What are the best Cleansers for Acne-prone skin?

Hi there my skincare enthusiasts, how is everyone doing today?

Let’s talk about cleansers! Have you ever had those days where you just wanna get home, relax with a glass of wine? Well, let me tell you, nothing feels quite as good as cleansing your face at the end of a long day. Throughout the day your face is constantly being exposed to pollutants, bacteria, dirt, and the constant build-up of dead skin cells. Cleansing is an essential part of your skincare routine and will help by removing any traces of excess oil, dirt, debris, and makeup allowing your skin to breathe. Removing that surface build-up can also provide a clean surface to ensure better penetration and absorption of your active ingredients, serums, and moisturisers.

A great cleanser is of course the first step of your skincare routine. Not all cleansers are the same, there are so many different options and types that are currently available in the market and choosing the right one for your skin can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming. To help make this process easier I’ve created this post on what ingredients to look out for and what to avoid, the different types of cleansers and the Dos and Don’ts of cleansing so that you can start your skin regime off right!

The Skin’s Barrier

The stratum corneum (skins outer-most layer) is what helps to keep water in the skin and irritants out. It is composed of keratinocytes and intracellular lipids which form a ‘brick and mortar’ like structure, where the skin cells (bricks) are held in place together by the lipids (mortar). These lipids (ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol) play a vital role in maintaining the skin’s barrier by holding moisture, maintaining natural pH levels of the skin, keeping dirt and impurities out and aiding the natural healing process (Del Rosso & Levin, 2011). When the skin is overly stripped of its natural lipids this can cause more irritants to penetrate the skin causing inflammation.

Ingredients to Look for 

• The goal for acne-prone skin is to gently remove surface dirt and excess sebum production without overly irritating or drying the skin (Mukhopadhyay, 2017). 
• Gentle Surfactants: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Cocamidopropyl betaine are gentler alternatives. 
• Natural Glycerines: Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and helps to hydrate the skin. It has humectant properties meaning it attracts and holds water in the stratum corneum (Levin & Miller, 2011)
• Mandelic, Lactic and Salicylic acids 

Ingredients to Avoid 

• Fragrance
• Parabens
• Alcohol
• Harsh Sulphates: Irritation potential may vary between individuals due to the penetration rate and how well hydrated the barrier is. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a common surfactant that can cause irritability and exacerbate inflammation.

Micellar Water

Micellar water is a combination of purified water, hydrating ingredients and mild surfactants. Micelles are the spherical arrangements of surfactant molecules and when they are poured into a cotton round the lipophilic (oil-loving tails) point outwards and act like a magnet to draw oil, makeup, and other debris from the skin.

• Aspect Cleansing micellar water
• Bioderma
• Simple Micellar Cleansing water

Gel or Foam Cleansers 

Great for oil to normal skin. Gel and foam cleansers are typically designed for a deeper clean and work well to decongest pores, remove any excess dirt, oil or acne-causing bacteria from the skin’s surface. They can also provide an exfoliating effect that helps to lift any excess of dead skin cell build-up on the surface.

• CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
• La Roche-Posay Purifying Foaming facial wash
• Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse

Cream Cleansers 

Super gentle on the skin and great for dry or sensitive skin. They not only remove dirt and impurities but can also help to hydrate and nourish the skin due to a mixture of emollient-rich ingredients. Cream cleansers can gently cleanse the skin without removing any of the natural oils or lipids, while simultaneously depositing fatty acids and ceramides to hydrate the skin. Cream cleansers are also beneficial for acne-prone skin, exfoliative ingredients can sometimes tend to cause dryness and irritation – cream cleansers are a great way of maintaining the pH levels of the skin and keeping your routine balanced.  

• CreaVe Hydrating Cream Cleanser
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Cleansing Cream
• Avene Antirougeurs Clean soothing cleansing lotion

Acid-Based Cleansers 

Those with dry skin tend to fair better with Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as your lactic and mandelic acids. AHAs are hydrophilic, meaning they are water-loving and attract water molecules providing hydration and enhancing natural moisturising factors within the skin (Soleymani et al., 2011).

