Dare to Go Bare

This post has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and AcneFree. All opinions are mine alone. #AcneFreeSummer #CollectiveBias

Hello, my name is Kelsey. Hair: blonde. Eyes: Hazel. Skin type: dry with hormonal acne. Lolz. But really. Acne has been the bane of my existence since age fourteen. I always thought life was so cruel blessing me with both dry skin AND acne (…isn’t acne supposed to be for people with oily skin?!).

It is what it is. …or is it?

My skin story.

I’m no stranger to skincare. My mom was relentless with my skin while I was growing up. She had me in the dermatologists office every few weeks trying new laser treatments, chemical peels, antibiotics…even two rounds of Accutane. I didn’t appreciate any of it back then, but that lady meant business.

I thought as I exited my teens the acne would disappear. I was so wrong. Hormonal acne – adult acne – is a real thing and it’s been really  happening to me for years. I can’t even describe how thankful I am to my mom for all those treatments she put me through, but as an adult who actually has the time or the money to sustain such a complicated routine?

I was a delusional teenager thinking everyone at school must get chemical peels on the weekend (lol). As a 25 years young millennial women – I ain’t got time for that.

How I kick adult acne to the curb.

Adult acne is a pain. I’ve been using AcneFree products lately and they’ve been my saving grace when it comes to helping clear up my skin. AcneFree is designed to help care for acne-prone skin, so it really targets my main skin concern.

All the AcneFree products also come at amazing prices. I actually ordered all of my items using Amazon Prime. Nailed it!

When deciding what products to purchase I opted for the Sensitive Skin 24 Hour Acne Clearing System, the Daily Skin Therapy Acne Wash, and the Therapeutic Sulfur Mask. The Sensitive Skin kit was a no brainer for me because despite my plaguing acne problems – my skin is super sensitive! I also love that it’s an easy skincare regimen all in one package – 3 easy products and boom you’re done.

And just to take a moment to geek out here, AcneFree products are also the only around that use Advanced Micro-Benzoyl Peroxide – designed to work faster and penetrate deeper into pores without the harshness and over-drying that can occur with traditional benzoyl peroxide.

If only my high school chemistry teacher could see me now.

I was also super stoked about the sulfur mask because I have an obsession with face masks. This mask utilizes sulfur (a natural acne fighting ingredient) and acts as a deep penetrating pore therapy to help soothe acne-inflamed skin and absorb excess oil. This mask is now one of my holy grail products because it leaves my skin looking poreless.

Hover over the photo below to shop some of my fave AcneFree products!

Step 1: Corrective Acne Cleanser

I’ve been using my Sensitive Skin System to help gently kick my acne to the curb.

I start with step 1 – the Corrective Acne Cleanser. The Corrective Acne Cleanser is sulfate-free (YES!!!) and fights acne with Salicylic Acid (1.5%) plus botanical extracts to soothe the skin. This cleanser is an awesome sleek formulation. Not a gel, not a foam, not a thick cream, it’s light but gives a targeted clean. It also smells amazing.

I’m a big believer that washing your face can be super therapeutic. I like to pop on some music or a podcast and get into my zen place while I’m cleansing my skin.

Step 2: Alcohol-Free Acne Toner

Can I just stop for a moment and say I freaking LOVE that this kit comes with a toner? So few kits come with toners.

Cleansing is cool – but toners are important to help open your pores and prep them for creams, serums, and lotions. A lot of toners can be harsh, but this one is perfect for us sensitive honeys. It actually has a calming and anti-redness formula – my Irish skin is super thankful.

Step 3: Hydrating Acne Repair Lotion + Spot Treatment

The final step of the kit is the Repair Lotion – a powerful, but gentle spot treatment. We’re back at it again with the Micro-Benzoyl Peroxide which is easily absorbed into pores to eliminate acne bacteria! I like to dab this all along my chin because that’s where I tend to see the most breakouts. If I have a lone straggler up on my cheek (which I definitely do right now!) I’ll apply a little there as well.

Sometimes before step 3 I’ll do a round of the Therapeutic Sulfur Mask first. The toner helps to open my pores so it’s the perfect time for a mask. I try to do the mask no more than once a week (twice if my skin needs extra cleansing).

Dare to go bare.

In high school and college I was so afraid to leave the house without makeup. I was afraid of the comments and the ridicule. I was insecure about my spotty skin. AcneFree has really empowered me to go bare – something I never thought I could do. 

Nothing feels more empowering than a fresh face of clear skin. I love that I can beat the heat and go makeup free this summer! Because, again, ain’t nobody got time for complicated routines and pounds of makeup.

Would you dare to go bare? Do you have acne prone skin? Tell me in the comments below!