If you have been struggling with the tormenting experience of acne, please be assured you’re not alone. As the world celebrates Acne Awareness Month, Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India brings you a guide to self-care for acne-prone skin that will ensure your acne remains under control and your confidence remains unshakeable.
Dealing with acne can be a daunting journey. Understanding your skin type, acne type, and the treatments that work for it, all require patience and thorough consideration. The right information can help you prevent breakouts and can aid you in your healing journey. Let’s delve into the self-care for acne-prone skin.
Understanding acne
The understanding of acne can start with the understanding that there are two types of acne:
1. Non-inflammatory
This type of acne is indicative of clogged pores that manifest as blackheads and whiteheads. While blackheads are dark and are embedded in the skin, whiteheads appear as tiny skin-coloured bumps. This kind of acne is generally mild, easy to spot, and relatively easy to treat.
2. Inflammatory
Red, bumpy acne that has a vigorous appearance is inflammatory acne. It can be anything from papules to nodules to cysts. Such inflamed bumps are large, often painful, and require rigorous treatment. Anything like diet, hormones, or genetics can be a cause of such acne.
What causes acne?
Acne usually appears on our face, chest, forehead, and back. This is because these areas have the most oil glands, called sebaceous glands that produce sebum. Sebum is an oily or waxy substance that protects and hydrates our skin.
When the sebum production is in excess or when pores get clogged due to dead skin or bacteria, in both cases acne is triggered.
Those with acne-prone skin will notice that they’re often triggered or worsen with hormonal changes, medications, diet, stress, or sleep. Sweat, greasy cosmetics, menstruation, hot and humid weather, and dairy can also worsen acne.
Self-care tips for acne-prone skin
– Keep your skin clean
You must wash your face with a gentle cleaner, two to three times a day. Make sure to wash your face after an episode of sweating. Additionally, make sure you never sleep with makeup on. Wash your face before sleeping for sure.
– Chose the right skincare
Skincare with active ingredients is always a click away. While these offer amazing benefits, not all will suit acne-prone skin. Avoid products that irritate skin or dry it out and also avoid all comedogenic products.
– Keep your head clean
Dirty hair and scalp can worsen acne, specifically on your forehead. Shampoo regularly to keep your hair clean and keep your hair away from your face.
– Keep your hand off
Touching your face will make your acne worse for sure. The dirt, bacteria, and other gunk that you’re carrying in your hands, when transferred to your face will cause flare-ups.
Furthermore, while it’s tempting to pop and pick a pimple, squeezing it will make it take longer to clear. It also will lead to the risk of scarring or dark spots.
– Be mindful of your lifestyle
Lifestyle choices can play a major role in determining your skin’s wellness. Be mindful of what you do and consume and how your skin reacts to it. Eat a clean diet, consume plenty of water, and manage stress well.
– Visit a dermatologist
To rightly understand your skin, acne, and its causes, visit a dermatologist. They will be able to analyse your condition and prescribe topical or oral treatment that will not only control but also prevent acne.
