Meet my skin care dream team!
Growing up, all through my teens and early 20’s, I had the best skin. Rarely did I have a blemish, and there was never much thought put into my skin care routine. Wash my face when I wanted, with whatever I wanted, and it was all good.
Then I turned 24 and it all went downhill. Adult acne, people. It’s a terrible thing. My once smooth and fuss-free face had turned into a greasy, itchy, broken out nightmare – seemingly overnight. Nothing seemed to clear it up, and I tried everything. Proactiv, Proactiv for sensitive skin, antibiotics, this face wash, that face wash, trip after trip to the dermatologist. Trial and error, trial and error, trial and error!
One weekend, about a year into my adult acne journey, I was at a makeup/skincare counter at a department store. As I was chatting with the woman working about some makeup, she asked if I would be interested in hearing about their line of skin care products. I launched into my whole sob story about adult acne, and all the products I’d tried that never seemed to work – in fact, my skin was just getting worse and worse everyday. She took one good look at my skin and said the statement that completely changed the way I had been going about clearing up my acne.
Oily skin doesn’t mean moisturized skin.
It sounds so simple, but it completely rang a bell with me! She could plainly see that although my skin was greasy & broken out – it was dry as a bone. All this time I’d been trying to get rid of the oil and breakouts by drying my skin out with harsh chemicals and products, but little did I know that it was making everything worse, and making me break out even more. For me, dry skin = broken out skin.
I switched gears right then and there, and re-focused on HYDRATING my face with moisturizing products that wouldn’t gunk up my pores with extra oil. Here’s the dream team that’s worked miracles for me:
Cetaphil Face Wash: Effectively cleans my skin and removes makeup without over drying. I use this every morning and every night.
Dual Action Moisturizer: a moisterizer with salicylic acid added for breakout treatment. All the products I’d been using before had benzoyl peroxide in them, which I figured out was way too harsh for my face. Salicylic acid is much more gentle, isn’t as drying, and works much better than benzoyl peroxide. Win, win, win! I use this moisturizer every morning.
UPDATE: I now use Oil of Olay Fragrance-Free Face Lotion in the morning instead!
Cetaphil Advanced Moisterizer: For really, deep down moisturizing. I use this every night to re-hydrate my face. It’s a little too heavy for use during the day (read: too much shine) but is perfect for repairing at night.
Put together, I saw results in mere weeks. My skin was much less inflamed, it didn’t itch so bad and miracles were happening with the persistent acne I hadn’t been able to get rid of in over a year.
I still have some dryness around my mouth where I occasionally break out, but my skin is 99% better than what it was before I started using this trio of products. If you are currently, or have ever suffered from acne, you know how it can start to run your life. When you find something that works, you share it with the world. I hope my story has helped some of you!
Becky 08.19.2010
I have the same skin sob story. It’s terrible. I would give anything for a day of clear skin! I recently switched to the Cetaphil cleanser, but I am going to add the nighttime moisturizer to my routine. I know I have serious moisturizing issues. Thanks for sharing your story and your tips!
Jill 08.19.2010
Hey Kristin!
I totally feel ya with this post… I have struggled with poor skin since my pre-teen years. I tried EVERYTHING but it wasn’t until my 20s that I found that I had extremely sensitive skin, plus some skin allergies. Proactiv-type products made me break out in a rash, (hot!). I have found that organic and natural skin care is what works best for me! You can find a TON of options at Whole Foods, but if I don’t want to spend a lot, I go for Aveeno at Target. It’s gentle and works wonders. I think I was trying to be too harsh with my skin with tons of chemicals and it just made it worse. Now everything is looking great… and I like to think that oily skin helps you stay looking young ;)
Beth @ bethcooks 08.19.2010
Oh yeah, I suffered from a lot of adult acne also. I have JUST started using coconut oil though, and it is really amazing! I ordered some organic version from Amazon for around $7.99. It can be used for everything and it really works!
I too was drying out my skin, thinking oil=acne. It’s just not true! You must have healthy skin to have clear skin, and moisturized=healthy. Thanks for the post Kristin!! I think a lot of girls are in the same boat :) And you skin looks FABULOUS! You would never know…
AJ 08.19.2010
I’ve had acne issues since I was about 12. I’m on prescriptions, which is basically the only possible way to keep my skin clear. I use Cetaphil moisturizer at night as recommended by a dermotologist. I use a lotion with SUNSCREEN during the day, however. I would recommend lotions with sunscreen for use during day time to protect skin from sun damage (wrinkles, spots, etc)! Anyone with sensitive skin should stay away from benzyl peroxide – it makes my skin beet red, dry and itchy!