Whilst Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are great for those with oily and acne-prone skin, your tried and true being salicylic acid. Since BHAs are lipophilic (oil-loving), they have the ability to penetrate deeper into the pores and control excess sebum. Both AHAs and BHAs are also exfoliants that can assist with the cells turnover process and desquamation.

• CeraVe Renewing SA cleanser
• Paula’s Choice Pore Normalising Cleanser
• Societe AHA Exfoliating cleanser

*If you have very sensitive skin, burning, stinging, itching, inflammation, irritation, rosacea or eczema, it’s not ideal to use this type of cleanser. However, once the Inflammation has gone down you will be able to incorporate these products into your routine. 

How to Cleanse your Face Correctly 

• Firstly, make sure your hands are clean, pour a pea-sized amount and massage the cleanser into your face for at least 1 minute, really working the product into your skin in circular motions.
• Don’t over-cleanse. Over-cleansing your face, scrubbing or rubbing can be just as bad (if not worse) than not cleansing at all. By doing this you can actually strip away the essential oils and also disrupt the acid mantle (pH) that your skin needs for a strong protective barrier. Harsh scrubs won’t clear your acne faster but can cause irritation, dryness and inflammation. It is advised to cleanse your face no more than 2x a day.  
• Use lukewarm water. While hot water can feel extremely nice during cold weather, it could be damaging your skin! Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and can exacerbate inflammation and irritation. Remember excessive dryness can lead to an overproduction of sebum!
• Instead of using an exfoliative cleanser daily, opt to use it 2-3 times a week.
• Rinse and pat dry skin with a clean towel

Lets talk about Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Have you ever had a terrible breakout that eventually clears, but then you are left behind with these brown or pink spots where your breakout once was? The breakout had already been stressful enough and now you have to deal with the aftermath too? The struggle is too real!

Ok, so first things first, what is Hyperpigmentation? Well, we all have pigment within our skin and in fact, it is responsible for our skin colour. The pigment that we have in our skin is called melanin, and it is produced by these cells called melanocytes that reside in the layer of basal cells which are at the deepest parts of the epidermis (first layer of your skin). Darkening of skin can occur when there is an excess amount of melanin being produced by these melanocytes. Hyperpigmentation can occur on any skin type; however, darker complexions (Fitzpatrick skin type III-IV) tend to be more prone, due to there being more melanin within the skin (Elbuluk et al., 2021).

Click here to find out your Fitzpatrick skin type:

Fitzpatrick skin phototype

These spots that are left behind by acne are commonly referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Acne induced PIH is a very commonly acquired pigmentary disorder that causes temporary discolouration of the skin. PIH is often a result of inflammation or trauma to the skin, and the more inflammation there is, the more likely it is you’ll experience some degree of PIH. This is why it’s so important to remember not to pick your skin!

What happens when there is inflammation present, is that there is a release of inflammatory mediators as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can stimulate melanocytic activity (Davis & Callender, 2010). Inflammation-induced damage to the epidermis stimulates the melanocytes to increase the melanin synthesis, which ultimately leads to an overproduction of melanin and the excess transfer/ deposition of melanin to the surrounding keratinocytes (skin cells found in epidermis).

PIH is typically characterised by flat discoloured lesions that are located at the site of initial inflammation and may become darker if they are exposed to sunlight (UV radiation). Remember that time heals all! The body can resolve PIH on its own but there are things we can do to speed up the process. Epidermal dermal pigmentation usually appears brown to dark down with more defined edges and can take up to 3 months to a year to resolve without treatment. Whilst pigment within the dermis (deeper layer of skin) has a blue-grey appearance, that can be harder to treat and may resolve over a prolonged period of time (Lawrence & Al Abou, 2020).

As our skin begins to heal, melanosomes that store and transport melanin are taken up by the keratinocytes and they move upwards towards the surface and shed off through the skins natural turnover process (Nieuweboer-Krobotova, 2013). Some of the ways we can assist our skins turnover process and lighten pigment is by using your actives and tyrosinase/ pigment inhibitors!

