Sydney-based DJ and event manager Sam Lando had the good fortune of enjoying much of her teenage years pimple-free.
But once she turned eighteen blemishes began to appear and they would only get worse as she got older.
It wasn’t until the now 24-year-old switched all of her skincare and make up products over to organic – or ‘green’ – brands that she saw her inflamed skin settle.
BEFORE: Sam Lando (pictured) dealt with a years-long battle with adult acne after she turned eighteen and was afraid to leave the house without make up
‘Society conditioned me to think I was ugly – which I totally gave in to – and I was ashamed and embarrassed of my face,’ she said of her battle with adult acne
‘Society conditioned me to think I was ugly – which I totally gave in to – and I was ashamed and embarrassed of my face,’ she told Daily Mail Australia of her years-long battle with adult acne.
‘Working in an environment where I needed to socialise slowly decreased all the self esteem I had. My nature is quiet bubbly and outgoing usually but it was a façade, no one had a clue what I was going through behind close doors – I was an emotional, unstable mess.’
Sam wouldn’t let anyone see her face without make up – including her own mother.
Each morning she’d be sure to go straight into the bathroom and apply a coat of foundation.
AFTER: Sam wouldn’t let anyone see her face without make up – including her own mother. Each morning she’d be sure to go straight into the bathroom and apply a coat of foundation
AFTER: ‘I was super uneducated when it came to topical products. I just used the big brands thinking the more expensive the better,’ she said
‘Even though you could see the bumps through the make up it helped me get through the day knowing it was covered up to some degree,’ she continued.
‘I even went to the extreme where I would position myself in light that was flattering because I knew my acne would be amplified if the sun was directly on my face.
‘I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror, I honestly cried every single night while taking off my make up.’
And like most people looking to alleviate the symptoms of acne, Sam reached for a number of expensive and drugstore products in hopes they would clear her face.
NOW: ‘I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror, I honestly cried every single night while taking off my make up,’ she said of her battle
‘Before I switched to natural products I used Proactive and it literally bleached my skin and my acne came back with a vengeance,’ she said
‘I was super uneducated when it came to topical products. I just used the big brands thinking the more expensive the better,’ she said.
‘Before I switched to natural products I used Proactive and it literally bleached my skin and my acne came back with a vengeance.’
The ‘green’ products that made a difference to Sam’s skin
Sam shared tips with Daily Mail Australia
The products below I have tested for three or more months so I can really see the benefits. I’m currently trying to heal my acne scarring so I only use high performing natural ingredients.
Skincare:
Mukti Organics: The blemish solutions collection. This was the first skincare range I swapped over to. I highly recommend this kit because I saw a huge a change in my skin.
It includes: Balancing Foaming Cleanser, Neroli Blossom Balancing Mist Toner, Aloe Vera Moisturiser and Clarity Balm.
Saya Skincare: Another high performing range I used for awhile. I used the Argan oil as serum every morning and night and the foaming cleanser.
Weleda: Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion for winter time.
La Mav: I’m currently using this skincare range. My favourite product is the Vitamin-C Advanced Nightly Repair Nectar. I’ve seen a huge improvement in my scarring.
Perfect Potion: Rose water mist is a staple product. It helps balance the ph level on my skin, reducing oil.
Make up:
La Mav: I use this everyday. The BB crème is my favourite product to use when I need a bit of coverage, its skincare, make up and sunscreen.
RMS Beauty: Un-cover up concealer, is a wonderful hydrating product that lets my skin breathe.
‘Then I decided to use Priceline products like Neutrogena, GARNIER and I used to go to town with Benzac AC cream.’
She tried the pill for a few months, which didn’t do anything ‘for her’, tried harsh peels and was even put on roaccutane.
‘I was only on it for three months until I had a major epiphany and realised everything I was doing was just a quick fix and harming my body,’ she said.
She tried the pill for a few months, which didn’t do anything ‘for her’, tried harsh peels and was even put on roaccutane
So Sam turned to a naturopath who she admits ‘educated her on the root cause of her acne’.
‘I changed my entire lifestyle. I had no clue what I was eating was causing my acne. My gut health was out of whack along with my hormones.
‘I was put on a vegan diet while taking bespoke herbal tonics on and off again for a year. During this time I learnt about proper nutrition, anti-inflammatory foods and I was exposed to the toxic chemicals my skincare and makeup had in them.’
‘I was put on a vegan diet while taking bespoke herbal tonics on and off again for a year. During this time I learnt about proper nutrition, anti-inflammatory foods and I was exposed to the toxic chemicals my skincare and makeup had in them,’ she said
She immediately began swapping over all of her skincare, make up and household products to natural, organic and eco-friendly alternatives
She immediately began swapping over all of her skincare, make up and household products to natural, organic and eco-friendly alternatives.
‘I was finally seeing results. I had a better understanding of my body and I researched my butt off. In conjunction with my naturopath I healed my acne using natural medicine and remedies,’ she said.
Sam is currently studying a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy and runs a website, Organically You, to share her tips with others.
You can follow Sam and her journey on Instagram here.