Dealing with acne can be incredibly frustrating and many people struggle with finding the right skincare routine to effectively manage and clear it. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step, acne-fighting skincare routine and valuable tips to help you get glowing skin.
However, before we go into details, let’s get to understand what acne actually is.
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the appearance of red bumps, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper, painful cysts or nodules. It’s not just a teenage problem; adults can experience acne as well and it can appear on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.
The severity of acne can range from mild, occasional breakouts to severe, inflammatory conditions. Understanding the different types of acne lesions can help you tailor your approach to treatment. For instance, blackheads and whiteheads are non-inflammatory, while papules and pustules are inflammatory. Cysts and nodules are deeper, more painful lesions that often require professional treatment.
Let’s check out the underlying causes of this common skin issue.
What Are the Causes of Acne?
Several factors contribute to the development of acne. They include:
- Excess sebum (oil) production by the skin’s sebaceous glands can clog hair follicles
- The accumulation of dead skin cells within these follicles also plays a significant role
- Furthermore, the presence of bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes (now known as Cutibacterium acnes), can trigger inflammation
- Overusing greasy products, touching your face frequently, sleeping on dirty pillowcases, or excessive stress can exacerbate acne
- Finally, hormones, especially during puberty, menstruation, and stress, can significantly impact sebum production and inflammation, leading to breakouts
- Other contributing factors can include genetics, certain medications, and even lifestyle factors like stress levels, and a diet high in sugar, dairy, or processed foods, paired with poor hydration, may correlate with higher breakout rates even though results vary per person
6 Simple Skincare Routines to Clear Your Acne
Now that we have a better understanding of acne, let’s get into a practical skincare routine that can help you achieve clearer, smoother skin. This routine focuses on gentle yet effective steps to address the root causes of acne without irritating your skin.
1. Cleanse
To begin your routine, cleansing is the first important step in any skincare routine, especially when dealing with acne. The goal is to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. However, it’s important to choose a cleanser that is effective yet gentle.
Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, which can worsen acne. Look for cleansers that are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Use lukewarm water to wet your face, apply a small amount of the cleanser, and gently massage it in circular motions.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Avoid scrubbing your face, as this can irritate the skin and exacerbate acne. Cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
2. Tone
Following cleansing, toning can be a beneficial step to further cleanse the skin and prepare it for the next products in your routine. Toners can help to remove any remaining residue after cleansing, balance the skin’s pH, and even deliver specific ingredients to address acne concerns.
Look for toners that contain gentle, acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid or witch hazel in low concentrations. However, be cautious with toners that contain high levels of alcohol, as these can be drying and irritating.
Apply the toner to a cotton pad and gently sweep it across your face, avoiding the eye area. Allow the toner to dry completely before moving on to the next step. If your skin feels dry or tight after using a toner, you may want to use it only once a day or opt for a more hydrating mist instead.
3. Treat
After toning, it’s time to target your acne directly with treatment products. These products contain active ingredients that work to reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and unclog pores.
The type of treatment you choose will depend on the severity and type of your acne. For mild to moderate acne, over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be effective.
Benzoyl peroxide helps to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, while salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Apply a small amount of the gel directly to acne after cleansing and toning.
For more widespread acne or deeper, more severe acne like cysts and nodules, you may need prescription-strength treatments from a dermatologist. These can include topical retinoids, prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, or oral antibiotics.
It’s important to follow the instructions carefully when using acne treatment products and to start slowly, gradually increasing frequency as your skin tolerates it. Using too much or too often can lead to irritation and dryness.
4. Moisturize
Despite the common misconception that oily or acne-prone skin doesn’t need moisturizer, moisturizing is a vital step in a healthy skincare routine for acne. When your skin is dry, it can produce more oil to compensate, which can worsen breakouts.
A good moisturizer will help to keep your skin hydrated, balanced, and protected. Look for moisturizers that are labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog your pores. Lightweight, oil-free formulas are generally best for acne-prone skin.
Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your face and neck after applying your treatment products. Gently massage it into your skin until it is fully absorbed. Moisturizing twice a day, in the morning and at night, is essential for maintaining healthy skin barrier function.
5. Sunscreen (Daytime)
During the daytime, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is essential, especially when using acne treatments that can make your skin more sun-sensitive. Sun exposure can also worsen hyperpigmentation (dark spots) left behind by acne.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Again, look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogging pores. Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin at least 15-20 minutes before sun exposure. Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your morning skincare routine, even on cloudy days.
6. Treat (Night time)
Finally, your nighttime routine can include another layer of treatment to work while you sleep. Depending on your skin’s tolerance and the severity of your acne, you can use the same treatment product you use in the morning, or you can incorporate a different active ingredient.
For example, if you use salicylic acid in the morning, you might consider using a retinoid at night. Retinoids are powerful ingredients that help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and promote cell turnover, which can improve both active acne and acne scarring.
However, retinoids can be irritating, so it’s important to introduce them slowly and use them as directed. If you are already using a strong treatment in the morning, you might opt for a gentler spot treatment or focus on hydration and repair at night.
Listen to your skin and adjust your nighttime treatment accordingly. Consistency is key, so stick with a routine that works for you and be patient, as it can take several weeks or even months to see significant improvement in your acne.
Check out Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Cleansing Toner, one of Deoset’s curated skincare products for acne which uses licorice root water to hydrate skin and refine skin texture by removing dead skin cells and impurities.
6 Tips for Clear, Smooth Skin
Beyond the basic skincare routine, there are several other important tips to keep in mind for achieving clear, smooth skin.
- Don’t pop your pimples, as it spins bacteria deeper and raises scarring risk
- Stick to cleansing twice daily, plus post-sweating to reduce clogged pores
- Keep your hands off your face, clean surfaces, and pillows to avoid contact spread
- Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-exfoliating, as this can irritate your skin and worsen acne
- Additionally, manage stress levels, as stress can sometimes trigger or worsen acne
- Finally, hydrate well, eat a balanced diet, limit excess sugar/dairy if you notice sensitivity, manage stress, and get enough sleep
When to See a Doctor
While a consistent skincare routine can significantly improve mild to moderate acne, there are times when it’s best to seek professional help from a dermatologist.
If your acne is severe, painful, or cystic, or if over-the-counter treatments are not improving your condition after several months, a dermatologist can provide a personalized treatment plan.
They may prescribe stronger topical or oral medications, or recommend in-office procedures such as chemical peels or laser therapy. Additionally, if your acne is leaving behind significant scarring, a dermatologist can advise on treatments to help improve the appearance of scars.
Conclusion
You can significantly improve your skin’s clarity and health by establishing a consistent and gentle skincare routine. Incorporating additional tips like avoiding picking, being gentle with your skin, and managing stress can further support your journey to clear, smooth skin.
Also, don’t forget to choose products specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, such as the Cerave Acne Control Cleanser With 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment 355ml US Version, and be patient and consistent with your routine.
Check out Deoset.com for more products, specifically designed to fight pimples and acne. Achieving clear skin is possible with the right approach and consistent effort.