People often have the misconception that acne only happens during the teenage years and gradually wears off as they age. For most people, this is true but there are a significant number of adults who continue to suffer from this condition, most of whom experienced acne as teenagers. While acne is not a serious health problem, it can impact your emotional and mental well-being, causing you to feel embarrassed and less confident in your skin. The good news is that while acne cannot be cured, it can be treated effectively and successfully. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, these 6 evidence-based skincare tips will help you combat acne and prevent breakouts from happening in the first place.
1. Wash your face twice a day
Whether or not you suffer from acne, everyone should be washing their face twice a day to remove dirt, oil, dead skin, bacteria, and other impurities from the surface of the skin. Use warm-luke water and avoid abrasive scrubs, loofahs, and rough cleansing brushes because they can cause more inflammation and make acne worse. Instead, find an oil-free facial cleanser with salicylic acid that is been proven to be a much more effective and gentle way to exfoliate the skin. Consider our ECLASOUP Facial Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin, formulated with 2% salicylic acid, that immediately dissolves oil and unclogs pores, preventing breakouts from forming in the first place. Also, do not make the mistake of overwashing your face because it can dry and irritate your already inflamed skin.
2. Use reputable over-the-counter acne treatment products.
If you experience breakouts, then there are two main ingredients to keep an eye out for.
1. Salicylic acid. This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliates the dead skin cells and unclogs pores while easing inflammation of the skin. You can find salicylic acid in cleansers, toners, serums, and very rarely in moisturizers like our Hydraglyva for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin.
2. Benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient works by helping kill acne bacteria. You can typically find benzoyl peroxide in face washes, scrubs, creams, and gels.
3. Choose non-comedogenic makeup
During a breakout, avoid wearing heavy makeup because it can clog pores and make matters worse. Instead look for products labeled “oil-free”, “non-comedogenic”, or “non-acnegenic”, and wash your makeup brushes and sponges weekly to avoid bacteria buildup. Most importantly, always remove your makeup before going to bed, no matter how tired you are. Skipping this essential step will cause your acne treatments not to work and will likely cause more breakouts. Consider pairing your cleanser with a toner to remove those last traces of makeup and balance your skin at the same time.
4. Avoid touching your face
Every time you touch your face, you spread bacteria and irritate the already inflamed skin. You mustn’t pick and pop your pimples...ever! This may seem like a quick fix to your acne, but in reality, you are only increasing the chances of infection and scarring. A hard habit to break, but for the health of your skin, it is important to resist this temptation.
5. Follow a healthy lifestyle
While there is no scientific evidence that proves chocolate and greasy foods cause acne, a clinical study published in 2009 suggests that consuming less sugar and carbohydrates leads to fewer breakouts. Eat healthy foods and cut back on sugary sodas and sweets. To flush away toxins that could cause acne, you need to drink lots of water (2-3 liters) and eat water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, oranges, and apples. Also, try to live a healthy lifestyle by having a well-rested body. Keep in mind that stress is one of the causes of acne so try to get your eight hours worth of sleep per day and find healthy ways of managing your stress such as exercise and meditation .
6. Be patient
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it may take 4 to 8 weeks to see visible results after starting an acne treatment and you’ll need to continue with that treatment even after the skin has cleared up to maintain those results. If you’ve tried many treatments over time and nothing’s working, consult a dermatologist. They may prescribe treatments like oral medications or antibiotics to help clear your skin. Just keep in mind that improvements take time, but they’re worth the wait.
