe your skin dry or oily, when really dehydration or a product could be to blame.

My tips on acne and removing shine:

• Be gentle – avoid harsh scrubbing or over cleansing and exfoliating.
• If you use a makeup sponge – wash daily. Opening up a compact with a dirty sponge, is opening up a breeding ground of bacteria.
• Powder puffs dispense powder on the skin better than a brush. Loose powder should always be applied first in the morning, to set your makeup.
• Try to use a light layer of foundation, followed by concealer for specific areas.
• Don’t assume a ‘purging phase’. If a bad reaction is occurring, it’s worth to stop using and contact the brand or speak to a brand consultant.
• Oil on the skin is usually caused by dehydration. Don’t cut back on moisturiser. Instead, look for hydrating creams.
• If medication from your GP is not working, push to see a dermatologist. And I recommend at least one facial. A therapist can tell you far more than what you assume. They can treat certain problems right then and there.
• Be wary of sweat after a workout. Try to wash your face as soon as possible or use an anti-bacterial spray.

Lifestyle – Diet

Since my dermatologist advised me to cut down on dairy, I instantly noticed less shine and less acne. Just like toners, this is a subjective topic with two sides to the argument. From what I know, plenty of hormones are in dairy and significantly, I saw improvement when I stopped consuming.

No matter who I have spoken to in the industry, everyone repeatedly tells me to drink water. Yes – we all know this tip; rarely do we properly follow through. I’m not sure about the myth of ‘8 glasses a day’, though I try to keep it on me at all times and take regular sips throughout.

I also take notice of my vitamins and nutrition. I like taking omega 3 and vitamin D supplements – always check your research before adding tablets. Additionally, yeast flakes with B12 and plant protein powder.

Massaging techniques

I came across Sarah Chapman’s videos a few years back and still follow her advice. On Youtube, she has videos explaining massaging techniques, including how to massage and remove makeup properly with cleanser. I highly recommend that you watch her channel: Sarah Chapman Skinesis.

Removing acne and shine

Overall, I’ve learnt that brands who emphasise science – dermatologists or chemists etc, are generally better at treatment. All the old-fashioned skin advice holds true – sun protection, water, exercise and healthy living. Importantly, it’s worth seeking professional help, it’s worth knowing what your skin really needs and then buying items that specifically target.

As I said in the beginning, this is my experience and I’m not a qualified expert. Have you dealt with acne and or excess oil on your skin? Do you have any tips that you would like to share?

Some products were originally received sponsored, however this post is not sponsored and all thoughts are my own. Harley Street Skin Care do mini-sizes to test before fully buying. Formula 10.0.6 is currently on offer at Boots with 3-for-2.