Acne is the bane of many teenagers and even adults regarding skin conditions. It’s the inflammation or infection of sebaceous glands in the skin, marked by redness and pimples in the affected area. There are a few reasons that can trigger acne on your skin, but never fear! You don’t have to splurge on expensive products and treatments to prevent acne growth. Here are some important skincare tips to help you stop acne in its tracks and keep your skin clear and glowing.
1. Keep Facial Skin Clean
Most people experience acne, especially during puberty. It typically stems from dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities from the skin’s surface. For this reason, washing your face twice a day is essential to remove any build-up on your skin.
Even the kind of water you use for washing can influence your skin’s health. Instead, use filtered water, which is free of impurities, salts, and bacteria that tap water may contain. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium in ordinary tap water can cause skin irritation, which is why filtered water is recommended.
When washing, use warm water with a mild facial cleanser. Avoid deodorant soap which has potent ingredients that can worsen inflamed skin. Some of the best ingredients in products for acne include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and sulfur. They have antibacterial properties that can help kill acne-causing bacteria.
Exfoliate your face using a loofah or an exfoliating glove. You may also spread your facial cleanser with your hands or with a soft cloth and rinse well. Pat your face dry face with a clean towel and use it only once to avoid getting more bacteria on your face.
2. Try Blue Light Therapy
One of the modern, noninvasive facial treatments for acne is blue light therapy. The bacteria-killing properties of blue light are gentle on the skin. And while it has temporary adverse effects, it can treat your acne in the long run. Read more over at this website for more information on blue light therapy.
The treatment uses an isolated violet or blue light from the visible light spectrum. With the help of a device, it shines a light on the skin’s surface to treat conditions. Blue light therapy is also used to treat skin cancer and minimize infection and inflammation in the skin.
3. Avoid These Ingredients
The commercial products you use on your body can also trigger acne since they might contain unsafe ingredients. For instance, styling gels and hair sprays may have oils that can make acne worse. Use products that are water-based instead.
As you read the ingredients included in the product, avoid the following:
- Petroleum Jelly
Known as an occlusive, petroleum jelly can create a thick barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss. Petroleum jelly feels too heavy on the skin and may clog pores and cause a breakout instead.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is a typical skincare ingredient, and the variants are either for cleansing or hydration. It may feel tempting to buy alcohol-based products because of how seemingly refreshing they feel on the skin. But alcohol can get rid of the moisture in your skin. As a result, the skin becomes oilier to make up for the lost sebum when cleansing. Use products with thermal spring water instead to help remove the grease on the skin without drying.
- Algae Extract
Using products that have algae extract that is comedogenic may cause the growth of Microcomedones. They contain vast amounts of iodides that can irritate pores, form blemishes, and activate inflammation. The ingredient common in concealers is a level five on the comedogenic scale.
- Lauric Acid
Lauric acid is an ingredient with a scale of four in the comedogenic meter and is also a known ingredient that causes pimples and acne. It’s an ingredient that frequents both skincare and cosmetic products and can worsen skin already riddled with the condition.
4. Don’t Pop Your Pimples
No matter how many pimples or acne your get on your face, it’s never a good idea to pop them yourself. Squeezing them results in scarring and inflammation. It’s even worse when you use your unwashed hands because bacteria could quickly enter your broken skin.
Use a non-comedogenic pimple cream or other forms of topicals to eradicate blemishes instead. While it might take some time to work on, it can still prevent acne from forming.
It is also recommended to use hand care products such as antibacterial cleansers before touching your face. Do this before doing your facial skincare to be safe.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is not just for the mind and the body. It is suitable for your overall health – including your skin. Seven to eight total hours of sleep can lower and keep cortisol levels low. That means less stress for you and fewer breakouts. Your oil glands are not going into overdrive because there is lesser stress.
In Conclusion
Practicing skincare habits such as the ones mentioned above can be beneficial for your facial skin. Acne can be avoided and managed by cleaning your face, getting enough sleep, and avoiding certain commercial skincare products. It also helps to seek aesthetic services that can help with treatment. Hopefully, these tips can help you get smooth and glowing skin.