Whether it’s the occasional pimple pop-up or the mad flare-ups, acne is never easy or pleasant to deal with. Sudden breakouts are the worst, especially for acne-prone or sensitive skin because they take a while to go away and one wrong move could aggravate the symptoms even further. So if you’re looking for ways to control or prevent acne, here are a few helpful suggestions plus some products we know should be a staple in your skincare routine.
INGREDIENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Salicylic Acid - is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works as an exfoliant to keep pores unclogged and clean. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which make it more tolerable than glycolic acid. According to Dr. Diane Berson, a New York-based dermatologist, A steady 2% amount of salicylic acid is the appropriate amount to add to your skincare routine.
AHA - alpha-hydroxy acid is best for acne-prone skin because it works to slough off pimple-causing dirt and dead skin cells from the face. So if you’re in the market for products that do just that, look out for ones that contain lactic or glycolic acid.
Benzoyl Peroxide - commonly used for treating acne rather than preventing it. They come with varying strengths from 2.5 to 10 percent in varying forms such as cleansers, gels, creams, and lotions.
Tea-tree oil - is one of the most popular ingredients found in acne-prone skincare products, this all-natural ingredient has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that prevent and treat even the most stubborn kind of acne.
Clay - an emerging ingredient in most skincare products, clay is favored by most dermatologists because of its calming ingredients. It works to soothe the skin and temporarily halt oil production on the skin.
MAKE IT A HABIT
Catch some z’s
Yes, beauty sleep is real and getting enough hours of it is the key to preventing and even treating bad acne. Getting the recommended 7- 9 hours of sleep gives time for your skin to repair itself and prevents an excess production of acne-causing oil and sebum which you’d get from staying up late.
Eat healthily
The food you’ve been eating could be another factor for the sudden appearance of acne on your face. Food high in sugar and fat as well as refined carbs can send your entire body’s system out-of-whack leading to an excess production pore-clogging cells and oils. So if you want clear and healthy skin, stick to whole grains, lean proteins and fresh veggies instead.
Don’t skip on your routine
Admit it, there have been cases that we skip out on our skincare routine because we’re tired or are running late for something. DO NOT MAKE IT A HABIT. Skincare products are there to help your skin recover from damages caused by harsh conditions as well as provide much-needed nourishment to your skin. So don’t cut corners and stick religiously to your skincare routine and we’re sure your skin will love you for it.
Be active
We all agree (even if we don’t want to) that keeping fit is good for our mind and body. Regularly exercising actually helps keep your skin clear by improving blood circulation and allowing toxins in your body to come to the surface. Just don’t forget to clean up after a rigorous workout!
Wear sun protection
Sunscreen is a must even when it’s raining buckets outside. It acts as a barrier for damages caused by the sun that could aggravate acne. It’s also good for preventing and effectively treating acne as it keeps your skin’s natural barrier strong. So buy non-comedogenic facial sunscreen or even look for moisturizers with SPF so it won’t be hassle for you to add to your routine.
ACNE-FREE SKINCARE ROUTINE
Find more about Botanifique's Claribio line here.