skincare for acne: how to find what's right for you

 

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and can be physically and emotionally challenging. What makes acne even harder in many cases is finding the right acne skincare. Many acne products make bold claims but do not work for everyone.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for acne. It's all about finding the right skincare routine that improves your skin's health and appearance. Here’s a quick guide to finding the right skincare routine if you have acne.

What Is Acne?

The first step is understanding what acne is and what causes acne-prone skin. Acne forms when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dirt and dead skin cells. This can result in whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Factors contributing to acne can include: 

• Hormones: Particularly during puberty, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy. 
• Diet: Foods high in sugars and dairy can exacerbate acne for some individuals. 
• Stress: Anxiety and stress can trigger or worsen acne. 
• Genetics: A family history can increase your chances.
• Skincare products: Using products that are not “non-comedogenic” (i.e., they clog pores) can contribute to acne. 

What Are the Different Types of Acne?

Nearly everyone has a blemish now and then. However, acne presents in different forms and typically causes reoccurring breakouts. The two main categories of acne are:

·      Non-inflammatory acne: This is your standard blackhead or whitehead. There is usually no swelling involved, and these bumps are usually remedied with over-the-counter treatments.

·      Inflammatory acne: This kind of acne produces red, swollen bumps, which fall into four categories: papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. These can be painful and deep within the skin. If you suffer from severe inflammatory acne, it’s best to visit a dermatologist to find the right treatment.

How to Identify Your Skin Type 

Knowing your skin type is important when selecting acne skincare products. The main skin types are:  

• Oily: Skin appears shiny and greasy, often with enlarged pores and frequent breakouts. 
• Dry: Skin feels tight, rough, and may be flaky. Breakouts can still occur. 
• Combination: A mix of oily and dry areas, typically with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks. 
• Sensitive: Skin easily reacts to products, becoming red, irritated, or inflamed. 

If you are unsure of your skin type, you can start by taking a simple quiz. You can also consult with a skincare specialist or dermatologist.

Building a Skincare Routine for Acne 

A solid skincare routine is one of the best tools to fight acne. Knowing your skin and acne type will help you find what skincare works best for you. 

Here are a few steps to guide you to the ideal skincare routine for acne-prone skin:

1. Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser. This will remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils. For oily and combination skin, a foaming or gel cleanser works well. For dry and sensitive skin, opt for a hydrating or cream cleanser. 

Our sulfate-free, aloe vera-based clarity cleanser helps fight acne and blackheads without stripping away natural oils. 

1.   Exfoliating: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. However, if you have acne-prone skin, it’s important to avoid harsh scrubs, which can cause further redness and irritation. Look for chemical exfoliants instead, which use acids to dissolve dead skin cells and help unclog pores.

Our refresh exfoliating cleanser contains both glycolic and salicylic acid to keep skin clean and healthy. 

1. Moisturizing: Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial, even if you have oily skin. This is especially important when using acne treatments that may dry out your skin. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to maintain the skin barrier and prevent over-drying.  

Our clarity moisturizer uses a gentle, plant-based formula that nourishes while fighting acne-causing bacteria.

1.     Sun Protection: Sunscreen is an important part of any skincare routine. Not only does it reduce your risk for skin cancer, but it can also help against breakouts. 

UV damage is shown to increase redness in the skin and induce flare-ups. You should use a minimum SPF 30 daily to protect your skin from UV damage, though we recommend SPF 50 for increased protection. Choose one with natural ingredients that are gentle, calming, and supportive of your skin's barrier. 

Our organic tinted mineral sunscreen SPF 50 works for all skin types, including acne-prone skin!

Following these steps and choosing the right products will get you on the path to clearer, healthier skin. Remember that patience and persistence are key to any new skincare product or routine. You should test new products for at least six weeks to determine results.

If you are still struggling after a few weeks, consult a dermatologist for additional support.

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