Zoe Sugg has revealed how she banished adult acne once and for all
Dealing with the odd hormonal breakout is bad enough, but full-blown acne? It can be really tough to handle.
If you've ever suffered from constant flare-ups, you'll be in agreement: acne is the actual worst. Especially if it hits you like a tonne of bricks in your adult years.
Zoe Sugg knows exactly what it’s like to suffer, but having recently conquered her skin problems once and for all, she decided to take to her Instagram stories to share her experience. And recommend all the products in her new-and-improved skincare routine, obvs.
Instagram content
“It was at the end of 2014 when my skin started flaring up,” she explained. “Up until this point, I’d never had spots in excess. Only the occasional hormonal spot on my chic. Even as a teenager my skin was fairly clear.”
Zoe went on to explain how much of an impact her acne had on her self esteem and mental health. She said: “I knew my skin wasn't the worst and was always so aware that there were other people struggling with much more severe acne, but my confidence was so low and I hated my face without makeup because every spot would leave a mark."
It’s sometimes really difficult to pinpoint exactly what has caused a flare-up, especially if nothing in your routine or lifestyle has changed. This is something which totally baffled Zoe.
“I didn’t change anything in 2014, my eating habits were the same as they'd always been, I hadn't been put on any medication and wasn't on a contraceptive pill, so just couldn't work out why it was happening,” she explained. “I'd tried every skincare product in the world for years and nothing was helping! I actually think the excessive use of varying product made it so much worse."
Eventually, Zoe decided that enough was enough and she sought professional help. She said: "I decided to go and see a dermatologist and see what could be done because although it wasn't always so bad, or affecting my confidence daily, when it did flare up it was so sore and I just thought 'why am I just settling for this?'"
"The dermatologist gave me a cream and prescribed me with a short course of antibiotics. I want to stress here that I don't want to really want to share the exact antibiotic I was prescribed because I think it's important that people seek their own medical advice and everyone's circumstance is different, so I don't want to influence that based on the advice I was given by a professional. But, I will say, seeking professional advice is a must."
Instagram content
There were a few tips she was happy to share, though.
First of all, Zoe revealed that she double cleanses every night without fail (once to take her makeup off and once when her skin is clean). She has stopped using makeup wipes, she drinks more water than she used to, she looks after herself more and has stripped back her skincare routine to the bare minimum.
Oh, and Zoe recommends that anyone with problem skin discusses contraceptive pill options with their GP.
Explaining how much happier she is with her skin now, Zoe said that “although I get the occasional hormonal breakout on my chin, or between my eyebrows, generally my skin is much more clear and I feel so much more confident without makeup.”
Oskia Rennaisance Cleansing Gel, £15, Cult Beauty
This cleansing gel is loved by beauty bloggers and editors alike. And for good reason. The thick, pink grapefruit-hued balm melts into your face and removes every trace of makeup.
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £15.50, Feel Unique
Zoe is all about double cleansing, and this wonder product by Liz Earle is one of her favourite cleansers to do it with. Enriched with cocoa butter and rosemary, it leaves skin feeling exceptionally clean. Trust.
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, £27, Cult Beauty
We're in total agreement with Zoe when it comes to Drunk Elephant's Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser - it's seriously good and totally worth the £27 price tag.
Dr Roebucks Lifesaver Brightening Toner, £24, Space NK
Toning is a really important step in any skincare routine. If you're on the hunt for a toner which will both brighten your skin and close your pores, this Dr Roebuck product will be the answer to your prayers.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme, £30, Boots
The Banana Bright Eye Crème brightens skin, instantly targets fine lines and wrinkles and reduces the look of dark circles. Oh, and it has anti-ageing properties. It's never too early to start...
Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum, £99, Space NK
Supercharged with a blend of 11% mandelic, lactic and salicylic acids, this fabulous overnight serum battles uneven pigmentation and black heads, among other things. Snap it up pronto.
Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow, £34, Space NK
Loved by influencers and celebrities alike, the Sunday Riley glow serum transforms the appearance of skin after just one use. It's no surprise Zoe is obsessed.
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer, £101, Net-A-Porter
Fancy splashing the cash? There's a reason why this moisturizer is priced at £101. Your skin will look better than ever.
