Goodkarmasunshine

Lately my skin has been going through another cycle of changes, and I wanted to document it honestly — not just for myself, but for anyone who is on their own healing journey. These photos were taken today, and you can clearly see the active breakouts, redness, texture, and post-inflammatory marks sitting mostly on my cheeks and along the sides of my face.

What I’m learning is that skin healing isn’t a straight line. Some weeks everything looks calm and smooth, and then suddenly hormones, stress, sleep, food, or even weather can flip the entire situation. And that’s exactly what’s happening right now — my skin is purging and calming at the same time.

What I’m Noticing Right Now

1) Small clusters of inflammatory acne on both cheeks.

2) Newer red spots sitting on top of older PIH marks

3) Rough texture from previous breakouts

4) A few deeper pimples along the jawline

5) Redness from sensitivity and irritation

Even though it looks intense in photos, it doesn’t feel painful — just a little inflamed and irritated when I wash or touch my face. That is actually a good sign because irritation is easier to calm than deep cystic acne.

What I Think Triggered This Phase

I’ve had a lot happening recently — stress, irregular meals, and not sleeping properly. My routine has also changed a little, which can sometimes confuse the skin. The weather in Melbourne has also been shifting between hot and cold, and my skin responds quickly to climate.

Acne is never about one single trigger. It’s always a combination of lifestyle, hormones, and products.

What I’m Focusing On Now

Instead of panicking or adding more actives, I’m focusing on:

1) Consistency with a simple routine. 2) Hydration first, actives second Spacing out niacinamide so I don’t overload my skin.

3) Balancing actives like retinol and exfoliants using La Roche-Posay MelaB3 for dark spots.

4) Keeping my barrier strong with gentle cleansers and soothing gels.

5) I’ve understood one thing: skin heals faster when I stop attacking it. Being gentle works.

What’s Improving

Even though the breakouts are active, I can already see:

Old scars slowly fading around the sides Less oiliness compared to before Pimples healing faster than previous months Texture softening with my routine

It’s not “perfect,” but it’s progress.

How I Feel About It

Honestly? I’m okay.

There were times I would cry over a single breakout, but now I’m learning to separate my self-worth from my skin. Acne does not make a person unattractive or less confident. It’s just a temporary condition that the body knows how to fix — it just needs time.

My face tells the story of living, working, stressing, eating, healing, and figuring life out. And I’m proud of that.

Next Steps

Over the next few weeks I’ll: continue skin cycling monitor my niacinamide use keep the barrier supported start focusing more on PIH fading.

I’ll share another update once things settle down.

If you’re also going through an acne phase — breathe.

Take it slowly.

You’re not alone in this, and you’re not “failing” just because your skin is reacting. Healing takes time, and we deserve to be patient with ourselves.