7 Common Acne Skincare Mistakes to Avoid
Skincare for Acne Sufferers
Many skin condition sufferers tend to focus on skincare whilst seeking improvement of symptoms. Unfortunately, some of the common skincare products and methods to treat or manage acne can actually do more harm than good. The most important principle of acne skin care is to keep your skin clean. You should wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Use your (clean) fingers, rather than harsh washcloths.
The effectiveness of different products varies between individuals. Give new acne skincare products a few weeks before you may a decision on whether it is right for you. Try not to overdo it by trying too many products at once, as this could overload the skin, causing irritation.
7 Acne Skincare Mistakes
Over-washing Your Face- One of the most common acne skincare mistakes people make is washing their face too often. Too much washing can strip away natural oils, which can lead to drying and irritation. It’s important to find a balance between keeping your face clean and not overdoing it.
Using Oil Cleansers- Oil cleansers are popular for those with dry skin, but for those with acne-prone skin, oil cleansers can be a no-no. The oils in these products can block pores and linger on the skin’s surface, leading to more breakouts. We recommend CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide.
Not Moisturising Enough- When you have acne-prone skin, moisturising may seem counterintuitive—but it’s essential! Not moisturising enough will cause the skin to become dehydrated and irritated, which can lead to more breakouts. Be sure to find the right kind of moisturiser for your skin so you get both hydration and oil control benefits. Add a serum, such as e.l.f. Skin Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum, to your routine for even more benefits.
Stripping Skin of Essential Oils- Using products that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide is a must when treating acne, but beware of overdrying your skin. If your skin becomes dry and tight after every application, switch to gentler products or apply less frequently.
Squeezing Spots- We know it’s tempting—but don’t do it! Squeezing spots increases your chances of infection and scarring, which will damage your skin even further in the long run and could even lead to scarring. Instead of squeezing spots, treat them with an overnight spot gel like e.l.f. Skin Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel.
Wearing Too Much Makeup- Wearing heavy makeup or using harsh makeup removers won't help heal any existing breakouts or prevent new ones from developing—in fact, it could make them worse. Look for lightweight makeup formulas with non-comedogenic ingredients that won't clog pores as they cover imperfections instead of masking them under layers of the product.
Using Harsh Exfoliants- Many exfoliants contain harsh scrubbing particles like apricot pits or walnut shells that can cause tiny cuts in the delicate top layer of facial skin if used incorrectly or too often. Those tiny cuts create an open gateway for bacteria to enter. Skin irritation only serves to worsen existing acne while simultaneously leaving you more susceptible to future outbreaks. Exfoliating less rather than more is the best bet when managing acne-prone skin. For a gentler option, we recommend a formula specifically for acne sufferers, such as Clearasil Rapid Action Exfoliating Scrub- For Acne Prone Skin. Or try experimenting with a chemical exfoliant like Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
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Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide
e.l.f. Skin Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel
Clearasil Rapid Action Exfoliating Scrub- For Acne Prone Skin
e.l.f. Skin Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum
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