Woman v. Acne

When it comes to skincare, I'm as serious as serious gets. I never try no to go to bed with makeup on, use sunscreen religiously and do not pick at pimples. However, sometimes my skin like to revolt and I'll get a monster of a zit that REFUSES to go away no matter how many times I use a cleanser/moisturizer combo with salicylic acid.

That's when I whip out the big guns. Say hello to my little friends...

Okay, so it's a lot of little friends but they WORK!

1. Clarisonic Mia
I've already waxed poetic of the wonder that is the Clarisonic Mia but in cased you missed, here it is again: OHMIGOODNESS THIS IS AMAZING! Clarisonic delivers such clean and baby bottom smooth skin within seconds! The Mia is a one-button, one-speed device that can be taken with you practically anywhere. The brush is super soft and it removes makeup and dirt like nobodies business.

2. ZENO HOT SPOT
This little heating device originally scared me to pieces but now I can't imagine my life without it. The Zeno Hot Spot has a built-in computer that controls the treatment tip which delivers a small dose of heat when applied directly onto the pimple/zit/problem area. The heat destroys the bacteria that causes acne. The idea of applying heat directly on my face had me nervous but 2 ½ minutes later I was a happy woman (with a much smaller sized pimple!). It only takes one use for me to see results so I tend to use it at night and wake up to a pimple free face.

3. Nutritioniste Skin Renew The Brusher Gel Cleanser
I use this a) when I'm feeling to lazy to use the Clarisonic or b) when I'm washing my face in the shower as opposed to over the sink. While you can use the Clarisonic in shower, I've seen one too many movies where the pretty girl gets killed due to an electronic device landing in her tub. Call me chicken. Simply squeezing the product releases a cool gel that you allows you to apply directly on your face using the scrubbing brush. While it looks harsh, the brush tip is rubbery and doesn't scratch my skin at all. The result is skin that brighter, soft and blemish free.

4. CLEAN & CLEAR® ADVANTAGE® Acne Spot Treatment
Immediately after cleansing, I apply acne treatment directly onto my skin to allow it to sink in and really treat an area.This clear gel dissolves surface oils on the skin and allows acne fighting medication to go in deep and clear pimples fast. It contains salicylic acid, which is a known acne fighting ingredient that helps unclog pores and prevent future clogging by helping the skin´s natural renewal process. While this is a spot treatment, I've been known to apply it rather generously all over my face. I like to think of it as beating the system.

5. Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance Day Cream
I've been a fan of Lumene ever since I was introduced to it last year, so I sort of had high expectations for this moisturizer. I'm happy to report that this does not disappoint! This moisturizer is rich and leaves skin looking rather glowy. It contains arctic cloudberry seed oil, which is full of natural antioxidants that nourishes and protect skin. The one downside is that it doesn't contain sunscreen, so I normally spray 6. Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 45 directly onto the moisturizer and then apply onto my skin. When used alone, it can feel a little greasy so be careful not to spray too much.

There you have it- my secret to clear and beautiful skin. I never realized how much of a process this was but I'd rather have great skin than having to rely on wearing thick, heavy makeup. What are some of your skin concerns? What do you use to fight acne?

Disclosure: some samples were provided for possible review. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.