Holy Grail Products Safe for Acne Prone Skin & Hair

1) Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel for hair (must be clear, dyes are drying & irritating).

2) Pure Aloe Juice for skin & hair. Brand does not matter, just make sure it's 100% aloe.  Both are great for natural & curly hair!

3) Bain De Terre All Day Straight Safflower Smoothing Gel.  Can be used for curly hair or a blow out. My all time favorite gel, very light, silky, no flakiness, crunchiness, oil, not drying on hair, allows my short curls to pop. There is Amodimethicone in this gel, but I have never experienced clogged pores with this gel.

4) Neostrata Antibacterial Facial Cleanser kills acne bacteria, lightly exfoliates, hydrates (even oily skin needs it), doesn't strip skin, is soothing and fragrance free making it perfect for the most sensitive skin!

5) Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash Pink Grapefruit is the only Neutrogena product I will use.  It effectively clear body breakouts, I use this everyday with a exfoliating glove.  Don't over use, it will dehydrate skin, the reason why I do not use their other products.  You just need a quarter size for back, chest and shoulders.

6) Retin-A Cream 0.05% prescription.  I apply every night to face & neck.

7) Clarisonic Cleansing Brush 2x a day. I can't stress this enough.

8) Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation.

9) Alima Pure Mineral Makeup.  Absolutely no pore cloggers or irritants.

10) 100% Tea Tree Oil is a great spot treatment, for irritated hair follicles.  Avoid eyes and can be diluted with water.

11) Murad Acne Skin Perfecting Lotion has been the only moisturizer I can use without breakouts.  For evening hydration or under spf for day if you need extra moisture.

12) Murad Acne Spf 20 moisturizer for Daily use every morning.


Avoid: Silicone, "cones", silica, ALL oils (except tea tree & geranium oil), Neutrogena products.
Refer to the Zero Zits list, which provides a list of pore clogging ingredients.  Print it out & carry in your purse if you have to- it can safe you money and future breakouts!  Check your current products for their pore clogging capacity, I just found out my blush was causing irritation and clogging.

My Secret Weapons for Acne Prone & Oily skin

Make skincare a priority and investment and invest in it.  If you invest in skincare, you won't have to dabble in cosmetic procedures or CANCER down the line.  My personal goal is to maintain acne free skin, reduce, control oily zones and reduce hyperpigmentation so I can go without foundation!  With these products, my skin is on its way to being just that.  I have laid out prescription, over the counter, and organic options.  

1) Clarisonic Mia Cleansing brush has been a life saver for my skin.  Not only does it deep clean, which your fingers or washcloth cannot do, but it sweeps out all the grime that settles throughout the day!  Products will penetrate skin more effectively, allows pores to contract (sweeps out pore stretching oil/dead skin cell buildup), and refines and smoothes the texture of your skin.  Everyone should own one.  PERIOD.

2) Minocycline: sometime antibiotics are needed, in my case they are.  I have suffered from acne and oily skin for over 13 years...multiple variety of cysts, whiteheads, pustules on my face, neck, chest AND back.  It's intense and I have recently went back on antibiotics.  They WORK and should be combined with a religious skincare regime.  Mine is quite extensive, but I get results!  See your derm to discuss oral or topical acne medications.

3) Cleanser: Neostrata Antibacterial Cleanser.  Kills bacteria causing bacteria, softens skin without stripping the skin.  A fragrance free cleanser that gets the job done without any irritation.

4) Organic Cleanser: Andalou Naturals Citrus Kombucha Cleansing Gel.  Gentle clarifies acne prone and oily skin by neutralizing germs and p.acnes bacteria.  I discovered this cleanser at Grocery Outlet, loved it so much I bought out the store!  A great organic option and it smells amazing! Lemons!

5) Over the counter Acne Treatment: Murad Acne Exfoliating Treatment Gel:  Immediately knocks out acne, decreases oily skin, refines and clarifies skin, smoothes..it's a miracle in a bottle.  I use for the day time, but can be used morning and night.

