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!

Zap Cysts & Pimples Overnight with this Cheap and Effective Trick!

After trying a variety of expensive spot treatments and then abandoning this trick (I have no idea why I would) the aspirin mask has been my savior for dramatically decreasing cysts and inflamed pimples overnight.  Most times it heals them overnight!  This mask is not a end all cure for acne, there is no cure for acne.  It reduces acne severity, controls and reduces acne.  Think of it as a 1-2x week or overnight treatment for your skin.  I use this as a overnight spot treatment as well as a weekly mask.  Do not use this treatment if you are allergic to aspirin, salicylic acid/willow bark.  Always do a patch test prior on inside of wrist to test skin.

Aspirin contains beta hydroxy acid, exfoliates dead skin cells, dramatically reduces inflammation and reduces redness.  Uncoated aspirin from walgreens, CVS, even the Dollar Store will work.  Crush the aspirin with a spoon or dissolve 2-5 tablets in a few drops of water to make a paste.  Apply with a q-tip, fingers or brush and leave on 5-20 minutes or overnight.  First time users should start with a lower time to prevent irritation.  Do not sleep with a full mask on your face, just spot treat.  It will dry and powder off the skin, which is normal.  Expect to have that powder in bed and on your pillowcase, but wake up to a dramatic decrease in cysts and inflamed pimples.

*Do not mix with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, ect.   These ingredients are too acidic for topical application and not stabalized  for skin application.

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

Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30 Sensitive Skin

The answer to my SPF prayers, Olay delivers with a light, non greasy SPF with no white cast, doesn't cause breakouts or irritate eyes and is under $15!  I've tried an array of brands and stunned this is my favorite. My oily skin does not feel greasy, heavy or like a oil slick.  I can apply this SPF on my eyelids and under eyes with absolutely no burning or tears!  Apply SPF 30 daily to face, neck, chest, ears and all exposed areas.  Recommended for everyone including extremely sensitive skin, acne prone and oily skin

"Gives your skin complete care, providing everything it needs most to stay beautiful, plus extra protection against sun damage in a light, non-greasy formula."-Olay

Key Features:

• Contains both Physical UV blockers (Zinc oxide) & Chemical UV blockers (Octo, Octi, Octin).
• Light, non greasy cream formula.
• Does not clog pores or cause breakouts.
• NO white cast and absorbs well into hydrated skin.
• Replenishes moisture and contains Vitamin E, Green Tea, Aloe.
• 100% PABA free.

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate (7.5%), Zinc Oxide (6%), Octisalate (2.5%), Octocrylene (2.5%).

$10-$15
Available @ all drugstores

Update 1/20/13: I experienced dehydrated skin, minimal moisture, some irritation and clogged pores- the hunt for my perfect spf continues.  I have since tried The Spf 15 version and my dark marks have returned.

Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel

"Clears clogged pores of bacteria to control acne and restore clarity."-Murad


A favorite of mine, this acne gel is perfect for those with very oily skin and/or acne.  It exfoliates dead skin cells, kills acne bacteria, speeds up healing of pustules, reduces surface oil and is fast acting.  I did experience a little dehydration as my skin adjusted to this gel and the Hydrating Toner and Essential C Toner had my skin balanced in seconds.  Contains Hydrogen Peroxide delivery system with Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, Retinol, anti-inflammatories licorice extract, chamomile and aloe vera.  These ingredient pack a powerful punch against acne is amazing on congested skin, blackheads, stubborn acne and extremely oily skin.  My skin looked better overnight, smoother, refined, pustules decreased in size or disappeared, has faded acne scarring and significantly toned down my oily skin.  I use this acne gel every night on my face, neck, chest, and and upper arms to control acne and love the clear results!

*Only for extremely oily skin types.  Not suitable for dry, normal, rosascea, psoriasis. Combination skin types try Murad Gentle Acne Treatment Gel.

3.4 fl oz.
$54
Available at Murad, Massage Envy, Sephora

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

Foundation can be tricky.  You have to find the right shade to blend seamlessly into your own skin tone, the right finish and for my skin in particularly one that doesn't look ashy, pink, red and make my hyperpigmentation look more pronounced.  I first tried the BB Natural Finish Foundation and thought I'd found my staple foundation.  Nope..it oxidized turning my yellow golden skin orange, absorbed too much oil AND moisture from my skin.  The idea of this foundation was nice, but in reality it just didn't work for me.  I switched to BB Skin Foundation and have finally found my perfect match.  A foundation that looks like second skin and I LOVE it.  I prefer my foundation to look as natural as possible, even like I'm not wearing any.  The Golden shade does not oxidize and add's even more glow to my skin.  I love to glow, from my L'oreal Dark Spot Corrector serum, Murad Radiance Peel and Essential C Toner lol.

Back to this fabulous foundation:

• Looks like skin, not makeup
• Weightless feel and look
• Evens skin tone, minimizes pores, conceals imperfections
• Light liquid like consistency
• Broad spectrum SF 15
• Hydrating on skin & for all skin types!

I dot on the back of my hand and apply with Sonia Kashuk flat top brush for a airbrushed look.  I experienced absolutely NO breakouts,  irritation, white cast, and oxidizing.

A Lady J Favorite!!

1 fl oz.

