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Your skin has a demanding role—it safeguards your internal organs from germs, dirt, and harsh weather conditions you encounter daily. It’s no surprise that your skin can sometimes become rough or irritated! To maintain clean and smooth skin, you need to establish a regular skincare routine and follow basic steps to prevent skin damage. If your skin is particularly prone to acne, a dermatologist can provide tailored treatments to help you manage it.
Steps
Establish a Facial Skincare Routine
Select a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Skin types range from dry to oily, with various combinations in between. When choosing a cleanser, look for one that matches your skin type to ensure optimal care. Labels typically indicate whether a product is for oily, dry, combination, or all skin types.
- For instance, if you have dry and sensitive skin, opt for a moisturizing, fragrance-free, and dye-free cleanser. Avoid cleansers with harsh or drying ingredients like alcohol or astringents.
- If you have oily skin, choose a mild cleanser formulated to remove excess oil and dirt specifically for your skin type.
- If you’re prone to acne, select a cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Wash your face twice daily. Throughout the day, our skin accumulates various impurities that can clog pores and cause irritation. To maintain healthy and radiant skin, cleanse your face in the morning and evening. The evening cleanse is particularly crucial, as it removes bacteria, dirt, makeup, and skincare products that have built up over the day.
- Wash your face whenever you sweat, as sweat can irritate the skin and clog pores.
- Unless you sweat excessively or your face is very dirty, limit washing to no more than twice daily. Overwashing can irritate your skin.
- Use cool or lukewarm water and your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin. Pat your face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
Moisturize after washing your face. Cleansing can strip your skin of moisture, so apply a gentle moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This step helps maintain a fresh, hydrated appearance, reduces fine lines, and prevents inflammation and breakouts. Applying moisturizer before makeup is also a good idea. Choose a moisturizer free of dyes, fragrances, alcohol, and harsh ingredients.
- Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”
- Sun exposure can damage and prematurely age your skin, so apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when going outdoors during the day.
Exfoliate a few times a week for smooth, even-toned skin. Occasional exfoliation can even out skin tone, reduce roughness, and fade dark spots. However, over-exfoliating can harm your skin, so use a gentle exfoliant 2-3 times weekly and reduce frequency if you experience breakouts, dryness, or irritation.
- If you’re undergoing acne treatment, consult your dermatologist before exfoliating. Gentle care is essential to avoid worsening acne.
- Many dermatologists recommend chemical exfoliants, as they are gentler than mechanical scrubs. For dry skin, try lactic acid-based products. For oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid may be beneficial.
- You can also exfoliate gently with a soft washcloth and warm water, using circular motions while avoiding the sensitive eye area. Avoid harsh scrubbing or pressing too hard, as this can irritate your skin!
Tip: If you have acne scars or discoloration, treatments like microdermabrasion, microneedling, or chemical peels may help. Consult a dermatologist to determine the best option for your skin.
Treating Acne at Home
Reduce pressure on your skin to minimize irritation and breakouts. Any pressure on the skin, especially the face, can lead to acne. Headphones, mobile phones, and hats can all contribute to breakouts. Tight collars can cause acne on the neck, while backpacks can press against the back and trigger acne. Avoid clothing or accessories that rub or irritate areas prone to breakouts.
- For example, use speakerphone instead of holding your phone to your ear. Opt for in-ear headphones instead of over-ear ones to reduce pressure and irritation around your face and ears.
- If you frequently get acne on your neck, try wearing loose, breathable clothing that doesn’t rub against your skin.
- Backpacks can also contribute to back acne, so consider using a handbag or carrying items in your arms occasionally.
Avoid touching your face to prevent spreading germs and dirt to your skin. It’s challenging not to touch your face, but doing so can transfer bacteria to your skin, clogging pores and causing inflammation and acne. If you have a habit of touching your face, try to be mindful. Keep your hands busy with a stress ball or by putting them in your pockets.