6) Prescription Acne Cream: Retin-A.  I use this 0.05% nightly.  This cream exfoliates skin so clogging is decreased.  Use a pea size amount to start or ask your derm how much you should use.  Personally I use a pea size on each section of my face, cheeks, forehead, and chin.  I don't advise using this much if you are new to Retin-A.  I had to work my way up to using this much and get great results!  Smoothes, refines skin and is a great anti-aging cream too!

7) Toner: Murad Hydrating Toner.  Why a hydrating toner for oily skin?  Dehydrating acne products and to balance the skins pH.  This toner balances and restores my skins pH, and calms my skin.  If you skin feels tight, "dry", uncomfortable after cleansing this toner is a must.  Use morning and night after cleansing.

8)  Oil Free Moisturizer:  Murad Acne Skin Perfecting Lotion is the only moisurizer without spf that I trust.  Everything else is just obsolete.  Contains retinol (you would never know), oil free, light and will NOT clog pores.  

9)  SPF 30: Olay Complete Daily Defense sensitive skin Moisturizer spf 30 protects skin without clogging pores and breaking the bank.  Spf will prevent skins aging, breakdown of collagen and elastin in skin, prevent sun spots, sun damage, and skin cancer.  On the rare occasion, drugstore skincare will impress me.

10) Mask: Andalou Naturals Creamy Clay Mask & Equate Cleansing Mask (sulfur acne treatment).  The creamy clay mask contains acne bacteria neutralizing Blue Geranium, deeply purifies, soothes inflammation (acne is a inflammatory disorder), detoxifies pores, all without stripping the skin.  I sometimes sleep with this mask on my chest or back for deep cleansing or to clear a breakout FAST!  Available at Grocery Outlet & online.  Equate Cleansing Mask contains sulfur, absorbs excess oil without stripping the skin, reduces inflammation and redness, shrinks pustules overnight and even great for cysts!  Available at walmart. 2-3x week.

11) Ultra Sonic Skin Scrubber: A new addition to my skincare regime.  This tool utilizes ultrasound waves to loosen debri, exfoliate, soften, smooth skin, extract comedones, penetrate products, lift skin and rejvenate the skin.  A true miracle worker, I highly recommend this 2-3 times a week if you have oily, acne prone skin.  Can cost as low was $35!  My skin is softer than a babes bum.

12)  Exfoliant: Retin-A & Murad Acne Treatment Gel.  I also rotate Andalou Naturals Lemon Sugar Facial Scrub and Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.  Both very gentle on skin, Lemon Sugar Scrub has anti-bacterial manuka honey, clarifying lemon and gentle skin friendly physical exfoliant.  Dermalogica is a rice enzyme that digests dead skin cells, offering smoother, softer, brighter skin.  The Clarisonic lightely exfoliates, but I wouldn't rely on it for your 2-3x a week exfo.  

And thats what I use to control my problematic acne prone and very oily skin!  I hope this information was helpful and allows you to see that with a consistent skincare regime, you too, can have acne free skin!

Articles for Acne Prone & Oily Skin

A important part of skin care is education, so educate yourself. =)
Feel free to contact me with questions at Ladyjskincare@yahoo.com

• The BEST Investment I made for my Skin: Clarisonic!
• Easy Solutions to Prevent & Treat Breakouts
• Tips for Healthy Skin
• Oily Skin: It's Not a Curse
• Grades of Acne & Appropriate Treatment
• Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel
• How to Choose a Cleanser for your Skin Type/Condition
• Neostrata Saves Acne Prone & Oily Skin
• Lady J Approved Exfoliants
• Review: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Lady J Approved Exfoliants

'What is exfoliation?  How often should I exfoliate?  I'm using the St. Ives Scrub.'  I hear these questions and statements often at work and online.  Exoliation is a must in every skin care regime.  It removes dead, dull skin cells on the surface of the skin revealing new, fresh, brighter skin cells underneath!  It also reduces the occurrence of clogged pores by sweeping out the accumulation of dead skin cells, debri, and oil.

