Mastering a Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Alright, let's “face” it, acne treatments and solutions that actually work often feel impossible to find. There is so much readily available information for acne-prone skin, whether it’s products, ingredients, lifestyle, diet, or beauty routines. 

Understanding what works for you is easier when you focus on a few key factors for your skincare journey.

Understanding Different Types of Acne and Their Causes 

People often think all acne is the same, but there are several kinds of acne with unique causes and treatments. Knowing what kind of acne you have, the severity, and its causes is important when selecting products and skincare routines that will work best for you!

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads 
• Papules
• Pustules 
• Nodules 
• Scars 

Blackheads:

• What are blackheads? Open pores filled with oil or sebum, debris, and dead skin cells. They reflect a black dot on each affected pore on the skin.
• Best methods for treatment - Exfoliate, cleanse, avoid the urge to pick, and create a consistent skincare routine. The most effective ingredient to use is salicylic acid, which breaks down the dead skin cells in the pores. 

Whiteheads: 

• What are whiteheads? - Milder form of acne with clogged pores containing dead skin cells. They appear as a closed pore reflecting a small white bump. 
• Best methods for treatment: Apply a warm compress or cotton pads to wipe off extra oil; exfoliate regularly; and apply products that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. The best ingredients used for whiteheads include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur.  

Papules: 

• What are papules? - Skin lesions with no pus, roughly 1 cm or less in length. They are small, red, inflamed bumps caused by bacterial infection in the pores. 
• Best methods for treatment - Exfoliate, apply ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid, apply a warm compress, and cleanse regularly to prevent their formation. 

Pustules:

• What are pustules? - Skin lesions with pus, around 1 cm long, often bigger than whiteheads and blackheads. They form when the walls of the affected pore begin to break down and appear on the face and body, often on areas with hair. 
• Best methods for treatment – Use natural home remedies such as topical ingredients that include honey and lemon. Ingredients used for pustules include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. 

Nodules: 

• What are nodules? - Solid skin lesions, usually more than 1 cm. Nodules are generally caused by marks under the skin layer. They are large painful lumps that form deep within the skin due to severe infection and inflammation. 
• Best methods for treatment – Apply salicylic acid helps by removing the dead skin that both lines the pores and the outside of the skin to help reduce clogging. Benzoyl peroxide helps reduce inflammatory cells, kill bacteria that cause acne, and reduce oil. 

Acne Scars:

• What are acne scars? - The aftermath of severe acne, resulting in marks on the skin. Permanent scarring is generally caused by excessive picking and squeezing of acne instead of letting it heal through time or skincare products.  
• Best methods for treatment -  To remove acne scars other than visiting the dermatologist, apply chemical exfoliants, and most importantly, sunscreen.  

Daily and Weekly Skincare Routine 

Consistent skincare practice is key to preventing breakouts and maintaining clear skin. If you are someone with acne-prone skin, here is a simple yet effective daily and weekly routine. 

Morning routine: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight impurities. Follow with a toner to balance the skin’s pH. Apply a lightweight moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Always apply sunscreen, as this is the most critical step in any skincare regimen to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays. 

Evening routine: Cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove makeup, dirt, and oil accumulated throughout the day. Use a toner to ensure all impurities are removed. Apply acne treatments and finish with moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated overnight. 

Weekly routine: Exfoliate your skin once or twice weekly to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Use a gentle exfoliant with ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Incorporate a clay mask into your routine weekly to absorb excess oil and impurities. For moderate to severe acne, try using products containing benzoyl peroxide once or twice a week.

Tips for Managing Back Acne and Other Stubborn Areas 

Back acne, aka ‘bacne’, is particularly frustrating due to its location and the difficulty in treating it. Here are some tips to manage back acne and other stubborn areas. 

Use bar soap with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid to cleanse the affected areas. A shower sponge or a gentle loofah on a stick can help you reach challenging areas of your back. Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin further. 

Keep the area clean and dry, especially after sweating. Change out of sweaty clothes promptly and shower to remove sweat and bacteria from the skin. 

Exfoliate the skin on your back once a week using gentle ingredients to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. 

Summary

As with any skincare routine, focus on what works for your skin. There is no 100% correct answer, and it is best to adjust the treatment based on what seems to work without irritating your skin. You can always increase or decrease treatments as needed, but the trick is to try to prevent acne in the first place. Proper skincare, as outlined above, will hopefully get you the radiant, clear skin you desire.