Dealing with acne-prone skin is a complicated task. Considering the pop-ups every morning will be stressful. Keeping your skin free from pimples might be challenging; But with the right skincare routine, your understanding about the skin helps in balancing the oil secretion and even calms the inflamed skin. If you are dealing with breakouts, then it is important to take care of them with gentle yet consistency.
In this blog, you will know how to read the active acne, ways to take care of them daily, and also the best ways to get glowing and pimple-free skin.
What is Acne-Prone Skin?
Acne prone skin means they are reactive and sensitive skin. This may lead to skin concerns like blackhead, whiteheads, and even clogged pores. Acne prone skin gets triggered or comes due to hormones, excess oil secretion, or even product build-ups. Not just in the face, they may also appear on the back of the body too!
What Causes Acne-Prone Skin?
Acne comes due to too much oil-secretion or dead skin build ups inside the pores. Even though genetics and hormones play a key role in acne, similarly daily habits like excess makeup, sweats, also play a similarly major role.
Now one question that pops up may be why they keep returning? And it’s because of excess sebum production, not properly exfoliating the dead skin cells, and even because of bacteria multiplication.
Why some people are “acne-prone”
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Might be because of oil secretion fluctuations.
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Damaging the skin barrier might also lead to acne. This is because too much washing or scrubbing your face might lead to irritation, which further causes breakouts.
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Wearing accessories, helmets, masks, etc will lead to skin rubbing, which causes bumps and pimples.
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While picking skincare products, if you use heavy, oil-based, and comedogenic products, they trigger acne.
What actually helps (evidence-based)
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Using benzoyl peroxide and dermate-recommended retinols help
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A gentle skincare routine in AM and PM routine
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Double cleansing at night
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Do not exfoliate skin ofte
Your Daily Routine for Acne-Prone Skin (AM & PM)
AM Routine (simple and protective)
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Start your day by washing your face with plain water. While bathing, choose mild facewash according to your skin needs.
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Pick any active ingredients to target your concern. Patch test before starting any new active ingredient. If irritation or stings in skin, pause, and then use after 10 - 15days.
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If you have backheads and whiteheads, choose “Salicylic Acid”
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For reddish skin, choose ‘Niacinamide”
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To post-acne blemish marks, use “Azelic Acid”
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Follow with moisturizer. Go with non-comedogenic creams or lotions which are light-weight in consistency.
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Finish up with SPF 30+ and above sunscreens.
PM Routine (repair and renew)
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Start with cleansing balm or cleansing oil, and proceed with a water based cleanser.
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Use retinol or benzoyl peroxide, based on your skin needs. You can alter in between the day and night routine. But don’t use them both at the same time.
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Seal them with non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Weekly Add-Ons (If—and only if—your skin is calm)
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Exfoliate your skin once or twice a day, based on your skin’s needs. This helps in evening the skin texture.
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Clay-based masks for oily/acne prone skin does wonders.
Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin (Non-Comedogenic Picks & Removal)
Yes, you can wear makeup with acne. But pick products rightly, layer well, and remove them every night before bedtime.
What to Buy (fast filters that work)
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Prefer non-comedogenic products while choosing concealer, foundation, etc.
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Prefer light-weight products in your skincare and makeup products.
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Make sure to use SPF under makeup in the AM routine.
Some of the tips and tricks to know and follow while using makeup includes:
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Conceal the spots first and then work on your base.
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Use minimal products and spread with a clean finger or blender.
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Wash your tools often. If you are someone who uses it regularly, wash them once a week; Else wash them once in a couple of weeks.
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Use loose powder to set your T-zone for preventing oil secretion and greasiness post make-up.
Mistakes to Avoid with Acne-Prone Skin
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Never wash your face too much, like more than thrice a day.
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Never use hot water on the face
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Do not use harsh scrubs which damage the skin barrier.
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Don’t pick active acne.
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Never skip moisturizers, even if you have oily skin.
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Make sure to use sunscreen everyday.
When to See a Dermatologist
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When you have moderate to severe acne, and it seems to be painful, consult your doctor.
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If you do not see any improvement in the skin after consistent skincare, then see your dermat.
Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin (Non-Negotiable)
Go for non-comedogenic, light weight products. There are also brands which make products for oil-skin folks. Make sure to follow a proper skincare routine, with the right blend of products. Always be consistent with skincare routine, because with one product and one day skincare, you cannot heal and glow your skin.
Conclusion:
If you have acne-prone skin, consistent skincare with the right product helps. It is not just about dumping the products but also using the right blend of products and that too in a hygienic way. Whenever you face skin breakouts, don’t panic. With the right skincare, you can heal the acne without any marks on the skin.
Along with skincare, make sure to have a balanced diet and hydrate well. This will give you healthy and glowing skin.
FAQs
Is acne-prone skin always oily?
Not necessarily. Adult acne also occurs in sensitive skin or combinational skin. Make sure to follow a consistent skincare with the right product.
How long until I see results?
Topical products often take 8–12 weeks for visible improvement; Make sure to stick with the routine and be consistent.
Can I use makeup?
Yes, but choose non-comedogenic products and remove them gently at night.
Retinoid made me peel—quit or tweak?
Try using a sandwich method. Use moisturizer first. Then, use your retinol - If you are a beginner, start with a lower percentage; And again seal into the moisturizer.