Here are my top picks for exfoliating dead skin cells.  Sensitive skin exfoliate 1-2x a week.  Normal/Dry/Combo/Mature skin exfoliate 2x a week.  Oily and acne prone skin exfoliate 3x a week.  I let all my clients know that gritty/abrasive scrubs do more damage to their skin then good.  For example, St.Ives Scrub or it's generic sister.  I do not suggest using this product or anything similar-the 'grit', apricot shells cause micro tears in the skin and irritates skin.  Beware of any scrub with crushed shells or scratchy particles.  Here are safe, gentle, effective exfoliants.  AHA's and BHA's can reach down into the follicle, exfoliating deeper then just the surface. Typically a scrub cannot do this, which is the reason I don't favor scrubs.  Scrubs can also dehydrate skin.  DO NOT USE A EXFOLIANT OR SCRUB AS A CLEANSER.  It's not meant for cleansing the skin, even if it says for 'daily' use.  Scrubs and exfoliants are also not meant for removing makeup.

1) Clarisonic Mia: The amazing cleansing brush uses sonic technology to deep clean pores as well as exfoliate!  Buy it sooner then later, you won't regret it! $119 @ Ulta & Sephora

2) Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: Super gentle but effective enzyme exfoliant dissolves dead skin cells for a brighter and even skin tone.  Activated by water, a little goes a long way. Contains papain enzyme, rice bran, rice extract, salicylic acid, licorice extract & bearberry (for brighter skin).  Excellent for ultra sensitive skin!  Tip: Use in warm shower when skin is moist and pores are more open.  Leave on skin for a couple minutes to dissolve dead skin cells.  $50 @ Ulta or Dermalogica.com

3) Murad Vitalic Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask: Natural fruit enzymes & AHA's dissolve dead skin cells for brighter, clear and smooth skin.  1 pack can be used 2x.  A Murad favorite-see the reviews!  $22.50 @ Ulta, Sephora & Massage Envy.

4)  Origins Modern Friction:  Microdermabrasion without the crystals or expensive bill!  Avoid eyes and make sure your eyes are sealed shut when using this scrub.  A little goes a long way, just a dime size is enough for your face.  May not be suitable for sensitive skin & active acne (add a pea size amount to cleanser for sensitive skin or first time users).  $37.50 @ Origins

5) Murad Intensive C Peel: Instant radiance for sun damaged skin and hyper pigmentation.  Evens the skin tone and exfoliates!  Contains stable Vitamin C, Glycolic acid, myrtle extract and Indian Fig.  My family and clients noticed a immediate glow and even skin tone when I use this miracle peel! $49.50

6) Murad Pomegranate T-Zone Pore Refining Gel-: For normal, combo, dry, acne prone skin.  Clears pores, balances dry/oily areas, dissolves dull/dead skin cells, treats/prevents breakouts.  Apply to skin after cleansing and toning and do not rinse.  This gel remains on the skin. Contains Glycolic acid, Retinol, Salicylic acid & Pomegranate extract.  $40

7) Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel: Wipes out breakouts and acne bacteria!  Exfoliates and penetrates skin effectively.  Contains 1% Salicylic, hydrogen peroxide, retinol, glycolic.  Only for very oily skin.  Gel remains on skin, do not rinse off.  I use this on my face, neck, chest and back!  $54

*Exfoliants listed are safe for all skin types & conditions unless otherwise noted.

Use the Mia with your exfoliant for amazing results!


Look for:
-Fragrance free
-Enzymes
-AHA's & BHA's (acne prone skin)
-Creamy or gel consistency rather then gritty
-Powder formulations activated with water
-Read reviews!

The BEST Investment I made for my Skin: Clarisonic!

To get things started, I honestly I am a bit mad at myself for not purchasing the Clarisonic Mia sooner.  It improved my skin overnight and already with 2 weeks use, it's had to believe I suffer from chronic acne.  I previously attacked my congested cheeks with Differin and Retin-A.  My forehead congestion has been a major issue and after using the Clarisonic Mia, my skin is on its journey to my "flawless" ideal. I do know my skin will never be flawless, but I would like to regulate it enough that it doesn't become congested and lighten my hyper pigmentation for a more uniform skin tone.

I first purchased the Olay cleansing system, at the time I thought it was amazing.  This was obviously before I purchased the Clarisonic Mia.  I used Olay's brush for 1 year.

