5 Things You Need to Know About Acne-Prone Skin
If you suffer from acne prone skin, know that you are not alone. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, with 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experiencing at least some form of acne breakouts. While you think you might understand acne, there are many myths and untruths out there about this common skin condition, in terms of what causes it and how to treat it. The good news is that once you get educated and follow a consistent skincare routine, you will be on your way to clearer skin. Read on for five things you need to know about acne- prone skin.
1. Acne Is Not Your Primary Skin Type
Accurate skin analysis is the key to any effective home skincare regimens. While you think you may have dry or oily skin, the real answer lies in size and breadth of your pores. Treating and healing acne skin starts with understanding your skin type. Everyone has two skin types—a primary and a secondary.
Primary skin types are:
- Dry: Two-thumb sizes of visible pores next to the nose
- Combo: Larger pores covering a third of the face
- Oily: Larger pores covering half the face
However, your “secondary” skin condition sometimes overrides your primary skin type, and a common secondary skin condition is acne. Acne-prone skin can be dry, combo, oily or reactive at any age with genetic or active chronic breakouts.
2. You Need a Plan
Clearing up your acne and achieving healthier skin with fewer breakouts is the long-term goal. Depending on the severity of your acne, your journey to healthier skin may take 6-8 weeks or longer of consistent treatments. Our best recommendation is to start strong and set your pores up for success by getting a professional treatment.
3. The Truth About Triggers
While at home, but sure to watch your skin for breakout triggers (diet, hormones, stress, medication, skincare products) and then fight that acne-causing bacteria by using a skincare line that addresses your skin type (primary and or secondary), isn’t too aggressive, and relies on professional-grade remedies to gently clear and heal acne without stripping your skin. Remember to look for ingredients that control bacteria without drying or dehydrating the skin.
4. It’s a Marathon…
…not a sprint. If you really want to make a difference when it comes to acne-prone skin, a consistent skincare routine is the key to success. Be patient and diligent and you’ll see results. Start by shifting your skincare mindset to healing your skin rather than fixing it. Remember, beautiful skin starts by finding the causes and then working on the bacteria. The best way to do that is with a regular at home acne skincare routine morning and night.
- Cleanse: We love a good milk cleanser when it comes to treating acne and this one will also leave the skin hydrated. Soothing, yet effective, ingredients such as cajeput and tea tree help to suppress bacteria in the pores, while lemon and rosemary help fight bacteria, hydrate, brighten and firm the skin. Your nighttime routine is the perfect time to use a cleansing duo formulated specifically for acne to ensure you gently cleanse the day away and prepare your skin for maximum absorption of skincare products.
- Nourish: The right detox essential oil designed to treat acne will go a long way in fighting an overabundance of bacteria. Essential oils can deliver a concentrated dose of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that not only will heal and prevent breakouts but will minimize the appearance of scarring.
- Heal: Serums are your hydrating and healing powerhouse. Tea tree and palma rose help clear breakouts, while mushroom stem conditions and heals.
- Moisturize: Finish with a daily moisturizer that will fight acne causing bacteria while moisturizing the skin.
- Treat: Spot treat breakouts with a blemish control gel that can also be used on the back, chest and bikini area.
5. Leave the Popping to the Pros
The truth is popping those pimples can lead to more pimples, as well as skin damage and possible scarring. Why? In doing so, you can potentially delay the body’s natural healing process so while you may think popping it means it will go away, it will make your acne last longer. Plus, now all that bacteria, pus, oil, and dead skin cells are on your face, potentially infecting the rest of your pores. Your best bet is to do things the right way with a professional facial that includes extractions done in a sterile environment with gloves and the proper equipment. If you must pop that pimple, only pop whiteheads, and preferably only after just getting out of the shower. Wrap your fingers in cotton (not tissue) and press only the edges before blotting.