My skin is a jerk. I’ve had problems with it since I had my first hormone as a young lass, and I kinda feel like I’ve tried just about everything to get it to behave:
- Dermatologist visits and prescription creams
- As Seen on TV skincare systems
- Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or a combination of the two
- Harsh scrubs
- Prayer
- Fancy and expensive department store creams, tinctures, and salves (jk no tinctures involved)
None of the above worked for me, and in fact, over the past year or two, my skin got much worse, with cystic breakouts that left discoloration all over my face as they healed. I had stopped feeling comfortable leaving the house without makeup on.
Among many desperate Google searches, I found Reddit Skincare Addiction, and started to learn about how to take care of skin that seemed angry and sensitive all the time. I stopped using the exfoliating scrub I’d been using for upwards of 9 years, as well as the glycolic acid gel I used every night. I replaced my irritating benzoyl peroxide face wash with a gentler one. And things slowly started to get better.
#selfie
I’ve found a few things that are helping my skin chill out and heal, and I thought I’d share.
- Mild and gentle cleanser and moisturizer. It takes some experimentation to find what works for you – for example, I tried a very popular and highly-regarded moisturizer recently, only to find that it made my chin break out in huge, angry red pimples. #ontothenextone
- Vitamin E oil to remove eye makeup, to serve as an overnight eye “cream”, and to dab on dark marks to fade them. Right now I’m using Radiance Platinum Vitamin E Oil, which is pure enough to take orally if you so choose. But I prefer to drizzle it liberally all over my body like Cleopatra.
- Tea tree oil to zap zits. I found this Radiance Platinum tea tree oil at CVS, which is perfect since they have all the other stuff I need too. I’m lazy and hate having to stop at multiple stores for things. So sue me. It also conveniently comes in a 2 oz. bottle, so you can take it in your carry-on. I always seem to get stress zits when I travel, so this is a major win in my book. SO ANYWAY I just take a cotton swab and soak it in the oil, then dab on problem areas. I find that it dries them up quickly, and I personally think it smells fresh and delightful, if a little medicinal.
- Taking a hair, skin, and nails supplement that has nutrients like biotin to help hair and nails grow, folate, a B vitamin to help grow and repair tissue, and niacin to help improve circulation. I wore gel nail polish (the kind that is cured with UV light) for a few years without a break and recently removed them. My nails are a little bit brittle, so this supplement is helping me out a lot right now.
- Sunscreen. I actually use a face lotion that has sunscreen in it to kill two birds with one stone.
Have you tried tea tree oil for zits or vitamin E for your undereye area or dark spots? What are your best skincare secrets?
Michelle says
First of all — you’re gorgeous!! And secondly, great tips. My skin has finally started loving me back. I’ll have to incorporate some of these tips into my daily routine!
Jasmine says
Great tips! My skin tends to act up during the summer
Becca Wilson says
My skin is also a jerk! Tea Tree Oil also works for me. I will have to try the Vitamin E. Thanks!
Life as a Convert says
Never tried it, but have been using apple cider vinegar. It seems to work ok.
Lauren Harmon says
I’m always battling my skin, these tips are great and I think I’ll definitely keep them in mind next time my face decides it wants to work against me!
Mhar Sefcik says
My skin developed small bumps when I got pregnant. Well, I guess, it’s a hormone thingy. And whenever my period comes, they come too. It irritates me really. I heard about tea tree oil. I hope it’ll help get rid of these tiny red bumps on my forehead.
Jessica says
Ahaha my skin is a jerk too! This is an awesome post
Lalia @ Found Frolicking says
I wonder if this would work for my sister! My family is really prone to skin issues. I can’t use tea tree oil products because I’m allergic, but my sister isn’t. I’ll pass this information along to her. Thank you so much for sharing!
Elizabeth Towns says
Vitamin E oil is good for my skin as well. I remember when we used to break open Vitamin E capsules to put the oil on our cuticles or on healing wounds. Now, you can find it in the liquid organic form easily and use it generously.
