Tried just about every acne treatment to get rid of acne but to no avail? Don’t despair. To see clearer skin, you probably just need some changes with consistency.
The following tips from dermatologists can help you get started.
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1. Remind me, what causes acne?
At the root of all acne is a clogged pore.
Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria – such as:
- Too much oil is produced by your follicles
- Dead skin cells accumulate in your pores
- Bacteria build up in your pores
The good news is over 95% of the people who have acne can treat using non-prescription products without paying big bucks to see a dermatologist or aesthetician.
Here are the best acne treatments for occasional to moderate acne:
- Retinoids – The primary tools¹ which dermatologists use to treat breakouts.
A derivative of vitamin A, they are well researched to promote skin renewal, reduce blemishes and boost your skin’s collagen production. Retinol is a gentle variant of retinoids ². - AZA – It’s a mystery why some great skincare ingredients fly under the radar.
A great deal of research has shown that AZA can significantly diminish the appearance of skin blemishes, help fade post-acne marks and other discolorations, refine skin’s surface, and reveal a more even skin tone³. - Salicylic acid – This helps clear mild acne, inflammation and unclogs pores⁴. It comes OTC in lower doses, but you can also get it from a doctor.
Avoid cleansers with this ingredient as they don’t stay long enough on the skin. - Benzoyl peroxide – This fights P. acnes bacteria that causes pimples⁵.
But it isn’t without its downsides. The leave-on creams and cleansing treatments can dry out sensitive skin and bleach clothing if you aren’t careful. Best to stick to formulations that have no more than 2% of it.
Consider the Clear Out. It uses pharma-grade* retinol and AZA to perpetually flush out clogs from your pores. The AZA is also very effective in flattening existing pimples.
*Pharma-grade ingredients are certified by US Pharmacopeia standards a level of purity and potency which cosmetic grade ingredients do not provide.
See what others say about the Clear Out…
Mim (@mimandskin), a teacher from Southampton, battled hormonal cystic acne for over 6 years before she tried the Clear Out…
Individual results may vary
“Out of everything I’ve tried over the 6 years I’ve battle acne on and off it’s by far stood out as being one of the most effective with no side effects (after the initial “purge”). I’ve used nothing but Clearly Basics for 12 months now and it still exceeds my expectations!”
Bea (@beas.bareskin), a student from California, who has tried almost everything from prescription medication, chemical peels to a long list of brands (Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Proactiv, St. Ives, etc.) …which didn’t work, until the Clear Out.
Individual results may vary
“My skin looks so good now! I’ve had a few of my classmates tell me my skin texture looks so nice and even now. 😊
As an acne survivor, I’ll never recommend a product if it’s not effective. If any of you are wondering what products I use that have been giving me positive results, it’s the Clearly Basics’ full lineup.”
2. Give any product or treatment you are trying at least 8 weeks to work
Using a new acne product every few days may seem useful, but that approach can worsen acne. Clearing clogs needs time to work. Using a different product every few days may irritate your skin, causing new breakouts.
Try 1 or 2 products, and give them time to work. Trying too many products can stress your skin, worsening acne.
If a treatment works for you, you should notice some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. However, for some people, it can take 2 to 3 months or longer to see clearing.
If you notice improvement, don’t stop. Even when you see clearing, you’ll want to keep using the product or treatment. This helps to prevent new breakouts.
98% of users saw an improvement after a bottle of the Clear Out. It carries a 90-day money back guarantee so if you don’t see a noticeable results after a bottle, you will get a full refund T&Cs apply.
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3. Only wash your face twice a day
Acne-prone skin is usually sensitive. Washing more than twice a day can irritate your skin, making acne worse.
For best results, dermatologists recommend washing your face when:
- You wake up
- You’re ready to go to bed
- It gets sweaty
Find a simple and gentle cleanser that will wash off the day’s grime, sweat, and pollution. If your skin is “squeaky clean” after washing your face, your cleanser may be too strong.
If your skin tends to be dry, look for a soap-free, cream-based cleanser. For oily skin, go for a foaming cleanser more effective at reducing the oil.
