People with acne-prone skin benefit from knowing their skin type and the type of acne they have. Developing a lifestyle and skin care routine that works for these types can help.
Everyone’s skin is different, which means that an effective skin care routine can vary from person to person. This can depend on skin type and the type of acne you have, among other things.
However, some lifestyle changes can benefit a majority of people. Keep reading to learn more.
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Acne is to split it into two categories: noninflammatory and inflammatory types.
Noninflammatory
Noninflammatory acne includes blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads have a dark appearance and can appear somewhat flat against the skin. Whiteheads are small, skin-colored bumps.
Inflammatory
Inflammatory acne can range from papules and pustules to more severe nodules and cysts. Papules are small red bumps, while pustules are small bumps that contain pus. Papules can
Dr. Yoram Harth, board certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne, says there’s an easy way to work out your skin type.
First, wash your face with a mild “baby” soap. Gently pat it dry. Don’t apply any skin care products. A couple of hours later, examine your skin. Its appearance will correspond to the type of skin:
- Oily: Shiny
- Dry: Flaky, rough, or red
- Combination: Dry on the cheeks and shiny on the forehead, nose, and chin (T-zone)
- “Normal”: healthy glow with no visible issues.
It’s possible to be acne-prone without having dry or oily skin.
“The vast majority of people have had acne once in their lifetimes,” notes dermatologist Dr. Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin.
Effective prevention includes the following actions:
Wash twice a day and after sweating
It is recommended that you wash your face when you wake up and before you go to bed. Doing it more than twice a day, unless you’re particularly sweaty, can irritate the skin.
Be gentle; don’t scrub or use harsh exfoliants
This is dermatologist Dr. Brooke Bair’s top piece of advice.
“Acne is not a ‘dirt’ problem,” she says, “so scrubbing harder and using hard exfoliants don’t help and can only lead to more redness and irritation.”
No picking or popping!
It’s tempting to pop pimples, but doing so can lead to scarring.
It can also transfer bacteria into other pores, turning a small pimple into deep, inflamed acne.
A dermatologist can perform an extraction, which is a safe way to remove pimples.
Routinely wash anything that comes into contact with your skin
Items like makeup brushes can harbor debris that can come into contact with and clog your pores. Aim to wash them at least once a week and refrain from sharing.
Opt for noncomedogenic products
Every product used on acne-prone areas should be labeled “oil-free, noncomedogenic.” Sometimes, it goes by the name of oil-free, non-acnegenic, or simply “won’t clog pores.”
However, it’s best to check the full ingredient list before using. Avoid anything that contains potential irritants, like alcohol or fragrance.
Review your hair care routine
Hair care formulas — from shampoos and conditioners to generic styling products — can leave a residue on the skin even after rinsing, which can cause breakouts.
If you suspect your hair routine is contributing to your acne, try changing it to see if there’s any improvement.
Oil in the hair itself can also transfer onto the skin. Try to keep your hair off your face as much as possible, especially at night.
Stay hydrated
Keeping skin hydrated may help combat the excess oil that leads to acne. However, limited research supports this.
Still, there’s no harm in sticking to the 8×8 rule (drinking eight 8-ounce glasses a day). Being hydrated has a multitude of other health benefits.
Beware of diet and supplement claims
Online, you’ll find plenty of supplement-selling brands claiming to banish acne. But there’s little evidence to prove they help the skin much.
While some research links high carbohydrate intake and high dairy intake to acne, it’s best not to cut out a specific nutrient or entire food group without a medical professional’s advice.
A skin care routine that’s not right for your skin type or concerns can cause more problems.
You can find many of these products at your local drugstore. Some are more specialized and found at other retailers, so they may be more expensive. Use these recommendations as general guidelines for what to look for.
Ingredients to look for
Morning
- Cleanser. Cleansing skin in the morning
can be a good component of an acne regimen. - Toner. Use a toner to get rid of excess oil that may contribute to breakouts.
- Moisturizer. Whether your complexion is dry or oily, a moisturizer
can help . - Sunscreen. Some acne treatments can increase your skin’s
sensitivity to sunlight .Protect it with a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 sunscreen. - Makeup. While this isn’t an essential step, makeup can quickly cover pimples and residual redness. Be sure to choose noncomedogenic products.
Evening
- Makeup remover. If you’ve chosen to wear makeup, properly removing it will help keep pores unclogged.
- Cleanser. The day’s events can leave a great deal of grime on the surface of the skin. Gently remove it before bed.
- Spot treatment. Applying a spot treatment after cleansing can allow the ingredients to work their way deep into the skin. In addition to treating existing pimples, these products can target scarring and stop new breakouts.
Mild acne can usually be treated with the help of over-the-counter products.
If it doesn’t improve, you may consider making an appointment with a board certified dermatologist. If you don’t already have a dermatologist, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area.
This is also the case for acne that’s classified as moderate or severe, such as cystic acne, or acne that’s scarring your skin. These types require prescription medication.
At your first appointment, you’ll be asked to detail your medical history and current skin care regimen.
Be prepared to return for regular follow-ups. Your dermatologist will want to see how your skin is progressing and update your treatment plan accordingly.
Developing the right acne routine depends on factors such as knowing your skin type and the type of acne you have. Once you have identified these things, you can develop a skin care routine that is appropriate for you.
Good habits to adopt universally include refraining from popping pimples and routinely washing items that you come into frequent contact with.
You may also consider seeing a dermatologist if at-home treatments are not effective.
Lauren Sharkey is a journalist and author specializing in women’s issues. When she isn’t trying to discover a way to banish migraines, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter.