From people trying different products to suit their needs to those that have their ride or die products, and those with varying skincare needs, it’s no wonder that skincare and cosmetics combine to be a billion-dollar industry. Billion with a b. Statista estimates the global market will reach approximately $189 billion by 2025. Crazy to think that, right? That’s a lot of zeros. I am guilty of contributing to the growth of this industry, and even moreso since being home and wanting to try other products other than the typical ones I’ve used in my routine.
I have dealt with acne since I was a teenager. I’ve tried different medications, topicals, scrubs, you name it. The one thing that worked was being prescribed birth control. A personal and private topic for some, but I’m not scared to admit that I took it to make my skin better. And boy did it work. Flash forward to being married and ready to start a family, and the transition to get to that point was not pretty. That’s a story for another day, but since having my son, I’ve changed prescriptions and have entered round 2 of the acne battle. You’d think being an adult, one would grow out of it by now, but here we are.
My skin is acne prone; between oil and hormones, I get flareups when I expect them, and also when I don’t. Especially when the weather changes from season to season and in a humid climate. I’m convinced that diet has something to do with it too, but I generally eat pretty healthy and don’t tend overdo it on the sweets. So for those that are fighting the same battle, I wanted to share some of the products I’ve used that have helped.
Fresh Lotus Preserve Rescue Mask - I love a good scrub, and I love a good mask. This has the best of both worlds. I use this occasionally and can physically feel a difference on my skin after. You just need 5 minutes for this one. Super easy and, I assume, smells good too (if you remember from reading my bio, I can’t smell).
Neutrogena - for a long time, the oil-free acne face wash and the rapid clear treatment pads really helped. You could feel the tinglyness of the pads doing their job, and could see the amount of dirt, oil, etc. come off - even after washing your face. These are both drugstore/Amazon/Target finds, and not as pricy as many other skincare products. But I still was getting those regular breakouts and knew I needed something stronger, without having to go on a stronger dose of birth control.
I decided, after much consideration, to try Tula for the first time this spring. I had seen the products all over Instagram and was wary of all the hype by various bloggers I follow. I started slow with the Level One Acne Clearing Routine (seen below, along with the glow and get it eye balm).
That seemed to work OK, but not enough to make a big difference. The cleanser is nice and I use it on occasion, the gel had potential and the oil-free moisturizer is good too, but still, I needed to level up. And level up I did, with the Acne All-Stars Level 3 Acne Clearing Routine. I have definitely noticed a difference - in a positive way. The foam cleanser, the gel and the moisturizer all have Salicylic Acid and Azelaic Acid to help target and prevent breakouts and brighten old acne marks left behind. Plus the brand is cruelty-free, which is a big plus, and full of good-for-your-skin ingredients. My breakouts are not as frequent, nor as severe when they do happen.
Another huge gamechanger for me has been Colleen Rothschild’s Mandelic Acid Serum. Holy Moly Grail product - how had I not tried this sooner? To be fair, it’s on the pricier side (so are some of the Tula products), but if it works, it’s worth it to me. I use this serum every night in between cleanser and the acne clearing and toning gel and if I’m on the verge of a breakout, it puts a stop to it and I notice a difference the next morning. The breakout isn’t as nearly as ‘angry’ as the night before. I was alternating every other night with Sunday Riley’s A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum, but wanted to give the retinol a little break. So Mandelic Acid ftw!
I admit, I’m a bit of a skincare and makeup addict, and I like to try new products, not just for acne, but for anti-aging, protection from the sun, fine lines, the list goes on and on. Plus I’m a sucker for cute packaging and containers. Do you have any go-to’s that you would recommend?
What's currently on my skincare wishlist/already in my shopping cart:
Tula Blackhead Scrub - because those pesky things just don’t want to budge
Tula Daily Sunscreen Gel - I’ve been wanting to try this out, and am hoping it doesn’t cause breakouts for me like other sunscreens do
Colleen Rothschild Glycolic Acid Peel Pads - another pricy item, but they are supposed to help with fine lines, and your overall complexion, so I may have to give these a try.
Colleen Rothschild Detox Mask - like I said, I love a good mask, and if this helps to clean up and clean out my skin, I’m all for it.
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