The Do’s and Don’ts of Tackling Your Acne

Acne doesn’t just affect how your skin looks. It can also make you feel less confident and more self-conscious, as well as cause you to miss social events. And it’s not just severe acne that can have profound psychological effects. Even mild breakouts can significantly affect a person’s emotional health.

If you’re already battling with acne, you probably follow a skin routine that you hope would clear your breakouts. A good skincare regimen helps, especially if it contains products that suit oily or acne-prone skin. It is also important not to be cruel to your skin when tackling acne and to know the dos and don’ts of taking care of your skin.

Here are the dos and don’ts of acne care.

DOS

Use a mild cleanser

Wash your face with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser twice a day, morning and night, and after sweating or working out. Steer clear from regular bar soaps, as well as formulas that contain alcohol and synthetic fragrances. 

Be sure to wash your hands first before splashing water onto or cleansing your face. This is to prevent transferring germs or bacteria that can contribute to or worsen your breakouts and other skin problems. 

Protect your skin from the sun 

Overexposure to the sun can dry out the skin and cause the sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing more oil. This can clog your pores and contribute to future blemishes. You should also know that some acne medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. 

This is why if you’re going outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. It is also recommended to wear a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses with UV protection. And if possible, limit your sun exposure when sun rays are the strongest (between 10 am and 4 pm).

Mind your diet

A poor or unhealthy diet won’t do your skin any favor. It is best to stick to a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sugars and carbohydrates and avoid consuming sweetened beverages. 

It is also said that cutting out dairy from your diet can help improve skin conditions like acne and rosacea. This is especially the case for skim milk because of the sugars, hormones, and whey protein in it. Dairy, furthermore, is said to promote increased levels of androgen, which can contribute to excess sebum and trigger breakouts.

Read our previous post and find out how your diet affects your skin. 

See a skin or aesthetic doctor

If over-the-counter medications don’t do much to improve your acne, book a consultation with a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor. They can give you tips on how to take better care of your skin, prescribe medications, or recommend treatments that can improve the tone, texture, and clarity of your skin. 

At Cutis, we have several treatments that can improve acne and related conditions. We have chemical peels that can help clear acne and reduce hyperpigmentation and scars. We also have a medical-grade facial that uses Sapphire Blue Light therapy that can kill acne-causing bacteria and clear inflammation. 

Get in touch with us today and book a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to start your journey toward clear and glowing skin. 

DON’TS

Over wash your face

Apart from stripping away the natural oils in your skin, excessive washing can also contribute to skin dryness and redness. Don’t be tempted to wash your face multiple times a day if you have oily skin or have a shiny/greasy face. Doing so can only irritate your skin and lead to more breakouts.

It is also important to note that dryness due to over-cleansing will cause your skin to overcompensate by producing more oil. Stick to washing your face twice a day and once more after a sweat session.

Pop your pimples

Squeezing your acne can only push pus or bacteria deeper into your skin. This can also irritate your skin and increase inflammation, resulting in more visible acne, as well as dark spots and scarring. The same is also true for touching or running your fingers across your face. 

Resist the temptation to pop, squeeze or pick at your acne. Use a topical medication to treat your blemishes and try to keep your hands busy to avoid touching your face. Check out our previous post for tips on how to avoid touching your face. 

Overdo it with makeup

It can be tempting to hide your blemishes with makeup, but make sure that you’re mindful of the cosmetic products you’re using. Applying lots of it can block your pores and worsen or lead to more blemishes. Some makeup products also contain ingredients that can clog your pores and cause acne.

If you need to wear makeup, choose mineral cosmetic products, which have soothing properties and provide better coverage without clogging your pores. Make sure to remove it before going to bed and wash your makeup brushes and sponges regularly to prevent oil and bacteria build-up. 

Learn the 5 reasons you should switch to mineral makeup. 

Be harsh on your skin 

While it is important to have a good anti-acne skincare routine, you should always be gentle when taking care of your skin. This means avoiding abrasive or loofahs when exfoliating or using different skincare products all at once. Here are some tips to be gentle on your skin: 

• Avoid vigorous scrubbing or rubbing.
• Use light and gentle pressure when cleansing or applying skincare products. 
• Swap cotton pillowcases for silk ones (to allow your skin to glide smoothly against the fabric).
• Avoid products that contain alcohol, added fragrances, and other drying ingredients.
• Don’t over-exfoliate your face. 

Do acne and other blemishes keep you from putting your best face forward? Get in touch with us to find out how we can help. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to learn more about our treatments that can help you achieve clear, healthy, and glowing skin.