Vitamin C:

• One of the most potent brightening products that can help fade pigmentation and promote collagen production.
• It inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is the main enzyme responsible for the conversion of tyrosine into melanin – thereby decreasing melanin formation (Al-Niaimi & Chiang, 2017).
• It protects the skin from reactive Oxygen species (ROS) and can help aid with reducing signs of aging. A build-up of ROS in cells may cause underlying damage to DNA, RNA and proteins leading to cell death. ROS can cause oxidative stress on the skin which is a catalyst for accelerating ageing.
• Improves barrier function and epidermal hydration by enhancing ceramide production.
• Protects dermal tissue against UVR exposure, therefore applying Vitamin C throughout the day is best.
• For oily or normal skin, L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form that is bioavailable in the skin. For dry and sensitive skin magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a water-soluble vitamin C, can be less irritatin

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):

• Niacinamide can interfere with the melanosome (melanin) transfer from the melanocytes to the keratinocytes – thereby inhibiting melanin formation (Sarkar et al., 2013).
• Improves barrier function. Increases synthesis of ceramides and reduces Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) in the skin.
• Anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory properties – Beneficial for inflammatory forms of acne.
• Protects against oxidative environmental stressors such as UVR exposure, pollution, and toxins.

Azelic Acid:

• Tyrosinase inhibitors that work to prevent pigmentation from occurring (Davis & Callender, 2010)
• Anti-Inflammatory properties making it a great acne treatment and helps reduce Post inflammatory erythema (PIE).
• Gently encourages the cellular turnover process so that the skin can heal more quickly, and scarring is minimised.

Kojic Acid:

• Blocks the enzyme tyrosinase, in turn inhibiting the production of excess pigment and helps to fade dark marks left from acne scarring. It can also help to fade sunspots and photodamage (Davis & Callender, 2010).
• Antioxidant properties that scavenge for skin damaging free radicals caused by UVR damage and pollution.
• Studies show that kojic acid works well with glycolic acid and hydroquinone to enhance its efficiency (Davis & Callender, 2010).

*While it does have a synergistic effect when used with other brightening products, it can also increase the possibility of dryness or irritation. It is advised to gradually bring this into your routine. Giving your skin time to adjust.

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Hydroquinone:

• One of the most effective treatments for lightening hyperpigmentation, it acts as a skin depigmenting agent by inhibiting melanin synthesis. It specifically inhibits the enzymatic conversion of tyrosine to DOPA (dihydroxyphenylalanine), decreasing the transfer of melanin (Davis & Callender, 2010).
• Hydroquinone is available in 2% over the counter or 4% prescribed.
• Best to apply at night-time due to treated areas of skin being more sensitive to sun exposure. Advised to use with a SPF when outdoors.
• Combination of other agents such as retinoids, antioxidants, glycolic acid and corticosteroids can help to increase efficiency.
• Not suitable for those with sensitive skin, pregnant or are breast-feeding.

Let me know what products you use down below!

What you need to know about Acne Vulgaris

Hi my skincare lovers, how is everyone doing today?

I’m so excited to be delving into this topic with you guys. I understand how acne can be such a difficult topic to talk about, we’ve all had to deal with the ups and downs and for many of us, it’s still an ongoing emotional journey.

Having problematic skin can be a burden to carry and can make anybody feel vulnerable or insecure. Over the past few years, it has been so great to see that the sigmatism around body image issues and confidence around physical appearances becoming the “norm” to talk about! Although, when it comes to sharing about problematic skin, there has been a very little amount of people that are often open and unfiltered about their personal experiences on social media platforms.  

We’re also living in a time where skincare is talked about quite frequently, and most of the current beauty trends that you see online are catered around having “glowy skin” and “that natural no makeup, makeup look.” Of course, a common misconception that we sometimes often hear about is how people feel like they don’t have “good enough skin” to have that minimalist and sheer makeup look. It certainly makes me sad to hear this, as I feel like not only myself but so many other people can empathize with this.

So, I hope that with this entry I can enlighten and educate you all a bit about Acne Vulgaris so that we can work together to tackle it from its very roots!

What is Acne Vulgaris?

Acne Vulgaris is a common multifactorial inflammatory condition that affects the pilosebaceous unit (this includes your hair follicles and their accompanying sebaceous glands). It is often characterised by an eruption of papules, pustules, comedones and/or nodulocystic lesions that can be accompanied by a varying degree of scarring.

