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Last summer I began having some major acne issues with my skin. Now, I’ve been a long time acne sufferer, but things got out of control. I looked to my dermatologist for help, and it turned out I had an infection. Not only that, but it seemed I had been testing too many skin care products that were not right for my skin. It left me with compromised skin, pain, redness, and shame.

As a beauty blogger, I’m grateful for the access to wonderful products that I get sent to try. I’ve learned a lot about skin care, and loved having the opportunity to test out different products. My dermatologist wanted me to take antibiotics, but having just completed my Lyme treatment and detox in April, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Thankfully, I see a wonderful derm that is sensitive to my need of going a more natural route with my body. She recommended an amazing esthetician that has over 30 years of experience with acne. She’s completely changed how I care for my skin, and by following her protocol I cleared the infection and healed my acne.

I’ve diligently followed her protocol for the past 7 months, and I’m thankfully enjoying the best skin I’ve ever had in my life. Is it perfect? No. But I’m not battling cystic acne all over. It’s healing very quickly, and for the first time in years my cheeks and forehead are clear from acne and the previously red and raw looking skin is healthy and smooth. I also have no blackheads on my nose. My chin, which was the worst area for clogged pores and bumpy skin is healing a little slower. I rarely get new breakouts there, and usually only around the time of my period. The texture of my skin has changed dramatically. My esthetician is blunt and honest, and had told me it would take me a year to heal my skin. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how quickly I’ve seen results.

I currently only use Repechage products. This natural seaweed based brand was unknown to me until last June. Now, it’s the only brand I will trust on my skin and I’ve repurchased each of these products (and several others) many times over. Repechage is a US based brand that doesn’t test on animals, and is paraben free. The seaweed rich products contain 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, and 42 trace elements.

Most of the products I use are from the Hydra Medic line which is specifically for acne prone skin. I use two cleansers, the Face Wash, and One Minute Exfoliating Mask.
I love the Sea Mud Perfecting Mask as a spot treatment or all over if I’m feeling like a breakout is coming. It’s the most soothing mask, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry.
Next up is my HG acne spot treatment. The Clear Complexion Drying Lotion is no joke as an overnight acne treatment. If you have acne prone skin, you need this NOW. Buy several bottles if you can. It’s a small jar, and it dries out quickly. I use about 4 bottles a month, but my 17-year-old son is hooked on it as well.

The Essential Oil of Seaweed is a nice dry oil that I use for my lips and cuticles, or anywhere that needs a bit of moisture and healing. This is a tiny jar as well, but it lasts forever. I use it daily, and still have half of a bottle left.

I have before, during, and after pics of my skin but to be honest I’m a little embarrassed to put them on my blog. It’s a tough subject to talk about, and I don’t love looking back at how bad my skin was. Thank you for reading my story. I’d love to hear your acne struggles if you want to share, either in a comment or privately. I hope you’ll give Repechage a try if you feel it may be something that can help you. <3