The best way to remove impurities and prevent acne implies the right combination of proper skin care practices, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical treatments depending on the severity of the acne. In order to get a clean and healthy skin, we should consider some of the following tips:
Regular cleansing: Cleanse your face twice daily with a soft gel cleanser. It should be gentle and non-comedogenic in order to remove dirt, oil, and impurities that can clog pores. This step is really important, it should be done daily as it will guarantee the best face condition if done consistently.
Exfoliation: Use a gentle exfoliant regularly, from one to three times a week, to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. However, try to avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin and exacerbate acne.
Moisturize: It is recommended to use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores. Although many people think that moisturizing is an acne enemy, this is important even if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Avoid harsh products: Avoid skincare products containing invasive ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, and sulfates, as they can remove the skin’s natural oils and cause irritation. The secret is to use gentle products and to use them regularly.
Sun protection: It is highly important to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can worsen acne and cause hyperpigmentation. Sun protection must be used daily and even when we are not exposed to the sun directly or it is not a sunny day.
Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins as well as avoiding sugary, processed foods and dairy products is key, as they may exacerbate acne in some cases.
Hydration: Remember to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins from your body. Hydration is important not only from the outside but also from the inside.
Stress management: Although it is one of the hardest parts of the process, stress management is really important since stress can directly affect our skin condition. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Keep your hands off your face: Avoid touching your face throughout the day to prevent transferring dirt, oil, and bacteria from your hands to your skin. The smallest and most insignificant bacteria can cause big effects on your skin.
Consult a dermatologist: If over-the-counter treatments are not effective, or if you have severe acne, ask a dermatologist who can prescribe medications or recommend other treatments such as topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, or isotretinoin.
Cleansing versus exfoliating
Cleansing and exfoliating are always listed as the two most important steps to get healthy and young skin. However, although they may look similar since their final purpose is to clean skin, exfoliation and cleansing serve different purposes in a skincare routine, so it is important to understand when it is appropriate to exfoliate and when it is better to cleanse.
Exfoliation
On the one hand, exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath. It can also help prevent clogged pores and improve the effectiveness of other skincare products. Exfoliation should typically be done from one up to three times per week, depending on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you are using. It is best to exfoliate in the evening, as some exfoliants can increase sun sensitivity.
Cleansing
On the other hand, cleansing is essential for removing dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin’s surface. It helps keep the skin clean and prevents clogged pores, which can lead to acne and other skin issues. Cleansing should be done twice daily, in the morning and evening, to maintain healthy skin. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser appropriate for your skin type.
It is clear that there is a great difference between exfoliating and cleansing and it is always better to exfoliate when you want to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture while cleansing should be done daily to remove surface impurities and keep the skin clean, ideally in the morning and evening as part of your skincare routine.
It is also essential to remember that our types of skin are different, so what works for one of us may not work for others. It may take some trial and error to find the best skincare routine for your individual needs. Are you ready to start taking care of your skin and free yourself from impurities and acne?