Today, our founder, Louise, tells us her journey of how she cleared her acne.
Her journey with her skin condition goes back to when she was around 13 years old. Shortly after her first period, she noticed the appearance of acne on her face’s T Zone and her back. She was often told that she had an oily skin.
“At first, the dermatologist I saw to treat my acne recommended that I follow a deep cleansing and exfoliating routine of my skin and prescribed an acne cream. Following this new regime helped me clear my skin but would leave me with acne marks and would really dry my skin. It was a very painful experience as my skin was feeling tight and flaky, and I could not wear make-up. Also, after some time, I could feel that my skin was building up resistance towards this acne cream and ultimately, my acne was always coming back.”
Who could have imagined that this acne cream eventually became the leading cause of her hyperpigmentation, which started in her 20s?
It wasn't only acne that was causing her skin trouble...
At the age of 16, her dermatologist recommended that she start taking the birth control pill.
“However, I have also been suffering from hypothyroidism, so getting on the birth control pill really messed up my cycles and hormone balance. When I was about 18 years old, as I was still suffering from acne, I got prescribed Accutane (Isotretinoin) to take every other day, which gave me huge migraines and further dried my skin.”
What is clear here is that we are often prescribed harsh acne creams and suggested taking birth control pills without genuinely understanding our skin or the impact of hormonal imbalance.
As we went through in our topical steroid withdrawal article, when we use medical creams for extended periods of time, our skin becomes resistant. It could be the cause of another skin condition in the long term. It is crucial to learn and understand our skin type and tackle the core problem rather than just treating what we see in front of us.
Discovering the powers of Dead Sea Minerals
When she was 21 years old, she had the opportunity to visit the Dead Sea, which changed her skincare journey completely.
“I discovered so many cosmetics products that had been formulated with Dead Sea Minerals and which I had never heard of. One of the claims made by these brands was that Dead Sea Minerals and, more specifically, Mud can help clear symptoms of acne. At this point in my life, I had tried so many cures for my acne that I felt I had nothing to lose. I left with a suitcase full of skincare, hair care and body care products back to Europe and it was the beginning of a transformative skincare journey. I used cleansers and toners formulated with Dead Sea Salt, especially, a mask and a cream formulated with Dead Sea Mud. The skin specialist I met there recommended that I use these products but also that I should emphasise on moisturising my skin every morning and especially in the evening. I followed her instructions to the letter, and it was the first time in my life where I really saw a difference. Not only was my skin clear and my pores refined, but it was also looking healthy! I went from using 6 to 8 products every day to only using 4, and it was for the best.”
5 secrets that helped clear her acne
1. Going for a more simplified and gentle skincare routine. Using Dead Sea Mud and fragrance-free formula.
Dead Sea Mud has natural cleaning and exfoliating properties that can help to remove impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells that can contribute to acne breakouts. It also contains minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe inflamed skin, reduce redness, and calm active acne lesions. Moreover, unlike other clay or mud that can dry the skin, Dead Sea Mud is rich in minerals that can nourish the skin and strengthen its barrier function, making it suitable on sensitive skin types.
Whether synthetic or natural, fragrances in skincare products can be a common source of irritation or allergic reactions. Individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea often find that fragrance-free products are better tolerated. Opting for fragrance-free formulas reduces the risk of adverse reactions and allows the active ingredients to perform their intended use without interference.
2. Using less products and sticking to them in the long-term, not switching products every week/month.
Introducing new products or changing your skincare routine frequently can increase the risk of skin irritation and sensitivity. Also, some skincare products may not work well together or may even counteract each other's effect when used simultaneously. Finally, excessive product usage or frequent switching can compromise the skin barrier, leading to issues such as dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation. Which i why it is essential to find the right combination of products for your individual skincare needs. Consistency, simplicity, and patience are key principles for achieving a less-is-more mentality.
3. Balancing my hormones, and getting off birth control.
Balancing hormones can have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to various skin issues. Hormonal imbalances can exacerbate acne by increasing sebum production and inflammation. It can also contribute to uneven skin texture, roughness, and enlarged pores. Furthermore, hormonal fluctuations can affect the skin's ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and dehydration. However, while achieving hormonal balance is can promote a healthier skin, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options.
4. Drinking two litres of water every day and walking at least 10’000 steps.
This may sound silly but it helps a lot with cell turnover and feeding oxygen to your skin cells. Drinking water hydrates the skin, which enhances its moisture barrier. While regular walking improves blood circulation, delivering nutrients and removing toxins as well as helping lymphatic drainage, reducing facial puffiness.
5. Double cleansing my skin with a gentle cleanser/exfoliator every morning and evening and keeping my skin clean during the day.
It's like giving my skin a deep breath, clearing away makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Keeping a clean skin throughout the day helps to prevent breakouts and let the skin glow naturally.
When you’re suffering from acne-prone skin, it is really hard not to touch your skin during the day, but you shouldn’t as it brings more bacteria to your skin, which can cause infection/inflammation and more acne.
Bottom line
There is no what’s right and wrong in skincare. We all go through a long journey of searching for a routine that works the best for us. It’s better to keep in mind that you can temporarily treat your acne with medical creams, however, if you want a long-term solution, you need to establish healthier lifestyle habits and learn about your skin and body deeply.
“Whether acne-prone, oily, dry or sensitive skin, we’re not all the same in this category, and what works for someone may not work for you. When you seek treatment from a skin doctor or dermatologist, you also need to ask yourself, will I be able/willing to sustain this product/routine for the rest of my life? Also, if you have sensitive skin like me, try to stay away from skincare products with fragrances as they can irritate your skin.”