As much as we wish acne were an unfortunate circumstance reserved for our teenage years (like bad haircuts and misshapen eyebrows), the reality is acne has a habit of following us well into adulthood. A giant zit may visit you on your cheek one time. Those pesky blackheads never went away, claiming permanent residence on your nose. With such persistent acne, you may have surrendered to the conclusion that clear skin is unattainable.
However, with the right products and a consistent regimen, clear skin is very much within reach. Continue reading to learn more about developing a simple skincare routine that will keep your acne at bay.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Face
If you have acne-prone skin, you likely have excess oil or dirt on your face, which clogs your pores and causes breakouts. While you may be tempted to obsessively cleanse your face, doing so will actually exacerbate your acne.
Instead, wash your face with a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night. Avoid using rough washcloths to rub your face dry. Instead, lightly dab your skin with a soft towel to prevent irritation.
Step 2: Apply Acne Treatment Medication
After cleansing your face, you can target your acne by using an over-the-counter acne treatment medication. These topicals are typically more potent than your simple cleansers and will work to directly combat and prevent acne.
Step 3: Use an Oil-Free Moisturizer
Despite excess oil clogging your pores and causing acne, moisturizer is crucial to help restore your skin’s balance. Moisturizer will also keep your skin from drying due to the more intense topicals. In addition, most oil-free moisturizers are non-comedogenic, so they are less likely to cause breakouts. Apply morning and night.
Step 4: Apply Sunscreen
Before you head out the door, don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays! For acne-prone skin, you should opt for a lightweight sunscreen that - you guessed it - won’t clog your pores.
Bonus: Apply Retinol Treatment
Are you serious about achieving a clear complexion? Try applying an over-the-counter retinol treatment to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and unclog pores, leaving your skin smooth and clear. Apply once or twice a week to build a tolerance, then increase usage gradually if necessary.
xx
Team Peachy Queen