Did you know that acne is estimated to affect approximately 9.4% of the global population and is the 8th most prevalent condition in the world! Looking into the statistics I found that on average, 85% of adolescents from the ages between 12-19 suffer from acne to some degree. However, as most of you are probably aware, acne vulgaris can definitely still persist well into adulthood. In fact, studies have shown that in women ages 20-29 years there has been a prevalence rate of 50.9%.

What causes Acne Vulgaris? 

Acne can typically appear on the face, chest, upper back, and shoulders. This is because these areas of skin have the most amount of sebaceous (oil) glands present. Have you ever wondered how a pimple is formed? Well, there are 4 main factors that are involved.

1. Increased/ altered sebum production due to Hormones

One of the main causes of acne is a surge in hormones called androgens (specifically testosterone in both men and women) that can cause sebaceous glands to enlarge and trigger an overproduction of sebum at the pilosebaceous hair follicle. These hormones often tend to be at their peak during puberty

2. An abnormal build-up of keratin and dead skin cells

This can lead to an excess amount of sebum becoming trapped within the hair follicle. It is unable to escape due to the follicular opening of the hair being too small, therefore, it is obstructed resulting in an abnormal gathering of desquamated corneocytes (dead skin cells) in the sebaceous follicle.

3. Overgrowth of C. acnes in the hair follicle

Gram-positive Bacteria (C. acnes) residing within the pores can infect the sebum filled follicle, hydrolysing the sebum into free fatty acids (FFAs). FFAs can then worsen the inflammation, and the inflammatory oedema can increase follicular obstruction.

4. Inflammation

When follicles become plugged, bacteria (C. acnes) can begin to grow inside the follicle causing inflammation, there is an increased blood flow to the area (vasodilation) and fluid leakage into the tissue around the hair follicle. This can lead to an erythematous papule, nodule, or cyst.

Other factors that can trigger acne:

• Genetics: The exact predisposition is unknown, however, the number, size and activity of sebaceous glands can be inherited.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking and alcohol consumption can affect the way oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the skin. They are both oxidative stress-inducing toxins that provoke an inflammatory response and can slow down the body’s natural healing process.
• Diet: A high glycemic index (GI) diet including carbohydrates and refined sugar can cause a spike in insulin levels which can stimulate the secretion of androgens and cause an excess production of sebum. Some also find that dairy and milk products cause their acne to flare.
• Picking or squeezing: No matter how tempting it is, this is the worst thing you could do!! Picking or squeezing at acne lesions can introduce new bacteria or push it deeper into your skin. When this happens, it increases inflammation, which can lead to more-notice-able acne and scarring. 
• Stress: This can increase levels of stress-related hormones such as cortisol, which can send sebaceous glands into overdrive causing acne to flare.
• Certain medications: Such as corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants (lithium), androgenic steroids and medications containing bromines or iodines, can cause acne-like eruptions – *Make sure to speak to your GP first before ceasing any medications*
• Fluctuating hormone levels/ hormonal imbalances: Fluctuating hormones can play a role and is especially common in women. Factors that can contribute to this include menstruation and menopause. Women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may also experience acne as a symptom of the condition, this is due to an overproduction of androgen. Other symptoms such as menstrual irregularities and hirsutism (excessive hair growth) may also be linked to acne vulgaris.
• Comedogenic cosmetics: Heavy creams, oils or moisturises can clog your pores and congest the skin leading to increased oil production that can exacerbate breakouts and cause further irritation. For example…
  • Oils: Palm oil, coconut oil, Flaxseed oil, marula oil, moringa oil, soybean oil and wheat germ oil
  • Lanolin’s: Lanolin, lanolin oil, acetylated lanolin,  acetylated lanolin alcohol, PEG 16 lanolin (Solulan 16)
  • Emollients and Emulsifier: Coca butter, coconut butter, oleth-3 phosphate, Laureth-4. *Some non-comedogenic emollients include petroleum and shea butter (non-irritating)
  • Fatty acid:Lauric acid, wheat germ glyceride, stearic acid

Grade 1 (mild) – Mostly non-inflammatory acne (open and close comedones) with a few papules and pustules

Grade 2 (moderate) – Multiple comedones with occasional papule or pustule

Grade 3 (Moderately severe) – Many comedones present, papules, pustules along with occasionally inflamed nodules.

