How to Get Rid of Acne—a Celebrity Aesthetician Weighs in

Skin expert Shani Darden reveals what behind your pimples, based on their location

By Alanah Joseph Sep 21, 2017 7:58 PMTags
ESC: Chrissy TeigenJennifer Lourie/Getty Images

Everyone struggles with acne. 

Whether you experience severe breakouts or a pimple or two when you're stressed, those little bumps can certainly put a damper on your day. So, what do you do? Do you pop it and leave a scar that you'll have to cover up for weeks? Hopefully not. Do you conceal it with makeup and pray it will go away? Probably so. Are you prepared with the right acne solution? It really isn't easy to get rid of those blemishes.

If you're Chrissy Teigen, Jessica Alba, Emmy Rossum or Kelly Rowland (all of which have beautiful skin), your solution is a person: aesthetician Shani Darden. The Los Angeles-based skin-care expert has long list of celebrities that seek her help with acne, rosacea, sun damage and aging. With these very personal skin issues, she tailors her recommendations to fit each individual patient.

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"The most common mistake I see people make is using products that are not suited for their skin type," she told E! News. "Working with an esthetician or dermatologist to create a skincare regimen suited for your skin can help alleviate breakouts."

While you may not be able to see Shani in person (unless you're in LA), she broke down how to resolve your battles with acnes, based on where you're breaking out. 

Temples: Are you washing your face immediately after working out? "Sweat and hair products can contribute to breakouts in the temple area," she said.

T-Zone: This area, which includes your forehead and nose, is more prone to breakouts since there are more oil-producing glands. "Try a sulfur mask once a week to help alleviate excess oil," she suggested. "I love Control Corrective Sulfur Calming Mask."

Cheeks: Dirty sunglasses, phones and makeup brushes or too much dairy are usually the cause of cheek blemishes. Her solution: "I travel with alcohol pads in my purse at all times to ensure dirt and bacteria aren't left on these, which are constantly rubbing against my face."

Chin/Mouth Area: You can thank hormonal shifts for breakouts in these areas. If you can predict a change, "try removing dairy from your diet," she suggested. "Dairy can have a huge impact."

Watch: How to Perfect Your Morning Skin Care Like a Celeb

Now that you have the info, you'll also need a few products. Check out our editor picks below (plus, two recommendations from Shani)!

Temples

Shani's recommendation: "I love Cleansing Complex," Shani Darden told E! News. "It's effective without stripping the skin."

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, $42

Temples

Honest Beauty Younger + Clearer Resurfacing Cleanser, $18

 

T-Zone

Shani's recommendation: Control Corrective Sulfur Calming Mask, $36 

T-Zone

Mario Badescu Special Healing Powder, $12

Cheeks

Keep face or alcohol pads in your purse to clean your phone and sunglasses.

First Aid Beauty Travel Size Facial Radiance Pads, $15

Cheeks

MAC Brush Cleaner, Now $13.60

Cheeks

Miss A Brush Cleaning Egg, $1

Cheers to being blemish-free!

RELATED ARTICLE: Which SPF Sunscreen Do You Need? A Celeb Skin Expert Weighs In

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