Acne, we all hate her, yet it seems like she never gets the message to leave us alone. Personally I've had quite the journey myself, thinking I had tried every possible recommendation there was, I was seeing no results and my skin seemed to be getting worse and worse. Extremely discouraged, I thought I would just have to wait it out in hopes that I would wake up one day with magically clear skin - far from realistic.

Skin is complicated and can be extremely hard to understand. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when we are assessing acne and the root cause. More often than not, more than one factor will take part in the formation and development of acne. First and foremost, we need to understand that building a custom routine to your skin is only the first step. Numerous internal and external factors will promote the formation of acne which is why it's so important to not forget to address those causes/triggers as well. 

At the beginning of my journey I searched the internet high and low for the best acne clearing products thinking that if i used the right products, it was a given my acne would disappear, why wouldn't it? Long story short, they absolutely did not clear my skin, in fact they made it worse. The harsh acne products I picked up at the drugstore and at Sephora damaged my skin even more by stripping away my protective barrier, further irritating my already compromised skin. When my skin was at its worse, I decided to seek a professional opinion and was referred to two dermatologist in hopes that they could provide me answers. Within 2 minutes of both of my initial appointments I was given one option and one only, acutane. Having done my own personal research prior to my appointments I knew that this would most probably clear my skin although this treatment plan was not something I was prepared to begin as I personally viewed it as my last possible option and still believed that there must be an alternative. I further asked if there was any other treatment or product that could help and was told this was my only option if I wanted my acne to go away. If this journey wasn't already discouraging enough this was the cherry on top of the cake.

MY CAUSES AND TRIGGERS

Refusing to accept acutane as my only option I took it upon myself to do my own investigating and research. Health and wellness being very important to me I already knew that my acne was not simply due to poor eating and cleansing habits, something inside of me was not right and unbalanced, ultimately resulting in the formation of acne. All my research brought me to examine my everyday life and habits leading me to the following conclusions: 

1. My stress levels were absolutely through the roof.

2. Dairy consumption could be a factor: Dairy being something I could address right then and there I cut it completely out of my diet. Not realizing literally almost everything contains some sort of dairy or milk ingredient, this was harder than I thought. BUT I was determined - bye bye dairy.

3. I figured something internally was imbalanced; I made appointments with a naturopathic doctor & acupuncturist and received supplements to target hormonal imbalances, stress and my skin. 

4. My barrier function was compromised: Patience was key and i had to realize that with the proper care, products and knowledge i could heal my skin but it was going to be a slow process.  

5. Picking my acne was making it 10x worse: This is a huge one and if you're reading this i'm assuming you can relate! We've all heard it before and yet still seem to justify it being ok, well let me tell ya first hand it is not, don't do it! More often then not we think we know what were doing, seems pretty self explanatory but what we fail to rationalize is that 1. the bacteria that we are trying to extract is often deeper then it appears, 2. uneducated, we are hardly ever successful at properly extracting everything and 3. we often pick at lesions that are still beneath the surface and are not yet ready to be extracted. This results in further inflammation and pushing and spreading the bacteria deeper into the skin, ultimately leading our acne to persist. It's not worth it!

6. I also realized that professional products with high quality ingredients are more expensive for a reason: I made my first ever appointment at Myüz for a skin consult after hearing people rave about Tina and the brand Biologique Recherche. That day I walked out with a full new BR routine and knowledge on how to properly care for my skin and factors I should consider. I have never looked backed since.

After composing my list of what I thought could be possible causes for me I started to tackle them one by one, keeping in mind that it was most probably the conjunction of a few different factors.

