For a long time, I battled with my skin. I had sore, lingering pimples and an overall redness that looked like permanent windburn. Because I’d struggled with acne as a teen, I assumed this was adult acne making an unwelcome return. I tried every over-the-counter acne product I could find — which only made things worse. I tried cutting out certain foods and sugar and drinking even more water, but nothing changed.
The real turning point came when I appeared in a local active travel campaign. Seeing the close-up footage of my skin — including some very stubborn, very angry spots — was all the motivation I needed to take real control.
Now, I am no beauty blogger, but I thought it would be useful to share my story to help others who might be having the same struggle.
A Self-Diagnosis and the Online Dermatologist Route
After spending too many nights scrolling image galleries and forums, I realised my symptoms matched rosacea: redness and pimples across my cheeks and chin, with flare-ups on my forehead. With NHS waiting lists being what they are, I turned to an online dermatologist. They confirmed the rosacea and prescribed the same tablets and cream I’d once used for acne.
Months passed. Nothing improved. The antibiotic cream was so harsh that applying it felt like rubbing sandpaper into already tender skin. Breakouts lingered for weeks. I felt stuck.
Trying Skin + Me
Because the internet always knows, I soon started seeing ads for Skin + Me everywhere. Their promise of a personalised treatment formula felt hopeful. I filled out the questionnaire, bought the recommended sunscreen and cleanser, and committed to the routine.
But I’ll be honest — I’m not the kind of person who enjoys having a multi-step skincare ritual. The whole wash… wait… apply… wait… moisturise routine felt like a chore. The treatment itself also felt quite drying, almost like I was dragging it across my skin. It did help a little, so I stuck with it, but I wasn’t fully convinced.
Discovering Dermatica (and Finally Seeing Change)
Dermatica appeared in my search results much like Skin + Me did (thank you again, cookies). The process was similar too: upload photos, answer some questions, and get a personalised formula reviewed by a dermatologist.
I kept the rest of my routine simple — just a gentle face wash and sunscreen — and added the Dermatica formula. Straight away, it felt different. It absorbed into my skin instead of sitting on top of it or drying it out. Over the next few months, the soreness eased, the redness reduced, and those stubborn, deep pimples finally disappeared.
The best part? No lasting scars, despite how long they’d been hanging around. Dermatica ask for regular photo updates and it’s been genuinely encouraging to see the progress over time.
My (Very Simple) Skincare Routine
I’m not someone who loves spending ages at the bathroom mirror, so I keep things minimal — and it turns out, minimal is exactly what my skin thrives on.
Morning:
- Wash with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (in the shower, because convenience)
- Apply Face Theory Glow C SPF 30 Moisturiser — which honestly feels like rubbing luxurious butter into my face. It’s soothing, moisturising, and does double duty with sun protection.
Done.
Evening:
Because my Dermatica formula contains antibiotics, I take regular breaks from it to avoid building resistance. They suggested a simple lotion for those breaks, but my skin didn’t love the heavier texture. So instead, I turned to more Face Theory products (I’d previously used their azelaic acid with good results. I also love that their products are vegan and cruelty-free, and that they offer carbon-neutral shipping)
During my Dermatica breaks, I use:
Face Theory Ectoin BarrierBuild Milk — lightweight, calming, and perfect before bed. I haven’t touched the Azelaic acid since receiving it.
I’m still figuring out how I’ll balance things when I start my Dermatica formula again. For now, I’m giving my skin space, and it feels like the best it has in years. Maybe I’ll be able to take longer breaks from the antibiotic element now that I’ve found what actually works for me.
There’s something reassuring about reaching a point where my skin isn’t something I’m fighting anymore. Just something I’m learning to care for — gently, patiently, and in a way that fits my life.
A Few Things I Wish I’d Known Sooner
I’m not a dermatologist, but I am a 43-year-old who spent years feeling frustrated and a bit defeated by my own skin. So here are some gentle takeaways from my experience — in case they’re helpful to you too:
1. Rosacea isn’t just “adult acne.”
The itching, the burning, the stubbornness of those deep spots — it’s a different thing entirely. If acne treatments are making your skin worse, it’s worth considering whether rosacea might be the real culprit.
2. Be gentle — always.
I used to think I needed to fight my skin into behaving. All that did was irritate it more. The simplest routine has been the most effective. Less really can be more.
3. Sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Yes, even in winter. Yes, even when it’s cloudy. Yes, even if you’re indoors most of the day. Rosacea loves to flare with UV exposure — SPF is your quiet superpower.
4. Consistency beats complexity.
You don’t need a 10-step routine. You don’t need fancy tools. Just stick to the products that feel good and don’t rush the process. Skin changes slowly — but it does change.
5. Take photos.
It sounds odd, but tracking progress matters. When you see your own face every day, you forget how far you’ve come. Looking back on the photos Dermatica asked for has reminded me that healing can be gradual and still meaningful.
If you’re experiencing, or have experienced, skin issues or rosacea, I’d love to hear what has worked for you.
If you would like to try Dermatica, we can both get £10 off if you use my link: https://www.dermatica.co.uk/referrer/PJJ86R
If you would like to try Skin + Me, you can get £10 off and they will donate £10 to charity on my behalf with this link: https://www.skinandme.com/?promocode=SARAHI5VTC