Reduce the number of products you are using, if you have clogged pores or breakouts. It's time to go back to the basics and focus on quality products effective at clearing clogs.
In the pursuit of glowing skin, it can be exhilarating to purchase the latest potions and lotions to get the clear, glossy skin of our Instagram dreams (think of the #shelfies!). But for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin, don’t load up on product. Rather, simplify and cull out products that have been ineffective at stopping breakouts from surfacing.
Specifically, when we layer on many different skincare products, we increase the chance of freaking our skin out with different ingredients that were not meant to be piled on together. This is doubly important in regards to anti-acne treatments and peels. If you over-do it with 2-3 anti-acne products, you’re likely doing more harm than good.
So what’s to be done when your skin is on the fritz?
Resist the urge to throw everything you have at it.
Press ‘reset’ on your skincare routine by putting away the products that aren’t working and simplify to three to four high-quality products that will get your skin back to a balanced and happy place.
What does that mean exactly?
Well from a dermatology point of view, the rules for good skincare are simple. Follow these basics tenants when picking your top skincare basics:
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Cleanse:
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 is likely 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.
Make sure not to use cleansers that have ‘anti-aging’ or ‘anti-acne’ components in it because they usually will contain acids (salicylic, glycolic, lactic) that strip your skin of oil while the acids are not left on your skin long enough to see the positive benefits.
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Treat:
Keep one essential bottle that targets the skin concern and let that formulation do the heavy-lifting. For many, the essential ingredient should be retinol which helps keep your pores clear and skin dewy.
We formulated a lotion so effective at stopping new breakouts that we tell an overwhelming majority of the new subscribers to use the Clear Out instead of signing up for our ClearlyRx subscription platform:
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Moisturize:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. When your skin is well-quenched, it looks dewy and plump. Choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type:
If your skin is normal or oily, use a serum-based formula that contains hyaluronic acid since it locks in the moisture you are already producing.
If your skin is dry, look for cream-based moisturizers with peptides and antioxidants such as resveratrol and vitamin C. Again, opt for products that are fragrance and colorant free.
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Protect:
In addition to retinol, virtually all doctors recommend a good sunblock to protect from damaging UV rays.
If your skin is prone to breakouts, UV rays can quickly darken post-acne marks (hyperpigmentation). Look for a sunblock that is non-comedogenic with SPF35 or higher. Your skin will thank you for your efforts.
And that’s it! 3 steps in the evening and 4 steps in the morning. Stick to the same bottles and routine for at least 2-3 months to give your skin time to adjust, especially for the ‘treat’ step.
Skin takes time to show results and constantly changing or adding products will just create skincare whiplash.
Remember: More is NOT always better.
So if your skin is being finicky, breaking out or showing patches of irritation, get back to the skincare basics and focus on high quality products that are effective.
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