Skincare Success Story: From Acne Woes To Skin That Glows

In honor of June as Acne Awareness month we wanted to share the inspiring skincare story of a woman named Jade. Adult acne robbed Jade of her self-esteem and negatively impacted her day-to-day life.

No longer could she do the job she loved with the confidence she once possessed...until the day she visited her local Sephora and everything changed. Read on for Jade's powerful skincare journey. Spoiler alert: it has a happy ending. 

“I went to see a dermatologist in Summer of 2017 to clear up some adult acne. I was fortunate to never have acne as a teenager - which made my new adult acne frustrating and shocking. After a few months of expensive products recommended by my dermatologist, my acne had gotten much worse and was beginning to leave pits and scars behind.

I work in sales and relationship management for a large financial institution, and I love my job. When the acne got worse, meetings with clients and prospects quickly became my worst nightmare. I was sure everyone in the room was staring at my skin every time I made a presentation. (My before pictures were actually taken in a hotel room on the morning before meeting with a prospect - I was devastated). I had no idea how debilitating acne could be to someone's self-confidence.

On my final visit to the dermatologist, she recommended I begin Accutane, stating it would be the only possible solution to clear up my acne. I'd heard the Accutane horror stories and knew how incredibly toxic it could be for the female body. I refused the medicine and drove straight to the closest Sephora. In tears, I walked up and down the skincare aisles.

An incredibly kind gentleman working that afternoon took me straight to the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare products. He recommended a combination of several Dr. Gross products. There, I was introduced to the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peels. Two words: LIFE. CHANGING. Not only did they begin to clear up my acne within days, they were also quickly diminishing the dark marks and scars the acne had left behind.

I was introduced to Dr. Gross products in October of 2017 and still use all of them (and more) to this day. I am a Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare fan for life and recommend his products to every single woman who now compliments me on my complexion. I cannot thank Dr. Gross enough for working to develop such incredible products.”

A true skincare success story and a testament to the power of finding effective products, building a routine, and remaining consistent. Curious to know a bit more about Jade’s raw, real, and relatable journey, we reached out and asked her a few questions: 

Since beginning this life changing journey, what’s one thing you’ve learned about your skin? And what is one thing your skin has taught you?

First and foremost, consistency. It’s important to find and stick to a skincare regimen and give products time to work. I’ve also discovered that my skin tells me what is wrong; it tells me when it doesn’t like a product I used, or when it doesn’t like what I ate the day before. My skin has taught me to pay attention, listen, and be proactive.

What is your favorite skincare step?

My entire morning skincare routine! I wake up and look forward to it, but this has not always been the case. When I had active acne, rosacea, and an uneven skin tone I dreaded washing my face because I didn’t want to feel the scars and bumps.

Now each morning I am excited to use awesome products knowing how my face is going to feel when I apply them – specifically the Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel! Hands DOWN my favorite skincare step.

We are curious to know how you shop products? By ingredients? Which ones do you avoid? Which ones do you look for?

When I shop products I always utilize in-store resources and talk to skincare consultants – they are a wealth of knowledge and know what products work/don’t work, what the cutting-edge technology is, and what the latest and greatest ingredients are in the industry.

I avoid added fragrance and I try to look for sulfate-free products because they are irritating and strip away the good oils on my skin. My go-to ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid, my skin loves it! 

Are you makeup free now? Wear less makeup? How do you approach color cosmetics to avoid congestion?

Since clearing up my skin I have cut back on makeup and wear less now. It’s also not uncommon for me to go makeup free into the office—my routine is just a tinted moisturizer with an SPF. In terms of my approach to color cosmetics, less is more! Even though the current trend is a heavy, full face of makeup, it’s just not practical for those who have acne-prone skin.

One thing I do while shopping for color cosmetics is I look for dual-purpose makeup. For example, if I want to buy a BB cream it must do more than just add color to my face – it needs to have some sort of active ingredient that is controlling oil or providing sun protection. Makeup is on your skin all day, so I like the idea of a foundation working and not just sitting there and clogging my pores.

Summertime has arrived! What does your skincare routine look like? Including some of your favorite DG products.

Alpha Beta® AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel is my first step – Oh my gosh I hope you guys make it forever, I will never stop using it! I’ve gotten all my friends hooked on it and even my grandmother hooked on it. I love that it’s safe to use around the eye area and that I can remove makeup with it.

I also love that it foams and is a gel. Next, I use the Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel 3-4 times a week, followed by Vitamin C Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment. And finally I finish with the Vitamin C Lactic Oil-Free Radiant Moisturizer.

In your opinion, what is a top skincare tip everyone should follow?

Hydration – water! It’s simple and you see immediate results.

And finally, what advice to you have for those dealing with acne?

Medication, antibiotics, any sort of acne prescription are not always the answer. Explore other options and be open to trying them because sometimes all you need is a good, consistent routine. And be patient – give the regimen time to work!

Before & After Photos Courtesy of Jade Baker

Originally published on 09.24.2021. Updated on 09.22.2023.