Having acne is a real, frustrating struggle that many of us may have experienced at some point in our life. Whether it’s adult acne or teenage spots, the misery of those pesky little red bumps appearing is all the same. Acne is caused by a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, which causes inflammation on our skin. It is impossible to totally eradicate the appearance of acne forever but here are our best tips to aid in preventing acne.
Cleansing Your Face Properly
Since acne is caused by bacteria due to sweat, dirt, and excess oil, it is essential to prevent acne by ensuring you are properly cleaning your face on a daily basis. By proper cleansing, however, we do not mean washing your face excessively or using overly harsh cleansers. Excessive cleansing will strip your skin of the natural oil that it produces and result in the overproduction of the oil, which may end up worsening this acne. We recommend a gentle cleanser that will allow your skin to still retain its natural oils whilst still getting the dirt off.
Using Moisturisers
Most individuals who suffer from acne have oily skin, which is why applying moisturizers may feel counterintuitive. Lathering on more moisturizer may feel like the application of a more sticky, oily product on the face which is why we may hesitate to do so. However, moisturizer prevents your skin from becoming too dry and overproducing oil to cause more acne. However, some moisturizers are thicker than others and their consistency may not be suitable for acne-prone skin. Hence, always ensure that you are getting a lightweight moisturizer that does not contain any synthetic fragrance or any other ingredients which may end up clogging your pores.
Using Acne Treatments
Acne treatments are important in helping heal existing pimples or preventing pimples from surfacing if we use them in a timely manner. However, the ingredients in these acne treatments are often too drying and irritating to be applied on your entire face which is why they should be used sparingly. Use them as directed, only on the areas that are affected.
Drinking Water
Water provides your skin with the much-needed love and hydration that it needs. As we know, just because our skin looks oily doesn’t mean that it is receiving sufficient moisture. Furthermore, if your body is dehydrated, your skin may begin producing more oil, which as we know, results in more acne! This is why it’s essential to really be chugging down those 8 glasses (or more) of water on a daily basis. Your glowing, acne-free skin will thank you!
Using Less Makeup
Makeup may seem like our best friend in covering up those red blemishes. However, using makeup too often may end up clogging your pores and causing further acne outbreaks. However, if you are unable to give up makeup, opt for products that are lighter on your skin. Swap out those heavy foundations for a tinted moisturizer instead. Most importantly, remember to remove your makeup at the end of every night. Let your skin breathe! It’ll be better for you in the long run.