- For most people, completely avoiding touching their face is impossible, so the next best thing is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Clean hands are less likely to spread germs if you do touch your face!
Wash acne-prone areas with a gentle cleanser twice daily. Just as you should wash your face twice a day, other acne-prone areas should also be cleansed. Use your hands with water and a mild cleanser. Wash your hair daily if you have acne on your scalp or along your hairline.
- Avoid exfoliating scrubs or cleansers with harsh, drying ingredients like alcohol or fragrances.
- While it might be tempting to scrub your face or dry out acne with astringents, irritation or over-drying can worsen breakouts.
Use oil-free skincare products to prevent clogged pores. Acne arises from clogged pores, so be cautious with greasy or oil-based creams and lotions that can make your skin sticky. Look for products labeled “noncomedogenic,” “won’t clog pores,” “oil-free,” or “water-based,” as these are less likely to block pores. If you wear makeup, choose non-comedogenic and non-pore-clogging products.
- Even non-comedogenic makeup can cause breakouts if left on too long. Always remove makeup before bed.
Reduce pore clogging with salicylic acid products. Salicylic acid is an over-the-counter treatment available in cleansers or topical solutions. Start with a 0.5% concentration and increase if needed. Apply the solution to acne-prone areas once daily, gently massaging it in. If using a cleanser, lather it and gently massage it onto the affected areas before rinsing thoroughly.
- Salicylic acid can irritate sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, and inside the nose. Be careful to avoid these areas when applying.
Kill bacteria and remove dead skin cells with benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide treats acne by eliminating bacteria on the skin’s surface and within pores. It also removes dead skin cells and excess oil that can clog pores. Start with a 2.5% concentration. Like salicylic acid, it’s available in cleansers and topical creams.
- Benzoyl peroxide can sometimes cause irritation, so test it on a small patch of skin first. If no significant issues arise, you can apply it to larger areas.
Use alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) to combat inflammation. AHA helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It also reduces inflammation and promotes skin regeneration, resulting in smoother skin. Common AHAs include lactic acid and glycolic acid.
- Lactic acid is an excellent choice for those who prefer natural remedies. It’s a mild acid derived from fermented milk.
- Some people experience side effects like swelling, burning, and itching when using AHAs, especially with high-concentration products. It can also increase sun sensitivity or cause hyperpigmentation. Proceed with caution and start with low concentrations if you’re unsure how your skin will react.
Avoid picking or popping pimples to prevent scarring. It’s hard to resist the urge to pop a pimple, and you might even hear advice suggesting it. However, it’s best to leave pimples alone. Scarring is more likely to occur when a pimple is ruptured. Additionally, popping pimples can introduce bacteria to your skin, increasing the risk of breakouts and inflammation.
- If you have a large pimple that needs immediate attention, consult a doctor. They can drain it in a clinical setting or inject it with steroids to reduce swelling quickly.
Try natural remedies if chemical treatments are too harsh. Many natural ingredients, like honey or tea tree oil, act as antimicrobial agents, making them effective for mild acne. However, consult your doctor before using these remedies, as they may interact with other medications you’re taking. Discuss with a dermatologist before trying products such as:
- 5% tea tree oil gel. This essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help treat acne. Tea tree oil can irritate some people, so test it on a less visible area like the back of your knee before applying it to your face.
- 5% bovine cartilage cream.
- Lotions containing 2% green tea extract.
- Products with 20% azelaic acid, a naturally occurring acid found in whole grains and some animal products.
- Creams and lotions containing zinc.
- Brewer’s yeast, which can be taken orally to reduce acne.
Treating Acne with Medical Methods
Discuss prescription topical medications with your doctor. Don’t worry if home remedies and over-the-counter treatments don’t deliver the desired results! Your doctor can prescribe stronger, more effective medications. Ask about prescription topical treatments, such as creams, lotions, or gels that you can apply directly to acne.
