Table of Contents
Skin Care Routines for Acne and Prone Skin
Introduction:
Today we are talking about the exact acne skin care routine. This is the perfect routine for someone, who has just started developing acne. And Also, perfect for those who are suffering it for a time period. This skin care routine is very beneficial for those people who has never tried acne products before. Even if you have struggled with any type of acne for a while now, but have not found success with a skin care routine quiet yet. Let me sort you out with this routine. The good news about this skin care routine is, this made up for entirely over-the-counter Products that actually work effectively to clear acne and are very affordable.
Types of acne:
If you are wondering, what are Types of acne & prone skin. I am referring to acne on a scale from mild to moderate, to severe.
Mild acne:
Mild acne is includes:
- more superficial pimples,
- white heads,
- Black heads,
- Usually limited to the T-zone of the face and does not result in permanent scarring.
This type of acne can be treated effectively with topical only.
Moderate acne:
This type of acne is a level of acne severity. This type of acne is more noticeable breakouts than mild acne. Moderate acne is less intense than severe. It includes:
- Inflamed papules and pustules,
- Both black and white heads in greater numbers.
- Scarring potential when the breakouts are picked at or popped,
- Breakouts areas.
Severe acne:
This type of acne is most intense form of acne than other two types of acne. The severe acne can be quite uncomfortable type of acne. Severe acne typically includes:
- Cystic acne: large, pus-filled lumps,
- Nodular acne: deep, hard, painful lumps under the skin,
- Swollen boil-like bumps,
- Permanent scarring.
Skin Care Routine for Acne and prone skin:
This skin routine begins with two groups of products.
The first group are your skin “Treatment products“. Which will erase your acne bumps and prevent new acne from forming. There are two products that you need in your routine so, I will tell you which ones and how to use them.
The second group of products are for your “Skin barrier products” in general skin health. The products in this group are carefully selected to pair well with the treatment products without irritating. While also doing extra work to reinforce your skin barrier, to build it up so, it can stand the acne treatments. Which often can be irritating as a common side effect.
So, I am trying to select everything in this routine very carefully for you, to synergistically work together to clear mild acne or all types of acne. This will even clear some forms, of moderate acne as well. Never underestimate the power of great topical products used consistently.
Treatment products:
Here are the best two skin treatment products you need.
1) Adapalene:
This is a type of retinoid and it is the most Effective topical, you can get over-the-counter products to clear acne and unclogs pores. This will erase your whiteheads and black heads and prevents new acne from forming. Choose your Adapalene products. This is easy, many brands make an adapalene products and they are all exactly the same. They have the same ingredients on the label. You will see these commonly as different, La Roche-posay makes a version of it, acne free and drugstore brands.
2) Benzoyl peroxide:
This will kill the bacteria on your skin that causes acne, and it will decrease the inflammation associated with acne. The research and evidence shows that Benzoyl peroxide is actually more effective than salycilic acid for treating acne. Choose your Benzoyl peroxide product. You can get this as a wash-off from like a cleanser or a leave on from like a cream.
Dermatologist recommended the benzoyl peroxide cream as it is more effective. It comes in two strength a 2.5% and a 5%. So depending on how sensitive your skin is, you may want to start low and graduate to the higher one if needed. Because it has a unique formulation which suits the skin and fight against redness while it treats your acne
These two products are the backbone of your skin care routine. These are considered your first line treatment option for acne, with grade one evidence behind them for their efficiency.
Skin Barrier products:
Here are The skin barrier products:
Cleanser:
You need a cleanser to remove the oil and bacteria from the face. You do not want an acne cleanser for this specific routine. You want a cleanser that effectively remove all the make-up, dirt and oil from your skin. Because this can be a trigger for acne. You want this to restore your skin barrier, that may result from your treatment products. La Roche-posay purifing foaming facial wash is the most recommended cleanser for several reasons.
Moisturizer:
You need a moisturizer. Even for oily skin dermatologist recommended using a moisturizer. Every day to prevent the irritation from the two acne treatment products. Because these can be drying and irritating. A moisturizer will really decrease your discomfort with these acne medication. For your moisturizer La Roche-posay called the Double Repair Moisturizer. It’s a holy grail moisturizer. It has a bit of a thicker texture, which is great for routines that include a retinoid like Adapalene. It has niacinamide in it as well. No hyaluronic acid. It is fragrance free and it is so Hydrating without feeling greasy and its a great for all skin types.
Sunscreen:
Be very sure you do apply Your sunscreen because you will be more prone to getting a sunburn while on these acne medications. Not just any cleanser or moisturizer and sunscreen will do.
Australian Gold Botanical Tinted SPF is best for face. It is amazing for acne skin and really all skin types, it’s not greasy at all, it has a nice matte finish. If you want a non-tinted SPF, choose Biossance Sheer Zinc. You can find cheaper option at the drugstore, but is find that those have more of a white cast than Biossance is liked the more.
When and how to use the products in your complete acne skin care routine?
In the morning
- Cleanse with La Roche-posay cleanser And than pat your face dry.
- Apply Your Paula’s choice Benzoyl peroxide cream
- If you wear make-up make sure it is light weight and non-comedogenic that make-up will go on top of the sunscreen.
- If you suffer from dry skin, redness or irritation you can add moisturizer here after your Benzoyl peroxide cream and before your sunscreen.
In the evening
- Use your same cleanser.
- Use your Adapalene product. Which is the key ingredient in this routine.
- Apply moisturizer.
If you are getting irritation from your retinoids such as a retinoid dermatitis. Here is what you are going to do instead, it’s a technique called the retinoid sandwich. So it’s cleanser first then you put on a layer of moisturizer, then your Adapalene and then another layer of moisturizer. It is crucial that you use your Adapalene carefully only a pea sized amount for the entire face. You don’t need to use it every night at first take it slow.
You should start seeing results by week number eight and really have significant improvement by week 12. It takes that long to treat acne effectively and you need to be super consistent and diligent about your medication in order to get results.
About Author
I’m Ayesha Iqbal, a student studying MBBS at Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) Lahore. I write about health for “GenZ Cares” because they care a lot about young people staying healthy. I do research and try new things to learn more about how to keep everyone feeling good. My articles focus on topics like nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and ways to lead a healthier lifestyle. Through my writing, I aim to share valuable insights and practical tips that can make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Reviewed By
This article is reviewed by “Nashit Aliyan“, a certified Surgical Technologist from Government College University Faisalabad under section 2017-2021. I am 17A medical officer as well as Strategic and financial planning expert and Proficient in surgical field. Me and my team use the latest technology to perform complex surgical procedures. I recommend to “GenZ Cares” because they are really hardworking in their work and care a lot about youth to staying healthy.