5 acne-fighting practices to add to your daily skin care routine
- Posted on: Feb 8 2018
Do you struggle with oily skin, breakouts and acne scars? If so, you're not alone. While acne can put a damper on anyone's day, it's important to know that there are a number of effective methods for reducing breakouts and soothing marks left behind by pimples and blackheads.
Don't let your acne hold you back from living your best life. If you want to improve your skin, consider these five practices to include in your regular skin care regimen:
1. Determine the type of breakouts
As with any medical condition or skincare concern, the first step is to diagnose the problem. According to Allure, you must consider what kind of breakouts your skin is experiencing. If you see mostly whiteheads, it's likely that you are not exfoliating enough. As a consequence, dead skin cells build up, block your pores and create lots of oil. Alternatively, if your breakouts consist of deep red pimples that tend to be hard, hormonal stressors may be to blame.
2. Exfoliate your skin
If your breakouts are the result of underexfoliating, as Allure explained, consider incorporating a daily exfoliating procedure into your beauty routine. Several over-the-counter products serve as great treatment scrubs and exfoliates. Once you find the one that works best for you, aim to use the cleanser at least once per day to help remove the buildup of dead skin cells.
You may also consider a professional exfoliating peel. The SkinMedica's Vitalize Peel, for example, is a great choice for those who already use exfoliating products on a regular basis. In addition to improving acne, this procedure can also reduce scarring. Best of all, it will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated as well.
3. Use an acne toner
One of the best ways to fight back against breakouts is with topical treatments, according to Elle. Dermatologists continue to recommend products with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and salicylic acid as they have been shown to help stop acne by eliminating bacteria and fighting inflammation.
One such product that is great for oily skin is Acne Toner, made with 2 percent salicylic acid. For the best results, this is to be applied two times per day, once in the morning and once in the evening after you've completed your cleansing routine.
4. Avoid picking and popping
As most people know from experience, picking and popping your own pimples often only makes the problem worse. As Elle advised, it's best to let a professional handle the situation with a microneedle or acne extractors.
"Cow hormones found in dairy can cause oily pores."
If you can't get to a professional, apply a spot treatment to the area and do you best to avoid touching it.
5. Consider your diet
Women's Heath Magazine advised removing dairy from your diet if you are someone prone to acne and breakouts. Jessica Wu, dermatologist and author of Feed Your Face, told the source that cow hormones in dairy products can cause oily glands and pores. Be sure to read all labels as this ingredient is hidden in a lot of the packaged and processed foods that you eat. You should also avoid greasy, oily foods and stick with fresh fruits and veggies as much as possible.
For the best results when it comes to fighting acne and breakouts, implement these practices into your beauty routine.
Posted in: Skin Care, Uncategorized