STRESS, let's unpack this one. I knew right away that this would be the leading factor for me and is probably a big one for many others. At the time my acne started getting really bad I was going through some pretty major life changes. All these big changes happened in the span of a year, beyond stressed my body was always in constant fight or flight mode trying to regulate what was happening in my world. Queue my acne flare up. As I was so determined to build something for myself, I was compromising my own health for someone else's version of success. I was overwhelmed with stress 24/7, felt like nothing I was doing was ever good enough, despite having "made it" I hated my job, I hated the person it was making me and my acne was uncontrollable despite everything I was trying. Fast forward to today, in addition to mindfulness, regular BR treatments and my daily BR skincare routine - I quit that job - the biggest & best decision I could make for my overall health and happiness. My stress levels have decreased drastically, I am happy and my skin hasn't been this happy and healthy in a very long time, leading me to believe that this was one of the major causes of my acne. Keep in mind, it takes time for your body to readjust to a new normal. Over six months later, I am still in the process of adjusting to my new normal and am still in the process of healing my acne. Years of stress will not magically heal and disappear over night, be patient with yourself and your skin.  

PRODUCTS

Now let's talk about my favourite products! If you read this novel of a blog post up till now I'm sure you're curious as to why these products will be beneficial for you. If you're like me, I need to understand exactly "why". When I was doing my research that was one thing I found, everything lacked the details I was looking for, so let's break it down.

Biologique Recherche has formulated my favourite products for acne prone skin. Despite having tried other great professional brands my skin has always responded best to BR. These products are what are in my skincare routine that I have and still use today to help heal and prevent further breakouts. 

Cleanse

Lait U

This gentle milk cleanser is perfect for combination and oily acne prone skin. Formulated with plant oils this cleanser will allow for easy makeup removal all while being a safeguard for the epidermis barrier function by protecting the hydrolipidic film. This light weight cleanser will leave your skin feeling moisturized without any oily film and allows your skin to breathe without feeling stripped away. Gentle enough for both your first and second cleanse. 

How to use: Apply Lait U to a dry face by gently working it in. Remove with cold damp non-woven gauze or EcoTao. 

Note: Do not use your hands to wash off the cleanser as this will allow bacteria and dirt to spread and remain on the skin.

Exfoliate 

P50 PIGM 400

Biologique Recherches holly grail product! An exfoliating lotion formulated to gently purify the epidermis, regulate excess sebum and balance the pH of the skin. Gentle exfoliation will help reduce breakouts by unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells, in turn accelerating cellular regeneration. Lotion P50 also works to lock in moisture to prevent dehydration. In attempt to rebalance its acid mantle the skin produces more oil to counteract dehydration, in turn causing the formation of acne. Formulated with highly concentrated active ingredients P50 also reduces irritation, redness, inflammation and is excellent for healing. Lotion P50 PIGM 400 separates itself from the other well known P50T as it contains a higher concentration of Niacinamide, which has the added benefit of helping reduce post acne scarring. Lotion P50 PIGM 400 is also slightly less concentrated making it a gentler formula for sensitive skin. 

P50 is an acid, personally I am very sensitive to acids and have to be very careful how often I use it in my routine. With trial and error I have found that for myself using it in the evening prior to my mask is what is best for my skin at this moment. Previously I had been using it every day AM and PM on active acne, my skin became irritated and was not healing properly due to my lipid barrier being compromised from using too much acid. Everyones skin will react differently, make sure start slow and to be attentive to YOUR skin and what it can tolerate. 

How to use: It is very important to educate yourself on how to properly use this product to achieve the desired benefits. See our Lotion P50 blog post for instructions on how to properly introduce this product to your routine. 

Note: Do not use any other acids in combination with Lotion P50, this will be too many acids for your skin. 

Serums

Complex Iribiol

Sebo-regulating quintessential serum that purifies and balances sebum production making it the perfect treatment serum for stubborn acne. Formulated with a combination of regulating, anti-microbial and soothing active ingredients for a complete action on the imperfections of the skin. Oil production is visibly reduced while pores are tightened. Can be used over the entire face or as a spot treatment as necessary. 

