Back in October, I blogged about my experience with apple cider vinegar (ACV) and its effects on my skin. To sum it up, let’s say the experience was horrible…and painful. Because of a so called purging effect, my skin broke out more… and more…and more. After three and a half weeks of trying, I gave up. I was left with more pimples than I started with and quite a few more scars. I promised y’all an update on my new routine, and after 3.5 months, here it is.

Since the whole ACV fiasco, I’ve made quite a few changes to my skin care regimen. I no longer use homegrown products. Instead, I broke down and bought a three month supply of Proactiv. I say “broke down” because I was adamant about not using chemicals to treat my acne. I really wanted to go the natural route. But we know how that turned out. So in early November, I started using Proactiv. Given a little bit of time, I knew it would work on my skin. Back in high school, this stuff was the only thing that cleared up my acne. And I do plan to wean myself completely off of it sooner than later, but for now, I feel like I need to stick with what’s working.

So for about six weeks, I stuck with the 3 step Proactiv formula. And my skin slowly started to improve. Albeit, a lot slower than I had hoped. After seeing some positive changes, I decided to alter my routine a little bit. I still use the Proactiv cleanser in the morning, but at night, I use the Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean face wash (one of the best face washes I have ever tried) because it gets rid of all my makeup and leaves my skin super clean. I follow up both cleanings with the Proactiv Repairing Lotion where necessary. I also use the Proactiv Toner at night, as it helps to remove any residual traces of makeup.

In addition to this regular routine, I use the Clarisonic brush my mom bought me over Thanksgiving 2-3 times a week (usually at night). I’ll do a full review of the brush later, but after using it for a few months, I can definitely tell that my skin is a lot softer (less flakiness, rough spots, etc.). And it may be helping with the acne, but I want to give it more time before I say that with any degree of certainty.

Before I share how my skin has benefited from these changes, I should mention a few more things.

1. We bought a set of 12 pillowcases off of Amazon. Vishnu made a great point about how using the same pillowcase every night was probably a major contributor to my acne. Now I switch it out every night before going to sleep. So far so good.

2. When I started breaking out more so than usual, I touched my face a lot. I just couldn’t help it…there was so much going on. Now I do it less (almost never) and have noticed a major difference in how long the acne I do get sticks around.

3. And finally, I bought a new moisturizer that’s formulated to work with acne prone skin and acne medications. It also has the added benefit of SPF. I’ve been using it for 1.5 months and highly recommend it.

I am happy to say that all of these little changes have added up to a much clearer face. While I still get a few blemishes every now and then, I’m no longer getting a new pimple or two every day (yes, it was that bad).

And to be completely honest, I just feel a lot better about myself now that the acne has subsided. As silly as it may sound, this whole experience really started to affect my self-confidence (probably a topic for another day).

What’s next you ask? Well, if I continue to see improvements over the next few months, I want to find something to help with my scars. Will keep y’all posted.