If, like us, you typically end up scrolling by skincare TikTok, you’ll have little question come throughout Cassandra Bankson earlier than. With greater than 230,000 followers on the app (not forgetting her informal million-plus subscribers on YouTube), she’s grow to be our go-to for professional acne recommendation.This isn’t simply because Cassandra has over 10 years’ expertise as a medical aesthetician – it’s additionally as a result of she struggles with acne herself and is aware of precisely what it’s prefer to develop up being referred to as “pizza face”. “Like so many teenagers, I lived the vast majority of my adolescent life judging myself within the mirror. I struggled a lot with my look, self-love and self-worth,” says Cassandra.“Since changing into a medical aesthetician, I like to think about myself as an enormous sister to the web neighborhood. I’ve come to know and embrace my pores and skin and hope to coach others in the identical method. I take into account myself an ‘acne warrior’ as a result of I’ve been there.”Which is precisely why we requested her to share her top tips with us. 1. Don’t be afraid to get skilled assist “Sometimes skincare can’t deal with acne,” Cassandra warns. “It’s a medical situation and there are totally different phases and grades to it. If your acne is extreme, I might advocate seeing a dermatologist. If your acne is delicate to reasonable, getting a skincare routine collectively that protects and fights in opposition to breakouts is a good place to begin.” 2. Make certain you’re utilizing the precise ingredientsRather than simply wanting for overpriced “miracle” merchandise that don’t truly ship on their guarantees, Cassandra recommends wanting for key components which have been scientifically confirmed to cut back acne – with her top suggestion being salicylic acid. “The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser, £10.99, is one among my absolute favourites. It actually helps to dissolve oil, whereas gently exfoliating the pores and skin,” she says.If it’s adequate for Cassandra, it’s going straight in our basket. Another of her must-haves is The INKEY List’s Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment, £6.99. “It’s one the perfect spot therapies I’ve ever used,” she tells us. “It’s non-drying and non-irritating. It accommodates succinic acid, salicylic acid and sulfur, so it’s wonderful at preventing breakouts.”Succinic acid, if you happen to’re not already acquainted, acts as a mild exfoliator, serving to to peel away any lifeless pores and skin cells from pores. Teamed with bacteria-inhibiting properties, it is nice at serving to to regulate sebum and cut back any extra shine and oil.
Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment
The holy trinity of spot-busting components there – and if you happen to’re scuffling with fungal acne, make like Cassandra and add sulfur into your routine. “Sulfur is de facto nice for drying up acne spots in addition to reducing fungus within the pores and skin,” she says. In order to keep away from and fade hyperpigmentation scarring, Cassandra additionally recommends utilizing a niacinamide therapy. “Niacinamide may help to cease pigmentation spots from spreading, because it controls melanin by stimulating the manufacturing of keratin,” Cassandra explains. “It additionally helps to regulate oil manufacturing. I take advantage of the INKEY List’s Niacinamide Serum, £6.99 to assist with these crimson and darkish marks post-breakout.”The INKEY List is obsessed with sharing information. This June for Acne Awareness Month, they’re making professional information accessible to empower everybody to make higher selections for their pores and skin. If you have got a query about your pores and skin you’ll be able to #ASKINKEY 24/7 365 by way of stay chat or DM @theinkeylist and a devoted coach will assist reply your query & present a skincare answer. 3. Monitor your weight-reduction plan and stress ranges “Stress is straight associated to hormonal modifications, which trigger a rise of oil within the pores and skin,” says Cassandra. While we will’t get rid of stress out of your life (sorry about that), figuring out it as a set off may help you discover coping mechanisms that minimise the impression in your pores and skin.Cassandra notes it additionally is perhaps value keeping track of your weight-reduction plan. “Some individuals can have acne that’s exacerbated by dairy, high-glycemic or sugary meals,” she says. Try holding a meals diary if you happen to imagine your breakouts are being triggered by sure meals.
Paper Boat Creative
4. Book in for a treatmentWe get it – while you’re acne-prone, salon therapies are sometimes considered with warning, as pores and skin can react simply. But Cassandra is right here to reassure you.“Chemical peels are completely improbable. These use excessive ranges of BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), that are gentler on the pores and skin,” she says. “They assist renew pores and skin cells, cut back breakouts and even stimulate collagen in deeper layers.” Microneedling is one other of Cassandra’s favourites, so long as you’re not vulnerable to keloids or hyperpigmentation. “It helps stimulate collagen and cut back acne scarring, however it ought to all the time be performed by an expert in a clinic and by no means at house or from units bought on-line,” she warns.Unlike bleaching your roots or giving your self an at-home mani-pedi, do-it-yourself microneedling – puncturing the pores and skin with a whole bunch of tiny needles – may be very dangerous and might depart you with everlasting injury – together with scars, pigmentation, heightened pores and skin sensitivity, allergic reactions and rashes. So it is best to go away it to the professionals.With your newfound information, Cassandra desires you to recollect another essential level: “You are specializing in progress, and not perfection.” Amen to that. If you need to study extra about the way to finest deal with your pores and skin considerations or uncover the precise components for your pores and skin, head to theinkeylist.com
Laura Capon
Senior Fashion & Beauty Writer
Laura writes about every part magnificence and trend associated for Cosmopolitan UK and specialises in make-up, plus-size trend and the world of YouTube.
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