Acne-prone skin is very demanding and is one of the most difficult skin types to care for and maintain. Acne-prone skin is characterized by enlarged pores, is oily, and very shiny. The sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, which clogs the pores, leading to the appearance of skin lesions in the form of eruptions. These appear on the face, chest, arms, or back. They appear as small pimples, often white (pus), black (blackheads), or red. The appearance of untreated and inadequately cared for acne is unsightly and often leads to low self-esteem in those struggling with this problem. It's important to note that acne in adults is an increasingly common problem. This means that it no longer affects only teenagers and adolescence, but also adults whose lifestyle has influenced the appearance of acne. Acne-prone skin is very sensitive and difficult to diagnose in terms of its causes or influence. So how should you care for acne-prone skin? This post aims to guide you in proper skincare and highlight the most common mistakes made when dealing with acne-prone skin. Enjoy!
1. Acne-prone skin: keep it clean
No skincare decalogue can be complete without this point. Hygiene is the foundation of every skincare routine. It shouldn't be forgotten, especially when caring for skin that's naturally impure. Cleansing acne-prone skin shouldn't become an obsession. Over-cleansing stimulates the sebaceous glands, which can lead to a vicious cycle – don't forget that acne-prone skin is sensitive. Wash your face regularly, using gentle and lightweight cleansers that won't weigh down your skin, but rather will give it a light, fresh feeling. These can be herbal remedies based on lavender, chamomile, aloe vera, green tea, or horsetail. When choosing cosmetics for acne-prone skin, consider their ingredients. They should contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, which is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of these ingredients. For example, alpha-hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic acid) support the exfoliation of the outer layer of dead skin cells, while benzoyl peroxide also helps unclog pores and has a bactericidal effect. Acne-prone skin should not be treated with invasive and harsh cosmetics, such as those based on alcohol. Using them won't help and can even worsen the problem. Maintaining good facial and body hygiene is crucial, but maintaining a clean environment is equally crucial. Let's take a closer look at your towels. I've repeatedly said that to keep your skin safe, you should ONLY have a towel for your face. However, acne-prone skin has its own rules; in this case, you should have more than one towel and change it daily. Unfortunately, this type of skin absorbs impurities very quickly, so a towel you use all day long becomes a breeding ground for bacteria by the end of the day. Try changing it daily and you'll see the results. An alternative to a cotton towel is a delicate and soft paper towel, which you can use to dry your face after cleansing. Pillows are also a topic I've touched on many times, but there's never enough important information. We follow exactly the same approach with them. We change the pillowcase we touch our face with every day, especially if our current skin condition is particularly alarming. Finally, I must remind you of one more rule – you don't have to, don't touch your face!
2. Don't squeeze
I forbid it! Under no circumstances should you squeeze, scratch, or pierce any skin lesions that appear on your face. This is probably the most difficult rule when it comes to acne skin care. However, ignoring it has consequences. All breakouts that appear on your skin are inflammatory. Disturbing these changes can cause them to spread. Your unconscious actions can worsen your skin condition. Furthermore, squeezing a lesion exposes you to the risk of discoloration or scarring. It's really not worth it, and if your breakouts are really large and painful, instead of hurting yourself, see a specialist.
3. Exfoliate your skin
If you thought exfoliation wasn't for acne-prone skin, let me put you right. Exfoliation for problematic skin should be performed once a week. Since acne-prone skin is also oily, you can use various types of exfoliants. The type of exfoliant you use depends on your skin's condition. If your acne is subdued, you can use a fine-grained product and apply it to your skin. However, remember that this type of treatment shouldn't be performed if your skin is visibly inflamed. In such cases, an enzyme exfoliator comes in handy; it won't irritate the skin and may even soothe it. You can also have exfoliation performed at a beauty salon. It's truly worthwhile to treat yourself to a professional every now and then – it's not only safe and convenient, but above all, enjoyable. Treatments for acne-prone skin are based on acids – glycolic, lactic, or salicylic. Their action eliminates blackheads, regulates sebaceous gland function, and significantly smooths the skin. Acids also have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
4. Moisturizing is key
Have you ever wondered whether acne-prone skin needs moisturizing? The principle is the same as for oily skin – of course! When choosing cosmetics, consider their intended use – opt for creams recommended for acne-prone skin. I recommend the super-light and gentle Soft Cream by Annabelle Minerals . Depending on your preferences, you can use creams or gels, as well as moisturizing masks. Moisturizers improve skin tone, have a smoothing effect, and above all, hydrate the skin. Don't forget to moisturize from the inside out. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
5. Include masks in your skincare routine
The topic of masks recommended for acne-prone skin is primarily related to clays. The cleansing properties of clays are unmatched, therefore, their regular use has a huge impact on the condition of acne-prone skin. As I mentioned, acne-prone skin is also oily, so we can use green clay for its care, which has a strong absorbing effect on all types of pollutants. Using green clay as a mask will soothe, calm, and calm acne-prone skin. Regular use of this type of cosmetic will help soothe inflamed areas and give your skin a remarkable radiance. It's worth remembering that acne-prone skin is also sensitive; for some, using green clay may be too strong, so you should try white clay. Caring for acne-prone skin with white clay brings visible results. White clay is composed of approximately 60% silica, which has incredible healing properties. A white clay mask applied to the face will moisturize the skin and tighten pores. Its refreshing, cleansing, exfoliating, and regenerating properties are simply unmistakable. I recommend exploring clays, as they can be a lifesaver in urgent and desperate skin situations.
