Skin of acne patients is generally oily, irritated and blemished. It requires special care and careful selection of skin care and cosmetic products. It is important that your skin care products do not worsen acne, allow oil control and compliment your medical treatment routine. Here we discuss our top 10 skin care tips for acne prone skin, which would help you control and prevent acne flares and blemishes.
10. Keep your face clean
The purpose of cleansing is to remove dirt, oil and sweat present on acne prone skin. Wash your face gently. Forceful rubbing may worsen your pimples. Gel based face washes are preferred. Salicylic acid containing cleansers are helpful because of their anti acne action. Do not wash your face more than 3 times a day. Frequent washing will lead to overactivity of oil glands and lead to oil rebound.
9. Avoid scrubbing
Scrubbing damages the outer protective barrier layer of skin. This can result in dry, red, irritated skin and can lead to further worsening of your pimples.
8. Hydrate Your Skin
Acne prone skin is mostly oily, and usually doesn’t need moisturisers. Most topical anti-acne treatments lead to dryness and increased exfoliation. If you are on anti-acne treatment you may require moisturisers. Water based non-comedogenic moisturisers should be used to hydrate the skin without causing oiliness. In a skin already dry and irritated with topical acne medications, Soap free cleansers should be used.
7. Protect your skin from sun
Most anti acne treatment make the skin more sensitive to sun. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is strongly recommended. Ideally, a water based non-comedogenic sunscreen should be used.
6. Try ice & honey
You can apply crushed ice or ice cubes to soothe the skin, remove the oil and dirt trapped inside and reduce redness and swelling. Honey has properties of a natural antiseptic. Applying some honey on your face for some time and then washing it off reduces the inflammation of pimple prone skin.
5. Avoid oiling hair
Oily hair can worsen pimples, especially if you have acne on forehead. Most people with oily facial skin also have oily scalp, and thus do not need extra oiling of hair. Oiling of hair will only add up to the excess oiliness. To avoid acne, it is not just necessary to keep your face oil free but you should also avoid oiling your hair.
4. Avoid make-up
During acne break out, avoid wearing make up. If you have to wear makeup, choose oil free, water based cosmetics labelled as non-comedogenic. Don’t wear heavy makeup as it can clog skin pores. Remember to wash off make up at the end of the day. Use gel or serum based skin products rather than thicker creams or ointments. Avoid facial massage with oily creams.
3. Avoid touching your face
Don’t pinch or squeeze your pimples with fingers, as it can irritate already inflamed skin, cause infection and scarring.
2. Avoid sweets & oily foods
Research has shown that foods with a high sugar content can increase acne. Persons with acne-prone skin should avoid eating food with high sugar content. Whole fat milk is also implicated in acne breakouts. Diet rich in fibre and low in saturated and trans-fats is good for your skin. Avoid oily, greasy, fried and junk food, while increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, green tea, fish oils and seafood.
1. Relax!
Stress worsens acne. Both psychological & physical stresses cause a release of cortisol, which is the major stress hormone in our body. Higher cortisol levels, which has been associated with acne. Reducing stress in your life and getting enough sleep and eating well can minimise breakouts of acne.
Following these skin care tips is as important as regular dermatologist consultation, to control acne and prevent acne flare outs and spots or scars.
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Dr Monika Misra
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