Grade 4 (Severe) – Severe nodulocystic acne with numerous large, painful, and inflamed pustules and nodules

What are the complications of Acne Vulgaris? 

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): Those dark hyperpigmented marks left behind after a pimple heals can be quite aggravating. When the skin’s barrier is disrupted PIH can occur as a response to cutaneous inflammation, this causes cells that produce melanin (melanocytes) to go into overdrive resulting in an overproduction of melanin. This tends to be rather persistent and longer-lasting for those with skin-of-colour (Fitzpatrick IV-VI).

Scaring: Acne can sometimes lead to unwanted scarring that can affect the quality of life, especially as a teen or young adult. These scars can present as thick fibrotic (hypertrophic or keloid) scars that are associated with excess collagen deposition, or they can present as depressed (atrophic) scars.

• Ice pick scars (less than 2mm): Narrow, deep and sharply demarcated tracts that taper to a point at the base and extend vertically to the deep dermis or subcutaneous tissue.
• Boxcar Scars (1.5-4mm): Look like round to oval depressions that are wider than ice-pick scars with sharply demarcated vertical edges.
• Rolling Scars (4-5mm): Are wider than ice-pick or boxcar scars and give the skin a rolling or uneven appearance. This is due to the abnormal fibrous tethering to the dermis or subcutaneous tissue.

I hope that I was able to provide you a bit of information about Acne Vulgaris. Healing is not always easy and takes time, so, remember to take it one step at a time. It’s not easy dealing with problematic skin, but I’m right here with all of you to help guide you through the best skin care advice! Stay tuned for more upcoming posts where we’ll talk more about specific products and ingredients that are recommended for your skin. Until next time –

~D

*Please refer back to your doctor or dermatologist for your condition and medical advice if you are unaware of the risks, to prevent any side effects*

My Skin Care Journey

Dear Acne,

If you’re going to live on my face, I need to see some rent. Let me be honest with you all and say I’ve never had great skin. For all those who have experienced acne we understand the battle all too well, my friend. Having to deal with the onslaught of unexpected breakouts can be stressful and frustrating and not to mention can have a toll on one’s self-confidence. There was a time I used to be so unhappy with my skin that I just wanted to cover every blemish and spot with anything I could find, and it really started to impact my self-esteem negatively.

When I was younger, I didn’t really think too much about my skin. It wasn’t until the age of 12 that I can distinctly remember noticing these bumps and dark patches appearing on my chin, cheeks, and forehead. I remember them being quite deep, nodular, and even painful to touch. Reflecting about how my skin was in high school, I felt quite embarrassed to show my natural skin with these red bumps sticking so clearly out. I used to try hiding my blemishes with anything I could find, including subtly using my hands or books to cover them. I also went down that rabbit hole where I started comparing my skin to others, because I began noticing that my breakouts were a bit more severe, and this made me feel insecure about my-self and put me in the mindset that something was wrong with my skin.

At this point, I started experimenting with a bunch of different products, trying out “at home hacks” and frequently washing my face, which just completely stripped my skin barrier and disrupted the natural pH levels of my skin. This left me feeling extremely dry and irritated

– this is the biggest mistake!

When a cleanser contains unnecessary surfactants and foaming agents that can be quite aggressive and stripping on the barrier. This can over dry the skin causing the sebaceous glands to work on overdrive to produce excess oil/sebum as it tries to recover your barrier to its normal state, thus leading to even more breakouts! Yikes. (We’ll have a deeper look into cleansers in the upcoming posts)

An ideal cleanser for acne skin should be:

✨ Non-comedogenic

✨ Non- acnegenic

✨ Non-irritating

✨ Fragrance & soap free

When I began my course, I came to a better understanding of how the skin functions, the cellular turn over process, the stages of wound healing and how ingredients work in a cellular level. I decided it was time to chuck these conventional products outside the window (before I was using Sukin and Clearasil- which I discovered to be stripping) and bring my skin care routine right back to the basics. I started by incorporating a gentle soap free cleanser, using active ingredients that worked with my skin, a moisturiser that’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, avoid picking at all costs, staying hydrated and most importantly using an SPF daily!

