Let’s face it. For many of us, dealing with acne or the occasional breakout is just a part of life. But just because you have a blackhead or redness doesn’t mean that you’re destined for a guest star appearance on Dr. Pimple Popper. There are plenty of things people can do to support clearer skin.
In fact, a great skincare routine is an essential to reducing breakouts. If you are prone to acne flare ups, a good skincare routine can help you:
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin care problem these days and it occurs when the openings of hair follicles become clogged and blocked with dirt skin cells or oil. When these clogged pores become infected with bacteria, it forms a small red bump on the skin called a pimple. Acne is largely considered to be a hormonal condition and is more common during the teenage. Common types of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, cystic acne, and pimples. However, by following some simple steps you can take care of your acne problem.
While no two people are the same, Patchology has a skincare routine that you can follow if you follow to clear up any confusion on controlling acne breakouts.
Patchology’s Skincare Routine for Acne Prone Skin
Step-1
Proper cleansing
We’re pretty sure you already know many of the virtues of washing your face, but we’re not just talking about soap and water. Using your fingertips, try to gently clean your face, neck, jawline, and behind your ears with facial cleanser that is gentle on your skin and not too heavy. There are tons of great cleansers on the market, so play around and find one that works for you. If you’re really concerned about the current state of your redness or pimples on your skin, consider using an over-the-counter face wash cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide.
Be careful not aggressively rub your face as this can further aggravate acne and lead to rashes. You should clean your face for at least 30 to 60 seconds to remove all the dirt and impurities from within. Remember, we’re talking about a cleanser, not an exfoliating scrub at this point.
Additionally, if you are someone who uses makeup, always try to double-cleanse your face at night. Removing your makeup is essential to stop the pores from getting clogged.
Step 2
Use toner
A toner can help you in a lot of ways such as removing excess oil, hydrating your skin, and fighting blemishes or dark spots. Always try to use a non-comedogenic, alcohol-free toner that treats pimple patches. If you have oily skin, then try using toners that are light and hydrating. However, if you have dry skin, then try to use a toner that targets the acne dots.
Step 3
Use a moisturizer
Depending on your skin type, washing and using a toner my dry out the skin, so it is a good idea to use a moisturizer. Some people with more oily skin might feel that they can skip this step as the skin doesn’t need any moisturization. But most of us can benefit from this step. Try using moisturizer gels or lotions which are non-comedogenic or oil-free that do not clog pores.
Step 4
Apply a good SPF
Sunscreen is a must for any skincare routine. So, always try and ensure that your face is protected from harmful UVA and UVB radiations. A good skincare routine is incomplete without a sunscreen. Apply in the morning before heading out for the day. Generally, most sunscreen lotions should be applied about 5 - 15 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun.
Step 5
Cleanse again at night
When you wash your face at night, you will want to use a cleanser that removes all the makeup, oil, and dirt that has accumulated on your face. Try to use a gel-based surfactant-free cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid if you need some added acne-fighting power. If you use a toner after this step, then try to use an alcohol-free toner.
Step 6
Use Retinol at the night
Retinol is one of the best ingredients to keep wrinkles away and surprisingly it also helps with acne. Retinol an help speed up cell turnover and regenerates your skin. Try using retinol only once or twice a week to build up a tolerance and then gradually move it up to 4 times a week. You can use retinol in the form of serum, moisturizer, or hydrogel facial sheet mask like Beauty Sleep.
Step 7
Pimple Patches and Acne Dots (The not so secret, secret)
No one is perfect. So even after you’ve gotten used to this amazing skincare routine, you may still find that you have a breakout. Our secret weapon for pimples, blackheads and whiteheads is the reliable pimple patch. The pimple patches we trust the most are in the Breakout Box. It’s a three-in-one solution that uses acne dots, hydrocolloid dots and charcoal nose strips to help with an array of blemishes that might be plaguing your complexion. Just pop them on to your problem area and let the magic happen.
Acne Prone Skin
Blemishes can be stressful. If you feel like you’re prone to acne, you may be feeling especially stressed out. But trust us, you’re not alone. Even better, there are certainly things you can do to help improve your complexion. It’s your skin, so test out a few products that make sense for your acne skincare routine. As we stated, be sure to consider a cleanser, toner, acne medication, moisturizer, sun protection and pimple patches like the Breakout Box for those unexpected issues.
