We’ve all had them: acne, breakouts and blemished skin.
At least once in our lives, most of us have experienced an acne breakout that crushed our confidence. And although there are countless claims and myths surrounding acne, every case is different. For instance, some studies claim chocolate is a culprit for acne. And while that might be true for some, there is no single food group that directly causes breakouts.
And, despite what some may say, it has to be said, not all acne conditions can be solved with skincare products alone, as there may be issues beyond the skin surface. And sometimes, in our pursuit of the perfect skincare routine, it can be frustrating to find our acne appears to get worse instead of better.
So to help you sort through the fact from fiction, I’ve listed the worst offenders below.
Using too many products
Trying out too many anti-acne products doesn’t always end well. While some products are effective on their own, there are skincare ingredient combinations that can worsen your condition or neutralise each other. Examples include retinol and salicylic acid. While both work brilliantly on reducing inflammation and improving cell turnover, using them together, especially in high concentrations, can lead to dehydration and irritation, and your skin will be slow to respond when you were hoping for the reverse effect.
That’s why if possible, avoid layering too many products and listen to your skin. Do your research on skincare ingredients, and create a minimal routine that targets your issues while giving your skin time to heal.
Not moisturising oily skin
Most people with oily skin avoid using moisturisers, as they believe these products trigger their skin into producing more oil, leading to congestion and acne. But that’s not true! In fact, without adequate moisturise, the skin becomes dehydrated, causing it to produce excess oil, leading to further clogging in the follicle and an increased risk of acne breakouts.
A good skincare routine for acne includes salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which unclog pores and prevent new breakouts. And, hydrating and moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid support the barrier function and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy skin balance.
Just be sure to hydrate and use a moisturiser suitable for your skin type. Water-based moisturisers are good for oily skin, while cream moisturisers are perfect for dry skin. You may also consider buying separate moisturisers day and night.
Misusing acne medications.
In some cases, over-the-counter acne medication can also be effective for treating acne and reducing inflammation. However, it’s essential to use acne medications correctly to reap the benefits. Applying acne medication on existing breakouts helps heal them faster, and following the frequency and dose instructions will prevent unnecessary dryness and irritation.
As well as adjusting your skincare routine and habits, avoid using harsh chemicals or squeezing acne breakouts. And, as tempted as you may feel, squeezing your skin will only make things worse and interfere with your body’s natural healing process, not to mention the aftermath of scarring. You don’t want that!
Just be consistent and gentle with your skin, and eventually, your skin will begin to settle down and heal itself and breakouts will one day be a distant memory.
Sometimes acne can become a little more complicated and you may not be sure which way to turn? That’s completely understandable. If you’d like guidance and personalised advice, consider making an appointment with me for an online skin consultation.
See you next time,
