A Simple 5-Step Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of different ages across the globe. In America alone, over 50 million people suffer from acne every year. While it can be a frustrating and sometimes painful condition, you can develop a skincare strategy to make a significant difference. An effective evening routine can help alleviate acne symptoms and improve your overall skin health. This blog post will cover five simple steps that can help you get the glowing complexion you want.
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Gently Cleanse the Skin Thoroughly
To cleanse your skin properly, dampen your face with lukewarm water. Apply a small amount of non-comedogenic cleanser on your fingertips, meaning it does not clog pores to prevent further breakout. Ideally, look for cleansers with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide as these reduce inflammation and unclog pores.
Gently massage the cleanser on your face in circular motions and ensure you cover every part of your face. Afterward, rinse well using lukewarm water and wipe using a soft cloth. If you wear makeup or if your skin sweats excessively during the day, do a double cleanse to ensure all the remaining traces of makeup, dirt, or sweat are completely washed out.
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Apply Toner
Using a toner or an astringent is optional. However, toners are great for oily skin. They remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue and balance your skin’s pH levels. When choosing a toner, pay attention to the alcohol percentage as alcohol can be drying and irritating. Apply the toner to your face using your fingertips only or a cotton pad, and let it dry completely before moving to the next step.
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Apply Acne Treatment Products
After the toner has dried off completely, it’s time to wash your face and apply acne medication. Ingredients such as retinoids, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide have been proven to effectively treat acne. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing oil production in the skin. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and prevents the formation of new acne.
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and promote cell turnover. Depending on your skin type and the severity of the acne, it is important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions on the concentration of active ingredients you should use on your skin.
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Moisturize Your Skin
While moisturizing oily skin may seem counterintuitive, it combats the dryness caused by acne medications. It’s important to look for lightweight moisturizers that are oil-free to avoid clogging the pores. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or ceramides that can hydrate the skin without adding excess oil or causing breakouts.
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Use Sunscreen
Most acne treatment medications and exfoliation products can leave the skin more susceptible to sun damage. This can worsen acne and cause other skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation. Use a facial sunscreen product that’s less oily and has a lighter texture since they’re less likely to cause clogging or breakouts.
Endnote
Healthy skin doesn’t revolve around genetics alone; your daily habits also play a crucial role. The most critical of all is consistency. The more consistent you are, the better the results. Following the evening procedure above using the right products, you can reduce acne flare-ups over time. The Luxe Room can help you choose the right products for your skin type and address all your concerns.
