Growing up I was always the one with the terrible skin. I’m not that girl that gets one or two zits and acts like the world is ending (and if you’re one of those girls, go eat some dirt). Anyway, since seventh grade I had red, blotchy, cystic acne, pimples, and huge pores! To me, it wasn’t such a big deal in middle school because everyone else was going through it, but then high school came around, college, then graduating college… you get it. The thing about having acne… IT SUCKS! I tried everything to clear my skin and nothing has worked until the past 8 months! I tried Proactive, Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Neutrogena, Biore, Stridex, Tetracycline, Tri-Cyclen, Differen, Benzaclin topical, Retin-A Micro topical, Duac topical, Minocin, Benzac, Witch Hazel, Zapzyt, Noxema, Cetaphil, Clinque, chemical peels, laser treatment, and many more. I also tried Accutane, which is a super high dose of vitamin A. When I was taking it I was always in pain, dealing with super dry skin, having a daily bloody nose, and my was hair falling out. It was awful.

So what has changed in the past year to leave me with the clearest skin I have ever had? Just a few changes!

1. Invested in a Clarisonic Mia 2. Directly from http://www.clarisonic.com, “Cleansing is the essential first step in a healthy skin care ritual. The patented Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing Brush uses a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to deeply cleanse the skin far more effectively, yet more gently, than traditional superficial cleansing or simple rotating brushes. The result is noticeably smoother, more radiant skin.” I am obsessed and could no longer imagine my life without it!

2. What do I use with my Clarisonic? A soapless cleanser! Yes, soapless… as in no soap! Two brands I stick to are Basis (can be purchased at Wegmans) and Purpose (can be purchased at almost any drugstore and Walmart). The soapless cleanser idea was suggested by a dermatologist a few years back. It is not harsh on my sensitive skin and doesn’t overly dry it either.

3. I drink at least one gallon of water a day. It’s that simple. Hydrate your skin, people!

4. Diatomaceous Earth. I take two tablespoons every morning! What the heck is that anyway, right? I’d rather make that another post for another day, but for now check out http://diatomaceous.org/

5. I take off my makeup every night! No matter how tired (or drunk) I am, I always grab a makeup removing cloth!

I really really hope this helps someone out there who is dealing with acne! I understand how emotionally draining it can be, but keep your chin up! Took me ten years, but my skin is finally pretty much acne free 🙂