Acne Self Care
Aesthetic Clinic Nottingham | Rejuvenate Face: Skin and Face Rejuvenation Experts
A Comprehensive Guide to Clearer Skin
Ready to combat acne and achieve a clearer complexion? Discover the key steps to an acne self care routine designed to reduce breakouts and improve your skin’s health.
Gentle Cleansing (Twice Daily)
Cleansing is the cornerstone of any skincare routine, especially for acne-prone skin.
- Wash your face twice daily using lukewarm water and a mild cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities without irritating your skin.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can aggravate your skin and worsen acne.
- If you have oily skin, consider cleansers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to control excess oil, but be mindful of dryness or irritation.
Moisturising (Daily)
Moisturising is essential, even for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Treatment for acne can often lead to dryness or peeling, so a good moisturizer helps to keep skin hydrated.
- Opt for “non-comedogenic” moisturisers specifically formulated to avoid clogging pores.
Sun Protection (Every Day)
Sun exposure can make acne scars worse and lead to long-term damage.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin from UV damage.
- Choose sunscreens formulated for acne-prone skin to prevent clogged pores.
Acne Self Care – Healthy Habits for Clearer Skin
Avoid Picking Pimples
While it might be tempting, resist the urge to pop or pick your pimples.
- Picking can lead to infections, longer healing times, and permanent scars.
- Instead, treat active blemishes with a spot treatment with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Makeup Choices Matter
Selecting the right makeup is crucial for acne-prone skin.
- Use non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic makeup to prevent clogging your pores.
- Mineral makeup is often a great choice because it’s less likely to irritate your skin and may even provide some sun protection.
- Always remove makeup entirely before bed, using a gentle or oil-based cleanser that doesn’t contain mineral oil, which can worsen acne.
Diet and Lifestyle Adjustments
Though the link between diet and acne is still being researched, certain dietary changes may improve your skin.
- High glycaemic index foods (such as white bread, sugary snacks, and processed foods) could contribute to acne. Consider reducing your intake of these foods.
- Focus on eating more whole grains, vegetables, and fruits with low glycaemic index.
- The evidence connecting acne with dairy or chocolate is limited, but you may want to try avoiding them to see if your skin improves.
Manage Stress for Better Skin
Stress can trigger or worsen acne.
- Reducing stress through regular exercise, mindfulness techniques, and getting adequate sleep can positively impact your skin.
Acne Self Care Treatments and Professional Help
While home care is crucial, sometimes additional treatments are needed for more severe acne.
- Over-the-Counter Products: Many effective treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids, can be found in pharmacies.
- Prescription Treatments: For more persistent or severe cases, stronger treatments, including topical or oral antibiotics, or hormonal treatments like birth control pills or spironolactone.
- Professional Procedures: Treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or professional extractions may also help improve acne and reduce scarring.
Debunking Acne Myths
There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding acne self care. Let’s clear up a few common myths:
- Myth: Acne is caused by dirty skin.
- Fact: Acne is caused by oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, not dirt. Over-cleansing or harsh scrubbing can worsen acne by irritating the skin.
- Myth: You should dry out your skin to clear acne.
- Fact: While controlling oil is important, drying out your skin can lead to more oil production and exacerbate acne.
- Myth: Sunscreen clogs pores.
- Fact: Not all sunscreens clog pores. Look for “non-comedogenic” sunscreens that are designed for acne-prone skin.
Conclusion
Achieving clearer skin takes time and dedication, but with the right acne self-care skincare routine and healthy lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce breakouts and prevent future acne. Be patient, and if your acne persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional for additional treatment options.
Can diet really affect acne?
Yes, diet can influence acne to some extent. Studies suggest that foods with a high glycaemic index (such as white bread, sugary snacks, and soft drinks) can spike blood sugar levels, increasing hormones like insulin, which may trigger excess oil production and worsen acne. Reducing refined carbohydrates and sugars can help some people manage their acne better. Additionally, while the link between dairy and acne isn’t fully proven, some people find that reducing or eliminating milk products helps improve their skin. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is generally recommended for overall skin health.
Do I still need moisturiser as part of my acne self care routine if I have oily or acne-prone skin?
Absolutely! Even oily or acne-prone skin needs proper hydration. When the skin becomes too dry, it can overproduce oil to compensate, which may worsen breakouts. The key is choosing the right moisturiser that is “non-comedogenic,” meaning it won’t clog your pores. Lightweight, oil-free moisturisers work well for oily skin, providing hydration without adding extra oil. Look for products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which hydrate the skin without being greasy.
How often should I exfoliate with acne-prone skin?
Gentle exfoliation 1-2 times per week is typically recommended for acne-prone skin. Exfoliating as part of acne self care helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts, but over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and increase inflammation, making acne worse. It’s best to avoid harsh scrubs or abrasive physical exfoliants. Instead, consider using chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and clear out pores gently. Always follow exfoliation with a moisturiser to keep the skin balanced.
What type of sunscreen is best for acne-prone skin?
Sunscreen is a must for everyone in their acne self care regimen. The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin are non-comedogenic, oil-free, and lightweight, as they won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. Broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30 offer protection from UVA and UVB rays, which is crucial for preventing acne scars from darkening. Gel-based or mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are often ideal for acne-prone skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation or block pores than thicker, cream-based formulas.