spot, pimple and zit.

Now, I am no expert or gemologist, so my first point of call is to talk to a doctor or a gemologist to help with this, but here are some of the products or measures I put in place to help my skin. Disclaimer: These products might work for me, but everyone's skin is different. Dentists have recommended some products, and I have used others. If you see a recommended product, check their accreditation to give out the information. I will recommend people certified in my country of the UK who have different laws around product regulation and medical treatments. Always consult your doctor before making a drastic change to your skin routine

People to follow on social media

• Caroline Hirons
• dr Aamna Adel

books to read

” Skin Care” by Caroline Hirons provides detailed routines for different age groups, skin types, or particular skin conditions. It is easy to read for those who hate blocks of text and is laid out in a portable, accessible format.

Double cleanse

the importance of the double is to clean off any products on your skin. Even if you do not wear makeup, suncream, and miseries, it can lead to blocked pores if not taken off correctly. The second cleanse is to clean the skin. Doing only one is not purifying the skin. In only two circumstances, you may use makeup wipes after the gym or if you are camping at a festival and the lack of hygiene and access to warm running water is limited. But in my own experience, I can wash properly at both. Double cleansing involves cleansing the skin twice: first with an oil-based cleanser and then with a water-based, gel, or cream cleanser. Cleansing twice with the same cleanser doesn’t necessarily cleanse the skin thoroughly. An oil-based cleanser is designed to remove oil-based impurities, including makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and pollution.

The second water-based cleanser can work its way into the skin by eliminating this stuff first, removing grime and sweat.

Not only is a double cleanse meant to give a more thorough cleanse, but it can also revitalise dull skin and allow other skin care products to penetrate more effectively. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a gentle double cleanse will help remove the bacteria that can lead to breakouts. Here is a little fun fact: double cleansing has Japanese and Korean origins.

Moisturisers. 

Though you would think the best thing to do is dry the skin out, that will only worsen it. You do not want to dry out the skin barrier. You might have access to pil, but you also have natural oils essential for the skin. Also, providing hydration to the skin benefits the skin surfaces and helps seal in much-needed moisture to keep the skin from going dull and dry. Some physicians recommend that patients use moisturisers as an adjunctive treatment for acne, mainly when topical benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid is prescribed. Furthermore, some evidence shows that moisturisers can contribute independently to improving signs and symptoms of acne. So overall, if you are using any topical cream that is supposed to combat acne, remember that cream dehydrates the skin, and like a plant, it needs to be hydrated.

There are not too many products

Too many products will irritate the skin, strip your routine to the basics, not explore all healthy bacteria, and strip all the natural good oils. Also, check hair products containing oils or chemicals that start acne flare-ups, as that can permanently affect the skin. If you are going to wear makeup, remember to take it off using the steps above so the makeup is still sitting on your skin and clogging up the pores. Also, only wash at night with products and wipe with a warm cloth in the morning as if you touch or wipe the skin, which is already sensitive, it could cause more acne. Do not use products with comedogenic as this means they are oil-based products.

If you are struggling with acne in places other than your face, consider the fabric and whether it irritates the skin. Also, consider the fit: Is it too small or too tight? Remember that it is always best practice to wash and shower after working out so that sweat doesn't stay on the skin and cause bacteria to build up, creating blocked hair follicles and spots.

Products to use.

• Aveeno face clam and restore nourishing oat cleanser
• Acnecide face gel spot
• La roche-posay effaclar
• Acnecide face wash 5% gel
• Hibiscrub skin cleanser
• Cetraben cream
• TCP
• Liz Earle cleanse and polish
• The Ordinary-zinc and niacinamide serum
• The Ordinary - glycolic acid
• Skin Rocks
• The Inky list salicylic acid spot treatment
• The Inky oat cleanser
• Paula's Choice toner salicylic acid

Products to not use

 I do not care who told you toothpaste does not work on spots. It dries out the area but does not help reduce the spot and what is under the skin. If you find products that work, stick them. Your skin will become more sensitive, and there won't be any overnight results, so stick with them before changing things up as they would have started genuinely working. This is something I only learned in my research. For this, don't just treat active acne; apply it to areas with further breakouts. DO NOT SHARE APPLICATORS OR MAKEUP BRUSHES. You are a build-up of bacteria that can be spread around and cause more breakouts. Do not get aggressive with the scrubbing, though exfoliation is good for removing dead skin cells. For those with acne or sensitive skin, it is more likely to be worse than good as you irritate your skin barrier. Wash after a workout. This is one of the only times I would permit you to use either makeup wipes or micellar water. This is one I struggle with and break 

on too many occasions. Do not pop that spot. It's as simple as that.