Over the last 4 years I have dedicated my blood sweat and tears to learning about skincare, and I can safely say that even though I experience a few brake-outs here and there (mainly maskne 😷 and hormonal) I’m happy with the progress. Everything that I have learned from my course, skin experts, evidence-based research and personally trying a variety of products and treatments, has given me so much knowledge and I hope that through these posts I can help many of you feel empowered and educated throughout your skin journey. The biological way you’re wired and the way your skin looks/doesn’t look isn’t something to be ashamed about. Everyone has their own stories and experiences and they can be a huge resource for you! And then you can be a huge resource for others who will come after you! Remember that you are not alone in this and to love your skin each step of the way!

Let me know in the comments if you have any tips, tricks, or survival stories about acne! Until next time my skin lovers.

~ D

A bit about me…

Hello to all my skincare lovers and enthusiasts out there! My name is Dileesha and I’m here to talk to you all about skin. I am a fourth-year student studying the Bachelors of Dermal Science (Health Sciences) at Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. My dream goal is to graduate as a Dermal Clinician and someday have my own business.

I come from a Sri Lankan background, and I love sharing parts of my culture with others. I moved to Australia in 2004, and I absolutely enjoy the amount of multiculturalism and diversity that Melbourne has to offer. Growing up in a catholic background has shaped my beliefs and values in kindness, patience, compassion, and forgiveness towards others and has taught me that a little bit of faith and trust can make all things possible.

I am a bubble tea lover (Honestly can’t get enough 😅) and I also enjoy letting my creative side run free whether it’s drawing, painting, crafting or simply if it’s just being that little bit ✨extra✨. I have a love for adventure and the great outdoors, and I have a dream to travel someday.

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At this point I’m sure most of you are wondering what Dermal Science is about? Well, I’m here to tell you all about it! Usually when I tell someone that I’m studying The Bachelors of Dermal Sciences I get asked the question, “What exactly is that?” Through reflecting on these conversations, I came to a realisation of how unique my course is.

Many people believe that I’m either studying to become either an advanced beauty therapist or a dermatologist (My little sister calls me Miss skin Dr. 😂 she’s still too young to understand ). Unlike a dermatologist we are unable to prescribe medications, diagnose conditions or perform surgical treatments. Our scope of practice specialises around the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system (our glorious skin) which is in-fact the largest organ in our body!

We focus more about laser physics, chemistry behind products and ingredients and how they work on a cellular level. A holistic approach is taken through patient education, therapeutic interventions and performing advanced clinical treatments including laser and light-based treatments, resurfacing procedures, lymphatic treatments, and scar management.  

Why I chose my course?

I have always had an interest in learning more about the skin from my own experiences growing up. Finding out about this degree really sparked up an interest in me and I was immediately drawn to the science, cosmeceutical, and therapeutic aspects (Getting free treatments is an added bonus! 😉) . I want to be able to provide education to others and help raise awareness that all skin types are different, and we must look to normalising skin conditions to enhance body positivity. I also want to be able educate others on the importance of sun protection and assist with early identification of skin cancer, which is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia.

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As I’m currently on my final year I have chosen to create this Blog to give a little something back to the community by sharing my knowledge and experience on what I have learnt throughout my course. This is free information you guys and I’m so excited to share all my skin care secrets with you! I’ll be conducting evidence based current research, so you don’t have to. My focus topics will be based around specifically Acne Vulgaris with relevance to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, I’ll be delving into the causes, pathophysiology, skin care products and treatments options. Please also let me know in the comments if there are any specific topics that interests you guys!

I’m also a huge advocate when it comes to recommending products for skin of colour. Having skin of colour my-self, growing up I’ve faced contentless horror stories of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and I can’t wait to take you all through this lovely skin journey and share my best kept secrets!

Your friendly neighborhood skin enthusiast,

~ D

The Journey Begins…

“Be good to your skin, take care of it and love it… after all, it has been protecting you your whole life” ~D

I’m so excited to take you all on this skin journey with me and I hope that you can take a little something out of it ❤

The acne journey can be quite an emotional ride, which is why I aim to provide a safe space to address all of your skin concerns and provide you all with education and knowledge about skincare that I have gathered throughout my course as a Dermal Science student.

Stay tuned for more posts!

~ D