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16 Tips for Clearing Acne & Tacking Charge of Your Skin!
Sometimes it’s hard to know what your skin needs to be as healthy and vibrant as possible. We’re bombarded daily with countless skincare and cosmetic products, as well as advice from social media influencers and other beauty gurus.
And anyone who's familiar with me, knows how vitally important my skin care regimen and routine is. One of my secrets to getting rid of acne and seeing clearer skin lies in knowing what works and what doesn’t. Alongside this, consistency is also a factor in combatting stubborn skin breakouts. Adopting an acne regimen for your skin type, and sticking to it day and night, will help reduce breakouts and improve your skin’s appearance.
Below you’ll find 16 tips that can help you regain control of your skin and lead to a clearer, healthier glow.
HDC TIP #1: Get plenty of rest.
Not getting enough sleep may also cause your skin to break out more often. To stay healthy both inside and out, aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.
Relax & De-stress: If you’re dealing with a stressful event or situation, look for healthy ways to de-stress. Some helpful options include:
30 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise
Breathing exercises
Yoga
Meditation
Warm bubble bath
Sound/Music therapy
HDC TIP #2: Limit your sugar & carb intake.
While there’s limited research on the connection between your diet & skin, several studies have shown that foods with a high glycemic index may be linked to increased acne. Consider the following:
Limiting processed carbs, like white bread and baked goods.
Cutting back on sugary sodas and sweets.
Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of protein.
Limiting alcohol consumption.
HDC TIP #3: Be gentle with your skin.
Do you scrub your face to help get rid of acne blemishes? Are you convinced that popping a pimple or using strong soaps will lead to clearer skin? Hard as it is to believe, the truth is these things actually worsen acne.
Be gentle when washing your face. When caring for skin with breakouts, you should:
Select & use a mild cleanser that won’t clog your pores.
Apply the cleanser gently with your fingertips.
Use only your fingertips to wash and rinse your face, as vigorously scrubbing will worsen your acne.
Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
HDC TIP #4: Do not touch or aggravate your pimples!
It’s hard not to pick at a zit. But, for the health of your skin, it’s essential to resist. Picking or popping a zit exposes the pore to even more bacteria, including those from your hands. It also increases the risk of infection or scarring.
HDC TIP #5: Change your hair care products, if your acne only appears on the forehead & temples.
If your acne only appears on your forehead and temples, your hair care products may be the culprit. You may be able to clear this acne by making some changes, including;
Consider switching products, and only use ones that contain water or glycerin instead of oil.
Avoid applying it near your forehead. Use the hair oil only in the middle of your scalp and ends of your hair.
HDC TIP #6: Wash your face twice a day.
If you’re prone to breakouts or have oily skin, don’t skimp on washing your face as part of your morning and evening skincare routine.
HDC TIP #7: Use a mild cleanser.
When it comes to choosing the “best” cleanser, fancier may not necessarily be better. While this may be disappointing if you’ve spent a lot of money on an expensive cleaner, the takeaway here is that keeping it simple is probably best. A mild cleanser without a lot of ingredients and fragrances can work just as well as more expensive options.
HDC TIP #8: Carefully select skincare & acne products.
Try using a product containing a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide or a product containing salicylic acid or retinol to treat mild acne.
Do not use skincare products that contain cocoa butter, as these can cause acne.
Always check with your dermatologist before using any at-home or herbal remedies for acne.
Not every acne product works well. If you’re looking for products to treat mild acne, dermatologists recommend using products that contain one or more of the following ingredients of retinoid & benzoyl peroxide.
Retinoid helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, as well as clear pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and prevent new breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide can remove the bacteria that causes acne.
HDC TIP #9: Apply an acne-fighting agent.
Many topical therapies can help fight acne. The key to finding the most effective one for you is knowing what type of acne you have.
Depending on the type of acne you have, the following topical therapies may help:
Comedonal Acne (Blackheads & similar type bumps). Look for products that contain retinoids like adapalene gel or differin gel.
Mild Acne. Topical benzoyl peroxide can help fight mild acne, either on its own or with a topical retinoid.
Inflammatory Acne. Topical dapsone, 5% gel, is recommended, particularly in adult females.
