A high school student with severe acne, completely cleared up his skin using cheap drugstore products costing $20 or less and the internet is mind-blown.
Carlos David, suffered from severe acne for most of his life and has since cleared it up all on his own, by using a tried and tested skincare routine that he put together himself.
The 16-year-old, better known as yadigcarlos on Instagram, only has a little over 6,000 followers but managed to get over 22,000 likes on his skincare routine thread because his transformation is shocking.
Before and after: A teenage boy with severe acne, (pictured) completely cleared up his skin using cheap drugstore products costing $25 or less and the internet is mind-blown
Skin: High school student, Carlos David, (pictured) has suffered severe acne for most of his life and has since cleared it up by using a five-step skincare routine that he put together himself
It took eight months progress for Carlos to start seeing results and after starting his routine in February 2017, he had a perfect complexion by October that same year.
The routine that he uses to clear his acne consists of five major steps. First, he washes his face in the morning with a low PH cleanser which he says is a good way to maintain balance in the face’s levels. He uses the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser which is $10.
As for cleansing at night, Carlos says it’s a must for treating your concerns at bedtime. He uses the Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser which is $15 and is ‘super gentle’ and ‘smells great,’ Carlos shared.
Second, he uses an alcohol-free toner and swears by the $10 Lumene Klassikko Refreshing Toner which he says, ‘is very gentle for my skin and seems to get the job done.’
At night, he tones with the Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner which is meant for acne scarring, not acne. The toner is $18 and is made with AHA, which Carlos explains is an acid that chemically exfoliates the skin, gently taking away dead skin cells.
Time: It took eight months progress for Carlos (pictured) to start seeing results and after starting his routine in February 2017, he had a perfect complexion by October that same year
Healthy: While the teenager’s (pictured) skincare routine is the main reason his skin cleared up so well, he also explains that it’s due to a combination of routine, diet, and exercise
Third, he uses a serum once a day in the morning, as it helped him get rid of his hyper-pigmentation. The serum that worked the best for his skin was the $11 Art Natural Vitamin C Serum.
Next, he applies the Mario Badescu Whitening Mask for $24 which he points out ‘works on some, and others say it doesn’t help. It did help even out my skin tone, so it worked for me.’
The next step, which is the most important to Carlos, is moisturizer. He uses the $8 E.L.F. Daily Hydration Moisturizer in the mornings to keep his face hydrated. Not only is the price amazing, he also dished that is smells amazing and has a lightweight texture.
At night, he moisturizes with the $9 Advanced Clinicals Collagen Skin Rescue Lotion for more intensive repair. He also said even though it’s super thick, it really does rescue your skin.
Lastly, the final step in Carlos’s routine is sunscreen. He uses a $10 Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion which he says ‘actually helps prevent further damage onto your hyper-pigmentation and scarring, and prevent sun-caused acne.’
Routine: Every day, Carlos, (pictured) uses a low pH cleanser, an alcohol-free toner, a vitamin C serum, a face mask, moisturizer and sunscreen
Amazing: Since trying out his own routine, Carlos’s (pictured) skin has not relapsed and has managed to maintain a healthy complexion since using these products
Tips: Carlos, (pictured) shared a bit of advice with his followers, ‘I hope this shows people who are struggling with acne and acne scars to realize that it does get better’
While the teenager’s skincare routine is the main reason his skin cleared up so well, he also explains that he cured his acne with a combination of routine, diet, and exercise.
He explained, ‘There’s some things you have to change in order to cure your acne like I did.’
Since trying out his own routine, his skin has not relapsed and has managed to maintain a healthy complexion since using these products.
Many people commented on his post thanking him for sharing and being honest about his skin issues.
One person even wrote, ‘Omg. You’re such an inspiration, thanks,’ while another user commented, ‘This is amazing! I can’t wait to get clear skin like yours. More blessings to you!’
After sharing his extensive routine, Carlos had some advice for those who are in the same position he was once in.
‘I hope this shows people who are struggling with acne and acne scars to realize that it does get better. Not only physically, but emotionally too. I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.’