Managing Hormonal Acne

I want to first start off by saying I am not a doctor and everything suggested is from my personal experience. 

My skin has always pretty clear for most of my adult years, but like most, I went through the dreaded teenage acne that traumatizes young girls all over. It wasn't until 8 months of pregnancy that I started to notice hormonal acne run havoc on my jawline and neck. I decided not to stress out about it during pregnancy and just focus on what I could control. 

Fast forward 6 months postpartum and I was still noticing small blemishes popping up on my face and my usual at-home routine working less and less. Let me point out I have PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) a hormonal disorder that can cause several medical issues from hormonal acne to irregular periods, and sometimes infertility. It did not help that I was still trying to lose the last of my baby's weight which can also aid in acne. Just when I thought I was getting a hold of it, here comes COVID and these damn masks!! 

My main goal is to manage the little bit of acne I do have without irritating the rest of my skin, because of this I try not to to use too many new products. The one thing I notice is diet helps a lot...more water, fruit, and veggies, less sugar, and dairy. I do not drink milk, but I do love ice cream, cereal, and Mac n Cheese. I have been doing intermittent fasting and instead of a big breakfast, just tea and fruit. The last couple of weeks  I have forced myself to make time to workout out at least 4 times a week even if it's only for 20 mins and I've lost about 6 lbs so far. Quarantine has made my weight loss journey 10x harder because being in the house makes it easy to binge eat when boredom strikes. 

Now onto the products! 

CLEANSERS 

For Daily use, I alternate between The Cleansing Foam by La Mer, Tatcha The Deep Cleanser, or Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. 

On the days I wear makeup I go for a deep cleanser lately I have been using Urban Skin Rx Cleansing Bars. I alternate between the Clear Skin and Even Tone. 

I recently added Dr. Dennis Gross Daily Peel to my routine, but I've only been using it once a week. 

TONERS

I try not to use a toner every single day because my skin is very dry and sensitive and toner can be too harsh in the winter for me. When I do use a toner I use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. 

SPOT TREATMENTS

My dermatologist prescribed my Tretinoin Cream and I use that before putting on my moisturizer. I also use Mario Badescu Drying Lotion on acne. 

MOISTURES

Tatcha Water Cream is a light water-based moisturizer not too heavy, I like using this especially in the summer. For the winter months, I use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream during the day and mix it with The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil. When I prep for makeup I use Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre.

SUNSCREEN

I must admit I am trying to get better with sunscreen, I still forget some days, but I have been getting in the habit of using it daily. I have been using Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, it is not heavy or oily and doesn't leave that white cast. 

note: I am not a medical professional and these are the products that work for me and my skin. Contact a medical professional/dermatologist to see what products to use on your skin type.