How to Care for Acne-Prone Skin
Having acne-prone skin is not easy. I know from experience. Breakouts can seriously deplete your self-confidence and make you feel like you'll never have clear skin ever again.
The good news is, that that's definitely not the case! You can have clear, breakout-free skin, but you just have to know how to treat it.
While it can be disheartening if you don't see any progress after weeks, months, or even years, keep in mind that skincare is a journey and not a miracle. The most important thing is that you find a treatment that works for you and stick to it.
But if you need an extra helping hand, here are some things to keep in mind to care for acne-prone skin:
1. Stay Away from a Lot of Alcohol in Your Skincare Products
While it can be great to enjoy alcohol responsibly on the weekends, it's not something that you want to have in your skincare products in large amounts.
While large amounts of alcohols in skincare products may feel like they're doing an immediate world of good for your skin by making it feel fresher, smoother, and less oily, the reality is not so nice.
Try to avoid large amounts of alcohol. Many acne-prone skin products are alcohol-based, and a common misconception is that alcohol-based products can control oily, acne-prone skin. This is not really the case - damage from alcohol can actually lead to an increase in enlarged pores, which can counteract the initial oil-stripping, and can in fact create more oil on your skin.
It is for this reason that System Akvile doesn’t use alcohol as an active ingredient in our products.
2. Salicylic Acid is Your Friend
While you want to avoid alcohol in skincare products, something you do want is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps to unclog your pores of dead skin cells, which in turn means fewer breakouts.
Look for skincare products with salicylic acid, such as our Cleanser and Exfoliant, to help reduce breakouts and keep your skin looking glowing.
3. Avoid Scrubs
While it's true that you can help keep your skin clear by regularly removing dead skin cells, unfortunately using a scrub is not the way to go about it. I know that a scrub can make it feel like you're throwing the windows open wide after a long winter (but on your face), and feel like you've cleaned away all the dead skin, but a scrub can actually be detrimental, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
The abrasive materials in a scrub, such as salt, sugar, or crushed fruit pits, can actually cause small micro tears in the delicate skin of your face. These micro tears can become infected and actually make the problem worse. Or if you already have an active breakout, using a scrub to try to get rid of it may spread the infection to other pores, furthering the spread of breakouts.
If you have acne-prone skin, it's better to be gentle to your skin rather than rough. Save the scrubs for your feet, and look for a gentle exfoliant instead.
4. Stick to a Routine
As much as it pains me to say it, there's not overnight miracle treatment to clear up your face. I looked for one for years, as I'm sure you have too, and unfortunately it's just not possible.
The best treatment for acne-prone skin is to find a system that works for you and to stick to it. Using products that work for you on a regular basis is the best way to combat breakouts. For example, I cleanse, moisturize, and use a spot treatment (if I need it) in the morning, and then cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize at night before bed. Every day. 365 days a year.
Keeping a simple skincare routine instead of a complex one will help you stick to it easier, too. Simple is always best.
5. Be Good to Your Skin
What do I mean with "be good to your skin"? Isn't that what you've been trying to do all this time? Of course it is, but I want to make this a little more specific.
Practice being good to your skin in the following ways:
- Keep it clean with a cleanser twice a day
- Use sunscreen every day to help protect against harmful rays and premature aging
- Don't touch your face, as this can spread oil and bacteria that clog your pores
- Don't pick your blemishes, as that only makes the infection worse and more inflamed
- Reduce your stress levels, as breakouts thrive when you're stressed out
- Eat healthily and well, particularly foods that have skin-boosting properties
Skincare is more than what you put on your face, but also how you take care of it and look out to prevent, and not spread, breakouts. Becoming conscious of the ways in which you can take care of your skin will help to prevent breakouts in ways you may not have been aware of.
6. Talk to a Professional
If you have been struggling with breakouts for a long time, or think that your breakouts are particularly bad, it may be time to talk to a dermatologist. A professional can help you control the situation in ways that home care cannot. Don't be afraid to book an appointment with your dermatologist, as they're only there to help you.
Knowing when to ask for help is half the battle, sometimes!
How do you treat your acne-prone skin? Share your tips and tricks with us and the rest of the community!
