Breakout Busters

So the other day I was planning out my next few blog posts, (trying to get organised, I know) and I felt something itching on my face so I grabbed a mirror and discovered a delightful spot trying to make its way to the surface. How wonderful. Now I've suffered from acne on and off for the past 5 years. I'll go through a few months of pretty darn perfect skin after a course of antibiotics, and then suddenly I'll wake up to an army of spots trying to take over my face and I'm back to square one.

My skin at the moment has been pretty good for a while now, but like everyone else on the planet - except Victoria's Secret models and the Kardashians - I still get the odd, very annoying breakout. So I thought I'd do a post on my favourite breakout-busting products, or those that just keep my skin nice and clear. I'm hoping this will be useful for anyone else that suffers with annoying acne too.

(Products listed clockwise from left)

 1. Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask - £6.75

2. Nip and Fab Glycolic Scrub Fix - £9.95

3. Benefit Total Moisture Face Cream - £29.50

4. Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer in 3 - £21

5. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - £12.50

6. Kiehls Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution - £36

 Catastrophe Cosmetic face mask has been a favourite of mine for years and it's perfect for those days when you feel like your make-up has been on for hours and your skin needs some TLC. I actually remember being in Sandbanks with family many moons ago and my cousin Phoebe and I had it on our faces. Because it smells so fruity and yummy, before we knew it the whole family (even my uncle Steve) ended up putting it on! It's a mixture of blueberries, almond oil and calamine, making a really refreshing paste that's leaves your skin feeling silky smooth and squeaky clean.

I was out on one of many dangerous shopping trips with my friend Megan, and she recommended the Nip and Fab range as it had worked wonders for her skin! I gave this a go as I was in the market for a new exfoliator and this is just perfect for me. It's a great scrub to use in your morning shower as the grapefruit extract is really energising; and the active ingredients are salicylic and glycolic acid which kill bacteria and increase cell turnover. Basically in non-sciency terms it makes your skin good. It has definitely improved the overall appearance of my skin and I can always notice a difference the day after I've used it. If you've tried anything from this brand, let me know, cause I'd love to explore!

Firstly, I'd like to address a silly myth that has been floating around for years: Moisturising your skin will not give you more spots. Actually if you are regularly using products containing alcohol (e.g. makeup wipes, harsh cleansers) then your glands will produce excess sebum (oil) to make up for the stuff you're taking away, which leads to more spots. I've honestly noticed such a difference since I switched to Micellar water as a makeup remover, and used a moisturiser after exfoliating. My skin is softer and I don't get those horrible little tiny bumps on my forehead and t-zone. This one is the Total Moisture Cream by Benefit, and it's lovely and hydrating, but thin enough that I can apply foundation on top and it doesn't affect the coverage. (Doesn't mess with my sensitive skin either, yay!)

Okay so I know this product doesn't banish acne, but it is THE BEST concealer I have come across at covering up spots. It may sound insignificant to some of you, but having bad skin can really knock a person's confidence and finding a good concealer can honestly make all the difference. I am 100% Ride or Die for MUFE's Full Cover Concealer; it is crazy pigmented, doesn't oxidise and lasts me a full year before I need to repurchase. This is my third tube of the stuff and I really recommend it. You can find it at Debenhams, but Precious About Makeup is the only UK stockist of my shade (Colour 3), otherwise Sephora carries the whole line if you're in the US! You lucky buggers...

If you're in need of a quick fix spot treatment then look no further than the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I picked this up from Blue Mercury (a cute little Space NK-type shop in NYC) but you can find it online at Beauty Bay here in jolly old England. Its made up of a pink sediment and liquid that are meant to be separate, (i.e. don't shake it, you have been warned) and you dip a cotton bud all the way in so that it is coated in the sediment. Dot it directly onto any active volcanoes before bed, and yes whilst you might look a bit like Mr Blobby, you should find that your spots buggar off much quicker, and look a lot less red and angry in the process.

The final product I have to mention doesn't help with breakouts, but it's brilliant for dealing with the aftermath. Following a breakout, some unfortunate people including myself, are left with scarring and dark marks (No, I'm not a Death Eater); also known as Hyperpigmentation. My problem area used to be my cheeks, and even though I've not had acne in that area for months, I'm still left with a LOT of scars, which make me extremely self conscious without foundation on. I bought the Kiehls Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution three months ago, and after using a few drops on my face every night, my scars are definitely becoming duller and less noticeable, so I can't praise this product enough.

So that is it for my breakout-busting products. I really hope this helps anyone suffering from acne, or
gives you some inspiration if you're wanting to try any new skincare. I honestly think all of these products are fab, and I'd like to think I know a fair bit about what to/what not to put on your face, from spending so many years at the Dermatologist. Just call me Doctor Izzy already. Leave a comment below if you've found something that really helps your skin, and equally if you wanted to talk privately about acne problems, you can always email me at izzy@izzymariehill.com

Thanks for reading your Dose of Acne Advise