Doctor-approved advice for combating acne

Pimples. Acne. Zits. They all mean the same to us – annoying little (sometimes not so little) nasties that could really have an impact on our self-confidence. If you think they only happen to teenagers, you’d be wrong. Adults too can suffer from acne, mostly no thanks to hormones.

We all know that it’s important to wash our faces to keep them clean. But what else can you do to that could also help to keep acne at bay? We’ve rounded up top 10 dermatologist-friendly advice that you’d be happy to know can help to combat those spots.

1. Wash Your Face Daily

It’s not rocket science but it is essential, especially for those who enjoy using makeup. Be sure to clean and treat your skin twice a day. Even if it means you have to use facial wipes on tired days, do that because at least you know you’ll be going to bed and waking up with clean skin.

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2. Use the Right Cleanser

Be aware your skin’s condition and what it needs. If you know that you have oily skin (hence the breakout), choose products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid, as these products tend to encourage skin renewal and prevent clogs.

3. Don't Over-Exfoliate

Scrubbing your face daily with grainy cleansers and exfoliating products may seem like a good idea but it can actually do more harm than good. If it’s done too often, it can cause redness, inflammation, and irritation to the skin.  Instead, why not use a toner like Clear Tonic which can be used daily to de-clog pores and mattify complexions.

4. Consider a facial

A facial is a great way to pamper your skin while ensuring you give your skin a deep cleanse in the hands of a professional. No squeezing, no soreness, just a meditative calm that allows you to relax as pores are shrunk and skin is purified.

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5. Moisturize

This may sound counterintuitive but moisturising can actually help improve your skin. If the skin surface is dry and dehydrated, the oil glands tend to overproduce oil to compensate and this can make acne worse, which is why hydrating the skin surface can help to re-balance oil glands and help control acne and improve healing. Choose one that is pH balanced, or better still one that has both pre and probiotics to rebalance skin microbiome that can help to calm skin irritations without clogging the skin.

6. Use Sunscreen that Doesn't Clog Pores

As we all know, SPF is a must but unfortunately some sunscreens can trigger breakouts. Look for sunscreens that are oil-free and non-comedogenic (ie won't clog pores. We personally love Umbrella as it provides a whopping SPF 70 coverage and is 100% chemical free so you can be sure it won’t be clogging those pores at all.

7. Skip Makeup When You're Working Out

Everyone wants to look Instagram-ready even when working out but if you could just take an extra five minutes before hopping onto the treadmill to completely wash your face and remove your makeup, you could minimize the risk of breakouts. Makeup essentially covers the pores as you’re sweating, which doesn’t allow the sweat to make it to the surface of the skin which can then lead to clogged pores.  All that trapped debris and bacteria are a perfect breeding ground for acne bumps and zits.

8. Wash Your Face Post-Workout

Likewise, after a workout, wash your face with the right cleanser to help keep your pores clear and remove excess oil. If you have body acne, try to take a shower as soon as possible after working out as standing around in sweaty workout clothes could put you at a greater risk for body acne and rashes.

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9. Tailor Your Diet

You are what you eat. Choose leafy green vegetables and other brightly-coloured fruit and vegetables which are rich in antioxidants and nutrients to reduce the chances of inflammation and improve skin quality. You could also try other skin-boosting superfoods include eggs, nuts, legumes, and quinoa. You might also want to try limiting your intake of dairy products, which can contain hormones and antibiotics that can worsen acne breakouts.

10. Drink Plenty of Water

True, drinking your eight glasses isn't going to magically clear your skin overnight, but it can improve your overall health, plus it won't contribute to your acne struggles like what drinks high in sugar and caffeine can. So, drink more water and cut out soda and coffee if you can.