Tips for Clearer Acne Free Skin

Getting clearer skin may be a challenge for many people. It’s frustrating when you’re an adult and still getting acne like a teenager. People with oily skin are more prone to breakouts, but they occur in those with dry skin as well. Despite your skin type, it is possible to get clearer skin with the following tips.

1. Wash Your Face - Keeping your face clean is an important step to achieving clearer skin. Oil, dirt, and impurities can cause the pores to clog, resulting in breakouts. Wash you face twice a day, morning and night. Use a mild, oil-free cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils, which may trigger more sebum production, causing the skin to become oilier.

2. Use a Cleansing Brush - A device designed specifically to wash the face helps to remove more dirt, bacteria, and makeup from the skin. Look for a brush that is made for acne to prevent irritation and redness.

3. Exfoliate - Removing excess dead skin cells from the surface can help with clearer skin. Exfoliating prevents the pores from getting clogged. Chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, or enzymes help to dissolve the dead skin cells from the surface. Manual exfoliants can be either scrubs containing small granules or a cleansing brush to buff away dirt and the upper layer of skin.

4. Use a Toner - Oily skin may benefit from using a toner. It gives an extra cleanse after a face wash. A gentle toner with glycolic or salicylic acid will keep pores clear and balance the skin’s pH.

5. Do NOT Pick, Poke, or Pop Zits - It mays seem irresistible not to touch your zit, but only doing so will make it worse. Your hands may contain bacteria. Exposing your acne to them by touching can cause infection, irritation, redness, or inflammation. Instead, use a spot treatment to dry out the affected area and reduce inflammation.

6. Reduce Stress - Some studies have shown a relationship between stress and acne. Engaging in stress-releasing activities such as exercising, yoga, meditating, or breathing exercises may improve the complexion.

7. Consider Using Retinoids - Retinoids do help with acne but can be harsh on the skin. They can be found as an ingredient in over-the-counter skincare products or in a higher concentration through a prescription from a dermatologist.

8. Try Clay Mask - Clay is good at absorbing excess oil, shrinking pores, and drawing out impurities without drying the skin.

9. Use Non-Comedogenic Makeup - Makeup can clog pores causing breakouts. Look for products that are labeled non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog pores or oil-free makeup.

Every person responds differently to each method. Try different techniques to see which one works best for you.