Sara 08.19.2010
I love Cetaphil! It’s great for all skin types and I’ve used it for years. I’ve never suffered from acne, only an occasional blemish here and there. During my first year of college though, I started breaking out on my chin, near my mouth and my dermatologist diagnosed it as something the women usually get and it was stress/hormone related. She gave me an antibotic and that cleared it up!
My skin care routine is Cetaphil face wash, Cetaphil moisturizer (only when it’s really dry though), Olay Total Effects Daily Moisturizer and Night Creams (gotta prevent the wrinkles while we’re young!)
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) 08.19.2010
I had terrible acne in my teens, and I realized I was drying my skin out as well! Not to mention covering it in harsh chemicals my body did not appreciate. So I started using all natural products, cleaning and moisturizing twice a day, only spot-treating when I needed it and bam! All better :D
I have heard great things about Cetaphil!
xo
Kris
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) 08.19.2010
I have such a similar skin story it’s not even funny. I moisturize with pond’s dry skin formula every night and make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF every day. I tend to freckle easily. I use the prescribtion form of cetaphil all the time. It’s great!
Ms.S 08.19.2010
I love this post! Thank you so much for sharing. I, too, NEVER had issues with acne in middle/high school. It wasn’t until 20 or so that I started breaking out – never really badly, but way more than I ever had before. I tried doctor’s treatments and harsh face washes, too. And they SO don’t work! I actually tried Cetaphil, but didn’t like it (it’s been too long, so I don’t remember why). I found Johnson & Johnson’s Purpose face wash and moisturizer is perfect for me – I use both in the morning and at night. Though I think I will get myself some of the deep moisturizing lotion you mention, as I’ve been suspicious lately that my skin could use a little extra help at night.
Jessica@tastyandtrim 08.19.2010
I’ve been fortunate to never suffer from acne, but I do get small blemishes every once in a while. I used to use proactive but it kinda dried out my skin. I’ve been using a bar of soap for the past 9 months that contains a chinese herb, ganoderma, that I bought through the healthy coffee business I distribute for. My skin has never looked better :)
Mikael 08.19.2010
I’ve been using Proactiv for a couple years. It’s definitely not as effective as I would like it to be even though I wash my face AT LEAST once a day. I’m so glad you posted what you use because I’ve always wondered how your skin always looks so nice… I think I’ll be taking a leaf out of your book once again. Googling cetaphil products now! ;)
Marissa 08.19.2010
I had really great luck with Cetaphil for a few years in college (I had acne problems in high school and college pretty bad!). I also tried a few prescriptions that worked but I didn’t feel comfortable about the chemicals in them.
I now use and LOVE Earth Science Clarifying Facial Wash ). It’s paraben free which I consider a top priority in my skin regimen now. The consistency, smell and ingredients are great and my skin loves it! They should sell it in most stores carrying organic products. Great post, your blog is great!
Sami 08.19.2010
My freckles make it hard to see any blemishes on my skin, but they are DEFINITELY there. Especially recently. I’ve been trying to incorporate more healthy fats into my diet (I had been on an EXTREMELY low fat diet), and I think it’s causing my skin to be a little extra oily! I wonder if mine is a dry skin issue too? I never moisturize!?
Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches 08.19.2010
I suffered from acne while I was in high school, and like you said, my problem was that I wasn’t moisturizing my skin properly….which is especially important because I live in a super dry and arid climate (Colorado). Now, I moisturize twice a day- once in the morning with a moisturizer with SPF and at night with a heavier moisturizer. And I must say, I love the cetaphil line of products! I swear by them….
dmcgirl 08.19.2010
Never had a blemish in my life. Okay, maybe one or two monsters that pop up right before a big event on the TIP of my nose or right between the eyes, but not on a daily basis. I just dab them with neosporin and they disappear the next day.
Have a nice day!
Laura 08.19.2010
Oooh, I have to add my voice to the support for Dermalogica! Yes, it’s pricey, but it literally takes a *dab* — a pea-sized amount will do you, so it lasts nearly all year.
I’ve used everything from their clearing skin wash (my regular cleanser of choice) to their dermal clay cleanser (safe for pregnant women with oily skin!), their oil control lotion, active moist, and skin smoothing cream — all moisturizers for whatever weather the Midwest throws at me!, and several other speciality options — overnight clearing gel, a mask, their daily mattifier, etc. Now I can’t imagine my life without my Dermalogica! :)
Heather 08.19.2010
I love Cetaphil products – I use the face wash and lotion as well.
