A TikToker cured her acne with these 4 steps
Acne is a pervasive skin issue that many the world over have had to deal with. And unfortunately for some of us, it’s something that can chase us throughout our teens and into our twenties and beyond.
What’s even more infuriating is that there’s no one fix for all, either. However, one TikToker who’d had enough of dealing with her cystic acne has shared the routine that worked for her and sent her spots packing.
23-year-old Bostonian makeup artist Mikayla Nogueira (AKA @mikaylanogueira), explained in a two-part skin care confessional that she developed acne at 21 and that she “didn’t know it was coming, I didn’t expect it... I took a major hit in my confidence, [and] it made me severely depressed.”
The MUA insists she’s not a dermatologist, “but that experience made me very passionate about skin care because I would have done anything to get rid of that acne – and I did.”
“So yes I’m going to share my current routine that has made me feel peak confidence and has left my skin looking like this, with no acne. I’ve pretty much gotten rid of my acne scars and have minimal skin concerns at this point in time,” Nogueira explained in the clip.
Though she does warn that those potentially interested in her routine should be mindful that what works for her skin may not work for others, and consistency is key, she goes on to share that these are the “four products [I use] every single day and this is my nighttime routine.”
1/
First cleanse
“I use this because I wear makeup,” Nogueira said as she pulled up a banana yellow bottle of cleansing oil. “This is the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil ($47.19 at YesStyle), it’s really just an oil and it removes my makeup so well.” Nogueira fan-girled over the makeup remover; “I’ve been using this for a long time. I’m a ride or die for this… but if you don’t wear makeup you don’t necessarily need that step.”
2/
Second Cleanse
“[SheaMoisture African Black Soap ($7.68 at iHerb)] is what I wash my face with,” explained Nogueira, “I get some warm water in the sink, I lather up the bar, and I wash my face with this.” The MUA is quick to insist that she “doesn’t use any other cleanser” either so you know this budget-friendly pick is a goodie. “I have not had a blemish since I started using this bar.”
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Chemical Exfoliator
Now, technically Nogueira uses Resurface+ AHA/BHA Niacinamide Exfoliating Pads in her routine, “I like this because it has AHAs and BHAs… it helps with acne scars and that’s primarily what took away my acne scars, also it helps with blackheads, whiteheads.” But unfortunately, the swipeable pads aren’t available downunder, so let us spruke this dupe instead: SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner ($35 at Adore Beauty). A cult-favourite and Internet sensation in its own right, this blend of hydroxy-acids (AHAs, BHAs and PHAs to be precise) and niacinamide makes light work of acne scars and minimises the chance of future breakouts too.
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Moisturiser
In case you haven’t heard of Selfless by Hyram, the cult brand is the brainchild of TikTok skin guru Hyram and THE INKEY LIST. “[THE INKEY LIST Selfless by Hyram Niacinamide and Maracuja Daily Barrier Support Moisturiser ($42 at Sephora)] is amazing” according to Nogueira. “It’s the lightest moisturiser I’ve ever used… it’s very watery but I like it because I don’t like really thick creams.” The MUA added that she has an aversion to thicker formulas because they’ve given her breakouts in the past.
Love a helpful tidbit? This TikTok hack will have you blending your eyeshadow like a pro.
Main image credit: @mikaylajmakeup
Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).
