Finding the right skincare to achieve clear and radiant skin is often a tricky search, met with a lot of confusion and conflicting information. Hundreds and thousands of dollars go into high-end facial cleansers, toners, creams and even serums, just to fight blemishes during breakout. While some products may be too harsh and not effective on your skin type, there are some products that can actually make your skin impurities worse! This is especially important when dealing with skin conditions like acne. If you’re constantly searching for remedies and asking friends how to clear skin, it is better to first understand why breakouts arise and what products and skincare methods are best to treat these dreaded breakouts.

Why Do I Get Acne and breakouts?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is a skin condition caused by clogged pores. Pores get clogged when an oil gland attached to a hair follicle gets stimulated, producing sebum. When the oily substance called ‘sebum’ is mixed with dead skin cells, it creates a sticky plug which clogs the hair follicle. Right then and there, a bump is formed. This bump can be a whitehead, blackhead, or if inflamed, a pimple or zit.

Teens often experience severe acne breakouts due to many factors. One of the most common factors is a shift in their hormonal levels. Hormonal changes lead to increased sebum production, which can cause more pores to become clogged. However, adults can also experience the frequent appearance of acne. This most often occurs due to poor diet, hygiene, lifestyle and using the wrong products.

When acne is not due to hormonal imbalances or overproduction of oil, it may be due to skin sensitivity and using the wrong products. Because some skin types are more sensitive than others, using harsh chemicals can also cause irritation that triggers breakouts. Finding the right ingredients is key to achieving a clear, glowing and healthy-looking complexion.

Choosing the Right Products: 

When shopping for skincare products, it’s best to look for something that is suitable for YOUR skin. For oily skin, it is good to start with a gentle cleanser that removes oil without overly stripping the skin. Overly drying the skin can cause an over-production of sebum glands, leading to even more breakouts. It is important to find a hydrating cream, a soothing gel to ease irritation and inflammation, and a concentrated serum to replenish nutrients. Combination skin type needs a product that not cleanses away debris and oil, doesn’t overly dry the skin, and doesn’t load skin with clogging oils. Tricky! Try using a glycolic acid based cleanser and skip out on the alcohol-based products. Stay away from heavier creams and oils, but rather opt for a simple hydrating moisturizer.

For acne prone skin, look for products that utilize salicylic acid. An anti-bacterial cleanser is key here as is a nourishing and hydrating moisturizer to calm the skin. Oil-free options maybe best here.  

Well-formulated products that offer hydration, balance, clarifying and cleansing ingredients are what you should look for. New formulations even target aging skin and prep base for other skincare products.

Tips to Achieve Clear Skin

• TIP 1: Apply sunscreen daily.

You’ve probably heard someone say that skin needs sunscreen regardless of where you are heading. This means putting on sun protection even if you are not going to the beach!

Sun exposure causes the skin to produce more sebum, which leads to acne. In addition to damage, UV rays also weaken the natural barrier of the skin, causing dryness. According to dermatologist Doris Day, “Sunlight causes inflammation, which can cause hyperpigmentation or darkening of already existing acne scars.” She also added that having a product with SPF can prevent irritation brought about by UV rays.

• TIP 2: Don’t overdo exfoliation.

Excessively using physical exfoliants such microbeads and even chemical exfoliants like BHA and AHA can push the infection further down. Redness and swelling can also happen, plus acne can start showing because you are removing the natural barrier of the skin. Hypersensitivity caused by over-exfoliating can also trigger breakouts, hence, proper techniques of removing dead skin cells matter.

For effective exfoliation, dermatologists recommend using physical or chemical exfoliants only twice a week max. Using these products daily will only leave skin dry and dull. It’s also important to note that if you are using physical exfoliants, make sure to gently rub the product onto the face to prevent inflammation.

• TIP 3: Mind your diet and drink more water.

Remember the rule of thumb that whatever you put inside your body has a major impact on your complexion. Taking in greasy, oily and sugar-heavy foods wreak havoc on your skin because these are the major sources of toxins.

Balanced nutrition can effectively stop the formulation of acne and help your face achieve a radiant and fresh look. Hydrate your body by drinking plenty of water throughout your day and including fruits and veggies into your diet. Water gets rid of bodily waste and toxins that cause spots and breakouts. Drinking more water and eating a balanced diet is key.

• TIP 4: Don’t touch your face.

Germs and bacteria from your hands can be transferred to your face if you keep on touching it. Bursting pimples and spots also spreads bacteria, which lead to even more pimples. In addition, popping zits also aggravates its state and cause more redness and inflammation. The best thing to do is simply keep your hands off your face and wash hands regularly. Make sure your cell phone and make-up sponges and brushes are clean. Use an anti-bacterial wipe and anti-bacterial wash to make sure that the surfaces touching your face are clean.

By following these tips, finding the right products for your skin type, and eating a well-balanced and healthy diet, you can achieve clear, glowing and smooth skin. Remember to treat your skin right.