Skincare Essentials for Managing Acne
Whether you’re battling persistent breakouts or simply seeking to elevate your skincare routine, we’ve got you covered. Last week, we laid the groundwork with a deep dive into the basics of acne. Now, we’re ready to equip you with the essential tools for achieving clearer, healthier skin. From understanding different skin types, identifying your skin type and mastering your skincare routine, let’s dive in!
Understanding Skin Types
Our skin is as diverse as we are, each with a unique personality and needs. Knowing your skin type is like having the secret code to unlock its full potential. Here’s a breakdown of common skin types and how to care for them:
Oily Skin
Oily skin tends to produce excess sebum, resulting in a shiny complexion, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). People with oily skin may also have enlarged pores and be prone to acne breakouts (1).
Care Routine: Opt for oil-free products that help control excess oil production without clogging pores. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to combat acne, and use gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers to keep the skin clean without stripping away essential moisture (2).
Dry Skin
Dry skin lacks sufficient moisture, often feeling tight, rough, or flaky. It may appear dull and be more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.
Care Tips: Choose rich, emollient creams and moisturisers that provide intense hydration to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to lock in moisture and restore suppleness. Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, but avoid harsh scrubs that can further irritate dry skin (3).
Combination Skin
Combination skin is a mix of oily and dry areas. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oily, while the cheeks may be dry or normal.
Care Tips: Customisation is key for combination skin. Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil without stripping moisture, and target oily areas with oil-free or mattifying products. Hydrate dry areas with rich moisturisers, focusing on the cheeks and other dry patches. Consider using different products for different areas of the face to maintain balance.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is prone to irritation, redness, and allergic reactions. It may react adversely to harsh ingredients, fragrances, and environmental triggers.
Care Tips: Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products formulated for sensitive skin. Look for gentle cleansers, moisturisers, and sunscreens with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and oatmeal. Patch test new products before applying them to your entire face, and avoid over-exfoliating or using products with alcohol or other potential irritants.
If ever unsure about what type of products to use for your skin type, consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice. As always, individual results may vary.
Identifying Your Skin Type
Find your skin type with these simple observations and the “bare-face test.”
- Explore your skin texture: Gently glide your fingertips across your face and feel the texture of your skin. Does it feel soft and smooth like silk, a bit dry and tight, or maybe even a tad oily and shiny?
- Assess your skin’s oiliness: Throughout the day, keep an eye on any areas of your face that start to glisten with natural oils. Is your T-zone shining like a disco ball, or are you keeping it cool with a balanced oil production?
- Check your skin sensitivity: Tune in to your skin’s responses to different products and environmental factors. Do you feel like a sensitive soul, experiencing redness or irritation at the slightest touch?
Next, try the “bare-face test”:
- Fresh-Faced Beginnings: Wash away the day’s adventures with a gentle cleanser and embrace your bare face with open arms. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel, setting the stage for your skin’s solo performance.
- Naked Observation: Take a moment to admire your natural beauty in a well-lit space, free from any skincare products. Notice any hints of shine, dry patches, or signs of sensitivity that your skin reveals in its purest form.
- Celebrate Your Skin: Reflect on your skin’s unique characteristics and embrace the skin type that makes you, you.
Mastering the Trio: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise
Cleansing – The Foundation of Your Skincare Routine
Cleansing is not just about removing makeup or dirt—it’s about purifying your pores and prepping your skin for the rest of your routine. When dealing with acne-prone skin, the right cleanser can make all the difference.
Look for gentle yet effective formulas that target excess oil and impurities without stripping your skin. Opt for products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, known for their acne-fighting properties (2).
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to cleansing. Make it a habit to cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and evening, to keep your skin clean and refreshed.
Toning – The Unsung Hero of Skincare
While often overlooked, toners play an important role in any skincare routine. They help balance your skin’s pH levels, tighten pores, and provide an extra layer of hydration, making them essential for achieving a healthy complexion.
When choosing a toner for acne-prone skin, look for ingredients like witch hazel, salicylic acid, or niacinamide, which can help reduce inflammation and combat acne-causing bacteria (4).
Moisturising: Essential Hydration for All Skin Types
Hydration is the foundation of healthy, happy skin, regardless of whether your skin is dry, oily, or acne-prone. Contrary to popular belief, moisturising is not just for dry skin types—it’s essential for maintaining skin health and balance for everyone.
In fact, it’s equally – if not more – essential for those with oily and acne-prone skin. Here’s why:
- Maintaining Skin Balance: When your skin lacks moisture, it can trigger an overproduction of oil to compensate for the dryness. This excess oil can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. By moisturising regularly, you help balance your skin’s oil production, reducing the likelihood of acne flare-ups.
- Protecting the Skin Barrier: Moisturisers create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, locking in hydration and preventing moisture loss. This barrier is vital for shielding your skin from environmental pollutants, bacteria, and other irritants that can trigger acne.
- Reducing Inflammation: Acne-prone skin is often inflamed and sensitive. Using a moisturiser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or niacinamide can help calm inflammation and redness, promoting clearer and more comfortable skin.
- Hydrating Without Clogging Pores: Many moisturisers formulated for oily or acne-prone skin are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. These lightweight formulas provide the necessary hydration without adding extra grease or shine to your skin.
- Preventing Premature Ageing: Dehydrated skin is more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. By keeping your skin properly hydrated, you not only prevent acne but also maintain a youthful and radiant complexion in the long run.
So, rather than avoiding moisturisers out of fear of making acne worse, choose the right moisturiser tailored to your skin’s needs.
If ever unsure about what type of products to use for your skin type, consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice. As always, individual results may vary.
The Problem with Harsh Scrubbing
We’ve all been there – desperately scrubbing away at our skin, hoping to banish breakouts for good. But the truth is, harsh scrubbing can do more harm than good. It strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, redness, and even more breakouts (5). Instead of fighting fire with fire, it’s time to embrace a gentler approach to skincare.
Sun Protection: Your Skin’s Best Friend
Sunscreen isn’t just about preventing sunburns; it’s about protecting your skin from long-term damage caused by UV radiation. Exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to wrinkles, dark spots, and even skin cancer.
Incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine isn’t just a cosmetic choice—it’s an investment in the long-term health and beauty of your skin (6). Just like you wouldn’t leave the house without your keys or phone, don’t forget to arm yourself with sunscreen before stepping out into the world.
By understanding the importance of cleansing, toning, moisturising, and sun protection, you’re taking important steps towards healthier, clearer skin.
For personalised skincare, start your consultation with hub.health today!
Sources:
National Library of Medicine. Oily Skin: A review of Treatment Options [internet]. 2017 [cited 26 July 24]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605215/
American Academy of Dermatology. ADULT ACNE TREATMENT DERMATOLOGISTS RECOMMEND [internet]. 2023 [cited 26 July 24]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/adult-acne-treatment
American Academy of Dermatology. MOISTURIZER: WHY YOU MAY NEED IT IF YOU HAVE ACNE [internet]. 2023 [cited 26 July 24]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/moisturizer
National Library of Medicine. The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment [internet]. 2017 [cited 26 July 24]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28220628/
Acne.org. Why Facial Scrubs Are Not a Good Choice for Acne-Prone Skin [internet]. 2023 [cited 26 July 24]. Available from: https://www.acne.org/why-facial-scrubs-are-not-a-good-choice-for-acne-prone-skin
National Library of Medicine. Sun exposure, a relevant exposome factor in acne patients and how photoprotection can improve outcomes [internet]. 2023 [cited 26 July 24]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36946555/
