Skin Care Products for Acne-Prone Skin

I’ll admit, the struggle with acne is real. The emotional torture that accompanies it is even worse. I know this because I have struggled with acne for the most part of my youth. So bad that it got me thinking my skin was just made that way.

The truth is, different skin types can prove susceptive to various skin conditions. For example, it’s common to link oily skin to acne. After all, excess oil is a known contributor to breakouts. But dry skin types can still experience acne for a number of reasons, whether it’s due to environmental factors or a poor skincare routine that irritates the skin and clogs pores.

Below are some products I’ve found very helpful in treating my hyperpigmentation and acne over the past few months. (Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin).

Skin Care Routine

Cleanse ~ Tone ~Exfoliate ~ Treat ~ Moisturize ~ Protect

• Paula’s Choice Clear line (The three Musketeers)

• Chemical Exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants remove dead skin cells with the use of chemicals to aid in cell turnover. Peels like the ordinary (Deciem) peeling solution are also chemical exfoliants, and are not only great for smoothing but also for brightening. The glow effect!

There are a couple types to look out for, starting with alpha-hydroxy acids. AHAs are derived from natural substances and are ideal for exfoliating dry skin since they remove the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Gross, yes, but smoother skin is the payout. However, AHAs, because they’re water-soluble, can’t penetrate very deep into pores. Unlike BHAs.

By contrast, BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are oil-soluble molecules. Thus, they can reach deeper into the skin and pores. BHAs also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties—a more in-depth exfoliation in general. This type of chemical exfoliator is recommended for those with acne-prone, oily skin. If blackheads are a concern, stick to BHAs.

• Facial Cleansing Brush by Olay. I absolutely love this facial brush, it is a dermatologist-designed exfoliating facial brush that boosts the performance of your cleanser for a deep clean. On lazy days I go in with just my fingertips but I highly recommend using a brush for maximal effect. If you’re dipping your toe into the facial brush world, it is very affordable, and a good place to start. It also spins a full 360 degrees, so you get added circulation benefits too.

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel instantly quenches my dry skin and keeps it looking smooth, supple, and hydrated. This gel formula contains hyaluronic acid (Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body. The largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue, and eyes. Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist. Hyaluronic acid has a variety of uses) and is proven to increase skin’s hydration and lock it in, leaving your skin feeling nicely clean and touchably supple, every time you cleanse

• Good molecules hyaluronic acid serum. Hyaluronic acid supplements can help increase skin moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Topical treatments can soothe redness and dermatitis, while injections can make skin appear firmer.

• Hydrating Lotion. Moisturizing is a very important part of treating acne as moistened skin tends to loosen sebum built up inside pores. Finding a moisturizer for your acne-prone or oily skin can be tough. I love the Cetaphil brand because it is perfect for sensitive skin and completely weightless. The same lotion used on your body shouldn’t go near your face.

• Facial oils. Some of the best 5 oils for your skin are ones containing any of the following; coconut oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, marula oil, or jojoba oil. The skin needs oil to maintain a healthy balance, otherwise, it gets too dry which can cause breakouts, fine lines, and wrinkles. Using facial oil helps keep moisture in the skin while protecting it from environmental damage. Put them on dry areas after creams — as a rule, oils can penetrate moisturizers, but not vice versa.

• Sunscreen. If you’ve ever suffered from acne, you already know how painful it is to apply a thick layer of sunscreen on inflamed skin; it can be just as painful as a pimple that’s just about to pop. If your skin is acne-prone, applying the wrong sunscreen can block your pores and cause breakouts.

Therefore, be sure to keep an eye out for the word ‘non-comedogenic’ on labels, which is a complicated way of saying the product is specially formulated not to clog pores. Tip: Sunscreen formulas specially designed for babies work just as well for adults while being gentler on your skin.

Notable Information

Although Acne forms when hair follicles become blocked by dead skin cells (mixed with sebum), things that irritate your skin can also cause acne. These include:

• rubbing or friction from clothing i.e Masks
• contact with a dog’s tongue (e.g., after a friendly lick)
• skin contact with certain sports equipment
• certain cosmetics (oil-based cosmetics)
• skin exposure to extreme temperatures

Best Practices

• Wash no more than twice daily with a mild, unscented soap or soap-less cleanser.
• Pat (don’t rub) your skin dry with a clean towel.
• Don’t pop, squeeze, or pick at pimples.
• Avoid scrubbing or vigorous washing with a harsh or rough (abrasive) soap.
• Use a fresh washcloth every day.
• Avoid the use of oil-based cosmetics
• Shampoo your hair at least twice a week.
• Wash off sweat and oil as soon as possible.
• Change your pillowcase weekly or semi-weekly if needed.