Self Care

Acne free skin- 8 tips that can lead to clearer skin

When choosing products to treat acne you need to choose one that works well for your skin as not every acne product works well on skin of colour.

Below are tips that can help you get clearer skin as well as products recommended by dermatologists.

1. Prevent dark spots and scars by treating acne early.

People with skin of color have a higher risk of developing:

Spots and patches of darker skin
Keloids, a type of raised scar

Research has shown that when you treat acne in its beginning stage you can prevent dark scars and acne from getting worse.

2. Choose acne products that work well in skin of color.

Note to self: Not every acne product works well in skin of color.

Dermatologists recommend using products that contain the following ingredients to treat acne:

Retinoid, Benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic acid

Retinoid helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. It can clear pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. This can unclog pores, fade dark spots and also prevent new breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxoide can remove the bacteria that cause acne.
(It will not cause light spots on your skin, it will, however, bleach clothing, sheets, pillow cases, and towels)
Tip- Start with a product that contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Products that contain more can cause dryness and flaking, which can worsen acne. If the 2.5% product irritates your skin, try using it every other day.
Salicylic acid: This active ingredient helps unclog pores and prevent new acne breakouts

3. Switch to skin care products that won't clog your pores.

Clogged pores can lead to acne.

Products that contain oil like cocoa butter, Shea butter when applied to your face, back, or chest, can clog your pores.

To prevent skin care products from causing acne, use only products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”

4. Change your hair products if acne only appears on your forehead and temples.

Your hair oil may be the cause of ‘pomade’ acne If acne only appears in these areas.

Options that dermatologists recommend to their acne patients include:

• Switch hair care products, using one that contains water or glycerin instead of oil.

• Use the hair oil only in the middle of your scalp and ends of your hair.

• If you continue to get breakouts, another option is to stop using these hair care products.

5. Use mineral makeup to cover dark marks.

Wearing heavy oily, makeup may be an effective way to hide blemishes; however, it’s also causing new blemishes.

Try opting for mineral makeup or one that says “non-comedogenic.” It won’t clog your pores and can do a great job of hiding dark spots.

6. Treat your skin like silk.

Be gentle with your skin; resist the urge to scrub your face to get rid of acne blemishes, or popping a pimple or using strong soaps as all these methods will worsen acne.

Science shows that what really works to clear acne is gentle skin care. When caring for skin with breakouts, you want to:

Use a mild cleanser that won't clog your pores. (The label may say "won't clog pores" or "non-comedogenic.")
Apply the cleanser gently with your fingertips, and use only your fingertips to wash and rinse your face.
Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.