Improving confidence when you have acne!

Recently my skin has really been playing up. I have always suffered with my skin, but over the last few years, since taking roaccutane, it has been so much better. Occasionally, though, I get flair ups. These do really affect my confidence and the stress and anxiety of worrying about my skin overwhelms me. I'm pretty sure it is hormonal and due to a little extra stress so have attacked it in the best way I know how!

Bravura Dermaflannel

I first came across this product with the help of the fabulous and all round beauty oracle Caroline Hirons. I was looking for something that might help some bumps on my arms that I've had for a while and through research, seemed like Keratosis pilaris. This dermaflannel was mentioned and I thought I would give it a go.

Do's and Don'ts for Acne

Do:

• Use a really gentle cleanser - this is really important, you don't want to strip the skin as it will produce more oil/sebum and probably create more breakouts.
• Moisturise! As a teenager, I thought that if I moisturised it would make my breakouts worse - how wrong I was! As above, you don't want to force your skin to create more oil. It will be happier hydrated! You can get lightweight moisturisers from lots of brands, try La Roche Posay.
• Check your shampoo/conditioner - if you have acne/spots around edge of face, jaw, back, it could be what you are washing your hair with. Check for paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil) this clogs pores and it might be worth switching.

My experience with Roaccutane

Before you read this, you must be aware that this product is not for everyone and I am not endorsing this product in any way. I'm just sharing my story.
After battling with acne for a long time, two and a half years ago I decided to change my life. After my sister was prescribed Roaccutane (isotretinoin) for her acne and the results were incredible, I set off to my GP.
At the time I had cystic acne around my jaw line and chin. I had tried everything. I bought dozens of products weekly and my bank balance, along with my face was suffering.

Make - up for acne

Covering blemishes or acne can be a daunting task, however, from my experience it is the one thing that made me feel able to face the world. There were many days when I looked in the mirror and just wanted to hide away.
I have since, however, discovered a few

Treating acne and blemishes

If you're reading this I imagine you have tried everything you possibly can to obtain clear skin. I know I have! I struggled for years with teenage acne and then in my mid to late twenties, adult acne. Over the years I have tried all sorts of lotions and potions, from expensive facials, DIY masks and scrubs to toothpaste and Olbas oil (DO NOT try at home) to combat my problematic skin.
I am not claiming to be an expert in this field, just an expert in my own skin and it's flare ups.
I now think I understand a little more about how my skin works and how to treat it, so I thought I would share my current skincare routine.