How to use: Apply 10 drops on clean skin in a light ascending massage motion until the product has been completely absorbed. Or apply as spot treatment on target areas. 

Note: We recommend using this product for a course of at least 3 weeks. Can also be mixed with mask vivant. 

ISO-Placenta Serum

Formulated with a a unique active ingredient: Biomimetic placenta, placenta serum mimics the composition of the human placenta making it the ultimate regenerating serum. Soothing the skin, redness and inflammation is reduced along side the appearance of old and new traces of acne. This repairing treatment removes imperfections and helps lighten pigment spots, ultimately weakened skin regains its original appearance.

How to use: Apply 10 drops onto clean skin over the whole face, neck, and cleavage. Massage in a light ascending movement until the product has been completely absorbed.

Note: A practical product that can be used alone or mixed with creams and masks. Combine with other Quintessential Serums for an extra boost of hydration. Can also be used under the eyes to brighten dark circles.

Serum Biosensible 

The ideal serum for sensitive skin, serum biosensible is my go to product when my acne is very inflamed and irritated! Calming active ingredients such as tumeric and witch hazel will soothe and smooth the skin, instantly diminishing redness, inflammation and irritation. An instant sense of relief is achieved and skin is left protected and reinforced. One of my favourite products to use in the evening, by the next morning my breakouts are visibly calmed and significantly reduced. 

How to use: Apply 4-5 drops over the entire face as a treatment for 28 days morning and evening. For maintenance, 2-3 times per week morning and/or evening or as needed. 

Cremes

Creme ISO-Placenta

The ultimate regenerating creme, ISO-Placenta activates cell regeneration to rebuild skin damaged by acne. Biomimetic placenta mimics the composition of the human placenta soothing the skin and unifying complexion by reducing post-acne marks. This creme is light weight, helps to diminish redness and accelerates healing. Can be used morning and night, maximum benefits are attained at night as the skin is in renew mode and it's metabolic rate is increased, new skin cells are regenerated.

How to use: Apply a small amount of product in the morning and/or at night to the entire face, neck and décolleté, after using the milk and the recommended P50 Lotion and the Quintessential Serums. 

Creme Dermopurifiante

Sebum-regulating and purifying makes this the ideal creme for skin with open pores, excess oil and acne.  Yeast extract purifies the epidermis, diminishing and preventing imperfections. Thicker in consistency skin is left hydrated and protected from external aggressors. 

How to use: Apply a small amount of product in the morning and/or at night to the entire face, neck and décolleté, after using the milk and the recommended P50 Lotion and the Quintessential Serums. 

Masques

Masque Vivant

The most powerful mask on the market there is no product like it that keeps the skin purified, revitalized and bright. Packed with the best active ingredients this mask provides endless benefits. Breakouts are reduces, healing is accelerated, excess oil production is reduced, pores are deep cleaned and skin tone is evened and brightened. Not only beneficial for acne this mask also provides great anti-aging benefits if used regularly, it's like a daily face lift! How could you not want this as part of your skincare routine.

How to use: Apply to the entire face, neck and décolleté area. Leave on for 15 minutes. Lather with cold water and rinse off using moistened non-woven gauze pads. 

Note:

- If you are struggling with stubborn acne or have super oily skin mix in a tiny pinch of baking soda to create a foamy consistency. This will activate the yeast which will help dissolve blackheads and pull out excess oil and impurities, creating a mattifying effect. 

- Mix in Complex Iribiol to boost the masque and help clear acne faster. 

- If your skin is combination, spot treat the oily areas only and use Mask Vivant on its own or in combination with another mask everywhere else.

- Mix with a more hydrating masque like VIPO2 or Visolastine+ if your skin is on the drier side.

Masque Bain de Plantes and Mask Biomagic are other excellent masque options for oily/acne prone skin. Personally I love them all, I rotate between all three depending on what my skin is needing! 