Uplifting Families says
I have struggled with adult acne most of my adult life. I started using a sugar scrub that i made at home using coconut and lemon oil. It has done wonders on my skin. I don’t get very many breakouts unless i forget to use it for several days. It also keeps my face moisturized.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Moisturize moisturize moisturize!
Lisa Rios says
I have a sensitive skin & I have always preferred natural products & essential oils to keep myself perfect. The Radiance Platinum Vitamin E Oil & Tea Tree oil looks like a great product that could yield better results as well.
Candy O says
You would never guess you have skin problems! You look radiant Chanelle! I’ll have to tell my friend about this brand.
dawn says
Thanks for sharing this. I have had issues with my skin since I can remember. The only way it stays happy if I remain consistent..if i don’t it yells at me. LOL
Ashley says
Ugh my skin definitely has it’s moments. I haven’t tried vitamin E for makeup removal before. I’ll have to try that!
HilLesha says
My skin is the same way! The only time my skin has been at its clearest was when I took Skin & Total Body Supplements by Perricone MD, but it’s way too expensive at $155. Right now, I’m using neem oil that I found at a natural health store.
Gunjan says
Informative post, and I’m glad to know CVS has such an extensive and helpful product line.
Maggie says
My skin isn’t that bad but my little one has really bad eczema so I know how frustrating it can be.
LizZ H. says
I feel your pain…My skin is the equivalent of Lindsey Lohans character in mean girls LOL…..Was nice….then became a total ****…Slowly I THINK…I’m gaining control again LOL.
Debbie Denny says
Good ideas for problem skin. I have used Vitamin e for a while now and am real happy with it.
Jonathan Key says
Tea tree sounds amazing! Skin care is so important.
CourtneyLynne says
These are some really great tips! I have always struggled with my skin! Will say drinking a gallon of water a day helps a lot with my skin. I will have to try tea tree
Christie says
My skin is a jerk too! I need to check out that Vitamin E oil and see if it will help me
Paula Schuck says
I think taking a hair, skin, and nails supplement is a fantastic idea. I have noticed my hair is taking a lot longer to grow now.
Erinn S says
I suppose if nothing else, sunscreen is the most important product to use
Jasmine says
I need to try tea tree oil. It sounds like it works wonders
Lisa says
I have heard great things about tea tree oil. Glad you found something that works
Tess says
Those are great tips and I did not know that tea tree oil did that. I take hair skin and nails and it does work!
Scarlet says
LOL! I love vitamin e for making skin soft and supple too. My son has Vitilago so that is one mysterious skin condition I try to address.
Bonnie @wemake7 says
Awesome post! My skin all over hates me too. =( I will have to try some tea tree oil as well.
Tracey says
Tea Tree oil has been a life saver for my skin and dry scalp! Love that you shared all of its awesome benefits.
Kathy says
I haven’t tried tea tree oil for those uses. I’m not interested in trying it out though. I have some tea tree oil and I love it. I will be trying it for the dark circles under my eyes. Thanks!
Marcie W. says
My skin looks best when it is moisturized and well hydrated. I have been meaning to pick up some tea tree oil for a few home remedies I’d like to try, so using it on pesky pimples just adds another reason to that list.
Crystal says
I definitely don’t treat my skin right, but I seem to be lucky in that it doesn’t seem to mind. That vitamin E oil sounds like a great idea, though.
Rosey says
It really does take some experimentation to find what works best for you. When you do you embrace it and hope they don’t quit producing the product. 😉
Aprill says
Thanks for the post. Sounds like you found a great skin care regimen. Very Important!
Mistee Dawn says
I have not tried tree oil, but now I think I just might. My skin is a jerk, too!
Jasmine Watts says
It sounds like a great product and I will definitely use it!!
Ora Lee Gurr says
It sounds like you’ve learned the secret of taming problem skin. I especially like the suggestions about using vitamin E oil to remove eye makeup.
Jennifer Mitchell says
Radiance Platinum sounds like a great product! I definitely need to start using something for under my eyes.
crystal says
You’d think you’d have it all figured out by the time you’re my age, but each new decade brings new challenges for me. I need to try Vitamin E.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
I’ve had my share of skin problems too! It can be a difficult problem to deal with!
vidya sudarsan says
I’ve been using tea tree oil for several years now and I totally agree with you – it works very well on the skin.
Dawn says
My daughter uses tea tree oil on her acne sometimes. She says it works great!
crystal says
Ohh, that’s a great one to add to my list also.
Julie (xfallenmoon) says
You have amazing skin now! Tea tree oil is awesome.
Shell says
My mom was putting tea tree oil on my outbreaks when I was a teen. I remember leaning away from her and telling her it was weird. She was a bit ahead of her time!
Karlyn Cruz says
Vitamin E has really been good to my skin. I’ve been using in my skin care routine for about 4 years now.
Toughcookiemommy says
It’s so important to be kind to your skin. This is more evident as you get older and your skin changes.
gingermommyrants says
Tea Tree oils has been a pimple remedy for me for years. It is great for bug bites to. I find it very soothing on the skin and i love the smell.
Richard Hicks says
I have terrible skin too and fuss with it. I like your tips and always use sunscreen!
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says
I can’t tell anything was ever wrong with your skin.
I’ve spent a lot of time with the dermatologist this year and got persistent problems diagnosed.
Now…if I could just do like you said and take my multivitamin consistently…
Hannah C says
You have beautiful skin. I have never used tea tree oil but I have heard amazing things about it. I’ve used vitamin E for my skin but not for dark circles. I will try it out because I am insecure about my dark circles.
Maria says
I use tea tree oil on my pimples too! Like that it’s a natural astringent. I’ll have to try vitamin e oil for removing my makeup.
Nita says
I can relate. I have a very sensitive skin and I have to be very careful of what to use or not.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
My skin is a jerk, too. I’ve tried all of those things and none of them have worked for me, either. I am going to have to give this tea tree oil and Vitamin E oil a try!!
Valerie Remy-Milora says
These are some great tips and I cam glad you are able to get some healing for your skin. Biotin and Vitamin E are fabulous and should be a part of everyone’s routine.
Kira T says
I lucked out with skin that doesn’t cause too much trouble. Thanks for sharing these tips!
Brett Martin says
I use tea tree oil for many remedies, but have not tried it for zits. That is a handy piece of info!
Chantal says
Great post! I absolutely LOVE using tea tree oil on my face. It also provides a quick fix overnight!
Maureen says
Your skin looks beautiful! I’ve heard a lot of good things about biotin. I too have skin problems so your post is really helpful. I used to have a lot of cystic acnes that caused really bad scarring on my skin. I will try your tips and see how my skin reacts. Thank you for sharing this.
Stacie says
I will have to try vitamin e oil. I didn’t know it could be used to remove eye makeup.
Toni says
All great tips. I’d forgotten about biotin and did not know about tea tree oil, thank you.
Jennifer H says
I’ve never considered tea tree oil for acne or breakouts. Interesting! Ive seen tea tree used in haircare products for dandruff and that works well.
eliz frank says
Ii does make sense to go with milder products as your previous regimen was harsh for your skin… Your skin is glowing now.
Melissa @ Sippy Cup Mom says
Tea tree oil has so many great uses – I didn’t realize that it could be used for zits though! Vitamin E on dark spots and under the eye area is also a great tip. I’ll have to remember these!
MsCrookedHalo says
I was blessed with good skin but I occasionally get acne itches on my back so I may try this.
Amber NElson says
I have not tried tee tree oil yet. I should try it for my acne.
Lisa says
I haven’t tried Tea Tree Oil for my skin. I do have some at home that I’m going to try for my under eyes after reading this though!
Rachelle J says
I am in love with tea tree oil. It does wonderful things for the skin and the hair! I use it every day!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Me too! I use it for so many things. I must try this out on my oil skin!
Pam says
Luckily I have always had pretty good skin. My son’s skin doesn’t always seem to love him, though, so he could use these tips!
Ashley says
I always notice more issues with my skin the more I run. I have the hardest time finding products that won’t do damage or dry out my skin. I have just started with oils a few month back so I definitely need to try the tea tree oil!
Nikki says
I haven’t tried it yet, I’ve seen this before looks perfect into my skin. I’m gonna try it out.
Stephanie says
I’m almost 40 and still get acne. I will definitely be trying tea tree oil to see if it helps.
Kelly R says
These are great tips. I suffer from eczema so I need to watch what products I use on my skin. I have used Tea Tree oil and love it!
Jessica Cassidy says
I have a very oily type of skin. The only lotion that I apply to my skin is Jergen’s and nothing else. It is the only lotion that my body likes.
daisy says
I need help with my skin. The weather here is causing havoc on my skin and I have a weird combination of dry skin and acne.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
I have the worst dark circles under my eyes and have never been able to find something to get rid of them. I’ll have to try vitamin E, and I’ll be interested in reading other suggestions in the comments.
Terri Beavers says
Thank you for the great skincare tips. My skin has always been an issue with me and now my daughters is. Between the two of us, we are always looking for great skin care products.
Amanda C says
I work out as well and I find that when I do and I follow my macros my skin is way worse than normal. It used to deter me but I have started using coconut oil and love it!
Patty says
Sometimes the products designed to help do more harm than good. It’s often better to stick to non chemical based and more natural type of answers.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This sounds like a great product line. I have been using Tea Tree Oil for years. It is fantastic when i get a breakout.
Kam Kay says
I have tea tree oil to be very effective for skin related problems. Recently I discovered tea tree oil soap at a local store, all organic. I use that and love it!
Lynndee says
I haven’t tried tea tree oil or vitamin E. I’ve always just used moisturizer and I’ve been using the same brand for years and still loving it.
harriet says
My daughter needs to check this out. She is a lot like you with this.
Catherine S says
Thanks for the great information. I need to try the tea tree oil and vitamin E oil.
Melissa Pezza says
Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ve had a terrible time with my skin since I was in high school.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I’ve never heard of using tea tree oil on the skin. I’ll have to give it a try. Anything I can do to make my skin look better is always a plus!
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven} says
I really like tea tree oil. It seems to help with a LOT of things, especially skin related. Glad that you found some things to work for you.
ricci says
I actually have tried tea tree oil on my skin and I loved the effect it had but hated the smell. I’m glad you finally found something that worked!!
Karlyn Cruz says
None if these worked for me either. The Vitamin E does help.
Tami says
I haven’t tried the Vitamin E. I will definitely add that to my skin care routine.
Jennifer says
I can definitely use everything in this article. I love my skin, but I’m sure it’s plotting my death.
Melinda@LookWhatMomFound...andDadtoo says
Thankfully I have good skin and I don’t seem to have a whole lot of problems with it. Other than daily washing all I tend to use is Oil of Olay which I have been using forever.
Erica says
I can’t stress enough how important sunscreen is. Another great advice I often hear dermatologists give is to find a brand that works for you and to stick to it. I like Clinique a lot. Lots of fluid intake is also important.
Jacqui Odell says
These are great tips. I didn’t know that tea tree oil was good for some many things. I have used it for my hair in the past.
Jeanine says
I think we need ALL your secrets! You have the most gorgeous, flawless complexion! I’ll be honest I don’t use anything but soap and water on my skin but that’s about to change!
Miranda Sherman says
I have really good skin and complexion other than that around my tzone and nose it tends to get very dry. I will have to check out this product line and see if they have anything I can use. Thanks for the tip.
Sarah Bailey says
My skin is so awful it is oily and spotty and it never does what it wants. At the moment I swear by sudocrem for spots. x
Susan P. says
I’ll have to try these! My skin has changed so much in the past 2 years….it’s worse now as an adult then it was when I was a teen!
Chubskulit Rose says
Your skin is flawless compared to mine. I got dark spots that I have been wanting to get rid but nothing seems to work. Thanks for the tips.
Jessic says
This is such great info! I love it when tips like this come from a totally personal journey. Thanks!
rika says
Your skin is amazing! I don’t see any redness or brown spots on your face. I use at least 7 skin care products in the morning and at night 😉
Crystal & Comp says
I think I have had more acne in my adulthood than I had in my teens. It bites! My skin can totally be a jerk too! Love this that you shared. Your skin looks amazing!
Claudette says
This is one thing that I can honestly say is not my problem…even at 50 years old. I have awesome skin and quite honestly have not had to use any product really to keep it that way. Thanks heavens.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I used tea tree oil to remove a skin tag. I don’t like the smell though.
Joely Smith says
Tea Tree Oil is a gift from the cosmos for sure! I never leave home without a small vial with me. I have a large vial in each of our two bathrooms, a small in the kitchen and an even larger in our hallway medicine closet! Yeah I love Tee Tree oil – I’m slightly obsessed. IN fact there is a running joke in our home because I have been using it for decades. ANYTHING happens, a cut, scrape, infection, etc I start to open my mouth and my entire family says “PUT TEE TREE ON IT” before I can say a word then they all look at me and laugh but they KNOW it works!
Chanelle says
Lol. It’s like the dad with Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding!
Joely Smith says
OMG I have not seen this! I must see it now! hahaha
Samantha Pierce says
Skin care can be a tricky thing. I’m glad you found something that works for you.
Adriana Martin says
I am super fan of the tea tree oil so good for the hair too and minor skin rash. Many thanks for sharing your tips!
lisa @bitesforbabies says
Ha ha! I love the ‘prayer’ option! Luckily, I’ve always had good skin…although I’ve had my moments when I’ve tried every product under the sun!
camile says
Thanks for sharing these tips. I’ve never thought about using vitamin E to remove my makeup but I definitely will. I have been considering using a supplement for hair growth. Did you notice any hair growth in addition to the improvement to your nails?
Chanelle says
Actually, I did notice that my eyelashes have gotten longer!
alexandria waning says
SO happy you found something that works. I got lucky with my skin, but I still understand the importance of gentle products and taking care of it.
Susan Smith says
I too have been lucky in the skin care department. I has a few pimples as a teenager but that’s all. I use a moisturizer now for my dry skin.
lisa says
I have found that my face seems to stay pretty even toned when I don’t wear any makeup. I hardly break out and my skin feels so much better. But I always use moisturizer.
Amanda says
I have really temperamental skin as well so I’m always looking for something that works for acne prone women in their 30s. Maybe this will be the ticket for me!
Terri Beavers says
Thank you for the tips and valuable information. My skin belongs on someone else lol. I have to take a hair and nails supplement and be careful of everything I put on my skin. It’s so finicky.
tara pittman says
Now that I am older my skin is finally being nice. I will enjoy it until the wrinkles come.
Rebecca says
I like your up front approach to posting about your skin issues. I am going to try the Vitamin E for an overnight cream and makeup remover. Thanks for the info!
Jennifer says
My skin has been getting worse and worse as I age and I cannot get a good routine down. I think I find the secret then BAM! Breaking out like a high schooler 🙁 I’ll try Vitamin E oil. It sounds great for removing eye makeup but just great all around too
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy says
Like Jessica above mentioned, I too have been lucky in the skin care department. My face is always clear, although I too need to remember to use a good moisturizer as the fine lines around my eyes are definitely becoming noticeable.
Jessica Harlow says
I’ve been relatively lucky in the skin care department. Although, because I’ve been so dismissive, now that I’m over 40, I’m noticing lots of fine lines and wrinkles. One thing I’ve learned about my skin is I need a good moisturizer!
Jeanette says
There a few people that could use something like this! Essential Oils seem to help in so many ways! It is something I am just starting to look at for myself!
Dogvills says
My nephews and nieces are using this to treat their acne. I love the minty scent of this oil.
Brandy M says
My hubby has skin that just doesn’t like him. I wonder if these products would work for him. He breaks out regularly. I will tell him about this post.
Autumn says
I will have to look into these items! I have sensitive skin, but thankfully it doesn’t break out often. More so, I just have dry skin. I’ll have to look into the vitamin E to remove makeup! Sometimes I use lotion to remove it and that helps.
Mizuki says
It’s good to see that you’ve finally found the products that suits your skin. It took me a long time to find what suits my skin as well. I haven’t tried a makeup remover to remove the powder and BB cream off my face, I usually just wash it off with soap (Safeguard for Acne) using a towel. I use Eskinol with 500mg of Dalacin-C to dry out any zits, then I put on some Vitamin C serum all over my face. After which, I dab some Stieva-A to the affected areas only. I haven’t tried tea tree oil yet but I’ll list it down on my to-buy list this weekend because I’m having breakouts :((
Elizabeth O. says
I’ve had a couple of problems with my skin as well, but I’ve never tried moisturizers or supplements to help improve it. Normally, I would just resort to washing it religiously with a reliable facial cleanser.
Andi says
Boy oh boy. What I eat has a direct effect on my face BIG TIME. It’s funny – I’ve had tea tree oil FOREVER but never thought to use it on my face – I use it for cuticles and hairline to help keep hair dye from staining my forehead.
Had to laugh at the idea of “my face is a jerk” cuz if it was JERKY, that would be a REALLY serious problem. Not sure any moisturizer could help that! 🙂
Chanelle says
I swear by it! It makes zits disappear, usually in a day or two!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Oh dear…looks like I might need to change up my skin care routine based on this!
Savannah Miller says
My skin is a jerk too lol! I have used lots of products, here is my issue though, If I have dry skin I of course treat it to try and get it back to normal. Well treating dry skin causes me to break out, so I then treat the break out…. WHICH CAUSES DRY SKIN! It is a never ending cycle lol
I have used vitamin E and the past though and love the results it always lets a really glowing look to my skin 🙂
Chanelle says
Ugh, I know what you mean about the neverending cycle! Luckily things seem to be calming down for me. 🙂
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Oh man. Don’t even get me started on skin that doesn’t love you. My skin has it out for me!
Diana Villa says
You have a beautiful skin, my skin is kind a jerk too lol, thanks for the great tips 🙂
Joski Byrne says
I have to say your skin looks amazing in that photo but I do feel your pain, I have terrible skin!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Thank you for letting me know about Radiance Vitamin E Oil. I can attest to the benefits of using Vitamin E, both as a supplement and as a moisturizer.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I will be sure to try the vitamin E oil. I had no idea it was good for my skin, so I NEED to try it.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I will have to look for the Radiance Platinum Vitamin E Oil and Tea Tree Oil, I love using both, and quality ones are very hard to find. I actually buy the Vitamin E Supplements and break them, but it is costlier and certainly more time consuming, thanks for the heads up! 🙂
Ourfamilyworld says
Tea tree oil has a lot of uses. My dad uses this to treat nail fungus and my son uses this to treat his pimples.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
My step son has been using for acne as well. It really works well for him.
Farrah @ Fufilled Mommy says
I use essential oils for a lot of things, including skin care! I have mild adult acne, so tea tree is my go to. I am careful to dilute it with carrier oil since it’s so strong!
Mykidsguide says
I love tea tree oil. It has a very relaxing scent and it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. My son also uses this for his zits.
Uplifting Families says
I went to a dematologist to try and rid my acne. I found Clearasil helped but it dried out my face. Then a few months ago, I started making my own sugar scrub using coconut oil and lemon oil. It gently exfoliates my skin, leaves it soft, and has made my break outs less severe. If I do breakout, it’s a tiny pimple and it’s gone quickly. If I miss a few days, my face will break out. The coconut oil kills bacteria and lemon oil helps with acne. It’s worth a try and it’s less harmful to you and the environment.
Terri says
I have terrible skin, i thought by my age now it would be clear but no luck. Great tips