Is my Acne clearing?
This journey to healthy skin has been nothing but a roller coaster. From clear days and smooth skin to rocky roads on my face, it can truly be mentally draining not knowing what to expect. Recently, I have changed my skin care routine once again. With that being said, I don’t know how to answer this question honestly anymore.
If you haven’t read my post on how I cleared my skin last month, be sure to check right here!
What am I doing now?
My current routine looks like this:
Morning-
Tropikal Bliss Facial cleanser (with spin brush)
Witch Hazel Toner
Benzaclin (spot treatment)
Moisturizer (literally any moisturizer)
Night-
Tropikal Bliss Facial cleanser (with spin brush)
Witch Hazel Toner
Retinol (tretinoin)
How does this clear my acne faster?
According to various sources, our skin goes through phases and regeneration. When you use retinods (like my night cream), it speeds up the healing process. This means that your cells regenerate and peeling can occur, which is happening to me. This retinol cream breaks through the barrier of your old skin and surfaces the bacteria aka the acne. Retinol’s typically unclog pores and reduce sebum production which explains the frequent patches of dry skin that occur on my face after the usage of this product. Retinols process of cell turnover increase the chance of purging in those who use this product.
What is purging?
Purging occurs when your acne starts to resurface in clusters. Those people, like myself who are new to using this cream, frequently experience purging. This meaning I have acne popping up on my face where I use to have acne. It’s quite sad because I thought that all of my acne was gone but after two weeks of this product I have a train of pimples forming along my jawline once again! It’s somewhat discouraging but purging usually occurs for 8-12 weeks (almost 3 cell turnovers 21-30 day cell regeneration cycle) after initial use. After this period is over, I am supposed to be left with glowy smoother skin.
How do I treat the newly form acne?
I spot treat like a mother lover! That’s where the Benzaclin kicks in. I will say that the benzaclin helps to have the head surface quickly when pimples arrive but its just tough to look at on my skin.
Bottom line?
This whole process is a killer on my “mental”. Watch below to see what I mean.