Are you still trying various techniques to solve your acne problem to no avail? You have come to the right page, as we have a load of efficient care tips for your acne-prone skin. Have a look below!
What causes acne?
Your skin contains a multitude of tiny sebaceous glands connected to hair follicles and produces a special protective oil called sebum. According to dermatologists, acne happens when this oil production is hindered. So, what causes these hindrances, we hear you ask? The answer is hormonal imbalance due to stress! Usually, this imbalance will trigger an overproduction of sebum, which gets blocked in your pores by dead skin cells, eventually resulting in acne. Other causes of acne include allergic reactions and side effects of certain medications, such as corticosteroids. Surprisingly, acne is common in people of all ages.
What are the common kinds of acne?
Whiteheads: They form when dead skin cells and excess oil clog the pore openings. Whiteheads appear as small flesh-colored or white bumps.
Blackheads: When the clogged materials in the pores are exposed to air, they react with oxygen and become black, causing blackheads.
Pimples: When bacteria are trapped inside your clogged pores, they cause infection and inflammation, leading to red spots called pimples.
Cystic acne: It occurs when excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells penetrate deeply into the skin. Cystic acne appears like hard and painful bumps.
Which daily steps should you take to prevent acne?
Gently Wash Your Face
You might not believe it, but you do not actually need to scrub your face every day to clean the accumulated oil and dirt. Scrubbing does more harm than good since over-exfoliating and over-cleansing will result in irritation of your skin, causing more inflammation and then more acne. In addition, vigorous washing compromises your skin’s protective layer, leading to more irritation, redness, and uneven skin tone. Instead, wash your face with a gentle cleanser every morning and night. Luckily, more and more efficient face cleansers contain acne-fighting ingredients nowadays! You would be happy to know that they are affordable too. For example, you can use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid to remove the dead cells on your skin and prevent clogged pores. You can also choose a cleanser containing benzoyl peroxide, which has an antibacterial effect. Simply use a cotton pad to apply your cleanser and wash it off with lukewarm water.
Use medication for acne treatment.
Another smart step in caring for your acne-prone skin is to use an over-the-counter acne treatment medication. Examples of topical acne medications are CeraVe Acne Treatment Gel and La Roche Posay Dual Action Treatment. Also, you need to be patient to see the results, as the treatment periods can last up to 6 weeks. Do not forget that you can always seek help from a qualified dermatologist.
Use non-greasy moisturizers only.
Did you know that moisturizers can actually help your oily skin and clogged pores? Yes, it is true, as your moisturizer is vital to maintain the balance of your skin’s oil production. It also helps you to tolerate the drying effect of acne medications. However, according to dermatologists, the key is to use an oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer! For instance, one of my favorite moisturizers is La Roche Posay Face Moisturizer which contains aloe vera and hyaluronic acid that protects my skin’s collagen structure!
Your sunscreen is vital.
Another crucial step to protect your acne-prone skin is using sunscreen to shield it from UV damage. But do not forget to choose one which will not clog your pores. A fabulous recommendation is EltaMD UV Broad Spectrum SPF, enhanced with the anti-inflammatory niacinamide. However, nothing is stopping you from using a less expensive lightweight sunscreen!
Apply a retinol-containing product.
One last essential tip is applying a retinol product before bed. You must be wondering why retinol. It is simply because retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, has the potential to reduce wrinkles and unclog pores!
You should avoid using too many beauty products if you have acne-prone skin. Also, you should make sure not to use products containing oily and pimple-causing ingredients. Next time you buy beauty products, check for the words non-acnegenic, oil-free, or non-comedogenic on them. Please share your comments below!