Let’s face it (no pun intended) – acne is no bueno. From not being able to rest your face in your hands to constantly having to take care of breakout triggers, acne possesses an innate ability to make one’s life a constant struggle.
I was blessed with my first pimple at the ripe age of 11, and 10 years later, it still hasn’t left my side. I’ve tried almost everything – lasers, chemical peels, topicals, and even a heavy round of isotretinoine (Accutane) but my skin still isn’t clear. Sure, it’s much better than what it used to be before. Most of my major scars have faded away, and my skin isn’t as textured as it used to be, but I still breakout, and my face still hurts. So, how do I manage it?
(Please note that this article is an amalgamation of tips that have worked for my skin, and may or may not work/be beneficial to someone else. Consult a dermatologist for a detailed and safe skincare routine best suited to what your skin needs!)
1. say sí to Vitamin C
Vitamin C has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe those angry red marks on your face. It is a water soluble and versatile active ingredient that protects your skin from sun damage and stimulates collagen production. Begin with a small concentration (10% to 12%) once a day, and as your skin gets used to it, increase the amount to a maximum of 15% concentration, applied twice a day before moisturizer and sunscreen. For me, any concentration higher than that caused irritation on my skin without much of an increase in the efficacy of the product. Don’t forget to store it away from sunlight!
2. SPF, SPF, AND MORE SPF
All of us have heard about the benefits of a good sunscreen. It decreases risks for skin cancer, prevents sunburn, and is a good shield against photoageing. But why is it good for your acne? Along with reducing the redness from your skin, sunscreen prevents harsh sunlight from causing hyperpigmentation on your skin. This hyperpigmentation can cause your acne scars to become darker and that much harder to get rid of. It takes a bit of experimentation to find sunscreen that isn’t greasy, doesn’t leave a whitecast, and fits your skin type. Re-apply it every 2-3 hours when you’re outside to prevent sunburns.
3. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a game changer. Used responsibly, it will exfoliate your skin and clean out all the nasty gunk and dead skin from deep within your pores. It can potentially leave your skin dry and tight after using, so don’t forget to follow it up with your favorite moisturizer. I use a salicylic acid based face wash once a week, and it helps me tackle all the dirt and grime that my regular face wash can’t reach. Salicylic acid is a very strong, active ingredient, and is available in the market in many forms with varying concentrations. While it is very useful in combating acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist before using it on your face.
4. Moisturizer
Weirdly anticlimactic, I know, but a good moisturizer is an absolute game-changer. A lot of us tend to buy the first moisturizer we see on the shelves, because at the end of the day, all of them fulfill the same goal of hydration. I went through bottles and bottles of moisturizer that were either leaving my skin way too oily or not hydrating it enough. In the winter, I use thick moisturizers that have hyaluronic acid in them to give my skin that extra layer of hydration, and in the summer, I use light moisturizers that aren’t greasy. Inflamed skin needs hydration to calm down, and good moisturizer achieves just that. It helps maintain your skin barrier and keeps your skin healthy and restores the lipid barrier that helps your skin heal from cuts, wounds, and also acne.
Skincare is different for everybody. What truly matters is finding the right products that help keep your skin happy and healthy.