CHANGING YOUR ROUTINE  

When you use the same products over and over again your skin becomes adjusted to the products and results seem to be less remarkable. It's good to change your routine up and excite the skin. As our skin is constantly regenerating we might not need the same products all year long. Be mindful when you start using new products and listen to your skin, it might not always love the product or you might have to introduce it into your routine slowly. 

After a couple months having adjusted to my new routine and finishing my first bottle of Lait U and P50 my skin barrier had been strengthened and my skin had began healing. Wanting to elevate my routine thinking my skin could handle a bit more exfoliation i switched out my Lait U for the fan favourite Cleansing Complex and my P50 for Active Serum from iS Clinical. My skin did not love it at all. Knowing that its normal to have an adjustment period and  experience purging when introducing new products I gave it a fair shot and ultimately found out that my skin did not react well to these products. My barrier function was once again compromised, my acne was very inflamed and became worse. Everyones skin will react differently to products and ingredients, this thought me that 1. I have to be very careful with acids as my skin is very sensitive and reactive to too many acids and 2. I should have slowly introduced the products into my routine especially  Active Serum, this would have given my skin time to properly adjust to the new product. As I had to heal my skin again from a compromised barrier function I went back to the products that worked for me: Lait U and P50 PIGM 400. These products were gentle enough on my skin to properly cleanse and treat while strengthening my barrier function and providing healing properties. 

Before trying a new product make sure you take the time to learn what the product does and how to properly apply it, this will make a big difference on how the product responds with your skin. 

Aside from Biologique Recherche products I recently introduced a new product into my own routine and I absolutely love, like really really love it. 

Hale Derma

Hale Derma is a pre and post-care spray that is all natural and fragrance free. The main ingredient: HOCl produced by white blood cells is a natural part of our immune system. When produced externally HOCl is an electrolysed solution that inactivates pathogens. Used pre treatment to cleanse the skin and prevent dryness. Used post treatment to moisturize, promote healing, reduce breakouts and the risk of infections. Skin is left calmed, less irritated and redness is diminished. 

I've been using this product everyday morning and night for the past four months and have seen incredible results. At the time my acne was very inflamed and irritated, using this product consistently and with patience my skin has changed drastically. Most of my breakouts have healed, my skin is no longer irritated and inflamed, my post acne-marks have lightened, my skin barrier is no longer compromised and my skin feels overall healthier. This product is my new ride or die, a must in my opinion if you struggle with acne.  

How to use: Spray 5-6 times to a non-woven gauze or hands, dabbing over the face, neck and décolleté using upward strokes. Can also spray directly onto the skin.

Note: Personally I use this in my routine right after my cleanse before applying  my serums and creme, morning and evening. If I will be masking I: cleanse, P50, masque, Hale Derma and follow with my serums and creme. 

MY AM & PM ROUTINE 

AM: Lait U, Hale Derma, Serum Placenta, Serum Biosensible (when needed), Creme Placenta, Eclipse Beige 

PM: Lait U, Lotion P50 PIGM 400, Masque Vivant/Bain de Plantes/Biomagic, Hale Derma, Complex Iribiol, Serum Biosensible (when needed), Creme Dermopurifiante

After trial, error and a ton of patience this is the AM & PM routine that works best for ME and MY skin.

A long and hard journey, acne can be emotionally exhausting and can have a big tole on someones mental and physical health. I've been through it, I am still going through it and i'll be the first to admit it's not easy. It can be dark and discouraging with all the societal pressures and expectations that the world has on us with unrealistic beauty standards. All in all the biggest lessons i've learned throughout this journey is the following: educate yourself rather then going for the new trending quick fix, find a support system that will support you with the highs and the lows, seek a professional to work along side that listens and understands, lastly invest in good quality products, invest in your skin, invest in yourself.

We are here to go through this journey with you, to help you find the best treatments and products for your skin. Remember you are not acne and acne does not define you, with patience and love your skin will heal.

You are alway so so beautiful.