Every adult gets familiar with some form of acne during their growing years. The relatability of each of us in popping a pimple or almost crying after seeing a pimple right before any party is high. We try to use makeup to hide them or try home remedies to remove them. Have you also been there?
Handling stress during adulthood is one thing, but finding the right skincare products to help with acne is something else. Do you agree that the stress of finding the right anti-acne product eventually results in more stress and, subsequently, more acne? Though you might not completely stop the breakouts, you can reduce them significantly by following a few tips and making your skin healthy. Below are the top 7 tips that can help in preventing acne.
Stop Using Skincare Products with High Denatured Alcohol or SD (Specifically denatured alcohol)
Alcohol is one of the most common ingredients used in most cosmetic products proposed for acne removal. Though it might look like it is helping in drying the pimple out, the truth is it will result in more oiliness. Denatured alcohol disrupts the skin barrier by stripping it of its natural oils. This causes the skin to be dryer and also makes easier for dirt and irritants to enter the top layer of skin. This potentially increases redness, sensitivity and makes acne breakout worse.
Stay Away From Oily or Thick Makeup Products
Oily or thick makeup products like oil-based foundations or primers with acrylic can harm your skin if you are trying to control acne breakout. Unfortunately, cosmetics with thick oil base can clog the pores and trigger breakouts. The founder of DRSQ Skincare, Dr Saba says that these products often include wax or ingredients like polyethylene that can worsen the breakout-prone skin. You should also avoid moisturisers that use these ingredients and look for light lotions and gels. Choose non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic cosmetic products. For liquid foundation, that means either a water or silicone based product, not oil based.
Ensure That You Remove Your Makeup Before Bed
Always remember this step. If you sleep with makeup, it can clog the pores and can also make your eyes look red and puffy. Use a cleanser along with a makeup remover to clean your skin from makeup before you go to bed. You can follow it up with a toner so that any last bit of makeup on your face is gone.
Do Not Over Cleanse Your Face
Having clean skin is good, but over-washing it to keep it clean is not. It can result in aggravating acne-prone skin. The best way to keep your skin clean is by washing it twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Instead of scrubbing your skin too rough, double cleanse using gentle hand strokes and soft cloth.
Remove Loofahs, Scrubs, and Rough Brushes
It is quite clear from various research that an exfoliant with salicylic acid is ideal for the best benefit. Using loofahs or scrubs on acne can make them worse while leaving an abrasive texture. Salicylic acid is more gentle, natural, and effective in exfoliating skin. It can also help dissolve oil while keeping the pores free of debris.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
You may have heard someone say that sunlight can help clean the breakouts. But the truth is it will further result in sun damage. The damage can weaken your skin and have a negative impact on acne. If you think that the creamy SPF product can result in breakouts, use a fluid-based and lightweight product. No matter what your skin type, using an SPF is vital as it protects you from the sun’s harsh radiation. Moreover, it also helps reduce the chances of skin cancer while preventing early skin aging.
Start Using Lighter Products for Your Hair
Most of us have our hair drifting over different areas of our faces. And when this happens, the traces of various products we use for styling the hair will eventually end up on the skin. Therefore, if you are someone with acne-prone skin, you must stay away from thick or waxy styling products. Moreover, it is also better for you to stay away from hairspray or mousse, considering they can clog your pores and also result in breakouts along your hairline.
Final Thoughts
It is normal to get acne now and then, and it can result from different things like stress, genetics, hormones, or diet. But with the help of the above acne prevention tips, you can make sure that you do not have to deal with the frustration of trying to remove an acne mark.
Avoid squeezing or popping your pimples, and stop touching your face!. The more you touch or squeeze the puss out of your acne, the more sebum your skin will produce. It will take more time for your pimples and blackheads to clear up because of the inflammation and irritation that can possibly occur.
And in case the above information feels overwhelming, simplify it by ensuring that you are gentle on your skin, stay away from heavy or waxy products, and use BHA or salicylic acid to nurture your skin.
