I'm new to having a skin routine, so I'm actually looking for one; I have dry skin but also prone to grease spots and blackheads.

I have suffered acne for quite a while now and whenever I get a new breakouts I follow a simple routine to help heal my skin whilst also retaining my natural skin barrier. I have dry skin so using actives everyday isn't good for my skin barrier. I like to use the blemish control cleanser by CeraVe in the mornings as it contains salicylic acid which goes deep into your pores and cleans out any bacteria. I follow this with CeraVe's hyaluronic acid serum which is perfect for my skin type as I have dry skin and then finish off with their spf 50 moisturising suncream. At night I first use CeraVe's foaming oil cleanser to remove my makeup. I find this cleanser also removes any dirt that could have built up on my skin during the day which also helps me to combat blackheads in my nose. I follow this cleanser with CeraVe's hydrating cleanser and then use CeraVe's blemish control get followed by CeraVe's healing ointment as my skin is really prone to dryness and peeling through the night. I find the healing ointment to be very moisturising and haven't had any problems with dry skin since using this product!

Scrap those pore strips 🫢

I believe that cleansers have specific ingredients to benefit our skin. Removing daily grime & makeup with Micellar Water before cleansing, allows the cleanser to work more efficiently. For instance, Blemish Control Cleanser has niacinimide and salicylic acid to unclog pores. These ingredients will not work as well if mixed with all the stuff we remove with a first cleanse with micellar water.

For me I use a combination of both the blemish cleanser and the acne cleanser to help my skin and try not to pick at my spots whilst they heal and also use retinol followed by spf to help me with my discolouration from the acne scars and blemishes

I try not to pick my acne and it’s best to try and follow a healthy diet whilst following a good skincare routine

My top tip for managing breakout would be to always change your pillowcase twice a week as this is something that gets in contact with your face daily, also wash off makeup daily with cerave foaming cleanser before going to bed and avoid touching the dark spots on one face or trying to peel it as this can result in more breakouts.

I know how tempting it is to want to pop all those blackheads off or how insecure our blemishes can make us feel but it's natural to have such things. Regardless of the mean and spiteful comments, you are beautiful whether or not you have these things and a little reminder that no one's skin is perfect; everyone has some struggles but it is all part of being human. Some ways to deal with blackheads and blemishes is to avoid popping them, limit sun exposure, exfoliate 2-3 times weekly (NOT daily). moisturize every so often to keep skin smooth and hydrated, avoid touching your face as bacteria and other dirt may lead to clogged pores but most importantly, take care of yourself and make self care a priority because that comes before anything and is the key to gaining that natural glow on your skin :))