6. Don't be afraid of makeup
For many of you, combining makeup with acne-prone skin is impossible. It's not easy, but it's entirely possible. Choosing the right cosmetics is key. Not for the first time, Annabelle Minerals has come to the rescue. "Different skin types require different solutions" – following Annabelle Minerals' quote, you'll discover that their product range includes three foundation formulas: illuminating, mattifying, and full-coverage. Those with acne-prone skin should look no further than mattifying foundations . This type of foundation is the perfect solution for problematic facial skin. It not only influences the proper amount of sebum production but also supports the skin's regenerative processes. Excellent coverage makes blemishes virtually invisible, and skin remains matte for a long time. Furthermore, studies have shown that using Annabelle Minerals mattifying mineral foundation reduces inflammation by over 25%. Also interesting are the full-coverage foundations , which, as universal products, are not designed for a specific skin type. They're worth trying, though, as they provide incredible coverage, concealing imperfections and evening out skin tone. Mineral concealers are designed for special needs, and you'll find plenty of them at Annabelle Minerals—you can easily match their shade to your foundation. They have a very interesting formula, which can be crucial when dealing with acne-prone skin. Mineral concealers contain antibacterial zinc oxide, which soothes inflammation and prevents the formation of new blackheads, as well as titanium dioxide, responsible for proper, camouflaged coverage. Try it for yourself! It's worth combining pleasure (makeup) with utility (supporting regeneration).
7. Try some home remedies
Sometimes we don't realize that what we have on hand in the comfort of our homes can be very helpful in skincare. But before you rush to the kitchen and start applying tons of products, test it! You should always test your skin's reaction to a given product, even the most natural one. This principle is strongly related to the approach to acne-prone skin care, as it is very sensitive, and even the smallest mistake can be costly. Try tea tree oil on your skin. Apply one drop to the affected area at least three times a day. The properties of tea tree oil are beneficial for acne-prone skin, as they soothe inflammation and accelerate healing. Lemon, or rather its juice, can also be used in skincare. Simply dab a cotton pad moistened with lemon juice (you can dilute it with water) on your blemishes – the acids in it will help thoroughly cleanse the affected area. Reach for aloe vera, which has a soothing effect on the skin. Just remember that all preparations of this type are safest to apply topically.
8. Be careful with sunlight
Sunlight isn't good for acne-prone skin. Direct contact with the skin clogs the sebaceous glands – hot skin begins to sweat, becomes sticky and unpleasant to the touch, and is also more susceptible to pollution. If you can't avoid sun exposure on a hot day, wear a hat to shield your face from the sun's rays. Don't forget about protection! Sunscreen is an essential part of caring for acne-prone skin. The best sunscreens for this type of skin should contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (I mentioned their properties in the section on makeup).
9. Watch what you eat
Diet affects everything. What ends up on our plates is also important for acne-prone skin. What should we eat to help ourselves? What should we avoid to avoid harm? Above all, we focus on a healthy and balanced diet. I won't cite specific examples of meals or products, as the so-called acne diet depends on the individual. Everyone has different needs, and each product has a different effect on each person. An acne diet is based primarily on extensive, specialized knowledge and the elimination of unfavorable foods from the diet. However, I want you to know that such a diet must meet several important elements: it should be rich in vitamins (A, B2, B3, E, and zinc), and its foundation should be vegetables and fruits. You should definitely avoid heavy fats and spicy foods, which can cause your entire face to burn. You should also avoid alcohol and other stimulants, which can block the skin from the beneficial effects of air, for example. However, don't be misled by rumors! Just because someone stopped taking a product and it helped them doesn't mean it will be the same for you.
10. A dermatologist should become your friend
It's impossible to fully care for acne-prone skin without a dermatologist. Acne is a skin condition that, unfortunately, must be treated internally, using carefully selected medications and properly performed procedures. Early diagnosis and treatment with prescribed medications can prevent the condition from worsening or even halt it completely. Therefore, if you still have any doubts, it's not worth it, but it's definitely worth seeing a doctor as soon as possible.
Good luck!
Agata Bielecka / AGU – She was supposed to be a teacher, but she became a blogger. She owns a blog available at www.agatabielecka.pl. Known online as Agu, she's passionate about cosmetics and everything related to beauty and self-care. She's obsessed with brushes, eyeshadow, and red lips. In her private life, she's a cat lover, a fan of photography, Scandinavian crime novels, austere interiors, good food, and coffee.
