Keeping your face free of breakouts is a tricky game: Cleanse too little, and you end up with clogged pores and breakouts. Over-cleanse, and you get oily skin, causing breakouts. So how do you beat these breakouts? Test these tips for telling them goodbye and good riddance!
Wash Carefully
You might think you know how to wash your face, but does your routine match what the experts recommend? The American Academy of Dermatology Association has published some great information about how to do this right: First, select a gentle, nonabrasive, alcohol-free cleanser. Next, wet your face with lukewarm water before applying this cleanser with your fingertips (wash your hands first). Why your fingertips? Other tools like sponges and washcloths can be too rough, irritating sensitive facial skin. Avoid scrubbing as you cleanse, as this can damage the skin and cause small tears. To finish, rinse with lukewarm water, then gently pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Another note: Limit your face washing to no more than twice a day (morning and evening) unless you engage in an activity that causes excessive perspiration.
Know Your Skin Type
Your acne products should be well-suited to your skin, so it’s important to identify if your skin is normal, dry, oily, or combination. Dry skin and dry areas need moisture, while oily areas need cleansers that can break oils down. If you aren’t sure what skin type you have, this article from skincare brand CeraVe can help you find out.
Drink Plenty of Water
Your skin is over 60% water, so being dehydrated can have a serious impact on it. Dehydration can not only lead to dry skin, but it can also lead to oily skin. The skin increases sebum production to protect itself when dehydrated – and more sebum production means clogged pores.
Don’t Touch Your Face
It doesn’t matter how often we wash our hands; they’re home to plenty of germs and bacteria! Keep them off your face, especially from existing breakouts. Popping or squeezing leads to more inflammation and can cause scarring.
Wash Your Pillowcase
Think about everything that gets on your pillow: sweat, hair products, makeup, dirt, and oils, to name a few. Make sure you wash your pillowcase regularly and wash your face each night before bed to avoid transferring oils and makeup to it.
Look at Your Diet
What we eat can determine the health and clarity of our skin. If you notice breakouts every time you eat a certain food, try removing it from your diet and see if your face clears up.
Breakouts are a bummer, but there is a lot you can do to ward them off. Use these tips to take control and get clearer skin.