Woman Overcomes Acne Struggles with New Skincare Routine

Battling a persistent skin condition for over a decade, Madeleine Spencer recently shared her journey of overcoming severe acne, which affects thousands of individuals. Her story highlights the common triggers often overlooked and the effective skincare routine that finally provided relief.

The turning point for Spencer came during a weekend getaway when anxiety about her acne overshadowed the excitement of the trip. A particularly noticeable blemish on her chin caused her distress, leading her to obsessively cover it with concealer. With a history of acne since her teenage years, Spencer recognized the need for a more effective solution.

From the age of 14, she experienced recurring breakouts, primarily on her chin and cheeks, often accompanied by a rash of smaller spots. Although she understood that her skin issues were largely hormonal due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), she discovered that various lifestyle factors also played a significant role in exacerbating her condition.

Spencer initially tried numerous remedies suggested by friends and acquaintances, including cutting out dairy and using various topical treatments. Unfortunately, these did not produce the desired results and, in some cases, worsened her skin. After years of frustration and skepticism towards treatment options, a chance meeting in 2017 changed her perspective.

While working as a beauty director for InStyle UK, Spencer met Pam Marshall, a clinical aesthetician and co-founder of the skincare brand Mortar & Milk. Marshall provided valuable insight, explaining, “There’s rarely a single cause of acne. I usually equate it to a game of Jenga, where the final element makes everything topple, but there are other things going on to destabilise skin.”

Marshall emphasized that while hormones could be a contributing factor, a tailored skincare and lifestyle regimen could significantly reduce the impact of acne. Following her advice, Spencer adopted a new skincare routine that prioritized calming and hydrating her skin to prevent flare-ups.

The new routine included:

• Using a creamy cleanser, Skinworks Treatment Cleanse Cream Cleanser, removed with a damp flannel.
• Applying an antimicrobial spray, Clinisoothe Skin Purifier.
• Utilizing a PHA serum for hydration and gentle exfoliation, Mortar & Milk PHA Barrier Repair Serum.
• Moisturizing with QMS Medicosmetics Collagen Recovery Day Cream with SPF in the morning and a primer from Charlotte Tilbury.

In addition to her skincare regimen, Spencer made dietary changes, focusing on fresh, minimally-processed foods. She began taking daily omega 3 supplements and probiotics to support her skin health.

Marshall also stressed the importance of cleanliness, advising clients to wash bedding weekly to eliminate pollutants that can contribute to acne. Spencer took this advice to heart, washing her sheets twice a week, acknowledging that while it may seem excessive, maintaining a clean environment is crucial for skin health.

One of the most challenging adjustments for Spencer was resisting the urge to squeeze her spots. To combat this habit, she incorporated spot patches into her routine, which helped her avoid aggravating her skin further.

Within weeks of implementing these changes, Spencer observed a marked improvement in her skin. Although occasional breakouts still occur, particularly during festive seasons, she now possesses the knowledge and tools to address them effectively.

Marshall’s advice resonates with Spencer: “Be a detective. Look at the things you do every day and ask yourself if you touch your face while you’re at your desk or don’t clean your sheets enough – those things make a difference.”

Overcoming her acne has had a profound impact on her confidence and self-image. Now, she approaches social situations and trips with renewed assurance, no longer preoccupied by her skin issues. Spencer’s experience serves as a testament to the importance of understanding personal skin health and the positive outcomes that can arise from informed skincare choices.