Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. Breakouts may be mild with few blemishes, severe with cysts and nodules, or somewhere between these two extremes. Regardless of what type of acne you’re dealing with, the best way to prevent and manage acne breakouts is with a consistent skincare routine. In this blog, we discuss how to treat acne and explore the best options as well as less-effective common approaches.

Use This: Mild Cleanser

While it may seem like cleansing skin with more abrasive or astringent products would clear up an acne breakout, this can make things worse. Harsh chemical cleanser can irritate skin, leading to increased inflammation during acne breakouts. Inflammation can make blemishes take longer to heal and increase risk for infection or scarring. Using a mild cleanser will remove dirt, oil, and grime from skin without causing greater irritation.

Not That: Harsh/Abrasive Cleanser

Skip harsh, abrasive exfoliating cleansers, chemical peels, and astringent facial cleansers or toners that strip moisture from skin and potentially lead to irritation and inflammation.

Use This: Wash Your Face Twice a Day (and After Sweating)

In addition to choosing a cleanser that won’t cause additional damage to skin, it’s important to cleanse at the right times. Usually, cleaning skin in the morning and evening is enough – as long as you stay consistent with your skincare routine. If you sweat excessively, you may need to wash your face immediately after sweating as well.

Not That: Over Washing

It’s important to avoid over washing. Cleansing skin too frequently can lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Additionally, washing skin too frequently can lead to an increase in the production of natural skin oils that clog pores, which actually worsens acne and may lead to longer or more severe breakouts.

Use This: Non-Comedogenic Products

For those with acne, choosing skincare products and cosmetics that are labeled as non-comedogenic is essential. Non-comedogenic simply means this product won’t clog pores. While they may not entirely prevent acne breakouts, these products don’t contribute to breakouts, so they’re safe for use as part of your skincare or makeup routine.

Not That: Heavy or Oil-Based Products

Not every product will be specifically labeled as non-comedogenic. You should avoid oil-based products and heavy creams or emollient moisturizers. These ingredients can trap dead skin cells and grime beneath skin, which exacerbates acne breakouts.

Use This: Try Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinols, and Salicylic Acid

Acne skincare products need to have the right ingredients to deliver the desired results. Specifically, look for products that include the top three acne-fighting ingredients benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and salicylic acid:

• • Benzoyl peroxide – helps diminish the number of bacteria on skin. This can reduce the severity of acne breakouts.
• • Retinol – increases skin cell turnover. This is important to remove dead skin cells that clog pores and prevent pimples.
• • Salicylic acid – consider this an exfoliant for the pores. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells, grime, and oils on the surface of skin as well as in the pores. That’s why salicylic acid is common in acne spot treatments.

Not That: DIY Acne Treatments

It can be tempting to try DIY acne options promoted on social media, but these treatments, best case, aren’t effective. Worst case, DIY acne solutions can lead to inflammation, irritation, and other concerns.

Do This: Give Medical Grade Skincare Products a Chance to Work

There are many skincare products available to improve acneic skin. It can be overwhelming to choose. Some of the top dermatologist-recommended over-the-counter products for acne-prone skin include:

• • MD Skin Essentials Cleanse It – this gentle facial cleanser uses salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur to gently clear pores, reduce redness, and decrease inflammation. Perfect for use to clear acne breakouts and prevent future blemishes. 
• • ZO Oil Control Pads – this grownup version of your favorite acne-fighting pads can be used like a toner. Swipe over skin immediately after cleansing to deep clean into pores and dry up blemishes. 
• • SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum – apply just a few drops twice a day to fight acne and receive an anti-aging boost. 
• • EltaMD AM & PM Renewing Moisturizer Kit – this kit includes a morning and evening moisturizer as well as an eye cream. Each product is lightweight and non-comedogenic, offering deep hydration without increased risk for acne breakouts. 

Not That: Giving Up on New Skincare Products Too Soon

Many patients worry that over-the-counter products won’t really improve their acne. In these situations, it is almost always found that the patient hasn’t applied the product correctly and consistently for an adequate amount of time. It’s important to use acne skincare products for several weeks before moving on to new products. Dermatologists can help you develop a skincare routine to prevent and manage acne breakouts as well as offering in-office dermatologic treatments when necessary. If a medical-grade or prescription-strength skincare product is the right option, they can prescribe the ideal solution to keep your skin healthy.

Do This: Apply Sunscreen Daily

Sunscreens can be heavy and cakey, so many people with acne-prone skin avoid applying sunblock regularly because they’re worried it will clog their pores. However, sun damage can make acne flareups worse, and many acne treatments increase sun sensitivity, leading to increased risk. Rather than skipping daily sunscreen application, choose a sunscreen that is made for acne-prone skin. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum is a non-comedogenic sunscreen. Lightweight and easily absorbed, this sunblock won’t clog pores, but it offers advanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The tinted formula also blurs imperfections, leaving skin looking flawless.

Not That: Tanning & Sunbathing

Don’t skip your daily sunscreen application, especially if you are going to be outdoors for an extended time. In general, you should avoid unnecessary sun exposure and skip the trip to the tanning bed.

Prevent & Manage Acne Breakouts with Proper Skincare

When it comes to managing acne, finding the right products and developing an effective daily skincare routine is essential. Consistency is even more important. To prevent acne breakouts, develop a good skincare routine and stick with it! If your skincare routine doesn’t seem to be keeping skin healthy,  contact a dermatologist to develop a routine that will clear up acne and keep skin clear.

Explore DermSkincare

Whether you’re looking to manage acne better or simply improve the health or appearance of your skin, we hope you’ll explore the products available from DermSkincare. Our products have all been recommended by dermatologists, so you know they’ll deliver the results you want. Come back regularly to read our blog for more tips on managing chronic skin health conditions or finding products to achieve just about any skincare goal.