Did you ever feel grateful that you manage to get through the teenage years without dealing with acne? I know I did! However, what was until not long ago a skin issue associated mostly with the hormonal imbalance during the teenage years, is now a problem for many adults. This means that even if you are after 40 years old, you might still get acne.
An improper diet (too much fat and sugar), pollution, excessive stress, not enough sleep - they can all contribute to the overproduction of the sebaceous glands. And this is how we get from a normal or combination skin to a real battlefield.
Acne is not nice, whatever the age. The emotional discomfort is just as accentuated, if not even more, during adulthood. So, let’s see how to take care of the acne-prone skin.
Skin care for acne
People with acne usually have an oily (or combination) skin. This means that the oil glands are hyperactive, and the skin has a greasy shine most of the time. The skin often looks irritated, and inflammation can occur at the level of the hair follicles.
While you might be tempted to choose skincare products with a high percentage of alcohol to cut down the shine, they can actually have the opposite effect. If we were to describe efficient acne skin care in just a few words we’d need to use:
- Gentle
- Non-comedogenic
- With potent active ingredients
What is “non-comedogenic”?
One of the latest terms you might have noticed on the label of different skincare products is “non-comedogenic.” It means that it doesn’t clog pores. Clogged pores are the root of all evil when it comes to acne – they can turn into whiteheads, blackheads, and acne cysts.
Good quality non-comedogenic products are free from silicones, mineral oils, lanolin, and other potentially pore-clogging ingredients. Some of the most popular skincare ingredients are comedogenic such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, avocado oil, to name just a few.
If you have acne or blemish-prone skin, it would be better to focus on using only non-comedogenic products to avoid breakouts.
Now, let’s have a look at some of the best non-comedogenic skincare products for acne-prone skin:
If you have acne or the occasional breakouts, you already know you need a scrub you can count on. Store-bought scrubs with harsh chemical ingredients can damage the delicate skin and cause an even more excessive oil production. This is why you need Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub designed to work on two levels- it has a mechanic exfoliating action (due to exfoliating particles) but also a chemical exfoliation action (due to the AHA and BHA hydroxy acids).
The scrub gently removes dead skin cells leaving the pores clean and the skin smooth. With Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub, you get a deep pore cleansing and facial exfoliation in one touch.
Among the active ingredients, we have L-Mandelic acid - used to reduce irritation and to deliver refreshed smooth and soft skin. The spa-like experience is ensured by plant extracts such as passionflower and honeysuckle.
Exfoliation promotes the renewal of skin cells, so make sure to use the scrub at least once a week (preferably twice). And follow up with your regular routine to hydrate the skin after exfoliation.
One of the things that need special attention when talking about acne is cleansing the skin. A good cleanser for acne-prone skin should gently remove the excess sebum while keeping the skin barrier’s intact and deep cleanse enlarged pores. It sounds like a lot to do for a cleanser, right? This is why it might be difficult to find the right type of cleanser for this type of skin.
Medik8 Clarifying Foam is an alternative for those who want to have a 2-in-1 effect – exfoliation and cleanser in one product. The clarifying foam can make the scrub unnecessary, so, if you prefer a lightweight foam formula instead of the mechanic exfoliating properties of scrub, this might be the best product for you.
The foam can efficiently remove dirt, oils, makeup, and other impurities that could otherwise clog the pores. The good news is that it doesn’t leave the skin overly dry, as other acne cleansers might do. So, no tight sensation when using this cleanser, just fresh and clean skin!
Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Face and Body Wash
If a foamy lather is not your thing, you might prefer a cleanser with a gel-like texture for your acne-prone skin. With herbal ingredients with antibacterial properties such as Tea Tree, Thyme, and Eucalyptus, Alpha-H Clear Skin is great for those confronted with acne on the body too. The formula aims to reduce the overproduction of the oil glands while also reducing the congestion. Suitable for everyday use on the face and body.
With so much shine at the level of the face, you might be tempted to cut down on the products you use after the cleanser. Many people with blemish-prone skin avoid using a moisturiser as they fear it will make the greasy film even more visible. However, moisturising the skin is not optional, whatever your skin type might be.
A good moisturiser for acne-prone skin should be free of potentially comedogenic ingredients, so better stay away from oils. Also, the moisturiser should fight the shine by providing a matte finish.
Medik8 Balance Moisturiser aims to balance the skin while preventing acne breakouts. This moisturiser has a mattifying effect, so no more oily film on your face from now on.
Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel
Once again, here is the gel alternative for those interested in keeping things as light as possible in terms of the texture of the skincare products they use. The ultra-light gel from Alpha-H hydrates the skin while also refining pore size. The skin is more able to retain and lock in moisture for longer periods of time. Formulated with natural antioxidants, the daily hydrator gel is a good option for problematic skin.
Photo by Audrey Jackson on Unsplash