I’ve suffered from acne ever since I was a preteen. In fact, I can scarcely remember a single week where I wasn’t combatting some noticeable breakout. Naturally, it was really important to me to find the right pre-wedding acne skincare routine. Nothing stresses me out more than the possibility of dealing with a major breakout on the big day. Of course, it won’t be the end of the world. But as someone who has dealt with acne for so long, it’s been really important for me to do everything possible to reduce the chance of a flare-up on the big day.
I started taking my pre-wedding acne skincare routine seriously more than one year out. At that point, I was focused on 1-2 laser facials at Skin Laundry each month. I’m definitely glad that I started the laser facials early because my skin had to get worse before it got better. I definitely dealt with some purging in the first few months before my skin started to clear. Even though I was seeing good results from my laser facials, I really wanted to take my bridal skincare to the next level.
That’s when I reached out to Sofie Pavitt‘s office in NYC. I had heard amazing things about her acne program – she and her team are known for their incredible acne transformations without any prescription medication. I started working with Rebecca at Sofie Pavitt in February, and she put me on a very strict routine. Since the focus of my pre-wedding acne skincare routine was to combat breakouts without medication, I had to make a ton of swaps for all the products in my life. I’m currently focused on a simple, effective skincare routine alongside monthly facials. That routine coupled with my lifestyle changes, has completely changed my skin for the better.
It’s a little embarrassing to share my before photos, but I also think it’s essential I included them below to show the difference my pre-wedding acne skincare routine has made. Below is also my detailed routine and all the products I’m currently using!
Xx, Kelsey
Skincare Routine
My pre-wedding acne skincare routine consists of fairly simple products. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t highly effective. This new routine has changed my skin.
My morning routine:
- Gentle cleanser – I use a lot of products from Face Reality, which are clean and have no pore-clogging ingredients
- Toner – I’ve been using the Tower28 toner, which I love because it’s a spray bottle. No need for cotton pads!
- Salicylic Acid – A cornerstone for any acne-fighting routine
- Rejuv Rx – This helps a ton with redness, which my fair skin is definitely prone to
- Cran-peptide moisturizer – I have literally never loved a moisturizer more, and I’ve tried quite a few. It’s lightweight but has the greatest feel on application. Sinks in nicely and feels truly moisturizing
- SPF 30 – Sun protection is so important for combatting dark spots and uneven texture
My nighttime routine:
- Micellar water – I use the Garnier one to remove makeup. Make sure you don’t buy one with any additives as they may include pore-clogging ingredients. The original version is best!
- Gentle cleanser – Same one from above to double cleanse and remove all residue from the day
- Toner – Same as above
- Mandelic serum – Sofie Pavitt developed this product, and it’s a godsend! It’s a gentle exfoliator that also brightens. I’ve seen huge results since using it regularly
- Oxygen cream – I swear this plus the mandelic acid has made the biggest difference in my breakouts. This is the last step of my routine and nothing goes on top so it can do its work overnight
Facial Treatments
I won’t lie and say that my pre-wedding acne skincare routine is all done from home. Sofie Pavitt designed her program to be possible from home, but I’ve found that the addition of monthly facials has been extremely helpful in my pre-wedding acne skincare routine. Here’s the program the Sofie Pavitt team put me on:
- February: standard facial (usually includes extractions and a peel)
- March: standard facial
- April: laser broken capillaries (this helped with redness almost instantly!)
- May: standard facial
- June: laser facial
- July: laser facial
- August: laser facial
- 9/23 (week of): laser facial
- A few days before flight: oxygen facial
Lifestyle Changes
The above routine wouldn’t be half as effective if I didn’t also make some serious lifestyle changes. One of the things that surprised me most after my initial appointment at Sofie Pavitt was how many things I’d have to change outside of my skincare routine. I received a comprehensive list of lifestyle choices, products, foods, etc that can affect acne. Here are the things I’ve incorporated and have definitely made a big difference:
- Religiously checking ingredients – I double-check any product that’s going to come in contact with my face, including hand cream since I may accidentally touch my face after putting it on. Sofie’s ingredient checker (bottom of the page) makes it super easy to tell if products may cause acne
- Changing my pillowcase nightly – I have always been pretty good about changing my pillowcase every few days, but that still allows time for bacteria build-up. I switch sides of the pillow after one use, and the next night I change out for a new case
- Not using dryer sheets – While I love the smell of fresh laundry, I didn’t realize that dryer sheets can leave a waxy residue. I’ve stopped using them, especially on towels and sheets that come into contact with my face
- Sleeping with my hair in a bun – I literally used to hate sleeping with my hair pulled back, but that allows for the oil from your hair to get on your skin and pillowcase. I tie mine up with a soft scrunchie every night now
- Avoiding resting my face on my hands – I have a habit of resting my chin on my hands when I’m on teams calls, which can be disastrous for my jawline. It’s a hard habit to break, but it’s essential
- Taking zinc supplements – Zinc is known to help with healing, and that includes healing breakouts!
- Eating healthy – I’ve always been a really good eater, but it’s so clear how an excess of fried food, alcohol, and dairy affects my skin
- Not picking – This is by far the hardest habit to break, but it’s also the one that makes the biggest difference. Zit patches have become my best friend to help me not touch my breakouts.
- Washing my hands before I touch my face – Every time! If I put lotion on my body, I have to wash my hands before I put a product on my face. If I touch my phone, I wash my hands before I touch my face. It’s so easy to pick up bacteria or get residue from pore-clogging products on your face if you’re not washing your hands every. single. time.
- Separate towels for my face – Using the same towel as you use for your hands or body is another way to pass along bacteria
Makeup swaps
One of the things that surprised me most was how many skincare products have pore-clogging ingredients. Even ones that claim to be for acne-prone skin! In addition to changing my products, I also had to change some of my makeup habits:
- Switching to disposable sponges – It’s crazy how much bacteria a beauty blender or makeup brush can carry. My esthetician suggested I wash my brush after EVERY use or switch to disposable makeup sponges. I now use my fingers or a sponge for everything from foundation to powder.
- Wearing as little makeup as possible – This was a tough one when we first started because I had so many breakouts I wanted to cover. I’ve switched to only wearing concealer and a little cream blush on the regular. I only use foundation when I have a social engagement and wash my face as soon as I get home.
- Checking ingredients in every product – I live by the ingredient checker on the Sofie Pavitt website. You just paste in the ingredients in your product, and it will tell you what ingredients are potentially pore-clogging. It takes a little more research before I go shopping, but it’s totally worth it to know I didn’t waste money on a product that’s going to cause more breakouts. Some of my favorite “safe” products are below! You’ll be surprised that many are from great brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Fenty Beauty.
