i cannot even bring myself to think about how much money i have spent on skincare since i started earnestly paying attention to what my skin needs.
the truth is, i’ve struggled with troubled skin for as long as i can remember. like many adolescents, i dealt with acne, dark marks, and the shame that came with people asking, “what’s wrong with your face?” my mom would assure me over and over that this was just a phase and that i’d come out on the other side. but when you’re stuck in the cycle of embarrassment and frustration, it’s hard to believe there’s another side at all.
now imagine finally being on the other side, just as I settled into clear, hydrated, acne-free skin, hormonal acne decided to take up space on my skin. and suddenly, i found myself falling back into that familiar cycle of shame. no matter how much i reminded myself that these breakouts weren’t my fault, i still felt defeated.
at its worst, my skin was covered in painful, red, angry bumps; at its best, i was left with dark marks and scarring. i tried everything under the sun, convinced that if I could just find the right combination of products, i could fix it. but nothing seemed to work. finally, i decided it was time for the big guns—the dermatologist. i had convinced myself that the solution was out there in the form of the perfect skincare routine, but once i saw a professional, i learned that my acne was hormonal. no amount of over-the-counter products would resolve something that was happening internally.
after discussing my options with my doctor, we settled on a combination of treatments: spironolactone (oral medication), arazlo (a topical retinol), and amzeeq (a topical foam). this was two years ago, and now I can finally say I’m on the other side of it all. but the journey taught me a few valuable lessons:
go to the professionals | i considered going to an esthetician at first, but after doing my own research, i suspected my acne was hormonal. i knew i needed a dermatologist for a formal diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to my skin’s needs.
medical grade skincare works | in the end, all i truly needed to clear my acne were three prescribed treatments from my dermatologist, a gentle moisturizer, and a cleanser. no 12-step skincare routine, no over-the-top products—just a simple, effective regimen. now, my daily routine consists of a cleansing oil, a hydrating cleanser, amzeeq, a hydrating moisturizer and spf. on some days, i swap amzeeq and my usual moisturizer for The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader. that’s it. i’ve become a fan of a low-maintenance skincare routine, and my skin has never been happier.
here’s what I’ve come to accept: skincare isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about learning to take care of your skin in a way that supports its needs, even when those needs change. it’s about giving yourself grace in the process. the most important thing is to stay patient, seek expert guidance when needed, and remember that your worth is never tied to the state of your skin. these days, i try to remember that sometimes keeping it simple is the way to go. and now i have money to spend on makeup and clothes instead. 😉
see you in the next one,
amanda