Get to the review already!

Need to Know:

• Deep cleanses skin with gentle sonic micro-massage action.
• Cleans 6x better then your hands or washcloth, which allows skincare products to absorb and work BETTER!
• Gently clears pores without chemicals or harsh abrasion. 
• Reduces appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles & improves skin tone.
• 1 speed.
• Waterproof!

This cleansing tool delivers on all its claims and then some.  I am very excited to tell you this lol, this is my new BEST FRIEND!  My skin is now unbelievably soft, smooth, clear, exfoliated, refined, de-congested, more even toned and my products are working more effectively!!  When I feel my face after using this, I can't believe it's MY skin.  My pores are almost invisible and extractions pop right out!  I also use on my neck, chest and back and is great for ingrown hairs!

I ordered my Clarisonic Mia in Mandarin from Sephora for $119.  It came with a sensitive skin brush head, trial size Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser, charger and instruction.  I also purchased the Deep Cleansing Brush head $25, which is very similar to the Sensitive brush head (a little disappointing).  I thought the bristles would be much more different, with that title.  Either way, they both get the job done and clean my pores.  Each brush head should last 3 months and then be replaced with a new one.  I cleanse my skin for about 4 minutes, so I probably will be replacing it sooner.

While cleansing, I apply flush to my skin and move the brush in a circular motion to cleanse skin.  The on/off button has a timer for 1 minute and shuts off after 1 minute.  I usually use it for 3-4 minutes.  When not using the Clarisonic, I keep it on it's charger.

Bottom Line: If you are going to invest in any product cheap or expensive, make this a priority to add to your skin regime.  It will turn your skin concerns around!  I can't stress this enough!

$119

Available at Sephora, Ulta & Clarisonic.
Lady J's FAVORITE! 

Happy St. Patties Go Green Today!

Happy St. Patties Go Green! by ladyjskincare featuring American Apparel body moisturizers

Eyeshadow, 59 DKK
Philosophy body cleanser, $16
American Apparel body moisturizer, $15
Anatomicals body moisturizer, $8.95
Clarisonic beauty product, $119
Butter London nail polish, $14

Wish List

Wish List by ladyjskincare featuring a draped dress

Draped dress, $92
Pleated dress, $100
Rag & bone high heel booties, $495
Vanessa Bruno Athé platform boots, £122
Michael Antonio platform boots, $60
Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, $73
Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20, $45
Clarisonic Classic Sonic Skin Cleansing, $195
Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel 10ml, £12
Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion, $15

Olay Cleansing Brush-A must buy!

                           Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

I am very particular about cleansing my face. I was using clean sponges, my finger pads or a wash cloth.  So when I the Clarisonic brush ($200) came out I read the mixed reviews and hoped there would be a cheaper version on the way.  Olay released a very similiar cleansing brush at only $30. I had to get it.  I regret not buying it sooner, it truly is the best thing to cleanse my skin with! I use the cleansing brush at least once a day and rotate with a sponge or wash cloth.  Wash cloths can harbor bacteria or be to aggressive on the skin, so wash in hot water and do not aggravate skin by scrubbing aggressively.  Learn to be extremely gentle with your skin.

The Olay brush comes with a sample size of Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser (great for exfoliating) and 2 batteries. Refills brush heads are sold separately. The cleansing brush has 2 speeds and claims to clinically cleanse skin 6x better then regular cleansing.  I am here to say they are not false advertising, this is completely true.  Proper cleansing is very important for many reasons.  One, being that if you do not cleanse your skin correctly and thoroughly, the products you pile on will not take affect. Two, when you are cleansing you are also exfoliating.  Whether using your hands, a brush or a sponge, dead skin cells are being swept off the surface and rinsed down the drain.  Using this cleansing brush will cleanse your skin properly, exfoliate and allow products to penetrate your skin and take affect. I use this product once a day, as time does not allow me to use 2x a day and my skin looks fabulous!  My skin looks and feels much smoother! I suggest everyone (even men) try this product.  You will not regret it!

Update 2012: Olay cleansing brush doesn't compare to the amazing results with Clarisonic Mia!  Invest in the Clarisonic.