- Your doctor may prescribe retinoid creams, such as Retin-A. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that treat acne and prevent clogged pores and follicles. You may need to start using the product three times a week, gradually increasing to daily use.
- Other topical treatments include antibiotic creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, prescription-strength azelaic acid, or 5% dapsone gel (an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties).
Ask your doctor about oral medications for severe acne. Oral medications work systemically (affecting the entire body) rather than being applied directly to the skin. Before starting any oral medication, inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking and any medical conditions you have. This helps ensure the prescribed treatment is safe for you.
- Common options include oral antibiotics (often combined with topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids) and hormonal regulators, such as birth control pills and spironolactone (a potassium-sparing diuretic).
- One of the most effective acne treatments is isotretinoin. However, while highly effective, it can cause serious side effects, such as ulcerative colitis and severe depression. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Never take isotretinoin if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it can cause birth defects.
Explore chemical peels to even out your skin tone. Dermatologists and estheticians use chemical peels to treat certain types of acne. This method is most effective for blackheads and inflammatory acne, and it can also leave your skin smoother. Chemical peels can help fade acne scars, fine lines, and areas of discoloration. Consult a skincare professional to see if this option is right for you.
- Ask your doctor or skincare specialist about pre- and post-peel care. Your skin may be red, sensitive, or inflamed for a while after treatment.
- Before undergoing treatment, inform your doctor if you’re using other medications, such as retinoids, which can cause severe irritation when combined with chemical peels.
Inquire about light and laser therapies to reduce scarring. If you have acne scars, laser therapy can help soften and fade them. Ask your doctor if this is a good option for you.
- Some people experience breakouts after laser treatment, so your doctor may recommend combining laser therapy with a course of antibiotics.
- Other scar-fading methods include dermal fillers, professional exfoliation (such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels), or surgery for severe scarring.
Maintaining Healthy Skin
Avoid long hot showers or baths to prevent drying out your skin. While soaking in hot water can feel relaxing, it strips your skin of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. Stick to warm water and limit your shower time.
- Plus, shorter showers are also better for the environment!
Protect your skin from the sun to prevent damage and slow aging. Sun exposure can harm your skin, accelerating the aging process. To protect your skin, use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re outside during midday, wear protective clothing, including hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves.
- Reapply sunscreen frequently when swimming or sweating heavily. Even water-resistant sunscreen wears off over time!
Stay hydrated to keep your skin moisturized. Drinking water is essential for overall health, including your skin. Dehydration can lead to dry skin. Drink water whenever you feel thirsty, as this is usually enough to maintain hydration for your body and skin.
- Aim for at least 3.7 liters daily if you’re male and 2.7 liters if you’re female. You may need more in hot weather or during exercise.
- Other fluids like broth, fruit juice, smoothies, or caffeine-free tea also count. Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables contributes too!
Nourish your skin with omega-3 fatty acids. Your skin needs healthy fats to stay vibrant and naturally radiant. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are particularly effective for skin health. Incorporate foods like salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, soybean oil, walnuts, flaxseeds, and tofu into your diet to improve your skin’s condition.
- You can also take omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil capsules.
Reduce acne risk by managing stress. Stress can trigger more frequent breakouts. To lower stress levels, try exercising, practicing yoga, or meditating. You can also limit stressors in your life. For example, if news stresses you out, limit news consumption to 30 minutes daily.
- A quick tip is to spend a few minutes daily on deep breathing. Close your eyes and focus entirely on your breath. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, and exhale for 4 counts. Concentrate on your breath for a few minutes to relieve stress.
- Exercising, doing activities you enjoy, listening to relaxing music, and spending time with friends or family are also great ways to reduce stress!
Tips
- Change your bedsheets and pillowcases regularly, as they can accumulate dirt, oil, and bacteria.
Warnings
- You may be allergic to certain chemicals in skincare products, so always test new products on the inside of your wrist before applying them to your face.