Acne that causes scarring. Azelaic acid preparations can help reduce acne and scarring.
HDC TIP #10: Be sure to exfoliate.
Exfoliation can help remove excess dead skin cells. If these cells stay on your skin for too long, they can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Having a buildup of dead cells on your face may also make your skin look dull, flaky, or prematurely aged. The following exfoliation methods may help clear away dry & dead skin:
Apply a 2% salicylic acid mask
Apply a 10% or less glycolic acid mask or lotion
Use a motorized facial brush
How often should you exfoliate? It depends on the type of exfoliation you use.
The answer is...It depends.
For chemical exfoliants, like masks or lotions, aim for once to twice a week.
For physical exfoliants, like scrubs or brushes, aim for three to four times a week.
Start with fewer exfoliating sessions and work your way up to prevent over-exfoliating.
HDC TIP #11: Use a daily moisturizer.
How does a moisturizer helps keep your skin clear? Well, if your skin is dehydrated, it may try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil. The result? Breakouts.
Like cleansers, moisturizers don’t have to be expensive or filled with fancy ingredients. More importantly, look for a non-comedogenic moisturizer. This means it won’t clog your pores.
If you have oily skin, lightweight moisturizers may be best to prevent a heavy, greasy feeling. Some people find they have to switch to heavier moisturizers during the winter months when cold, dry air can leave skin feeling tight and dried out.
HDC TIP #12: Prevent dark spots & scars by treating acne early and keeping your hands off the infected area.
If you have acne, avoid picking, squeezing, and popping your acne, as this can lead to scarring. This is especially important for people with darker skin tones, as they are more prone to developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which appears as dark spots on the skin, and thickened scars.
HDC TIP #13: Try skin-lightening products on dark spots.
Although dark spots will typically fade after treating your acne, it can take years if the color lies deep in your skin. Skin-lightening products can help speed up fading.
When choosing a skin-lightening product, look for one that contains one of the following ingredients: retinoids, such as adapalene and tretinoin, or azelaic acid; glycolic acid; or kojic acid. These products work by increasing how quickly your skin cells turnover so that discoloration fades faster.
Antioxidants like vitamin C can also help even out skin tone. Over the counter, 2% hydroquinone can be useful, especially when coupled with some of the ingredients mentioned earlier. However, it should only be used for short periods, as overuse can lead to excessive skin bleaching or even darkening.
Some skin-lightening products have risks, such as skin irritation, so be cautious when using these products. Always follow the instructions on the label and use sun protection when going outdoors.
HDC TIP #14: Stop using heavy, oily makeup.
While you may find that these makeup products effectively hide blemishes and dark spots, heavy makeup can also clog your pores, causing new bumps.
Elevate your look with cover-up solutions like oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup solutions that won’t block pores, including concealer, foundation, and powder, for a fierce and flawless finish.
Mineral makeup is also a great alternative and does a great job of hiding dark spots and imperfections.
Always wash your hands before applying makeup or skincare products.
Always remove your makeup before going to sleep or exercising.
Wash makeup brushes and sponges weekly.
To ensure your makeup routine is skin-friendly, be sure to use products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.”
HDC TIP #15: Protect your skin from the sun.
Sun protection can help reduce the dark spots that occur after breakouts.
Always protect your skin from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when possible.
Add extra coverage by applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.
HDC TIP #16: Seek a dermatologist’s help before using any type of chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy to treat your acne.
If you’re thinking about one of these treatments, you should see a doctor specializing in treating the skin, such as a dermatologist. With a dermatologist’s help, practically every acne case, skin condition, and most dark spots can be successfully treated.
While some people need prescription-strength medicine, others require a specific combination of treatments. A dermatologist can examine your skin and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
So now it’s your turn – Which of these tips
will you try…1,2,3 or all of them!?
We would love to hear from you! Let us know your
thoughts in the comments section below!
I’ll be back soon with a new post, but in the meantime, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Bloglovin’
You can also contact me via e-mail if you’d like to ask a question, need friendly advice, or just to chat.
Live, Laugh & Love Always, Tiffany
Be Confident. Be Bold. Be Uniquely YOU.
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