Acne-Prone? You're not alone!

 Many people, like me, struggle with acne on a daily basis. Acne for some can be all over their back, others can have it all over their face or other parts of their body. Acne for some can be caused due to diet, genetics, lifestyle, hormone imbalances, or an allergic reaction to a product used on the face. It is so important to have a complete skin care routine to help treat and prevent acne. While I already have a complete skin care routine for combination skin that works best for me, others with different skin care needs may require different kinds of treatments or products that work best for them. 

If you look below, you will see an acne face map, provided by Dr. Stacy from Naturopathic Beauty, that demonstrates where acne can most commonly form and their reasons for forming in those areas. 

 Because acne can form sporadically at times and in many areas of the face, it is so important to ensure that the right amount of product is being used on the face, as too much product can make acne worse or spread. The order in which you apply said products is also just as important. I will be providing some acne skin care products in order that are tailored to the most common acne needs and are found to be most effective in treating and preventing acne on the face. 

Step #1: Keep it cleansed! 

I’ve said it once and I will continue to say it, the most important step is the one that sets the tone for your skin care routine. It’s important that a cleanser tailored to acne-prone skin is used before any skin care products are applied on the face. Most have found a gentle cleanser, such as one that foams or is a gel, to be the best option in cleansing the face of any hidden particles such as dirt or oil that sometimes causes acne to begin with that can’t always be seen with the naked eye. Acne cleansers with salicylic acid acne treatment already in them are recommended by dermatologists as well. I have always had the best experiences using Cera Ve's face products. I recommend checking out the Acne Control Cleanser | Salicylic Acid Treatment | CeraVe 

Step #2: Focus on a face mask.

After cleansing, I personally recommend doing a face mask at least once or twice a week. By doing this, you will be freeing your skin of any clogged pores and contributing to the prevention of future acne. Clay masks are nutrient-rich and are best at minimizing shine and restores the natural balance of one's skin. Most clay masks are suitable for every skin type as well. The Cetaphil brand has been the most effective in my personal opinion at getting rid of and preventing acne and blemishes. I recommend purchasing the Pore Cleansing Gentle Purifying Clay Mask | Cetaphil US

Step #3: Exfoliating is an easy A.

This step is optional if you already use a cleanser like the one pictured above for your face, however, it's highly encouraged to incorporate it into your skin care routine. The purpose of exfoliating is to unclog buildup within pores and prevent acne. It's important to use an exfoliator aka a scrub that does not overly dry out your skin. Some exfoliators can be used in replacement of a cleanser, because of their cleansing properties. If exfoliating is your preferred method of cleansing your face rather than using a foam cleanser, that's perfectly fine as well. Some exfoliators come with salicylic acid acne treatments in them, which is also just as important in the prevention of the most frequent acne spots. I personally have always been a fan of Burts Bees natural products for their lightness and rejuvenation. I recommend investing in some of their products, such as the Natural Acne Solutions Deep Cleansing Scrub | Burt's Bees (burtsbees.com)

Step #4: Moisturizing is what matters most.

Moisturizing with acne-prone skin is so important and should be conducted sparingly. A moisturizer that, not only helps with acne but blemishes as well is what you should look for if you struggle with the two combined. Finding a moisturizer that also helps with the prevention of oily skin is also beneficial for those who have reoccurring acne spots in the same areas of their face. A dual-action moisturizer that works for more than one skin type can be helpful in keeping the skin overall clear at times. Make sure that when finding a moisturizer for acne-prone skin that's caused due to oily skin, that you find something gentle that won't cause excessive oiliness. I recommend trying out Essentials Dual Action Moisturizer | Clean & Clear® (cleanandclear.com)

Step #5: Superior sunscreen.

Sunscreen protects the skin from burning but it's also very effective in the prevention of blemishes and most causes of acne. Think of sunscreen as an extra layer of protection against pores becoming clogged overtime, premature aging, skin cancer, and sunburn, of course. Broad spectrum SPF 50+ is what you want to look for when it comes to shopping for a quality sunscreen. I recommend finishing off your skin care routine with Beach Defense® Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 | NEUTROGENA® 

Some require conducting their skin care routines only during the day, some do both during the day and at night, others will only conduct theirs at night. 

Some people have more severe forms of acne that need more of an intense approach to treatment options such as facials every other week, seeing a dermatologist weekly, taking medications or laser treatments. 

There have been reports of those who have found birth control to be most effective in treating and preventing acne as well, something I recommend you discuss with a dermatologist to have their professional opinions on it.

Others require a gentler approach to their acne treatment, such as less product usage, softer products or maybe just one product is needed that happens to work the best.

Whatever treatment you may indulge in to treat your acne, just know there is no shame in the way you treat your acne. There isn’t a specific or perfect acne treatment, if it works for you, that’s all that matters.