Acne is a common condition that affects the skin and can be uncomfortable. It is not caused by being unclean or eating greasy foods but by blocked pores and excess oil.

Wash acne-prone areas daily to remove impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells. Avoid physically scrubbing or over-exfoliating, which can damage skin and worsen breakouts.

Keep Your Face Clean

When you have acne, keeping your face clean is essential to remove impurities and extra oil that can clog pores. Washing twice daily with warm water and a gentle non-soap facial skin cleanser helps eliminate bacteria that cause breakouts.

Avoid scrubbing, which can irritate the already inflamed skin. Changing pillowcases and washcloths frequently is helpful, as they can gather dirt, makeup, oil, and sweat. Don’t pick or pop pimples; this can lead to inflammation and scarring.

Touching your face is also a bad idea; every time you do, you transfer bacteria and those pore-clogging oils to the sensitive skin of your face. Minimize how often you touch your face and use a mild hand cream to prevent it from drying out.

Lotions designed for the body may clog your pores, so look for those labeled non-comedogenic and oil-free. Hair spray, dry shampoo, and texturizing products should also be marked as non-comedogenic. Keep your hair away from your face, as it can gather greasiness.

Wash Your Face Twice Daily

Aside from using an effective acne treatment washing your face is one of the essential skin-care routines, and it can help eliminate acne and prevent future breakouts. The general recommendation is to wash your face both morning and night to remove excess oil, dirt, and debris that can clog pores and cause irritation and acne.

It’s essential to avoid overwashing, as this can damage your skin’s protective barrier and lead to a lack of moisture and natural oils that keep it healthy. You can tell if you’re overwashing by feeling a tightness in the skin or experiencing extra sensitivity or dry patches.

It would help if you also were sure to use a gentle cleanser. Harsh soaps, especially bar soaps, can dry out your skin, leading to itching and sensitivity. A good quality, gentle cleanser can be found at most drugstores. It would help to carefully use non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) skin care and hair products.

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating is one of the most critical steps in treating acne because it sloughs away dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and helps improve the tone and texture of your complexion. It also allows moisturizers and treatments to penetrate more efficiently and effectively.

The best way to exfoliate is with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant twice weekly. Make sure you start with a clean face so the lingering bacteria, dirt, and excess oils don’t get trapped in your pores when you exfoliate.

It’s essential not to over-exfoliate because it can cause your skin to become dry and irritated. You can also scrub off healthy skin cells and trigger a new acne outbreak.

If you experience a lot of redness or dryness after exfoliating, it’s time to reduce the frequency of your scrubs or chemical exfoliants. Your dermatologist can help you determine a schedule that suits your skin type. They can also recommend the right kind of exfoliator for your specific complexion. The type of exfoliant you choose depends on whether your skin is oily or drier, but some products can be used for both.

Use a Moisturizer

Whether your skin is oily or dry, moisturizer should be the first step in your acne regimen after cleansing. An excellent moisturizing product will help your skin keep its balance, and it will also help prevent clogged pores. Look for non-comedogenic formulas and ingredients, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that won’t irritate your skin.

Moisturizers have two main functions: they provide hydration to the skin and create a thin film over the skin’s surface, which helps control sebum production. They can also be humectants, meaning they draw water from the lower layers of your skin to the upper layers, which is very important for people with dry skin.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a moisturizer is to always use it after applying acne treatments, like over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide cream or prescription retinol. If you apply moisturizer before these products, the active ingredients will be absorbed into your pores and become ineffective. Using these products in the correct order will help you get the most out of them.

Wear Sunscreen

It may seem obvious, but Sunscreen is non-negotiable when treating acne. Sun damage can exacerbate discoloration from the scars and dark spots that often linger after an acne breakout, and some acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (known as photosensitivity).

Look for sun protection that is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. The oil-free and non-comedogenic formulations help prevent clogged pores, which can contribute to acne. Additionally, avoid products that contain fragrances, as these can be irritating to sensitive skin types.

In addition to the above tips, you can do a few other things to treat acne and promote healthy skin. For example, avoid picking or popping blemishes, which can cause them to last longer and lead to scarring. Additionally, avoid using harsh cleansers and astringents, as these can dry out your skin. Instead, wash with an acne control cleanser or clear skin toner, and then apply a lightweight moisturizer like the Acne Squad Multi-Tasker Moisturizer + Sunscreen, which soothes your skin while controlling excess oil and protecting it from UV rays and blue light.