Acne Skin Care Routine

Nothing is better than having a skin care routine. Taking care of your skin should be a daily routine, especially when you have acne. Acne is caused by dirt, and at times, it is linked to genetics. Regardless of the causal agent, an acne skin care routine can work tremendously to give you clear skin. Here are the primary steps of an effective skin care routine.  

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Acne is proof that your pores have been clogged with dirt, bacteria, and excess oil. Therefore, the first step in your acne skin care routine should be to use a cleanser. Cleansing clears the pores by removing dirt and excess oil. When using a cleanser, you should not forget your jawline, neck, and the front and back of your ears.

It is advisable to cleanse for 60 seconds to ensure you have cleaned every part of your face. Acne-prone skin should be cleansed twice a day, that is in the morning before applying makeup and evening after removing it. If you have a sensitive skin, do not use rough pads or tools when using a cleanser. Rub the cleanser gently using your fingers, and you will be amazed by the results.

Another important aspect to consider is the type of cleanser for your skin type. Cleansers that work for acne-prone skin contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These should be the first ingredients that you look out for when choosing a cleanser. This first step is essential when you are working on getting clear skin.

Toning

A toner, also called an astringent, is used to remove any leftover oil, makeup, or impurity that was not removed by the cleanser. Apply the toner to a cotton pad and rub it gently over your face and neck. Any excess oil that would have otherwise clogged your pores will be removed. Therefore, toning is a crucial step to prevent blackheads and blemishes.

When using drying acne treatments, your skin tends to become dehydrated, causing the body to produce more oils which in turn clog your pores. A toner helps solve this problem by keeping your skin hydrated. Therefore, the first ingredient that you should look out for when buying a toner is aqua.

Another ingredient to look out for is alcohol because it dries out your skin. Dry skin should be avoided when you are fighting acne. The toner that should be used in an acne skin care routine should be an alcohol-free one. Toning is a step that should not be missed during an acne skin care routine because it balances the oil production, and in turn, clears acne. Check out the best acne products to get one that effectively works for your skin type.

Acne Spot Treatment

After toning, apply the acne spot treatment which was prescribed by your doctor or an over-the-counter one. Acne medications contain salicylic acid, which helps fight acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. The treatment clears your skin, and it gets rid of irritation and burning sensations caused by acne. Gently massage the treatment and let it dry before moving to the next step.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is the next step after acne spot treatment, and the moisturizer or gel should be oil-free. As mentioned earlier, you should let the acne spot medication dry before applying your moisturizer. That way your skin will be thirsty for moisture. The moisturizer will provide your skin with enough moisture, keeping it hydrated.

Also, a moisturizer reduces the size of your pores, meaning that the chances of oil clogging in them will be low. Apply your moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and evening. If you have dry skin, use a cream in the evening because it is heavier than a moisturizer. Different types of moisturizers used to eliminate acne-prone skin are available on the market. Therefore, you should not worry about not being able to find one that works for you.

Using Sunscreen

This is not a step that you do in the evening when you are going to sleep, but it is a primary step to follow in the morning before leaving the house. Apply sunscreen to prevent sunburns that damage the skin, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Also, most acne treatments make your skin highly susceptible to sun damage. Therefore, you should apply sunscreen to your face before applying your makeup.

You can cut back on these steps by purchasing a moisturizer that contains SPF. Also, buy makeup products that have SPF to get more protection. The best foundations for acne-prone skin have SPF and offer full-day protection. Moreover, these foundations provide full coverage, meaning that any blemishes which you are still fighting will be covered. If you do not wear makeup, apply a moisturizer containing SPF, and carry your sunscreen around with you too. The sunscreen that you use should be oil-free to avoid adding excess oil to your face.

Using a Mask

Applying a mask to your face is not a step that you should do daily. This should be done once or twice a week to help reduce the size of your pores and detoxify your skin. A mask pulls out any toxins left in the pores after toning. Masks contain water, meaning that they provide moisture to the skin and in turn minimize pores.

Moreover, masks help reduce oil production on superficial skin, which is a plus when you are fighting acne. Masks are made using various ingredients, including clay and charcoal. With the help of a dermatologist, find one that will work for you. Masking is an important part of an acne skin care routine as it detoxifies and leaves your skin looking clear and hydrated.

Acne skin care routines are one of the most searched topics because many people are currently fighting acne. Simple activities such as using dirty makeup tools, touching your face with dirty hands, or eating unhealthy foods can cause acne. Therefore, if you follow the above steps, you will get rid of acne like a pro.

However, the biggest secret to getting the best out of this routine is consistency. Ensure you do this routine daily for better results. This is a challenge faced by people who have cyclical acne meaning that it comes and goes. Follow your routine even when the acne is gone, and you will be impressed with the results.