4. Choose skincare products and cosmetics that don’t cause acne
Yes, you do need to moisturize, even if you have acne. Skipping this critical step may leave you plagued with rough, flaky, and red patches, which only brings more attention to your breakouts.
However, it’s crucial to use skincare/cosmetic products that don’t cause acne. Here’s what you need to look out for.
Read the label carefully. On the package, you may see one of the following:
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
- Non-acnegenic
- Oil free
If you have oily skin, consider the Matte Hydrator. It breaks the vicious cycle (clogged pores -> more oil production -> more clogged pores) by properly hydrating your skin.
If you have dry, sensitive or combination skin, consider the Protective Moisturizer. It helps to repair the skin barrier that’s damaged from drying acne products and medications.
5. Follow instructions/directions
While using any Over The Counter (OTC) acne treatment can seem pretty straightforward, how much you use and how often you use it can make a huge difference.
Be sure to follow the instructions/directions!
6. Stop scrubbing your face!
If your skin feels greasy, dirty, or grimy, you may be tempted to scrub it clean. Don’t!
Scrubbing can irritate acne-prone skin, which worsens acne.
7. Resist touching, picking, and popping your acne
Popping a pimple may seem like the fastest way to clear it, but popping it can actually make things worse. We can’t stress this enough.
Every time you touch, pick, or pop, you can worsen acne.
8. Wash your pillowcases, hats, and other things that touch your acne-prone skin
Dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt will build up on these surfaces, which can clog your pores. Washing what touches your acne-prone skin can prevent this.
Changing your sheets every week and your pillowcase twice a week can make a difference.
9. Enlist a dermatologist’s help
If you still have acne after trying these tips — or you have acne cysts or nodules (deep blemishes that leave scars when they clear) — you probably need to visit a dermatologist.
With today’s acne treatments and a dermatologist’s expertise, virtually every case of acne can be cleared. A dermatologist can tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs.
References:
1. James Leyden et al, 2017 : Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne
2. Marissa Laliberte : Retinol-vs.-Retinoids
3. Paula Begoun : Everything You Need to Know About AZA for Skin
4. Kristeen Cherney, 2019 : Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: Which Is Better for Acne?
5. Jessica Cruel, 2019 : 12 Acne Treatments That Really Work, According to Dermatologists
#RealResults
See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.
@megandownes Amazing!! Never have I found a brand that is so gentle on my skin but works wonders. The lighten up is the best thing for redness, the difference in just one day on my pictures below. Can’t recommend enough, especially for hormonal acne. Thank you Clearly!
@myfriendacne At first I thought that my skin was THE thing that changed the most. It clearly is seeing from the surface. And here must say a huuuuge thank you to @clearlybasics for supporting me and give me the opportunity to take care of my skin.
After I looked at my pictures from last year I was shocked how my attitude has changed towards myself. I love myself more. I accept my skin, my body and my inner self so much more than a year before where I had the feeling to be perfect to my own imaginations and for other people.
@clearupchels Guys after using clear out from @clearlybasics for over a month everyday I do truly believe it’s made a MASSIVE difference. My face is smoother, tone is more even and I do think the stubborn spots are going quicker.
I payed for this myself and have not been asked to do this post, I just think If it’ll help someone else why would I not shout about it!
Michaela Holzhuter I’ve struggled with adult acne for years. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars trying to grab at the next promise for clear skin. Clearly Basics is the first brand that actually worked for me! It’s simple (it actually decreased the time I was spending caring for my skin), it’s scale-able (buy one product or by seven!), and it works. I couldn’t be happier with this product and the continuous progress it has provided!
@by.emmataylor CLEAR OUT💙💙💙 gets rid of blackheads and whiteheads which is an added bonus.
It really improved my skin texture and most of all it removed spots. It’s worth the try really, because you can even get your money back if you don’t like the products, what are you waiting for? -Emma xxx
@mimandskin Thank you @clearlybasics for being on this journey with me for the past 5 months.
No more green concealer or green primer! My skin tone is so much better, I don’t use as much foundation as I once did, I don’t constantly worry I look like I have chicken pox and I feel much more confident within my skin!
The power duo really has been an absolute game changer for my skin and I’m so glad I’ve shared my results day in and day out so we could all see this progression.
Individual results may vary