ACNE BATTLE

I know I know…. the silence has been loud and I am guilty as charged. I’m not about to make any excuses. So let’s delve straight into the topic. I have received many questions about my facial routine, and I decided to share it..

I have mentioned before that I have an acne prone skin…. Yes, I Do. My skin is very oily . Since my teenage years I have struggled with acne. Sometimes I could sleep on a smooth face just to wake up to a face full of breakouts. Total nightmare right?
It is so devastating and sometimes you don’t wish to leave the house. It steals your self-esteem and confidence. I had visited enough dermatologists but the acne seemed to get worse and worse. Three years ago I learnt how to manage this condition. It has worked for me, and though a times I still experience a few breakouts, my face has really improved.

Garbage in Garbage Out
Unhealthy eating habits can be one cause of acne. I can attest to this. Anytime I consume junk food, a day or two days later I get pimples. These includes fatty foods (chips, crisps, deep-fried foods), processed sugars (sodas and juices) and too much wheat products. I have learnt to keep away from these foods or consume less if necessary. I adopted a habit of consuming foods high in fibre e.g. fruits and veggies.

Take Enough Water
Previously I was so lazy in taking water, but currently I ensure drinking at least eight glasses of water per day. I have also developed a habit of drinking fruits and vegetable smoothies two to four glasses a day. This has also helped to keep of excess weight. Cheers to killing two birds with one stone.
Clean Your Face regularly
I wash my face twice a day, morning and evening. This is to ensure that my pores are not clogged with oil and dirt. Due to my face being so sensitive, I use Sunlight bar soap to clean it. One mistake that people with acne prone skin make is sleeping with makeup on. No matter how lazy you feel, never ever sleep with makeup on.
Home Facials
It is so expensive to visit the Spa for facials regularly. I also noticed my face is so sensitive to some of the products some spas use and I end up getting more breakouts . I have improvised my home facial routine which I do once in two weeks. After cleaning my face, I make a facial scrub using Lemon juice, turmeric, Sandal wood (LIWA) and sugar. I use this paste as a scrub and also as a face mask. This paste helps in reducing acne and blemishes left by the acne pimples.

I allow the paste to settle on my face for 15-20 minutes after scrubbing, as a mask. Afterwards I wash it off with Luke warm water, then splash cold water to close the pores. I wipe my face with a clean face towel then moisturize it using a small amount of Bio oil or coconut oil.

Below are precautions that have also assisted me in the battle against Acne:
• Using original and natural facial products.
• Avoid pricking and squeezing pimples. This helps in preventing blemishes and also existing pimples from spreading.
• Never ever sleep with makeup on.
• Have a specific face towel for cleaning your face. And always ensure that its clean
• Do not try different products on your face just because they suit someone else, they might not suit you.
• Make an intentional decision to take care of your face and body in general.
• Avoid hairstyles that run on your face. Hair being greasy could contribute to acne.
• Clean your phone screen regularly and ensure daily change of clean pillow cases.

This approach has worked for me and It could probably work for someone out there battling with acne. Seeking a dermatologist is an option too especially if your acne is as a result of hormonal imbalance. It is important to know the cause of your acne.
I will do a basic make up tutorial soon, and also unveil the makeup products I use. Till then……. see you soon.

Photography : Clement Kiragu