Interview with @lounorthcote on her experience with acne

by Tommi Skin

We love learning more about our communities skin journey and discussing the impact it has within our lives. We asked Lou from @lounorthcote about her experience with acne, heres what she had to say!


What's your approach to dealing with a zit? 
I have learnt to not pop or pick zits, because honestly it makes it worse. The Inkeylist succinic acid and Zitsticka pimple patches are my go to products for dealing with zits. I also exfoliate using an acid like AHA or BHA and make sure to look like a glazed doughnut before going to bed (moisturiser and facial oil).

Self-care? what does this mean? 
Self-care is something I definitely had to realise was important. I take baths, do face masks, go for a walk on my own to grab a coffee, I just do little things for me that make me feel relaxed and happy. It is also important to get off social media sometimes for self-care.

What are your top ingredients you like to use on your skin? 
I love so many active ingredients! I use: salicylic acids (great for acne prone skin), hyaluronic acid (amazing for hydration) and vitamin C (great for helping fade acne scars). I also love using AHA and BHA acids to exfoliate.

How did you start your journey of acne positivity? 
I lost my modelling career because of my acne and I didn't have anyone in my life who had acne or saw anyone in magazines or social media with skin like me. I was at serious rock bottom, I wouldn't leave the house, I cried every time I looked in the mirror, I just wanted to not feel so alone; this is why I decided to post a makeup free selfie on Instagram, share my acne skin, my story and create #freethepimple to try and get other people to share their own. #freethepimple was created in 2017 and now it is bigger than me, there are now others posting their own acne positivity posts, there is a whole acne community on social media now and brands are even starting to show real skin thanks to me posting that makeup free selfie. It still mind boggles me but makes me so happy I got to change things for the good.

We'd love to hear about your skincare journey, email us at Lily@tommiskin.co to be featured on our blog!