Battle Swab

Battle Swab

Great Skin Made Easy (oily/acne-prone Skin)

So, you probably have already tried oodles of products to see what works best for your oily, slightly harrowing skin. I’m sure if your medicine cabinet looks anything like mine, you have spent a small fortune on skin care and ways to tame the oil and breakouts. Well, while brainstorming with my team, I found out that I am not the only one who faces battle (no pun intended) every time I go to the store to find products that work for oily skin. Below are a few of the regimens my other oily skin, acne-prone colleagues and I use and swear by. I hope you can find a regimen in here that works just right for you too!

Beauty on a Budget (Routines less than $25)—Drugstore.com

Neutrogena

Cleanser: Rapid Clear Oil-Control Foaming Cleanser (6 oz.) $7.39

Moisturizer: Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer (1.7 oz.) $6.99

Total: $14.38

-This is a great regimen for someone who wants a no-hassle, no-frills routine that works! I personally use this routine when traveling or when my skin is out of control and quickly needs to be whipped back into shape. The moisturizer is light and non-greasy and the cleanser actually does what it says in preventing excess oil production on your face. Please note, this routine probably works best for those who have oily skin as opposed to actual breakouts.

Clean & Clear

Cleanser: Advantage Acne Cleanser (5 oz.) $5.96

Moisturizer: Advantage Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acne Medication (4 oz.) $6.29

Treatment: Advantage Acne Spot Treatment (0.75 oz.) $5.99

Total: $18.24

-This routine has worked for a few of my team members, but beware it can strip skin of necessary moisture and may burn slightly if overused. From all contributing parties, I gathered that this is a routine that is best used only for a short period of time, probably 4 weeks or less. The moisturizer is a tad bit heavy so only a very small amount is needed and is best applied when the skin is still slightly damp (such as directly after being pat dry from washing).

L’Oreal

Cleanser: Pure Zone Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser (6.7 oz.) $5.19

Toner: Pure Zone Pore Tightening Astringent (6.7 oz.) $5.19

Moisturizer: Pure Zone Skin Relief Oil-Free Moisturizer (2.5 oz.) $5.19

Total: $15.57

-Once again, this is a great routine that I have tried myself. The cleanser is great and so is the astringent. With this regimen, I would also highly recommend using less of the moisturizer, because it is a bit thick. The following instructions detail what I did to get the best results out of this routine:

1) Wash face with lukewarm water + cleanser

2) Pat face dry, and make sure there is no excess moisture left on the skin

3) Let face air dry further for about 20 seconds

4) Apply a dime-size amount of the astringent onto a cotton ball and swab face gently (you don’t need a lot of astringent for it to work, so don’t try and over saturate your face with astringent, this will leave a sticky residue behind if you do.)

5) Let astringent dry on face for about 1 minute, this will allow face to dry but still be slightly damp.

6) Apply a half a dime-size amount of moisturizer to face, in an even layer.

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care

Kit, Daily Face Care Kit for Oily/Impure Skin $21.95

Total: $21.95

-Tried this one on an impulse buy and was pleasantly surprised by the results, this product line is great because they use organic extracts and no synthetic additives. Definitely worth a try.

Mid-Range Beauty (Routines less than $75)—Beauty.com

Dr, Brandt

Kit: Poreless Essentials Kit $55.00

Total: $55.00

Juice Beauty

Kit: Organics to Clear Skin Kit $39.00

Total: $39.00

skyn ICELAND

Kit: Detox Kit for Stressed Skin $35.00

Total: $35.00

Beauty Beyond a Budget (Routines over $100)—Beauty.com

Peter Thomas Roth

A.M.

Cleanser: Beta Hydroxy Acid 2% Acne Wash (8 oz.) $35.00

Moisturizer: Environmental Repair Hydrating Gel (2 oz.) $40.00

P.M.

Cleanser: Botanical Buffing Beads (8 oz.) $36.00

Treatment: AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel (2 oz.) $45.00

Total: $156.00

-A routine gotten from a beauty consultant at ULTA, in two words, THIS ROCKS! This treatment is used by several people I know. It is a two part routine that brings great results. If you are very sensitive to moisturizer, this routine is especially great for you. The lightweight gels are a very effective alternative to cream-based moisturizers and feel virtually weightless on.

