What you may not realize is that even oily skin needs moisture. In fact, it could mean the opposite. When your skin loses moisture, the sebaceous glands produce more oil to retain moisture and to protect the surface of the skin.
Unfortunately, this can also lead to clogged pores and increased breakouts. Another common problem women make is using the wrong moisturizer for their skin type. If you choose the wrong moisturizer, it might be so thick that it sits on top of the skin instead of absorbing fully, adding to the problem of clogged pores. You could also end up with the opposite problem where the product is too thin to offer much real hydration.
The Solution: Keeping your skin properly moisturized is important when it comes to preventing breakouts, so you need to choose the best moisturizer for your skin type.
For acne-prone skin, you need a lightweight product that hydrates and nourishes your skin without clogging your pores. A water-based gel is a great example, as well as products made with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone. If you have dry skin, you may do better with a cream moisturizer that absorbs quickly into the skin to hydrate and soften it.
Ingredients like lanolin, ceramides and shea butter are all excellent inclusions in a moisturizer for dry skin. You may even want to purchase separate moisturizers for day and night to maximize the benefit of your moisturizing routine.
You should also make sure to choose a moisturizer that is oil-free. If you have combination skin, you may need to purchase different moisturizers for different parts of your face. Use a lightweight acne moisturizer for the areas that need it like your jawline and cheeks but avoid putting too much on your T-zone where it could become greasy. Makeup wipes are great. They come in convenient multi-packs and they make quick work of even the most stubborn makeup.
The problem is that many women use them to remove makeup but fail to follow it up with a face wash. For the most part, all they really do is smear around the dirt, oil, dead skin and makeup that is already on your face and adds to it whatever chemicals are infused in the wipes themselves. Second, the act of scrubbing your face with makeup wipes can cause low-grade inflammation.
Over time, that inflammation can lead to problems with uneven skin tone, early aging and more frequent breakouts. Some makeup wipes can also leave oil on your skin which may clog your pores.
Washing your face does more than just remove makeup; it also removes dirt, excess oils and dead skin cells that could contribute to breakouts. By making some simple adjustments to your current skincare routine for acne in an effort to remedy common mistakes, you can improve your skin health and reduce the frequency of your acne breakouts as well. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Insider tips, early access and more. Popular Treatments. Top Conditions Hair Care. Explore Savoir Vivre It's our blog. Top Skincare Mistakes to Avoid. Take care not to use all the following ingredients at once.
Using too many acne products together can dry out the skin. Patience is also important with OTC acne products. These treatments can take months to take full effect. Benzoyl peroxide can be helpful as both a spot treatment and a full face treatment.
It helps get rid of bacteria and excess oil. If you have multiple whiteheads in one spot, benzoyl peroxide may be helpful because it can reduce inflammation in the surrounding area. Simply apply to the affected area once per day. You may increase the application to twice per day once your skin gets used to it. Also, wash your hands immediately after using products with benzoyl peroxide — the ingredient may bleach hair and clothing.
Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid can decrease oil production in pores. It also dries out the surface of the skin, getting rid of dead skin cells that can clog up your pores.
Salicylic acid may be most beneficial as a preventive measure against whiteheads. You can use it 1 to 3 times daily. Some face moisturizers also contain salicylic acid. Retinoids contain stronger versions of vitamin A. When used as part of a daily face cream, retinoids can provide anti-aging benefits while unclogging pores. Adapalene is an OTC retinoid that can be extremely beneficial. It should be applied to the entire face, not as a spot treatment. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try using it every 2 to 3 nights at first, then increase your use to nightly as tolerated.
If the OTC adapalene is not effective, there are much stronger topical prescription retinoids that your dermatologist can prescribe. Take care when using retinoids. They can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Wear sunscreen every day, and avoid being in direct sunlight in peak hours. Exfoliants — with or without salicylic acid — can also help with whiteheads. These not only make the skin smoother, but they can also remove excess dead skin cells. The key to choosing the right exfoliant is to choose a gentle formula.
It will provide you with the exfoliation you need without causing unnecessary irritation and dryness. Taking care of your skin in general can go a long way in preventing whiteheads in the first place. Try these tips:. If other methods fail to clear up your whiteheads, it may be time to make a dermatologist appointment.
They can help by prescribing stronger medications to remove whiteheads. Acne can pop up anywhere on the body, but it mostly makes its appearance on the face. There are varying levels of acne, which affect the skin in different ways.
And knowing the various levels of acne will help you determine how to best combat yours with exfoliation. Whiteheads and blackheads are most common.
When the skin becomes inflamed, papules, nodules, and cysts may appear. These are larger in appearance and often contain pus. Essentially, exfoliation is a key treatment for all acne types and problems, but different levels of acne will respond in different ways. For acne-prone skin, chemical exfoliation is the way to go.
Skincare products with specific chemicals and enzymes work to help dissolve dead skin cells and eliminate bacteria. They can help to combat redness, inflammation, and further aggravation to the skin. If you experience frequent breakouts or tend to have oily skin, exfoliate two to three times a week to fight against the buildup of impurities and bacteria. Dry skin is less prone to acne breakouts but still benefits from exfoliation to remove flaky areas of the skin and improve its texture.
Use an exfoliator once or twice a week as part of a regular skincare routine. As for combination skin, exfoliate two to three times per week depending on if your skin tips to the oilier or drier side.
See how your skin reacts to exfoliation and follow the method that best suits your needs. Over-exfoliation could result in redness, irritation, and overexposure. Lastly, consider that your skincare routine will likely change slightly with the seasons. In the winter, you may be able to limit use. Knowing your skin type will help you to determine the best exfoliation schedule for your skin.
Regardless of if you experience sporadic breakouts or chronic acne, there are a few tips to keep in mind to protect your skin and keep it looking its best. First is choosing the right skincare product. Select one with acne - and bacteria- fighting ingredients like salicylic acid to see better results. Opt for vitamin and enzyme enhancements like those found in our acne treatment products to protect and nourish the skin.
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