My Acne-Healing Journey

This post is about healing acne that I developed in August of 2025. I'm very self-conscious about the pictures (the acne one is extra unflattering... my face is not that big IRL (LOL), but I hope it will help someone who may be struggling with a similar issue. The before and after pictures are at the bottom!

I've never had very much acne, but ironically, when I started esthetician school, my face broke out BAD, worse than ever before. I didn't even want to go in public. Although I can't confirm, I believe it was due to a few factors. First, my skin is very sensitive and rosacea prone, especially to fragrances in products. As as we practiced, I was getting facials with ozone steam (later I learned a no-no for rosacea) and trying out all kinds of new products very frequently. I was using scented leave-in conditioners in my hair. I also adjusted a medication I was on, and learned that a side-effect, although somewhat rare, was bad acne. 

For people in their 30s and 40s, the skin renewal cycle is about 25 to 35 days, which means that to see real results, it takes about 1-3 months, so consistency is key.  Although some quick fixes may help a little, they won't overhaul your skin overnight. 

So what did I do? I got back on a gentle, affordable, very consistent routine: 

-In both AM and PM, I use a gentle hydrating cream-to-foam cleanser for normal to dry skin with ceramides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid that also removes makeup. 

-Then, both AM and PM, I use a hydration boosting serum with hyaluronic acid and peptides.

-Then, for the AM, a few times a week, I apply 10% azelaic acid cream.

-Then, I use an ultra repair face lotion with colloidal oatmeal. 

-Then, I apply a redness reducing non-comedogenic SPF.

-At night, a few times a week, after the hyaluronic acid serum, I use an acne control treatment serum with salicylic acid, tea tree, ad aloe vera. 

-I take a break couple of days a week from the azelaic acid and salicylic acid serums to let my skin just relax.

I also stopped using leave-in conditioner in my hair (I just ordered one to try out that is okay for acne-prone skin). I stopped getting frequent facials. I limit alcohol consumption and I eat skin-loving foods. 

One month has passed since the acne picture and my skin has already gotten substantially better. I'm excited to see how my skin continues to renew and heal over the next few months! I'll keep ya posted!