My husband’s dermatologist recommended them to him – said they were some of the best products out there.
Also, we can buy them in bulk at BJs wholesale club – so they aren’t that expensive!
Melanie 08.19.2010
Moisturizers with salicylic acid are the BEST! I use the Clean and Clear Dual Action Oil Free Moisturizer, with that ingredient. I wash with the Clean and Clear Daily Pore Cleanser. Might have to look into the Cetaphil products, though! My skin was the worst when I was in my early teens and did a lot of community theater – stage makeup was so drying that my skin became painful, borderline cracking/peeling! I actually had to put Vaseline on my face to heal it. Yuck! I really like your idea of using a heavier moisturizer before bed, because I always end up using too much during the day and that does lead to shine. Thanks for sharing!
Maura 08.19.2010
Ugh, I’ve had acne pretty much since I hit puberty (I’m 23 now). I’ve tried everything, including Accutane, which worked for a short period of time (max. 1 year) and then all hell breaks loose again. It’s been miserable. I did try an antibiotic that my friend used and I’d say my face is clear 98% of the time. The other 2% is definitely stress related around my mouth/chin area. Drinking a lot of water helps & my make up application skills are pretty phenom so I deal, haha. It also gives me an excuse to buy the good stuff & forgo drugstore brands. :)
Marg 08.19.2010
I was acne prone all through my teen years. Cetaphil was one of the first things I tried in my teen years and it didn’t work for me. One of the last things I used that seemed to work was M.D. Forte Glycolic Wash. Since then my face has cleared up and don’t have a problem any more (maybe it was age). Now I don’t have to use anything, but will use an Olay wash. I do need to start moisturizing!!!
Dream Mom 08.19.2010
I had acne in high school and once it cleared up, still had adult acne. I still have oily skin and I am much older than you! Here are the three best products I have used for my skin:
1) Now Foods Virgin Coconut Oil-The absolute BEST make up remover and BEST moisturizer. (You must buy organic and not “refined” coconut oil since it’s cleaner; I won’t go into detail here but you can google it. Virgin coconut oil will have a light coconut scent to it which I like, refined coconut oil has no scent.) Yes, I have oily skin and no it doesn’t make me break out and I have NEVER been able to put an oil on my face that didn’t cause break outs until this. I put coconut oil in a small glass dish with a covered plastic lid and put it in my medicine cabinet. Put a tsp or so of coconut oil on all over your face and wipe off with a tissue. Do the same to remove eye make up. When finished, wash face with Cetaphil Cleanser for Oily Skin. Pat dry and then moisturize with coconut oil. I put this all over my face, neck and chest. Leaves your skin silky smooth in the morning. Be aware, it does look shiny when it’s on and you’ll think, “Oh, this is oily!” The next day however, your skin will be soft and hydrated. I purchase my Now Foods Coconut Oil at Whole Foods-it is $9.99 for a 12 oz. glass jar. It is located near the Health and Beauty Aids aisle in the store.
This coconut oil is probably the best product I’ve ever used in my life (this is all products, not just skin products). Why? A few reasons:
*It’s non-toxic and all natural.
*It removes fine lines/wrinkles in a matter of days! Totally unbelieveable. Best anti-wrinkle cream ever! (Be sure to tell your Moms.)
*Your skin will look amazing the next day-you can see it’s totally hydrated.
*Your skin will be ultra soft. I put this on my hands as well before bed and then put on white cotton gloves. They are soft the next morning.
*It’s anti-microbial and anti-bacterial so it’s good for acne.
*It’s also a great oil for cooking/baking since it has a higher heat point (I keep my coconut oil for cooking/baking separate from the one I use for my skincare.). I use it instead of any spray cooking oils since it’s healthier.
*While it is a saturated fat, it’s different in that it has Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA) which is a different molecular structure than other saturated fats. What this means is that the coconut oil is converted to energy faster versus being stored as fat, like all other saturated fats. Bodybuilders also use this.
*It’s a great sunscreen. Put it on before you run.
2) Cetaphil Cleanser for Oily Skin-I have used this for over a decade. Great cleanser! I still use it after removing my make up with coconut oil and then I moisturize with coconut oil.
3) Estee Lauder Clear Difference-It’s a water based moisturizer for oily skin. Smells nice and my face looked amazing. My face looked so great, I could actually go without make up if I wanted to (which I don’t, thank you, lol!)
Sorry for the long reply but I just love the coconut oil. Love the breakfast today. I am not a fan of Greek Yogurt but I do love the mango/kiwi and almonds on top!