how i cleared up my acne

Today's post is a post that I have been dreaming of one day being able to write. Although, I am a little nervous that I am going to have to knock on wood after it goes live. I also want to say that this post is in no way, shape, or form sponsored. The following is my honest opinion!

I have suffered with acne since I was about 13 years old. In high school it was never too bad but I did constantly have pimples. I used proactive and it all cleared up. Fast forward a couple of years to my junior year in college and all of a sudden, due in large part to my extremely high levels of stress and anxiety as well as the beginning of suffering from panic attacks, I had full blown cystic acne. After not being able to clear it up using products I had been using most of my life I finally went to the dermotologist. They put my on medication and gave me a gel to use on my face and the next day I flew to New York for winter break to see my family. When I got to New York I noticed something wasn't right. My appetite was either non existent or I was so famished that I would eat three plates full of food and my insomnia was worse than it had ever been before. I knew something was really really wrong when I was trying on a shirt at the mall and my body was covered in a rash. An hour later my body was so itchy I was in tears. 

Long story short, this was how I found out I am allergic to Bactrim DS. My aunt took me to see her dermatologist and the doctor was able to help me and within two months my skin was completely clear. The rest of college was pretty smooth with my skin, similar to the way it was in high school. But then I graduated and got a job in an office and everything went to shit. My cystic acne was back in full force.

I have tried so many skin care products it is insane. But about five months ago I ordered a product that was a game changer for me, Proactiv+.

Similar to the original Proctive, this range contains three steps. A cleanser, serum, and lotion. The cleanser is a facial scrub that feels really gentle on the skin that gets your skin really clean! The serum is nice and light and the lotion really makes your skin feel clear and soft. I typically only use these products at night as I do not typically wash my face in the morning (I know this sounds crazy but just think about it. It's not like you have done anything during the night that would cause you to think your skin isn't clean). In the morning I prefer to use a light toner and moisturizer before applying my makeup. I also use a nighttime facial type product after using the lotion because the Proactiv+ lotion can be a little drying. I am currently using the Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial and I seriously love it!

A little prewarning, this stuff is not exactly the most budget friendly. My first one month kit cost me $32.00. Then they sent me a three month kit and it cost me $32 a month. On a positive note, four months later I am no where close to finishing the three month kit and have saved the one month kit for when I travel. They will automatically repurchase this product for you so pay attention to how much you have and how much you need! 

Proactiv+ has cleared up all of my acne and given me so much self confidence. I now know when people look at me they are not just looking at my acne but instead they are seeing me. I know this is cheesy and I sound just like the commercials but I mean this 150%. 

I highly recommend that if you suffer from acne that you at least try these products. I would love to hear from you if you have and if they worked for you! 

hearts&stars, 
LJ