My Skin Journey
What’s Worked for Me on My Path to Clear Skin
I get compliments on my skin all the time, and as someone who suffered from acne for over a decade, it truly means a lot. If you’re one of the lucky ones who naturally had great skin growing up, consider yourself lucky. That wasn’t me. I remember my acne being so bad as a teenager that I refused to leave the house. As silly as it may sound, it really did dictate my mood and mental health for years – it would make or break my day. For over a decade, I lived with that struggle.
I went on birth control for my acne, and while it helped a little, I stopped taking it at 21 because it made me feel crazy. At 24, I started taking spironolactone and began getting monthly facials at Mario Badescu, and I finally saw a real improvement. I’m not someone who loves relying on prescription drugs, but I also believe in being realistic, and this combination helped me tremendously.
Mental health is everything. I want to be transparent about my journey – while I’ve done a lot of natural things along the way, I found that spironolactone, paired with regular facials, really helped me turn a corner with my skin. After having my daughter at 28, I stopped taking spironolactone and made significant lifestyle changes, and now my skin has never been better.
I’m excited to share what I use daily, as well as the treatments I’ve had done along the way. If you’re dealing with skin struggles, know you’re not alone – it’s all about finding what works best for you!
Lifestyle Changes
Diet is everything – if you eat poorly, your skin will show it.
Limit dairy: I completely cut it out for a couple of years, then slowly reintroduced it.
Bi-monthly colonics: Detox, detox, detox! Gravity colonics only!
Working out 4-5 times a week: More detoxing through sweat!
Infrared Sauna: A great addition to any wellness routine.
Probiotics: Gut health is everything for skin.
Juicing: Start with celery juice on an empty stomach for a refreshing boost.
Treatments with Diana of Dermduo
Botox every 5 months: It somehow makes a real difference.
Clear and Brilliant: Helps with acne, hyperpigmentation, pore size, skin tone, and texture.
Targeted Fraxel: Focuses on sunspots and sun damage.
Thermage: Tightens and lifts – not for acne, but it definitely gives my face a better appearance.
Skinvive: Hyaluronic acid injected into your skin to improve skin tone, texture, and fine lines. It gives an amazing glow!
Facials
Monthly Facials: I started at Mario Badescu and now go to Glowbar. Be sure to choose an affordable option so you can stay consistent with your treatments.
Fancy Facials: I love treatments from SB Skin and Jillian Wright.
VI Peel with Jillian Wright: I did one and would absolutely love to do it again. It was incredible!
Glowbar (@glowbar)
An express facial in just 30 minutes is perfect for a quick glow. I personally see Alize at the Tribeca location, and she does an excellent job! Sometimes, you don’t need a big, fancy facial—just something that gives you that fresh, radiant look. Being consistent with these has really improved my skin over the past few months. It’s budget-friendly and easy to fit into even the busiest schedule!
Jillian Wright (@jillianwrightfacials)
One of my favorite fancy facials leaves me looking like a baby! When you book with her, you get a set amount of time, and she uses whatever gadgets or treatments she feels are best within that timeframe—no extra charges. The more time you book, the more in-depth the facial will be. Jillian is incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what she does. I can't recommend her enough!
Shamara Bondaroff (@sbskin)
A microcurrent facial uses gentle electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles, giving your face a workout. This treatment helps tone, lift, and firm the skin by boosting collagen production, improving circulation, and supporting cellular repair. Even without extractions, my skin looks noticeably better afterward. I first tried this facial before my wedding in 2017, and not only did I love the results, but I also formed a special friendship with Shamara, the queen of microcurrent. She has locations in both New York and Miami.
Products I Use and Love
Face Wash: I don’t use soap in the morning to wash my face. Instead, I just use warm water and these Clean Skin Club towels. Since my skin tends to run dry, I avoid anything that could dry it out further.
Toner: I love this Caudalie Beauty Elixir– I use it morning, noon, and night. I hate that I love it so much!
Vitamin C: I swear by this Vitamin C from Ursa Major. It’s a staple in my routine.
Moisturizer: I’m always switching up my moisturizer. Right now, I’m loving this by One Skin and this by InnBeauty Project.
Face Oil: This face oil from Linne is my #1 skincare product. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it. It’s made for acne-prone skin, and if I had to recommend just one product, it would be this! Use code MADISONRAE10 for 10% off.
Sunscreen: Thank You Farmer sunscreen is hands down the best. I wear it year-round, even in the colder months.
Daytime Face Wash: I’m not married to any one face wash for the daytime. I’ll use whatever I have in the shower, but I do love this by Osea and this powder one by Joanna Czech – it’s great for traveling too.
Oil Cleanser (Nighttime): For nighttime, I love using an oil cleanser. Right now, I’m using this one from FIG 1.
Nighttime Treatment: After toning and before moisturizing, I use Good Genes by Sunday Riley. It helps with texture, fine lines, and wrinkles, and it gives my skin a radiant glow. I use it a couple of times a week to avoid drying my skin out.
Affordable Toner: Pixi Glow Tonic is a more affordable option with the same benefits. I’ve have and love!
Linne Glow Mask: This is a gentle but highly effective exfoliating mask. It’s plant-based but still does the job. I try to use it weekly or whenever I want to look extra good. Use code MADISONRAE10 for 10% off.
Josh Rosebrook Advanced Hydration Mask: One of my all-time favorites! It’s amazing for when my skin is feeling extra dry. Plus, it doesn’t look like you're wearing a mask, so I’ll sometimes even walk the dogs with it on – multitasking at its finest!
Gua Sha: I love this one by Wilding. I use it in the morning after applying my Linne Oil. It helps lift and depuff the skin. Always remember to use it in an upward motion for the best results!
Dennis Gross LED Mask: I truly believe this makes a difference with consistent use. The red light helps with skin rejuvenation and collagen production, while the blue light targets acne.
As with anything, take what resonates with you. All of the above have worked best for me! The road to beautiful skin can be long and sometimes feel never-ending, but I truly believe that diet and detoxing play a huge role in making a difference.
XOXO
MRAE