Available at Bobbi Brown, Nordstrom

Restore Vital Moisture with Murad Toners

I have often overlooked this step in my skin regime because I never found the right toner.  Why do we need a toner anyway?  Moisture.  Your skin will hold in more moisture, allowing it to look younger longer.  Toner will also pull products (treatments, serums, creams) deeper into the skin and removes hard water residue.  A hydrating toner or one full of antioxidants can hydrate, revive, replenish, brighten and soothe skin.  Throw out the 100% witch hazel, its too harsh and drying on skin (and contains too high percentage of alcohol.)  Witch hazel should only be used in tiny amounts mixed with hydrators and antioxidants.  When the skin is dry and dehydrated it will wrinkle faster, so hydrate hydrate hydrate.  Prevention is your best option, so start early if you can.  Mature skin will need toner, anti aging serum, weekly exfoliating, bi weekly facials and a rich moisturizer to keep revive skin.  If you start early, all you will need is maintenance.

Toner also allows serums and treatments to lock into skin.  Remember moisture attracts moisture.  Applying products to thirty skin will not allow for proper benefits to take affect.  The skin will still be thirsty-so quench it. =)

I alternate between the two toners below and am thrilled with both products.  My skin looks and feels healthier, smoother, supple and happy (with no breakouts!)  Before these toners my skin appeared and felt dehydrated (even with my oily skin), tight, uncomfortable and sometimes itchy.  For those with oily and acne prone skin like myself-toner is essential so make your skin happy!

Murad Hydrating Toner:  Great for ultra hydration, dehydrated skin, restores suppleness, neutralizes surface impurities, soothing & calms irritation with chamomile and cucumber.  I use daily and am thrilled with how my skin looks and feels! $24 Lady J Favorite

Murad Essential C Toner:  Contains Vitamin C, brightens skin, strengthens skin, hydrates (binds water to skin).  A amazing refresher throughout hot summer days! Not suitable for acne prone skin.  $26

6 fl oz.

Murad Available @ Murad, Sephora, Massage Envy

L'oreal Youth Code Dark Spot Corrector Serum is a Dud

I would have easily overlooked this product as a over the counter fail but after reading many great reviews and personally using it for 2 month- I've been put in my place.  This serum is amazing.  Kudos to L'oreal for delivering a serum the provides great hydration, instant luminous skin and constant fading of hyperpigmentation (with NO hydroquinone!)  The consistency is silky and light and glides onto skin without clogging pores, making it a fantastic primer.  The serum does have a pearl appearance which gives skin the "luminous" look, but it has long term affects on the skin with constant fading (my Retin-A working).  My skin looks luminous and has drastically lightened my resistant dark area: hyperpigmentation on my smile lines and surrounding my mouth.  These lines have been a constant problem for me and are now GONE!  I am beyond thrilled with these results!  

"Works from within to skin's surface to help correct and fade dark spots, reversing the formation of pigment, resulting in a dramatically more even skin tone. Now, vibrant with a youthful look, skin instantly appears luminous as if lit from within."-L'oreal

Don't forget when you treat hyperpigmentation it is key to protect your skin with SPF 30 for lightening to take affect and prevent it from re-occurring after.  For better results use in combination with a Clarisonic, exfoliant and SPF 30. I use the Clarisonic Mia 2x a day, Differin or Retin-A in the evening, Murad Intensive Radiance C Peel weekly or Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Origins Modern Friction.  


*Update 1/20/13: Unfortunately,this serum irritated the heck out of my skin, bumps under the skin, redness, a rash.  This serum also seems to sit on the skin, the Vitamin C is not active enough to do any good (my Retin-A was doing all the work).  Don't let the pearlescent appearance fool you and save your money.

Available at Ulta, CVS, Walmart, Target
1 0z.
$20-$25

*All brighteners/lighteners are tested by me at different times and not combined through initial testing period.

Instant Glow with Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

I have fallen in love with this peel!  My family and coworkers immediately noticed a difference in my skin after 1 use.  My skin is literally  glowing, visibly more even toned, and smoother.  I have experienced less breakouts and my trouble spots hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and sun damage have drastically lightened (without hydroquinone).  Vitamin C & Indian Fig promotes collagen production, fights free radical damage, enhances skin clarity and luminosity.  Glycolic Acid (exfoliates dull dead skin cells and smoothes skin texture), Myrtle Extract (supports collagen production and elasticity.)  Lets just say my skin looks like Jada Pinkett Smiths since using this peel.  Her skin is to die for...bright, even and GLOWING.

"This active treatment instantly brightens smoothes and hydrates skin, reversing environmental aging after just one use. An easy to use, at home treatment that enhances luminosity to reveal a more radiant complexion."
-Murad


The peel is more of a mask and a cream consistency.  I massage the peel in instead of smoothing it on and have received better results this way.  I also bring it down to my neck and decollate.  Perfect for first time peel users, it is easy to use and can be used 2x a week.  There is no "peeling" of the skin.  I will be using this product till I  die, its that fantastic!  Murad products work! 


Recommended for all forms of hyperpigmentation: acne scars, melasma, sun damage and sun/age spots and anyone who wants instant glowing skin!
A Lady J Favorite!


$49.50
1.7 fl oz.
Available at Murad, Sephora


*All brighteners/lighteners are tested by me at different times and not combined through initial testing period.