If acne is typically associated with high school, braces, and raging hormones, this condition affects more than just teenagers. More or more young (and less young) adults also suffer from blackheads and breakout. Why? Can skincare products cause acne?
Here is everything you need to know.
Can skincare products cause acne? How acne works!
Acne is due to clogged pores. Most of the time, the pores get clogged because of dead skin, and the sebum (the natural oil that keeps the skin moisturized) is stuck inside the pore: it is blackheads and whiteheads. It creates a perfect environment for bacteria to develop, if the blackhead or whitehead gets infected, a pimple flares up.
What is the role of skincare in this acne breakout process? Many skincare products are supposed to help to avoid breakouts, is it possible that it would actually have the opposite effect?
Can skincare products cause acne? The habits that worsen this condition
More than the products themselves, the way people use them may trigger breakouts. Here are the terrible skincare habits that lead to acne breakouts.
First, people should remember that acne treatments, as good as possible, are not instant. As a general rule, skincare treatments need about a month to show their effects as it is the time the skin needs to fully regenerate itself.
A bad skincare habit of people suffering from acne is being too impatient with results and changing their routine too often believing the product does not work. They should stick with the same routine for at least two months and not expect a perfect complexion before three to four months of treatment.
Acne skincare products should be used on all acne-prone areas, and not only on the blemish. It would help to prevent new blemishes.
The acne-prone areas are usually the forehead, chin, and nose. Some people also have breakouts on their chest or back.
Some people suffering from acne believe that the more they wash their face, the fewer breakouts they have. This is incorrect. Washing your face when you suffer from acne is good, however, overwashing it irritates the skin and triggers acne. Washing your face twice a day, when you wake up and before you go to bed is enough. However, never end a sweaty sports session without washing your face as sweat feeds bacteria and could lead to more breakouts.
Likewise, drying out the skin cause irritation, which leads to more breakouts. Do not use rubbing alcohol on your face and remember your skin should not feel dry after acne treatment. It is supposed to feel good and comfortable.
Be careful with scrubs, as they irritate the skin. The best thing to do with acne-prone skin is gently wash it with a mild cleanser and pat dry the skin with a clean towel.
The worst skin to do with a breakout is to pop it! It leads to more blemishes and often scars.
Deep or painful acne? Seek medical help!
Is your acne is getting out of control and is painful or infected, the best thing to do is to go see a dermatologist. He or she can determine if you need stronger acne medication that you can get with a prescription.
Can skincare products cause acne? A word on skin purging!
When you start using a new skincare product for acne, your skin often feel different in the first few day. It is common to experience breakouts or irritation. It is a normal phenomenon called skin purging or acne purging.
It often occurs after switching for more natural products. The skin is a bit lost without the chemicals you used to use on it daily. Many acne skincare just cover up the symptoms without treating the underlying issue.
If skin purging may look like a breakout, it only occurs once when you start using a new skincare product, while breakouts are recurring. With acne purging, your skin is getting better as you keep your skincare routine.
