Review on 🧴 Cover Dot Acne Care: Clear Skin Blemish Treatment, 120 Dots, Hydrocolloid Patch - Made in USA by Beth Clark

As a teenager I never had acne and thought I was lucky. Unfortunately, when I was twenty-two and just starting graduate school, the cystic acne nightmare began. It hurt so much and I wish I had my cystic look back when I was a teenager that everyone else had. When it started, I tried squeezing them out with my fingers or one of those pimple removal tools. What a big mistake, for which I was punished with an even uglier skin condition called impetigo. As a result, I started seeing a dermatologist. The dermatologist prescribed me many topical treatments but nothing helped. As soon as my skin started to clear up, a new cyst popped up. I tried to make an appointment for cortisone injections when I felt like a cyst was forming but was told I couldn't come for a week at the earliest. For those who struggle with cystic acne, you probably know how these little cysts love to grow and take over a large part of your face (your forehead in my case) as well as your self-esteem within a matter of days. So it was not possible for me to wait several days for an appointment. Especially when traveling, where a visit to the dermatologist is not possible. However, I've finally perfected a skincare routine that helps with my acne and my skin looks great. This is not an acne cure but it has reduced the frequency and extent of my acne and treats the rare cysts and blemishes I get with very quick results. Cleanse your skin every morning and evening with a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser using only clean fingertips and warm water. (DO NOT use washcloths, face buffing brushes, konjac sponges, etc.). Allow the skin to air dry. I clean my skin with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, for all skin types 2. Then apply a small amount of the anti-acne product to the cyst or pimple. Personally, I like Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Fast Acting Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment .3. After the spot treatment dries, place a concealing tip over the spot or cyst. These things are great, but I think they're visible in public even if you try to hide them with makeup, so I only wear them when I'm at home, sleeping, or on a plane. I also use these cover dots for non-acne related skin irritations like cleft lip I get from chapped lips. Wait about five minutes to ensure an adhesive bond has formed between the Cover-Dot and your skin. Then apply any moisturizer to the rest of your face. Personally, I like to use Glo Therapeutics Oil-Free Moisturizer or Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion .5. If the cover dot turns white or you need to be seen in public, remove the cover dot. I try to leave the cover dot on as long as possible so it has more time to heal and peel off easily. 6. Repeat steps 1 and 2 (facial cleanser and acne spot treatment gel).7. Apply moisturizer all over your face (avoid avoiding acne)8. Then apply a sunscreen suitable for you and avoid contact with the eyes. I hate using non-SPF sunscreen in my makeup because it irritates me or irritates my sensitive skin, even the famous EltaMD. When I'm not spending the day at the beach, I only use sunscreen as a spot treatment for my blemishes, acne scars and smile lines. - I use Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunscreen. I'm sure there is a better sunscreen out there, but I know this one doesn't sting my irritated skin.9. If you wear makeup, apply it now. The makeup routine that works best for my acne problems is this: I apply Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It is amazing. Since this foundation fills my pores and has a primer effect, I apply concealer on top. I use a makeup sponge and apply Glo Minerals Camouflage Oil free Concealer Makeup or Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Concealer Dark Circles Treatment Concealer to any blemishes, scars, and spots that remain visible. I then use bareMinerals Warmth to contour the cheeks, bareMinerals Blush and bareMinerals.10 Mineral Veil. Spritz Mario Badescu Aloe, Herbs and Rose Water Facial Mist all over your face for the finishing touch! This step is especially helpful for me as it helps set my powder makeup. but these SMARTMED Cover-Dots are number 1 for me. Nexcare is much thicker and stronger than these. Dream Dots are similar to SMARTMED Cover-Dots and I wouldn't say they are better or worse than the SMARTMED brand, but Dream Dots are more expensive and only come in packs of 24 dots for $16.99 while you can get 48 dots. Cover Dot Pack for $15.75. PPS I know my review was long and contained a lot of product recommendations, so I want to let you know that I did NOT receive any free product or compensation for this review.