How I Went From Endless Adult Acne To Seven Years of Clear Skin
by Megan Blanchard
Adult acne. Two words that should never go together.
I come from a long line of oily, well-meaning people, who just want to go through life without an inflamed face. Genetics have always been against me, but in my late twenties, I found a way to cheat fate. I’m not a doctor, but this is my personal story, and I hope you find it helpful.
I was the classic pimply teenager with T-zone issues that escalated to cystic acne in high school. I went on Accutane when I was 17, and experienced one glorious year of perfect skin (and my first boyfriend) before breakouts returned.
In my twenties, I tried everything from DIY microdermabrasion (huge mistake) to Proactiv to Retin-A. I remember coming home from one facial with scabs on my face that lasted for days. I lived for the moments when I had only a smattering of zits and no big cysts.
Finally, in my late twenties, I found an esthetician who changed my skin by explaining how certain ingredients work on acne-prone skin. For those of you in the Los Angeles area, her name is Jennifer Kramer, and she is founder and clinical director at Corrective Skincare LA. She offers customized treatments, and a thorough education on skincare.
What Causes Acne?
Before we dive into the regimen, let’s get a primer on the science of acne. According to Jennifer, genetics is the number one cause of acne. The second most common cause of acne is stress. We can’t control the first one, and we like to pretend we can control the second one, but let’s be real, life is stressful sometimes, and it shouldn’t come with a side of zits. Add to genetics and stress, triggers like sweating, makeup, hormones, and sun. We can’t live in a bubble, so what to do?
While the wellness industrial complex tends to pick one acne trigger and build a cure-all product around it, don’t let it take your money. While there aren’t many “cures” for acne, there are two ingredients that can help prevent it, and both are essential to any anti-acne skincare regimen.
Will The Real Acne Busters Please Stand Up?
The first acne-busting ingredient is acid. Common examples include glycolic, salicylic, lactic, or vitamin A. These are all ingredients that act by breaking up dead skin cells. In laywoman’s terms, they thin your skin so extra layers of dead skin cells can’t clog your pores.
However, no acid kills the bacteria that causes acne. For that, you need an antibacterial ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. I prefer benzoyl peroxide, cause sulfur stinks.
Without further ado, here is the $65 regimen that has kept my skin clear for the last seven years.
Cleanser:
I’ve used a bunch but can’t go wrong with Cerave. Use morning and night. According to Jennifer, the key is to pick a cleanser that removes dirt and oil so the anti-acne products can penetrate the skin.
toner:
Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads (PTR) Use morning and night. The combo of salicylic acid and glycolic acid will keep those dry skin cells from clogging your pores and triggering the inflammation that makes zits.
Topical Medication:
Any 10% Benzoyl Peroxide cream (BPO). CVS brand will do. Neutrogena makes one too. Use at night and put a thin layer on your entire face. No spot treatment, ya hear? Whole face.
pro tip:
Pro tip: if you have back acne, get a lotion applicator for your back and use it to apply these same products. Handy for applying sunscreen solo too.
Once you’re using these three core products, feel free to layer on your favorite sunscreens, serums, essences, or masks. Get facials, or don’t. I have used this regimen for about seven years, through major dietary and lifestyle changes. I was a vegan for a while, then I wasn’t. I lived in Los Angeles, then moved to hot and humid Texas. I was pregnant, then a sleep-deprived working mom, and through it all, I have had clear skin, thanks to this regimen.
If you suffer from acne, I highly recommend the PTR plus BPO regimen that worked for me. I know I feel better when my skin is clear, and I don’t apologize for that. You deserve clear skin, and if you have acne, there’s a good chance you can control it without breaking the bank. Good luck.
Megan Blanchard lives in Texas, prefers California, and believes horses are people, too. You can find more of her articles here.
