Pimples? Acnes? Skin breakouts?! That's so teenage years, but yet it could hit you at any stage of your life like I did! Well, I'm no middle-aged woman but I had a fair share of breakout years that sent me into spirals. And that's how I started patching up my skincare journey, by taking care of my my skincare routine religiously, one product at a time. Having the same problem? Read further and you may learn a thing or two!
DISCLAIMER: I am not a dermatologist nor a skincare expert. The content is based on my personal experience after so many trial and errors. The recommendations below may or may not work for you so please do your own research as we may have different skin types and conditions.
How did the breakout started?
Since I am no expert, this is only based on my assumption on what triggered my worst breakouts (back in 2015). The below is a combination of environment and lifestyle I led at that point.
- Sensitive Skin OR Bedbugs - I used to stay at a flat where there were bedbugs and it's only me who gets bitten by the little monsters.
- Work Location - Contrary to fancy malls and/or offices you can image in Dubai, it's not how my work location looked like back then. I was working in a small kiosk at a mall entrance back then. The entrance door is open the whole time so I was exposed to the humidity, heat and pollution (if there is any) from outside!
- Poor Sleeping and Eating Habits - I have an unusual work & working schedule back then and I found myself sleep deprived most of the time. Not only that, because of my work (and schedule), I couldn't eat proper meals at regular times as well.
Add the fact that it was a stressful year for me since it was the year my Dad passed away. And we know very well that STRESS plays a huge role on our hormones. Anyway, there are lots of factors to consider when it comes to pimples and acne. As I usually say to my friends, it's all about trial and error especially when you don't know the cause, your skin type, and the products that you've been using. And I've been there on that roller coaster skincare journey!
So what did I do?
I hate to break it to you but there's no magic pill (answer) to cure it in one go. Because the ugly truth is that, I did an overhaul of my lifestyle. Curious enough? Let's continue then:
Lifestyle:
- New Environment- Moved to a different flat (no more bed bugs) and moved to a different company with a much better environment
- Sleeping Habits - Since I have a regular work schedule, my sleeping routine was normalized
- Physical Activities - The game-changer for me, SWEAT THE TOXINS OUT! Apart from the happy hormones (endorphins) that I get, my skin started to clear out after I started to do physical activities like jogging on weekdays and hiking on weekends!
Diet:
- Eating Habits - Proper meals and consistent meal timings are in and less junk food too. This year (2022), I added citrus fruits daily and I discovered it helps on brightening my dark spots as well.
- Drinking Habits - Cut back the alcohol and introduced green tea
Products
Similar to my take above, what works for me may not work for you. So it all goes down to experiment what your skin type and condition. Just because an influencer or a friend of yours are using a particular product, DO NOT COPY BLINDLY. Research the product and its ingredients because we all have different skin types. As a guideline though, these ingredients are known to treat acne so find a product (suitable for your skin type) with these:
- Salicylic Acid (usually on BHAs)- this is what I swear on!
- Alpha-Hydroxic Acids (known as AHAs)
There are more products and ingredients known to treat acne but these two are quite effective so I suggest you start on these. Oh and for the love of God, don't change your product every month!
how bad was the breakout though?
Ugh, I can't stand seeing these photos but I kept them as a souvenir to remind myself of my skincare journey. And if you're ready to see them, I warn you, it's not nice to see! Prepare yourself!
Skincare Journey Outcome
Fast forward to present, I still don't have a perfect skin. Who does? But what was once an embarrassing journey for me became a turning point instead. However, if I will look back at it now, I guess I won't be the person (and the lifestyle) as I am today.
But it's not a walk in the park either and I always emphasize this enough, that worse breakouts like mine is not 'a small thing' but to be taken seriously with dedication and devotion. And it will take time...but it will get better as long as you put your very best effort and it's worth investing effort and time.
Despite not my blog's niche, I am happy I can share this here in the hopes to help a friend or someone who is also suffering. I also got depressed to the point that I avoid mirrors... at all cost. So you are not alone and this is me saying I am with you. So if you're going through the same skincare journey, I know it's a traumatic experience physically, financially and of course emotionally but you'll get that pimple-free face again. Trust me!
Fast forward to present, 2022, I still get pimples here and there, but I knew my body and skin better. I found out what ingredients works for my skin type and what food triggers breakout. It's a heck of a journey, but it's worth taking the time to get to know yourself (and your skin type) so that you can start working on it.
Interest to know about the products I have used? Check my product reviews in this PAGE. See you there!
