Finally Got Rid of My Acne! Simply Double Cleanse and Double Moisturize

Hi guys, so just to give you an idea of why I started this blog, This is my first post, I know this is a weird choice of topic for a first article but my intention to start this blog is really to give valuable information and to share my life experiences to help you guys who might be in the same boat as I am. 

The boat I'm in: 

• Skin Type: Combination Skin, Oily T-zone with normal to dry in other areas
• Environment: Hot and humid, I live in the Philippines
• Skin Tone: Fair
• Reason for Sudden Breakout: Change of daily routine after resigning from my 8 to 5 job (I can the story behind this in my next blogs) 
• Breakout type: common acne here and there, painful cystic acne, blackheads on my nose and whiteheads on my forehead and chin
• Breakout location: sides of face and none on my T-zone
• Other Concerns: slight pigmentation due to acne scars and sun damage
• Products I originally use: Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser & Multi-corrective Moisturizer & UV Mineral Defense Sunscreen

The root cause behind this severe acne is really a change in lifestyle and routine due to a change in my working environment. After experiencing breakouts around the sides of my face, I washed my face more often and moisturized less thinking that I'm breaking out due to excess oil. Long story short, something's wrong with my routine. I made a few adjustments omitting 1 product at a time and for 3 months my acne only became worse. I got so frustrated I decided to go back to zero, nada, nothing.

I washed my face only with water for 2 days and instantly, I saw my acne calm down. Interesting right? But on the 3rd day, I got 2 huge painful cystic acne still only on the sides of my face. Something is still not right, and I don't think I can go a day further with just washing my face with water knowing how polluted Manila air is. Around this time I got together with some old high school friends whom I rarely get to meet and you know shit has gone bad when one of your old best buddy says "What happened to your face?"

That hit me hard and I became desperate. I did more research and finally decided to try out a mild acne targeting skincare brand: COSRX which I included to my usual Kiehl's stash.

I don't follow the 10-step Korean beauty routine yet (I plan on doing it soon when my budget allows), my routine is less than half the usual 10 step routine but somehow the mix of products worked well to eliminate my blemishes. 

MY DOUBLE CLEANSE DOUBLE MOISTURIZE ROUTINE

STEP 1: OIL CLEANSER 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

I absolutely love this product as the longer I massage this on my face, I can literally feel more hard gunk coming out with my bare hands. This may sound disgusting but the hard gunk that goes loose also helps in exfoliating my face. I recommend massaging this on your face for at least 3 whole minutes as this helps the product fully melt away the excess oil on your face. It's also super effecting in removing makeup. 

STEP 2: MILD FOAM CLEANSER 

Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Cleanser

I'd like to emphasize the importance of a mild cleanser as you really don't want to dry out your skin. Drying out your skin will only cause pores to produce more oil, increasing the likelihood of oil clogged pores. The good thing about this cleanser is its low pH component matches the pH of your skin, which means it's mild on the skin and will not strip it of its natural oils

STEP 3: LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURIZER FOR TREATMENT

Cosrx Natural BHA Skin Returning Emulsion

This Natural BHA Skin Returning Emulsion is marketed as a lightweight moisturizer but I use it as a treatment step for my acne cause I feel like I don't get enough moisture because of its matte finish. But I absolutely love love love this lightweight moisturizer! My skin instantly feels plump and soft and smooth after application, even my hands get the same effect (cause I use my hand to apply skincare products in general).

STEP 4: CREAM MOISTURIZER

Cosrx Centella Blemish Cream

Initially, I had this in my stash as a spot on treatment but ever since I ran out of the Kiehl's multi-corrective cream, I've been using this as moisturizer for my whole face and it has done wonders. It helps with my acne scars and every morning I get clearer skin compared to the night before. 

Key take aways for clear acne-free skin: 

• Double cleanse! Make sure to massage the oil cleanser for at least 3 minutes on your face, the time aspect here is important as this will allow the product to penetrate your pores and melt away the excess oil and gunk.
• Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! If not double, triple it. Trust me on this one, your skin will thank you. 
• I think clear skin is achieved not just on the products you use but also in your routine. It's important to do the basics which is to clean and to moisturize