Dr. Brandt

Cleanser: Poreless Cleanser (8 oz.) $35.00

Toner: Poreless Tone (8 oz.) $35.00

A.M.

Treatment: Poreless Gel (1.7 oz.) $55.00

Moisturizer: Poreless Moisture (3.5 oz.) $42.00

Maintaining Moisture Throughout the day: Pores No More (1 oz.) $45.00

P.M.

Treatment: Poreless Pore Effect (1.7 oz.) $55.00

Total: $267.00

-For the woman who likes all the bells and whistles to her skincare routine! This regimen is not for the rookie but the woman well-versed in products application and how to effectively layer products. The routine has one devout follower on my team who takes her skin and keeping it clear very seriously. To get the best results, I would say read all of the labels to ensure the products are being applied in the correct order and amounts. This one is too complicated for my taste but I have seen the results first hand and can see that it works.

BORBA

Cleanser: Clarifying Fiber-Knit Facial Cleanser, Pomegranate (6.8 oz.) $18.00

Treatment: Clarifying Fiber-Knit Facial Concentrate, Pomegranate (1.7 oz.) $30.00

A.M.

Moisturizer: Clarifying Fiber-Knit Lotion, SPF 15, Pomegranate (3.4 oz.) $25.00

P.M.

Moisturizer: Clarifying Fiber-Knit Night Repair Lotion, Pomegranate (3.4 oz.) $27.00

Internal Treatment

Clarifying Skin Balance Aqualess Crystalline System, Pomegranate (30 Days) $100.00

Total: $200.00

-If you want to use one of the hottest systems used today, then this is it! BORBA is really effective in targeting the problems areas each product and skin balance water was especially formulated to treat. I have tried and loved this treatment, as do many others on my team. The only downside is the monthly cost.

skyn ICELAND

Cleanser: Glacial Facial Wash (5.95 oz.) $30.00

A.M.

Treatment: Nordic Skin Peel (60 ea.) $45.00

Moisturizer: The ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion (1.76 oz.) $45.00

P.M.

Treatment: Anti-Blemish Gel (.5 oz.) $25.00

Moisturizer: Oxygen Infusion Night Cream (1.98 oz.) $75.00

Total: $220.00

-A routine that is highly favored by many on my team, and a great fallback when nothing else is working for myself, this regimen has a cooling effect which helps reduce swelling if you are having breakouts. Please note, even though this routine is for oily or acne-prone skin, everyone’s skin and tolerance is different. You may need to adjust the “Treatment” in the A.M. or P.M. regimen. Excessive use of the Skin Peel or Anti-Blemish Gel can cause irritation. I would suggest starting with the Nordic Skin Peel about 3 times per week. Go from there, and add or subtract the treatments as you see fit. However, once you get the exact routine that works best for you, you will be amazed at the results of this product. P.S. I am absolutely addicted to the Face Wash.

I hope some of these regimens help you in your quest for perfect skin. It is a daily battle that can be won; it just takes persistence, patience, and drinking lots of water! And remember, everyone is different, though some of these regimens have worked well for my team and I, it doesn’t mean you will necessarily have the same great results. I wish all of you the best and know that you are not in the battle alone!

About the Author

Saigon is a skincare guru and a freelance writer. Visit her online for answers to frequently asked questions, to meet the other members of her great team, or to have a fabulous shopping experience at http://www.fashionistaspalace.com.

Has anyone ever used Replens or RePhresh for women?

I am 25 weeks pregnant and just battled a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis for about a month. I had to use gels and creams for 13 days straight to get rid of everything. According to my last swab, I am infection free, but I am still very irritated and burning really bad. The doctor said that I'm just sore from all of the medicine and she suggested using either rephresh or replens. It's now 6 days later and I'm still very sore and irritated, I haven't tried any of the stuff yet because I'm nervous about getting more irritated. Has this ever happened to anyone? Or just some opinions on these 2 products would be greatly appreciated.

I have chronic yeast and bacterial infections, somethin to do with my diabetes.. anyways I've been using the RePresh for about 5 months and never once has it irritated me more or burned.. It cools down the raw feeling and it helps keep the infections from coming back. Good luck I know it really sucks!

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