Do you wonder if a skincare routine is worth it when you’re dealing with stubborn acne?
Welcome to Part 2 of this acne series blog. Today, let’s chat about why a skincare routine is a game-changer if you’re grappling with acne, what it should involve, and some lifestyle tweaks that can be real acne-busters.
Why you need an acne skincare routine
Back when I battled severe acne, skincare routines weren’t exactly on my radar. I was a bit clueless until a few years ago when I truly dived into the world of skincare.
What I came to learn is that a well-crafted skincare routine can work wonders in managing and reducing acne breakouts. It lets you target those acne-causing factors and keep them in check. A consistent skincare routine can reduce the risk of more breakouts. Plus, it’s not just about acne – it’s about nurturing your skin’s overall health.
You see, a skincare routine is your skin’s BFF.
What an acne skincare routine does
It cleanses, nourishes, and shields your skin, making it more resilient in the face of acne. Acne treatments can be pretty harsh and drying (trust me, I’ve been there), but a solid routine helps maintain the moisture balance and provides essential nutrients to your skin.
Morning Routine
Now, here’s the scoop on a basic morning skincare routine for acne sufferers:
- Start with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities that is not over-drying.
- Swipe on an exfoliant toner with salicylic acid for some gentle exfoliation.
- Apply a serum or treatment with acne-fighting ingredients like niacinamide or sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a form of vitamin C)
- Moisturize if needed.
- And always, always, finish with sunscreen. No excuses!
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Nighttime
Come nighttime, the drill is similar – cleanse, use an exfoliant, an acne treatment with a retinoid, and a night moisturizer. Skip the sunscreen; it’s only for daylight hours.
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This basic routine can be tweaked according to your skin type. For dry skin, you might want to reduce usage on salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and use a nourishing, hydrating moisturiser. If you’re oily, opt for an oil-free moisturizer.
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And if you’ve got normal skin, well, you’ve got options.
Acne skincare routine tips
Now, here’s a quick tip: steer clear of certain ingredients if you’re wrestling with acne. Say no to pore-clogging oils like coconut and cocoa butter, watch out for products that smell nice as they can contain artificial fragrances, stay clear from high-alcohol products, heavy emollients, and harsh physical exfoliants. Your skin will thank you for the break.
Lifestyle
Skincare isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle matters too! Here are some straightforward changes you can make:
- Maintain a balanced diet, loading up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains while limiting sugary and processed foods.
- Stay hydrated; it’s a lifeline for your skin.
- Handle your face with care; don’t pick at those pesky pimples.
- Sunscreen, always – even if you’re indoors a lot.
- Stress less with deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Get moving; exercise helps your skin glow.
- Swap out your pillowcases and sheets regularly.
- Drop the smoking habit; it’s no friend to your skin.
- Prioritize sleep; it’s when your skin does its best work.
- Use non-comedogenic, oil-free makeup and never sleep with it on.
Diet
- Now, let’s talk diet and its connection to acne:
- High glycemic index foods (think sugary snacks and processed carbs) can mess with your blood sugar, leading to more oil production and inflammation.
- Some studies suggest dairy, especially milk, might play a role in acne for some people. There’s some truth to that you know, whenever my son has a lot of milk or diary he gets pimples.
- Watch those saturated and trans fats, found in fried and fast foods; they can increase inflammation.
- Balance your omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids by adding some fatty fish to your diet.
- If you suspect food allergies or sensitivities, pinpoint and avoid your triggers.
Remember, seeing a change in your skin might take time, so be patient and stick to these lifestyle tweaks. If your acne’s playing hard to get, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized treatment options. And if you’re looking for a comprehensive acne solution, check out ShaRique’s acne combo – it’s got you covered from the inside out. Plus, there’s an acne ebook that’s loaded with knowledge, which you can also purchase separately.
Don’t miss Part 3 of our acne series where we’ll bust some skincare myths.
ALSO read| Part 1 causes and types of acne
ALSO read| Part 2 acne skincare routine