Cleansing Your Face
Choose a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These antimicrobial ingredients can remove the bacteria that causes acne. You might be able to find a cleanser that combines these ingredients. Keep in mind that most of these products are found in the acne-care section of the skincare aisles. You can also find a lot of acne cleanser options for sale online.
Buy a facial cleanser that's designed for your skin type. Since there are a variety of cleansers designed for acne-prone skin, choose one that matches your skin type. For example, if you have normal to dry skin, look for a cream-based acne cleanser. If you have oily skin, choose a gel-based acne cleanser.
Splash your face with cool water. Avoid using hot water since this can strip moisture and natural oils from your skin. The heat can also irritate your skin and make it look redder. Although you can wash your face while you shower, you should only do so if you're showering in cool water.
Massage a dime-sized amount of cleanser onto your skin. Squirt the cleanser onto your clean fingertips and rub them together a little to spread the cleanser across your fingertips. Then, apply the cleanser to your face and rub it into your skin using a circular motion.Tip: Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the cleanser against your skin. Try to be as gentle as possible when you wash your face so your skin doesn't become red or irritated.
Rinse the cleanser off of your face with cool water. Splash clean water against your face to loosen the cleanser. If you want to use a cloth to rinse the cleanser off faster, moisten a clean, soft cloth and gently wipe against your skin. Then, rinse any cleanser residue off of your face. It's important to remove all traces of the cleanser. If you leave residue on your skin, it can dry out and irritate your skin.
Pat your face dry with a clean cloth. Take a soft cloth and gently press it over your skin to absorb the water. Don't rub or use the cloth to pull on your skin. Instead, try to be as gentle as possible. Use a completely clean cloth so you don't introduce bacteria to your clean face.
Developing a Skincare Routine
Wash your face just 2 times a day. If you have acne, you might also have oily skin and feel like you need to wash your face a lot. Unfortunately, washing your face more than a few times a day can irritate your skin and lead to breakouts. Plan on washing your face first thing in the morning and before you go to bed. You can wash your face during the day if your skin becomes sweaty. Just remember to be gentle and moisturize your skin after washing it.
Apply a gentle oil-free moisturizer to your face after washing it. If you used a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, these ingredients may dry out your skin. To protect your skin and prevent it from feeling dry or itchy, rub a coin-sized amount of your moisturizer into your skin. Use a gentle oil-free moisturizer that doesn't contain any of these harsh ingredients: Polysorbate Stearate or Steareth Cetearyl or ceteareth Emulsifying wax
Rub a water-based sunscreen over your face after moisturizing. Buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. The sunscreen will protect your skin from sun damage. To prevent your skin from breaking out, look for a water-based spray or gel sunscreen. Avoid sunscreens that contain PABA or benzophenone since these can cause inflammation and irritation.
Apply non-comedogenic makeup if you like. Just because you have acne-prone skin doesn't mean you can't wear makeup, such as concealer, foundation, powder, or blush. Look for makeup that won't clog your pores and apply light layers of makeup if possible. If you regularly apply heavy layers of makeup, it can irritate your sensitive skin. Some concealers or foundations contain acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Buy skincare products that won't clog your pores. The label on makeup and sunscreen should say "non-comedogenic" or "won't clog pores." This means that the products don't have oil or ingredients that block your pores, which causes acne. Remember to choose non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers as well.
Avoid toners, astringents, or ingredients that will irritate your skin. Read the product labels and don't use skincare products that contain astringents, rubbing alcohol, or fragrance. All of these can dry out or irritate your skin, which can lead to breakouts. There's also no need to rub toner over your skin since it will overly dry out your skin.Tip: If you have sensitive acne-prone skin, you may even develop an allergic reaction to fragrance. Choose unscented products to minimize your risk of an allergic reaction. Don't buy cleansers or facial masks that contain abrasive exfoliators. These may be too rough for your skin and they can make redness even worse.
Preventing Acne Flare-Ups
Remove makeup before going to sleep. Even non-comedogenic makeup can irritate your skin if you don't wash it off before sleeping. Make a habit of washing your face with a gentle cleanser and applying a moisturizer before bed every night. If you're too tired to wash your face with a cleanser, gently wipe a non-comedogenic makeup remover over your face. Then, rinse your skin with cool water and apply moisturizer.
Wash your pillowcase at least once a week. Most people spend about 6 to 8 hours in bed every night. If you don't frequently wash your pillowcase, it can become dirty with dead skin cells and oil from your face and hair. Get in the habit of washing your pillowcase at least once a week so your face rests on a clean pillowcase at night. Buy a few extra pillowcases. This way you can swap out pillowcases even if you don't have time to do laundry.
Use the same acne products for 6-8 weeks to see if they help. You might wish that new acne products would work overnight, but it takes several weeks for a new acne treatment to work. Instead of trying new products each week, stick with the same acne routine for at least 6 to 8 weeks before you decide if they're worth keeping.Tip: Consider keeping a journal of the products you're using on your face. Track when you start using them and any improvements or sensitivities you notice with your skin.
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