Well after the phenomenal response we had to my first article about adult acne I have decided to write a second one covering, as you have requested, some more detail about my personal experience and also a broader range of products that may help.
The story
In short...adult acne sucks. I completely feel your pain and as I wrote in my last article I have really struggled with it to varying degrees since I was a teenager.
My acne really got bad when I was 30 years old and living in the Netherlands and was triggered when I stopped taking the oral contraceptive pill. There was definitely a big hormonal shift during this process but all of the doctors I consulted said it would clear up after a few months when my body returned to its natural rhythm. 6-7 years later I was still struggling with bad skin so it clearly wasn't just a matter of my natural cycle returning.
Hygiene
As explained in my previous article, developing a really strict routine around skin hygiene was a breakthrough (and a revelation) for me. I saw significantly less pimples with just this one change, but then I realised I was also touching my face A LOT which was spreading bacteria that contributes to acne all over my face. It became one of those things that I did constantly, but subconsciously. And so I worked on building awareness around not touching my face and also changing my pillow case every 3-4 days so ensure it was super clean and not spreading more bacteria onto my face.
I had another revelation that changed my adult acne… I realised how filthy our mobile phones are! Just think about it, you touch them all day without washing your hands, put them in your bag, on the floor, other people touch them, your kids touch them, some people even take them to toilet….AND THEN we place them up against the skin of our face to make a call… EEEK! So I stopped doing that and now use a hands free headphone to make calls only.
All of this happened during quite a stressful period of my life and I also started to notice a correlation with my stress and the severity of my breakouts. So although I couldn't control the stressful events I could make sure I was getting enough sleep, breathing, meditating and exercising to help combat the cortisol levels from the stress. I did find that eating clean and drinking enough water helped a little although the skin hygiene and stress management were the two biggest changes that I noticed the most significant reduction in my acne with.
The products
For dry acne skin, which is what I have, I would absolutely recommend the Goji Cleansing Oil and The Activator 7 Oil from Sans [ceuticals]. They will really improve the dryness of your skin but are also packed with Vitamin E & Vitamin A which is all about skin renewal, cellular repair & turnover, improves skin elasticity & collagen production and reduces pigmentation and redness. These products have been an absolute miracle for me and these vitamin rich products are also wonderful for skin conditions like Psoriasis, Dermatitis, and Eczema.
I now also alternate between the Goji Cleansing Oil in the evening (as it also helps to remove eye makeup!) and our Nourished Daily Acne Cleanse Bar in the mornings. The Acne Cleanse Bar is a beautiful solid cleanser, formulated with Tee Tree Oil & Rosemary that work synergistically to kill acne causing bacteria. Oat Oil calms inflamed & irritated skin and Green Clay helps to clear deeply congested pores. This solid cleanser is not only good for your acne, it is also a wonderful zero-waste & environmentally conscious natural skincare product.
Sometimes though I find that I don't want to wear the Activator 7 Oil during the day, if it’s too hot and I know I am going to be an oily, sweaty mess, also because I have long eyelashes it sometimes makes my mascara stick to my eyelids. On those days I use the Biologi Bc Refresh Cleanser and the Bd Luminosity Serum (please note, if you are new to Biologi serums we recommend beginning with the Bf Serum and once completed moving to the Bd Serum to allow your skin to get used to the wonderful natural active ingredients). These products are designed specifically for oily skin, acne prone skin & combination skin. They work to reduce oily production, unclog pores and reduce redness and inflammation, restoring your beautiful complexion naturally.
These 5 products have made the biggest difference for my adult acne however they are not the only natural option you have. Below I have listed other wonderful natural, vegan products along with their properties that may assist with eliminating your adult acne.
Begin with the Biologi Bc Refresh Cleanser. This is the worlds-first single-ingredient cleanser is made from Soapberry's with naturally occurring amino acids, phenolic acids and amines that help to remove all traces of dirt and improve healthy skin barrier function. For acne we suggest alternating both the Bk and Bd serums! The Bk serum is pure Kakadu Plum extract which helps to fades discolouration and corrects uneven skin tone. Although its an eye serum it can be used all over the face also - it's super brightening! It also hydrates and gives an overall glow and is great for scarring and pigmentation. The Bd serum is extracted from the Davidson Plum and its actives can reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne and can clear pores to lessen the chances and severity of breakouts.
We recommend using the Bk serum in the morning and the Bd serum in the evening.
Wildcrafted Organics - Neroli Cleansing Oil:
This 100% natural, silky, oil cleanser will not only deeply cleanse pores and dissolve even the heaviest makeup, it will transport you to a moment of peace in a busy life, leaving you and your skin balanced and clean.
These natural active ingredients work together to remove impurities, deeply cleanse & tighten pores, without drying out your skin. Leaving your skin looking clean & clear.
Ere Perez - Ginkgo Micellar Water:
This Micellar Water contains molecules called micelles that trap & sweep away dirt & oil without the need for using tap water directly on the face. Micellar water is a wonderful alternative to other facial cleansers. Featuring hydrating aloe vera and antioxidant-rich ginkgo biloba that act support a balanced complexion and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Gentle and soothing, this formulation is ideal for sensitive skin types as it is non-drying & alcohol-free with 100% natural fragrance.
Ere Perez - Arnica Concealer:
This concealer by Ere Perez has super healing powers! Made with natural Arnica, known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, not only covers, but also calms the inflamed area and assists with skin healing. This wonder concealer covers dark circles, pimples, redness, pigmentation and inconsistencies in skin tone. Full coverage but light as air you’ll forget your skin isn’t always this perfect!
Ere Perez - Translucent Corn Powder:
Banish shine & oil with this ultra-lightweight translucent powder that naturally absorbs oily residue from the skin!
Made corn, there’s no better way to combat excessive moisture from the skin’s surface. This multi-functional powder is perfect to use alone to control shine & oil, over foundation to act as a finisher, & dusted lightly over eyeshadow and lipstick for prolonged wear.
This wonder powder acts like an Instagram filter blurring any imperfections and giving consistency to skin tone!
Sans [ceuticals] - Bio Active Exfoliant:
This Bio Active Body Exfoliant is formulated using facial-grade bamboo grounds to gently, yet effectively smooth your skin. No Micro-beads here!
Exfoliation is essential to prevent dead skin cell buildup and allow maximum absorption of your skincare products. This Exfoliant from Sans [ceuticals] is blended with a combination of stimulating and nourishing ingredients including Ginseng, Shea Butter & Gogi Extract to leave your skin feeling clean & velvety smooth. Perfect for excema, dermatitis and dry skin.
Tip: avoid use over aggravated acne breakouts. The best time to gently exfoliate is in-between breakouts once a week.
Three Warriors - Face Tan Aqua Mist:
This amazing tanning product was created specifically for the needs of the face, neck and décolletage and comes in a spray bottle. The Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist acts as a facial toner and tanner in one and builds to a beautiful sun-kissed glow, hydrates the skin and can even be used as a substitute for foundation! You can also use this divine formulation as a makeup primer or finishing spray.
Made with Rose Oil and Aloe Vera to hydrate and nourish inflamed and acne-prone skin and Tasmanian Olive Oil which protects the skin from UV-related ageing thanks to its high levels of antioxidants. The smell of Rose, Jasmine and Vanilla makes the Face Tan Aqua Mist an absolute pleasure to use.
Explore the Acne Skin collection at Nourished.
Read more about how to combat acne naturally here
