What are some of the best acne prone skincare routines and products? What about home remedies? How does it look like i.e. images of how it looks like? Let us explore good routines, products and much more.
Acne-prone skin is sensitive. As a result, there is the constant risk of break-outs due to products clogging up the pores. The good news though is that there are great products out there for you that you could incorporate into your skincare routine. The trick is to develop a simple, daily routine using good products for acne-prone skin.
A common mistake that people make is to opt for products that overly dry out the skin. However, such cosmetics may trigger more excessive oil production leading to more irritation and the risk of break-outs. Alternatively, milder products are more gentle, leading to less oiliness overall and reduce chances of breakouts.
Know your skin type
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Before you go for any care routine you need to be certain which type your skin it. Is it oily, dry, sensitive, combination or normal. Generally, sensitive and oily types are more prone to this problem. Each of this type has its own type of products you should use.
Daily Skincare routine for acne-prone people
Your daily skincare routine should involve cleansing at least twice a day, in the morning, and before you go to sleep. A gentle cleanse is important as it helps remove sweat, pollutants, and makeup that can clog pores if left on your face. Whether it is oily, combination, or dry, a gentle cleanse is a must.
1. Shop for soap-free, fragrance-free liquid cleansers
Cleansers such as Aveeno’s Clear Complexion Foaming Facial Cleanser, Cetaphil Liquid, Cera Ve, Claridad Glycolic face wash are some of the top brands in the market. These cleansers contain acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids. While removing oil and dirt, these cleansers purify the skin without over-drying.
Also, these cleansers are mild thereby allowing you to include other products such as sunscreen, or other acne medications into your skincare routine.
2. If it is oily, go for foaming or medicated ones
If your skin is excessively oily, then you can opt for a more foaming cleanser (Cera Ve Foaming Cleanser) or a medicated cleanser containing the acne fighting ingredients (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids). Prescription cleansers such as Avar, or Clenia can help in fighting acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, or seborrhea dermatitis.
3.When cleansing it
Cleanse your face using your fingertips. Use clean hands to gently apply the cleanser on your face. After a couple of seconds, rinse off the cleanser with warm water. Avoid extremes such as cold water, or hot water. Stick to warm water when cleansing your face, followed by a cool splash. Alternatively, you can use a clean, soft cloth for cleansing your face. However, avoid irritating the skin by aggressively rubbing or an overzealous cleaning approach.
4. Get a good toner
The second step after cleansing is the use of an astringent or toner. Toners are useful for reducing the skin’s pH after cleansing and for oil control. Most toners are water-based and contain ingredients such as Isopropyl, Witch Hazel, or Lemon extract.
It is advisable to avoid toners containing high alcohol content or salicylic acid. High levels of these ingredients will lead to over-drying it. Furthermore, if you are using Retin-A, or other prescription treatments for acne, then all the more reasons to avoid toners with high alcohol levels.
Some of the best toners for acne-prone skin include Exposed Clearing Tonic, Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Toner, Neutrogena Rapid Fade Toner, La Roche Posay Clarifying Solution Facial Toner. Use a cotton ball, or a sizeable portion of cotton to gently apply the toner on your face.
5. Use an acne treatment
The third step after the toner is the application of acne treatment cream if you have one. This could be a medication prescribed by your dermatologist. Avoid picking any products you see in the market since some of them may worsen your outbreaks.
6. Get one the best moisturizer for acne prone skin
Alternatively, if you do not have any medication. You can opt for an oil-free moisturizer or a moisturizer designed for acne-prone skin. Many acne treatments over-dry the skin. To eliminate this effect, it is advisable to apply a light, oil-free moisturizer that is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Opt for moisturizers that won’t leave you feeling greasy. There is a wide range of moisturizers to choose from in the market. Some of the moisturizers with the highest reviews include:
- Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer
- Derma E Very Clear Moisturizer
- Cetaphil Dermacontrol Moisturizer SPF 30
- Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 35
You can also opt for a night moisturizer, although it is not mandatory. Some moisturizing creams that can be used at night are designed to help repair the skin. For instance, the Cera Ve Renewing Night Cream is a highly recommended brand by dermatologists. The ingredients contained in the cream help minimize inflammation, or redness while evening out the skin tone.
7. Don’t forget a sunscreen
Lastly, UV protection is something that is commonly overlooked by people with acne-prone skin. Everyone needs protection from the sun irrespective of their skin types. Luckily, there are moisturizers that come with an SPF and are designed for acne-prone people, for instance, the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15. Sun protection is the best way to keeping your skin from aging.
Physical sunscreens which according to reneerouleau.com “contain active mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which work by sitting on top of the skin to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin” are best for sensitive one, including acne-prone types.
Some of the best sunscreens on the market include La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid, EltaMD Sunscreen SPF 41, and Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55.
8. For makeup lovers
If you apply makeup, then shop for oil-free cosmetics that are lightweight, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. Cleansing milk is preferred for make-up removal only. You can use a cleansing milk, after which you wash your face at night with a gentle cleanser before going to sleep. Shop for a cleansing milk made from non-comedogenic ingredients, for instance: Ren Ever calms Gentle Cleansing Milk.
9. Exfoliate regularly
It is advisable to exfoliate twice a week. Exfoliation helps in removing the dead skin cells leaving behind fresh-looking, rejuvenated skin. There are some great exfoliating brands on the market, including Skinfood’s Wash Off Black Sugar Mask. Also, remember to steam your face at least once a week. Steaming is a great way to detox it.
Concluding remarks
Simply put, your skincare regimen includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and sunscreen. There is the regular exfoliation at least once or twice a week depending on how sensitive yours is. There is also the weekly facial steaming to help remove toxins from it.
The secret to a healthy looking skin is consistency. Develop the habit of adhering to your daily skincare routine for best results. Also, bear in mind that great skin starts with health. Develop a healthy diet that is rich in healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits. Exercise regularly, drink lots of water and avoid processed and packaged fruits as much as possible.
Lastly, be modest in your alcohol intake and avoid cigarette smoking. There are extensive studies indicating that cigarette toxins negatively impact the skin as they impede the organ’s oxygen intake. Similarly, alcohol has a dehydrating effect and can, therefore, impede the health of your skin.
References:
- http://www.clearawayacne.com/reviews/acne-cleansers-face-washes
- https://www.well-beingsecrets.com/best-moisturizers-for-acne-prone-skin-review/
- Mark Lees. SkinCare: Beyond the Basics, Cengage Learning, 2013
- Charles River Editors. A Dermatologist’s Quick Guide to SkinCare, Charles River Editors, 2011
- http://blog.reneerouleau.com/chemical-vs-physical-sunscreens-pros-cons/