If you experience regular breakouts or even just the occasional blemish, maybe it’s time to give your skincare routine a tune-up. Our skin changes over time and sometimes acne becomes a problem. For others, acne is a lifelong challenge. Whatever the case may be, change up what isn’t working and don’t be afraid to try something new that has proven results.
The more consistent you are with a good skincare routine, the better results you’ll experience. Stay ahead of breakouts by always washing your face before bed and removing makeup. If you need some guidance on choosing the best skincare products for your acne-prone skin, here are some beneficial ingredients to consider and tips for developing an effective skincare routine.
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What Causes Acne?
When your pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, makeup, dirt, and other irritants, you may develop acne. Acne is typically associated with hormonal fluctuations during the teenage years, but adults develop acne too. It’s one of the most common skin conditions among adults and youth. Acne can be painful and distressing. Luckily, products and treatments exist to reduce the number of pimples you get and the chance of scarring that can occur.
What Are Acne Risk Factors?
There are common myths that people think cause acne, such as eating greasy foods like pizza and burgers, or sweets like chocolate. There isn’t enough scientific evidence to support those claims. But, you may be susceptible to acne if:
- You have a family history of acne.
- You take certain medications such as corticosteroids and some birth control pills.
- You eat a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars. Diet doesn’t cause acne, but there could be a link between diet and making existing acne worse.
- You experience hormonal changes in puberty or pregnancy or other stages of life such as perimenopause and menopause.
Just remember, you didn’t cause your acne. Some people are simply more susceptible than others to breakouts. The good news is, acne is treatable and you can get your skin healthy and glowing again with patience, a good skincare routine, and high-quality products.
Beneficial Ingredients to Look for in Your Acne Skin Care Products
To get skin that appears radiant from the inside out—whether you have occasional or regular breakouts—there are certain ingredients to seek out. When paired with skin-healthy superfoods and probiotics, acne doesn’t stand a chance.
- Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is derived from willow bark. This oil-soluble, FDA-approved acne fighter works well on acne because it naturally exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells that can lead to pimples in the form of blackheads and whiteheads, which are the mildest forms of acne. Salicylic acid penetrates the pores to unclog them.
- Probiotics applied topically are known to lock in moisture and soothe the look of inflammation. Probiotic-based skincare company TULA Skincare has harnessed the power of natural probiotics in their formulas to help people improve the look of their skin.
- Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ingredient to seek out that helps clear pores, gently exfoliates, and serves as an anti-inflammatory.
- Bentonite clay is often used in face masks to exfoliate and detox. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is a skin-soothing ingredient. It can also help reduce oil production.
If you look for the above ingredients in your skincare formulas from high-quality skincare brands, you are setting yourself up for success. Acne and blemish control products from TULA Skincare have all of those ingredients and more, including superfoods like blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and turmeric, a powerful natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory used to improve the look of uneven toned skin and skin imperfections.
Create a Skin Care Routine with the Following Products
If you aren’t sure where to begin with your acne skincare routine or have decided your current regimen isn’t working, consider trying a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and spot treatment made specifically for acne-prone skin. Here are a few suggestions and beneficial ingredients to look for.
1. Foam Cleanser for Acne
Clear skin starts with clean skin. Gently cleanse with a foam cleanser with salicylic acid to treat and prevent acne. Another beneficial ingredient is licorice to improve the look of skin tone and texture. Calming probiotics, tea tree, and azelaic acid are other soothing ingredients to look for on the label.
2. Tone Correcting Gel
After cleansing, use a hydrating and soothing toning gel with salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. A product like this should help address and prevent breakouts without over-drying the skin. The best tone correcting gels can also help fade the look of marks left by past blemishes. An alcohol-free and fragrance-free toning gel should leave your skin feeling smooth, not dried out or tight.
3. Spot Treatment (As Needed)
The moment you see a pimple, apply a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide to calm the look of redness and irritation and address the issue. Resist the urge to pop it because it can cause scarring and lead to more inflammation. You only need to apply a spot treatment directly to a pimple, not on your entire face. Additional ingredients to seek out include tea tree oil and probiotics, which will help calm the look of inflammation. Licorice and niacin-amide are also useful and can help fade the appearance of marks.
4. Gel Cream Moisturizer
After toning, be sure to moisturize with an oil-free gel-cream that’s lightweight and hydrating. Seek out organic prickly pear extract and probiotics to help the skin stay hydrated and reduce the look of redness or irritation. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you don’t want a heavy moisturizer with oils that may clog pores or leave it feeling greasy.
5. Exfoliating Clay Mask
Don’t be afraid to exfoliate with a clay mask a few times a week, depending on the product. The right one will not strip your skin or dry it out. Instead, it will gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it feeling smoother, softer, more hydrated, and more even. Antioxidant-rich blueberries are a superfood you should look for in your mask as they help promote hydration and more even tone while bentonite clay unclogs pores effectively.
Final Tips
If you don’t want to jump into buying a bunch of products, you can always start with an easy acne clearing kit that includes easy-to-use products, such as gel cleanser, tone correcting gel, and oil-free gel cream. Some of the best skincare brands package those types of kits for people looking for a simple, complete routine to help achieve clear, healthy-looking skin.
Your skin will respond best if you care for it in the morning and before you go to bed at night. A consistent, twice-a-day routine will help yield the results you are looking for, especially when you find a skincare regimen that works best for you.