Jumpstart your journey to acne free in 2024
A full checklist for clearing acne.
We’re just a few days away from the new year, and if healthier habits and clearer skin are on your list of resolutions, you are at the right place. Congrats!
It’s common for new clients and customers to start at the end or beginning of the year because they don’t want to take acne and hyperpigmentation with them for another 365 days. Amen! If this is you, here is the exact checklist I use during the initial consultation with new clients to build their clear-skin strategy.
Let’s go, skin friend!
Food/diet acne triggers
Eliminate these for at least 30 days for best results:
- Dairy
- Cheese
- Processed sugar
- Processed food
- Sugary cocktails
Increase your intake of these for the next 30 days:
- Fruit smoothies with no added sugar
- Cold-pressed juices
- Raw fruits and vegetables
Hair products/habit acne triggers
Are you noticing breakouts mostly on your forehead and cheeks?
Swap out your hair products if they are made with any of these ingredients:
- Jamaican Castor oil
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
Adopt these skin-friendly hair habits:
- Safflower oil
- Sunflower oil
- Wear your hair in styles that keep your hair away from your face.
- Wash your bonnets, scarves, hats, and caps regularly
- Be mindful of how braids, extensions, tape-ins, etc, can irritate your skin
Frequently used items that are acne triggers
Clean these items regularly to prevent acne-causing build up:
- Pillowcases (1-2x every 10-12 days)
- Sunglasses/Glasses
- Phone (wipe down with a disinfectant wipe 1-2x per day)
- Makeup brushes and sponges (wash after each use and store in a place that won’t be contaminated
Vitamins, supplements & minerals for acne & hyperpigmentation
- Be aware of how superfoods like sea moss can trigger acne, especially if you are allergic to shellfish.
- Zinc
- Milk thistle
- Omega-3
- Vitamin A
- Copper
Acne-healing skincare routine
Remember, consistency is key! Your skin will improve over time if you commit to each of these steps every day. Even skipping one day can set you back in your skin’s healing progress. It’s not worth it!
Each morning:
- Gently cleanse your face for at least 60 seconds
- After blotting your face, treat your skin with ice or cryotherapy to calm inflammation from existing acne breakouts, and to speed up the skin’s recovery. Don’t focus on breakouts; treat the entire face evenly so you don’t irritate your skin.
- Next, layer on your serums. Allow each to dry completely before applying the next.
- Now apply your moisturizer to your face and neck area.
- Finally, follow up with sunscreen everyday. Even if you’re in the house on a rainy day. Re-apply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours and after sweating. Wait five minutes before applying makeup.
Every night:
- Pre-cleanse your face if you wore makeup.
- Gently cleanse your face for at least 60 seconds.
- After blotting your face, treat your skin with ice or cryotherapy to calm inflammation from existing acne breakouts, and to speed up the skin’s recovery. Don’t focus on breakouts; treat the entire face evenly so you don’t irritate your skin.
- Treat your skin with the exfoliant your esthetician has recommended for you. Be sure to do this as advised or as detailed on the product packaging because while this step is super powerful, it can also be dangerous if misused.
- Next, layer on your serums. Allow each to dry completely before applying the next.