What I Do When I’m Breaking Out

It’s been really fun posting my makeup tutorials on my Instagram and Youtube channel. Surprisingly, one of the DM’s I’ve been getting a lot as a result of the videos is about my skin. People are commenting or sending me messages about how clear my skin looks. Since we all know Instagram is simply a highlight reel, my goal is to be as truthful as possible with you. My skin goes through good weeks and BAD weeks (which feel like months). You could read about my skincare story here. I still use all of the products I mentioned in that post religiously. However, when I feel like I’m about to break out (usually during that time of the month), I go right into emergency mode. I thought I would share exactly what I do to try and minimize the damage, if you know what I mean.

1.    Clean your Face EXTRA well- This may be obvious but when I feel like I’m breaking out, I’m extra good about cleaning my face. I love using the Neutrogena face wipes and then one of my normal cleansers.

2.    Exfoliate- I use my Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads. Normally I use these 1-2 times a week. When I feel like I’m breaking out I’ll use it that night. I use the regular strength and it’s sensitive enough for my skin (although if you have really sensitive skin, there is a sensitive version). It helps to exfoliate and get rid of the impurities. Your skin feels so clean afterward.

3.    Face Mask- I then apply the Herbivore Blue Tansy Mask. It’s this blue gel that has a cooling effect. The blue tansy oil is an anti-inflammatory and it soothes irritated skin and reduces redness. It also has natural beta hydroxyl that is high in salicylic acid, which is key when you feel acne coming.

4.    IS Clinical Active Serum- I raved about this in my blog post on my skincare routine and I still cannot say enough good things about it.  I apply this to my clean, exfoliated face and it always makes a difference.

5.    Apply Night Cream- At night I dab one of the following products right on the problem area….sexy, I know. But it’s necessary. If it’s a pimple I use a clay mask. Right now I’ve been using the Kiehl’s one. If it’s cystic acne that feels like it’s going to get huge, I apply cortisone (but don’t wait too long, it’s better to go to the dermo and get a cortisone shot).