Acne can be troublesome at any point in our lives. It can be hard to know what our skin already needs to be as healthy as possible. Each day, we get bombarded with all the marketing hype about the various skincare and cosmetic products for acne imposed on us by media and all those social media influencers and other beauty gurus that advertise them. However, what does the research say about what our skin needs regarding acne? Which products help and don’t in battling acne and achieving clear, radiant skin?
Today, we’ll try to answer all questions with our comprehensive 11 tips, which are evidence-based and focus on what to do towards eliminating acne and getting that clear skin and glowing complexion you’ve always wanted.
Helpful Tips
#1. Always wash your face.
For those prone to having acne breakouts or oily skin, always remember to wash your face at least twice a day. Don’t skimp on cleaning your face, making it an integral part of your daily – morning and evening – skincare routine.
#2. Choose and use an effective mild cleanser.
Drugstore aisles are typically packed with different sorts of facial cleansers. As early as possible, try to figure out already which is the right one for you before everything becomes overwhelming in terms of acne.
In choosing the best cleanser for your skin, those expensive ones may not necessarily be better. While spending a lot on costly cleansers may be disappointing, the best takeaway here is always to keep it simple as much as possible. Mild cleansers without many ingredients and fragrances can help against those more expensive options.
#3. Regularly apply acne-fighting agents.
The key to effectively finding the one you need is knowing what type of acne you have. Depending on the style you might have, experts recommend the following:
Acne with scarring – preparations with azelaic acid can aid in reducing acne and all risks of acne scarring.
Comedonal acne, blackheads, and similar bumps – search for products containing retinoids like adapalene gel.
Inflammatory acne – topical dapsone 5% gel is suggested, particularly for adult females.
Mild acne – topical benzoyl peroxide potentially helps fight mild acne, whether on its own or combined with a topical retinoid.
To simultaneously target and eliminate all sorts of acne, experts suggest using combinations of adapalene gel, benzoyl peroxide, or tretinoin. Using these treatments that battle acne altogether possibly dries out the skin, so make sure to use moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated.
#4. Use and apply moisturizers.
If your skin is dehydrated, you may try compensating for the dryness by overproducing oil. The result, however, is acne breakouts. Like cleansers, moisturizers don’t need to be costly or contain fancy ingredients. What’s important is to look for moisturizers that are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t make your pores clog.
For those with oily skin, moisturizers with “lightweight” labels may best work to prevent all those heavy, greasy feelings. Others may have to switch to much heavier moisturizers during winter months when cold, dry air can affect and leave skin feeling tight and dried out.
#5. Always exfoliate.
Exfoliation helps remove excessive dead skin cells found on the skin’s surface. If this debris stays on the skin for an extended period, it can start clogging your pores, leading to acne breakouts. Dead cell buildup on the face may also make the skin look dull, flaky, or even prematurely aged.
The following methods of exfoliation can help clear away all the dry and dead skin:
a motorized facial brush
a 10% or less glycolic acid mask or lotion
a 2% salicylic acid mask
#6. Get enough sleep.
Not having enough sleep may also lead to your skin breaking out and acne more often. To help keep your skin healthy, on the inside and off, try aiming for seven (7) to nine (9) hours of long and quality sleep every night.
#7. Use makeup that doesn’t clog your pores.
Make sure your makeup routine is always skin-friendly, be sure to:
Permanently remove makeup before exercising or going to sleep.
Always wash your hands before using skin care products or applying makeup.
Use labels of “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” products.
Wash your makeup sponges and brushes weekly.
Makeup can result in its kind of acne, which doctors term acne cosmetic. This skin condition causes tiny, embossed bumps on the forehead, cheeks, and chin.
#8. Avoid picking your skin.
It can be immensely challenging not to pick at a zit when you see one on your face. However, for your skin’s health, it’s essential to resist as much as you can. Popping or picking at a zit exposes the pores to many more bacteria, including those on your hands. It also increases all risks of having an infection, scarring, or even acne.
When you have a pimple that hurts, immediately go to a dermatologist. They can help alleviate the pain by performing specialized treatments, safely getting rid of your pimple while minimizing any infection risks.
#9. Relax as much as possible.
If you’re currently dealing with stressful events or situations resulting in acne breakouts, search for healthy ways to de-stress. Some options may include:
doing breathing exercises
doing yoga
exercising at high to moderate intensities for 30 minutes minimum
meditating for a few minutes
practicing sound therapy (musical instrument playing or favorite music listening)
writing it out
#10. Regulate and monitor your sugar intake.
Although only limited research has been done on the connection between our skins and our diet, several significant studies have already shown foods with high glycemic indices may be linked with acne. To help cut back on those foods with a high glycemic index, try to:
Cut back on sweets and sugary sodas
.
Eat many more healthy sources of proteins such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Limit alcohol intake.
Limit consumption
of white bread and baked goods, which are processed carbs.
#11. Don’t smoke.
There’s a great deal and loads of scientific evidence that significantly links the bad habit of smoking with higher risks of acne. If you need help on how to quit tobacco, have a word with your doctor or healthcare provider about quitting and the aids that may help do it seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
When trying to achieve clear skin by eliminating acne, pay close attention to what you put on your faces — such as cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup — and also what you don’t — such as unwanted bacteria from your fingers or even from dirty brushes and sponges. Give your focus on the certain lifestyle factors we’ve enumerated earlier, like having enough sleep, doing a healthy diet, and excellent stress management, as such steps can make a significant difference to your skin as you battle acne and the factors that contribute to it.
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