With several skin care routines and beauty treatments emerging, it’s hard to distinguish which ones are the most effective. Some skin care tips include a ten-step, twice a day routine with 7 different products; others suggest doing a low-maintenance regimen with fewer skin care tools. Some encourages using expensive products with active ingredients; others recommend going all-natural and fresh from the kitchen components.
There are a lot of convincing recommendations, and if your skin is prone to pimples and you’re desperate to see quick, instant results, it can be frustrating to find the regimen that truly works.
Regardless of the skin care journey you’re taking, there are 6 basic elements you shouldn’t miss. With these being on your skin care routine, you know you’re on the right track.
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Regular, thorough cleansing
Good cleansing is the first and most important rule in skin care. Thorough cleansing keeps your skin free of dirt, excess oil, and makeup residues, which lead to nasty breakouts. Additionally, a clean face makes a nice base for your acne treatment products to work.
The first step to good cleansing is picking the right cleanser. Opt an oil-free cleanser that is strong enough to remove dirt and sebum, without being harsh, drying, and irritating. Renée Rouleau, a skin guru and esthetician, recommends using a gel or foam cleanser that is sulfate-free. You can also ask your dermatologist for a cleanser specially formulated for acne.
As for frequency, it’s ideal to wash your face twice a day. Wash your gently with hands, since trauma to breakouts can worsen acne or cause scarring.
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Gentle exfoliating
Exfoliation is a technique to get rid of dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost surface. It helps clear up your skin by preventing the pores from becoming clogged with the buildup of dead skin cells and sebum (skin oil) – a combo that makes acne. Regular exfoliation (2-3 times a week) also helps reveal a smoother, softer, and more radiant skin.
There are two forms of exfoliating: physical or chemical. Physical exfoliation which manually buffs away dead skin cells through scrubs and rough cleansing pads, isn’t the best solution for acne-prone skin since they can irritate the already inflamed skin.
Chemical exfoliation, which dissolves the bonds that grip dead cells on the skin’s surface with acid or enzyme, is your best bet.
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Moisturizing (when needed)
In contrary to the myth, people with oily, acne-prone skin should NOT skip moisturizer. Our delicate skin, regardless of skin type, needs to be hydrated and moisturized. You just have to carefully read the label to get the right product.
Avoid heavy, greasy products that contain pimple-causing ingredients like cold cream, cocoa butter, and mineral oil. Instead, go for a lighter moisturizer that is enough to ease dryness, flakiness, and peeling. Look for key terms “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” which indicates the product doesn’t block pores.
Another reason for moisturizing is to counteract the exfoliants and acne treatments, which can completely dry out your skin in the process.
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Sun Protection
Next to preventing sunburn, your sunscreen does other wonders, like preventing premature aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer. The sun has no mercy for our delicate skin – it needs to be protected daily, especially if you’re using acne medications which make your skin more sensitive and prone to sun damage. Again, go for light, non-greasy sunscreens.
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Careful Selection of Cosmetics
Ironically, the same products that make you look flawlessly beautiful could be the ones wreaking havoc on your skin. A single dab of the wrong makeup, as well as the wrong usage, can accentuate the pimples you’re trying to conceal.
Avoid oil-based foundation and other greasy cosmetics which clogs the pores. Use powder-based cosmetics instead. Also, don’t scrimp on non-comedogenic and non-irritating makeup formulated for acne-prone skin. Before going to bed, amp up your cleansing game with micellar water which removes dirt and residues.
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Solid Acne Treatment
Consistent daily skin care is just one piece of the puzzle – if you want to successfully clear up acne, you need to use effective acne treatment medications.
Acne medications are formulated to clear up existing breakouts while preventing new blemishes from forming. Over-the-counter acne treatments include cleansers, lotions, and gels that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, sulfur, and retinol. These treatments work by inhibiting sebum production, limiting bacterial growth, and encouraging peeling of dead skin cells to unclog pores.
Although you can easily search for over-the-counter acne treatments, seeking the help of a dermatologist is the best way to know the right product and skin care regimen for you, especially if your case is severe.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a resident writer for Géniale, a Medical Aesthetic and Skin Cancer Centre providing top of the line services from industry-leading skin cancer treatments to innovative medical aesthetic procedures. She writes articles focusing on cosmetic, medical, and surgical care, and wellness.
