It's been one of those days today. And if I'm completely honest with myself, one of those months. Without sounding too drama queen-esque I've just had a rough time this month ( job wise and personal life wise) and my skin decided to take sides with my stress levels. It was a delayed reaction to the stresses of life and letting things get to me that caused a flare up of acne all over my chin area. I know there are greater things going on in the universe and I'm not saying that the world should shut down and pity my skin problems. Yes, people are starving and yes, I am aware of homelessness but can I just have a little 'MeMeMe' moment?!
Ok. So. I've quickly become aware of the correlation between my stress levels and my acne development. So first thing's first. Deep Breaths Nikki, deep LONG breaths. But when I succumb to my stress which I have been trying to take control of (it's a never-ending battle) it just happens. Red, raw, itchy acne. It normally starts as one large spot on my chin and then quickly spreads to 2 or 3. Managing the acne and reducing it's redness is the core of this skin saviour blog post. Basically, you have to let it run its course but help to stop it getting worse along the way. I've found 3 HERO products that have let me get on with my life whilst living with my acne problem. Before I go on any further, I'd like to state that it osnt just for vanity reasons that I find acne disruptive to my life. Yes, it's not the prettiest of sights but also it can get very sore and itchy and with that it can really effect my confidence and my overall happiness, basically. Just to throw it out there that no, the world doesn't have to end when your skin flares up. And here's how, I can ( hopefully) help....
So yes, these 3 items have basically saved my life this last August. First from the wonder trio would be the Effaclar Duo cream. Basically this is a corrective and unclogging moisturiser. I found it not to be the greatest moisturiser under makeup so I stuck to wearing it at night after my evening cleansing routine. It worked absolute wonders while I slept, drying up my oily skin and reducing redness after just one night of applying a good dollop before bed. One thing to bear in mind, it does cause your spots to emerge slightly more but it's only because it's drawing them to the surface so as to finish the acne process quicker.
Whilst this is happening I would recommend you use this fantastic foundation from the La Roche Posay range affinity called Toleraine Teint. It's a fluid correcting foundation which offers fantastic coverage without clogging your pores or irritating your skin. This foundation is so gorgeous and I've even gotten compliments or how 'glowing' I look when I wear it. It has an SPF 25 and it still doesn't irritate the skin. It's a miracle in a bottle. No Joke! 
So. After a week of eating better, breathing, going for a run and relaxing and meditating more, your skin should be on it's way to a full recovery. This is only if it's stress related like mine is. I know other people suffer from it differently but I know when I get ridiculously stressed and feeling a bit off that my skin will have the odd reaction. Yes. A prescription cream will help if you've gotten it really bad (which I've had in the past, believe me) and the one I can't recommend enough would be Differin 0.1% gel. A prescription is necessary but it really does work.
Finally, when after you've used the effaclar duo for a good week or so at night it's time to get rid of the dreary, dry skin that it has left behind whilst working it's magic. I've recently stumbled upon the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. This is the stuff of dreams. I'm big joking. I put this on 2 nights ago and let it sink into my pores as I slept and I woke up with a much more 'alive' complexion. My skin looked(s) well rested and plumper. I've never had this with Elizabeth Arden or any other über hydrating mask things. There is no stickiness upon waking. Only the thin lawyer of hydration left behind.
All in all, I owe it to these 3 wonder products for my new boost in confidence and self esteem and I hope you've found this blog post somewhat helpful. Because, nobody should feel horrible for having a bad skin, day, week or month. It's life people and we ALL go through it.
