As someone who had full blown acne, I have a soft spot in my heart for those that are currently dealing with it. It’s tough knowing what acne skincare solutions will be effective, and it’s not fun doing trial and error skincare experiments when you have a cluster of gigantic whiteheads that are having acne babies everywhere on your face. You know what I mean?
Did you know that 80% of people between ages 11 and 30 have an acne breakout at some point? Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there either; 25% of women in there 40’s and 50’s will experience acne as well. That means that most of us have or will experience some form of acne in our lifetime. That is so-much-fun (loads of sarcasm right there).
So let’s talk about 9 acne skincare solutions that could work for your acne breakout.
1) Dermatologist: If you have acne, my first advice would be to go see a dermatologist who can help treat the acne internally and externally with prescription medication. Dermatologists have access to tons of acne skincare solutions like Retin-A and Duac, which the rest of the general market doesn’t have.
2) Benzoly Peroxide: Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing bacteria within the follicle. It brings air into the pore and pushes out the bacteria, oil, and dirt. If you decide to use Benzoyl Peroxide, it should be used as a spot treatment, and should not be overdone.
3) Salicylic Acid: Salicylic Acid seems to be the number one go-to skincare solution for lots of people. It works by dissolving Keratin (protein found in skin) and exfoliating the layer of skin that is keeping your pores clogged. If you are going to use Salicylic Acid, it’s best to find it in concentrations of 3% to 6% and acclimate your skin to it slowly.
4) Chemical Peels: Chemical peels work by exfoliating the outer layer of your skin, which helps to promote new and healthy skin cells. It works best when used in conjunction with other acne skincare solutions, and needs to be done in a series to be effective. Chemical peels are a temporary solution to acne, but can give you a 50% reduction in acne after going through a series of treatments.
5) Efficient Cleansing: One of the best things you can do for your face is cleanse it gently and effectively. Using a skincare brush is a great way to ensure that you are getting all of the excess makeup and junk off of the surface of your skin so that your other acne skincare products can do their job effectively. With that said, it is highly recommended that you be gentle when washing your face; you don’t want to aggravate your acne any further.
6) Moisturizing: Just because you have acne doesn’t mean that you need to stop moisturizing. It does however mean that you need to use the right moisturizer for acne; one that is non-clogging and non-comedogenic. When your skin lacks water and hydration, your skin won’t properly function, which can cause your skin cells to release as a sheet of cells that can clog pores instead of as single, healthy cells.
7) More Water: On that note, hydration doesn’t just happen on the outside, it happens on the inside as well. Our bodies get rid of toxins through our kidneys, bowels, lungs, and skin. Drinking 7 to 8 glasses of water per day helps our bodies to loosen and flush out any toxic waste accumulated in the body, which in turn helps to keep our skin in better shape, and acne less likely to flare up.
8) Healthy Makeup: Using makeup when you have acne is a catch 22. On one hand, you want something that will help to hide the acne, but you also need to not cause any further acne. Trust me, this can be entirely frustrating. I would recommend only using foundation when it’s absolutely necessary until your acne is completely cleared up. I think the best makeup options for acne is to use ones that are non-comedogenic, non-clogging, no fragrance, and as natural as possible. Try using a mineral makeup like Jane Iredale, Mineral Fusion, or Pur Minerals.
9) No Picking: If you have acne, the worst thing you can do is to pick at it. I realize that it’s easier said than done; however, picking your acne will not only cause scarring, it will spread the bacteria and cause more acne. If you are desperate to see some pimples popped and gone, I would recommend going to see an esthetician that specializes in extractions. While dermatologist can do extractions, most of them don’t have the patience to do it. I think the best option would be to see an esthetician that works in a medical spa, or clinical type setting; they usually have the training to extract pimples effectively and hygienically.
Remember that you need to be patient and understand that your acne will not be cleared in just one or two weeks, and often times it gets worse before it gets better as your skin starts to heal. Acne is such a pain, but it is possibly to reduce it dramatically when using the correct products and protocols.
If you are currently struggling with acne, big hugs to you! I know it not only physically hurts, but also emotionally hurts as well. As someone who struggled with acne, I can absolutely relate.
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Love you guys!
Kendra
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Amazing tips! definitely agree about the water & no picking!
Fantastic tips. It’s so hard not to pick. It’s the worst thing ever.
I’m lucky I’ve never suffered from acne but I’ve gone through periods of back-to-back breakouts and the one thing I always struggle with is not picking at them. It’s sooooo hard. I have wandering hands.
Great tips! I had terrible acne and had Accutane as a teenager, it saved my face.
Water seriously makes all the difference!!
great suggestions!
I’m soooo terrible about picking. Ack!
Such great info – I remember using the harsh cleansers as a teen, trying to ‘clean up’ my pimples, not realizing I was doing more harm than good. I still have a hard time resisting the popping, but now I try to use an extractor if I HAVE to just get it out!
I think the moisturizing tip is very important. A lot of people with oily or acne prone skin sometimes skip on moisture and they need it.
Great and helpful post!
Great tips! I have to constantly remind myself not to pick.
I wish i followed these tips back in my teens, then maybe my skin would have been in much better condition.
Awesome tips! I’m horrible about picking.
great tips. adult acne is so annoying tbh!
Great tips. I was lucky to see a derm early on… to find out I was taught so many ways to take care of my skin and they were all wrong. lol
Wonderful guide! Chemical peels have helped me a lot!
I agree with all, except that i think not too many people need medication for acne. I know in some cases it’s necessary and works great, but for a lot of people it’s a matter of finding the right routine, and a visit to a dermatologist is always a good idea!!! 🙂
Love the post!
xo
Alice|Alice’s Beauty Madness
Greta tips! I’ve always been lucky with acne and not had any serious issues.
Great post! Water is a big one for me.
Great tips!
Love your tips !
I’ve been loving peeling masks, they help get rid of dead skin cells!