Here is the skin regimen which cleared my facial acne this year
 

Background: I am 41 years old. I had few problems with my skin, including as a teenager, until after the birth of my first daughter; it then got worse after my second. I normally have dry/combination skin and I am on the Mirena for contraception; no other medication. My skin went from pimples to acne in the last year and then on holiday at the start of this year, I had a massive flare up (see photos). It really shook my confidence.

Research: I madly googled. I found a post on acne.org titled "This regimen I created cleared me". It struck a chord. I decided I would treat my skin as extra sensitive and therefore treat it very gently and carefully. I also focused on keeping irritants/bacteria away from it, and from allowing it to breathe as much as possible. I was also female (the author was male) and I was based in the UK, not the US, which meant finding alternative products.
 

My Shopping List:

1. 3 x satin pillowcases (least friction while you're sleeping)
2. CeraVe hydrating cleanser
3. Paulas-Choice 2% BHA-Liquid 120 ml Skin Perfecting (you can get 1% too)
4. Large cotton pads, and cotton balls
5. Zinc gluconate tablets
6. 3000ui Vitamin D spray
7. Dead Sea Spa Magik Rich Moisturiser
8. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation SPF25 (for full coverage + SPF) OR
9. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream (for tinted, light coverage)
10. Pink Himilayan Salt (500 g)
11. InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Face Mask - Facial Cleanser, Pore Reducer & Moisturizer -

My routine:

• I changed my pillowcase every third day. I believe this is the single biggest factor in helping my skin. Even though I cleansed every morning and night, my face was on that pillow for hours. It needs to be scrupulously clean.
• I filled my basin with a small amount of lukewarm water (about a litre). I added two tablespoons of the pink salt. I splashed my face with the water, put on the CeraVe, and gently removed with two large cotton pads wet from the same water. I use E45 cream as eye make up remover.
• I keep my towel away from my face, except to very gentle pat it dry
• I put the BHA on a cotton ball and patted it all over, as per the instructions
• I put on the moisturiser. It's very light. You can also buy a super rich version.
• Depending on the day, I would use either the Oxygenetix or Bare Minerals foundation. Or leave my face bare if possible.
• I cleaned my makeup powder brush every week. These things are bacteria colonies!
• Each morning and evening for 6 weeks, I took 2 zinc tablets. I then dropped to 2 in the morning. And then to 1 tablet after 3 months.
• One Vitamin D spray each morning
• I did the mud mask once a week to begin with. Sometimes I added a tablespoon of Manuka honey for extra natural anti-bacterial effect. I'm not as consistent with this now, but it's still a nice treat.

After 1 month, I had only a small flare up. After 2 months, I only had a couple of spots. After 3 months, my skin is clear 99% of the time. I am now focused on skin repair and have started using Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol with the recommended Serum, as my skin is more on the dry side. I'm very strict about my pillow and makeup brush. Apart from reducing my zinc intake and being less regular with the mask, I have changed nothing else.

Thanks for reading. I hope this helps someone like me.

Best wishes