Cleanser - Blog Posts

Skin Care Struggles and Solutions at 28: My Hormonal Acne Journey

Dealing with hormonal acne has been one of my toughest challenges. At one point, I even tried Accutane. While it reduced some breakouts, it didn’t fully solve the problem—instead, it left me with painfully dry skin and frequent nosebleeds. Eventually, I learned that my acne was tied to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), which affects hormone levels.

After consulting a dermatologist, I started spironolactone, a prescription medication that helps lower testosterone levels. This reduced oil production, acne, and even some excess hair growth. It was a turning point in managing my skin.

However, I made a lot of mistakes early on that worsened my acne, especially when I was a broke young adult working full-time. I couldn’t afford an elaborate skincare routine, so I mixed products from different brands—like Clinique, Cetaphil, and even Dollar Tree finds. This combination often irritated my skin and likely contributed to more breakouts. The best decision I made was sticking to one skincare brand for my entire routine. I chose Neutrogena for its affordable and effective products, which kept my routine simple and consistent.

Here are the key takeaways from my journey:

💗 See a dermatologist – They can help identify the root cause of your acne and suggest effective treatments like spironolactone.

💗 Pick one brand and stick to it – Mixing products from different companies can cause ingredient conflicts. I had much better results when I committed to Neutrogena’s full product line.

💗 Hydrate and manage stress – Drinking water and finding ways to reduce stress made a big difference for my skin.

💗 Invest in the basics – Even on a budget, prioritize a gentle cleanser, a targeted treatment, and a good moisturizer over random extras.

Skincare is a personal journey, and what works for one person might not work for another. Stay consistent, be patient, and don’t hesitate to get professional advice!