Wedding & Stress Acne
Most people think I’m crazy when I tell them I had Cystic acne.
Conquer Acne and Achieve Clear, Radiant Skin: My Personal Journey and Tips for Women and Men
Are you one of the many women and men searching for effective remedies to combat stubborn acne, cystic acne, dry skin, and those pesky pimples? As a makeup artist who has witnessed countless clients grappling with wedding and stress-related acne, I understand the frustration and self-consciousness it can bring. Having battled stress-induced hormonal acne myself due to elevated cortisol levels, I'm here to share my experiences and what finally worked for me.
My acne journey began at the tender age of 12, just as puberty hit. Teen acne is often considered par for the course, but for me, it didn't stop there. Throughout high school, my acne wasn't severe, but it was enough to make me reach for makeup daily and feel less than confident. The silver lining? I became quite skilled at applying makeup, which became a valuable coping mechanism and an ever evolving career.
Fast forward to my 18th year, and my acne had transformed into the painful and confidence-crushing beast known as cystic acne. It spread down my cheeks, around my neck, and took control of my life during a time when I should have been enjoying dating, exploring the world, and discovering my identity.
I experimented with various skincare routines and medications, but at 20, I turned to Accutane, often hailed as the miracle acne drug, which is essentially a high-dose vitamin A treatment. After a rigorous six-month course, my skin was miraculously clear. No blemishes, no bumps, no clogged pores - it was liberating. I thought, "This must be what normal feels like."
However, about three months later, my acne made an unwelcome comeback, worse than ever before (see the images above for reference). I was fed up and frustrated; medications and skincare seemed futile. My once-glowing confidence had hit rock bottom.
Thankfully, I didn't give up. Instead, I grew skeptical of quick-fix acne solutions and stumbled upon a skincare line called Dermaviduals during a visit to Sydney. While Dermaviduals didn't singlehandedly clear my acne (my acne wasn't caused by poor hygiene), it provided nourishment and comfort to my skin without any harmful ingredients. For people like me, acne isn't about dirty skin but rather internal factors like gut health, stress, cortisol levels, and body inflammation. A good skincare line is key to healthier and happier skin membrane.
I decided to consult a naturopath and had hormone blood tests conducted by my local GP, revealing some hormonal irregularities. I altered my diet to reduce cortisol levels, loading up on antioxidant-rich foods and adopting various natural methods to restore balance within my body.
After consistently following this regimen for approximately two years and avoiding triggers that exacerbated my acne, my skin finally became clear, free from cystic acne. Occasional pimples are now a normal part of life, even for individuals with healthy skin. Remember, acne doesn't necessarily indicate unhealthy skin; it's often a symptom of underlying issues that can be challenging to pinpoint.
Throughout my journey, I've received numerous inquiries from friends, readers, and individuals worldwide seeking guidance. While I'm not an expert, I've had the privilege of learning from esteemed skincare professionals, naturopaths, and testing various methods - an investment equivalent to a small house deposit - in my quest for clear skin. After sharing my insights in-depth with those who reached out, I've decided to delve deeper into this topic through an upcoming podcast, where I'll share the strategies and knowledge that have proven effective for me, along with some fun life and business talks.
Join me on my journey to conquer acne, achieve clear skin, and discover holistic remedies that can help both women and men struggling with skin conditions like acne, dry skin, and pimples. Together, we can unlock the secrets to radiant, blemish-free skin.
Keep updated on our Podcast launch by following our instagram here.