Acne affects millions of people worldwide. And whether you’ve already dealt with it firsthand or just want to ward it off, developing an anti-acne facial routine is vitally important. The right routine will not only treat and prevent it, but also help keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.

How Do You Develop an Anti-Acne Facial Routine?

Acne affects millions of people worldwide. And whether you’ve already dealt with it firsthand or just want to ward it off, developing an anti-acne facial routine is vitally important. The right routine will not only treat and prevent it, but also help keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.

But here’s the catch: there’s no exact routine that will fit everybody.

While certain basic principles tend to remain the same, you may find that you need to tweak some of your protocols to better suit the needs of your skin. And of course, if nothing improves even after you’ve developed a skin care protocol, it may be time to visit a professional.

Whether you’ve struggled with acne for years or are just now developing a skin care protocol, below are a few key steps for creating a skincare routine to treat and prevent acne.

My Breakout Experience

It is going to be a long and deep conversation if skin care is involved. First and foremost, I always look for the best skin care routine for myself. Lately, I had one of the worst breakouts in my entire life. I had my spirits crushed and confidence lowered at a specific point.

During my search, I talked to a lot of friends who are into skin care and asked for their tips. Some told me to use facial wash, toner, and a mask. I am happy to learn about that piece of information and found myself finding organic products that will do the job.

Fortunately, I did! Through Human Heart Nature, they have different organic products that are hypoallergenic and budget friendly.

For my own regimen, here’s what I use:

• Acne Defense Facial Wash
• Balancing Facial Wash – Oil Control
• Acne Defense Face Toner
• Balancing Face Toner – Oil Control
• Acne Defense Gel
• Aztec Clay Mask

Not everything listed may be good for you hence, there’s a need for you to create your own. For those who do not have a single idea on how to, continue reading as we’ll share some information about it!

#1 An Acne Cleanser is Essential

Of course, when you are working to fight acne, keeping your skin generally clean is wise. If you exercise frequently, you’ll want to shower as soon as possible to prevent the bacteria in sweat from clogging your pores. For some, a regular facial cleanser may be enough.

However, for the acne-prone, just basic cleansing is frequently not enough. For most people with oily or acne-prone skin, a scrub or face wash specifically designed to stop acne-causing bacteria may be helpful.

Most of these scrubs contain one of two ingredients: either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Depending on how your skin reacts to either, you may find that one of these products works better for you than the other. Many varieties of cleansers are available at drugstores and supermarkets, and you can find them in both generic and name brands. Finding the right cleanser may take a bit of trial and error, but it’s well worth it is you hope to be acne-free.

Depending on your needs, you may find that you do best with a cleanser geared toward body acne as well. Since facial skin tends to be more delicate than the skin on the rest of your body, these cleansers often have slightly different makeups.

#2 A Toner Can Help Condition Your Skin

While salicylic acid and benzoyl-peroxide can be very helpful for treating acne, incorporating a toner can help tighten pores and overall improve your skin tone. There are many commercially-available toners whose ingredients vary, but you also can purchase witch hazel or a similar astringent.

Of course, while astringents can improve the overall look and texture of your skin, they also may be drying, especially if your skin is not extremely oily. Therefore, if you find your skin dry after using a toner, it may be worth finding an acne-friendly moisturizer.

This is discussed in more detail below.

#3 If You Are Extremely Breakout-Prone, Consider Adding in Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide Pads

If you aren’t too familiar with acne products, this may sound like a repeat of the first topic. However, when you use an acne cleanser, that cleanser has a few minutes to work with your skin before it is rinsed off.

With benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid pads, the acne-treating compounds are left on your skin without being washed off. This type of treatment may be too harsh for some, but if you find yourself with persistent breakouts, it may be worth trying.

Many people use these treatment pads right before bed. However, if you do use them right before going to sleep, it’s important to bear in mind that they may cause bleaching or staining to clothing or sheets.

#4 For Some, an Acne-Friendly Moisturizer May Help

People of many different skin types are prone to acne.

For those with more oily skin, it may be best to add in an extra dose of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide via a pad treatment. However, for those with dryer skin, adding is a moisturizer may help. This might sound counterintuitive at first.

After all, excess oil in the skin contributes to acne, so it may seem as though extra moisture from a moisturizer would do the same. But for some, acne treatment causes dry, flaky, and itchy skin.

Choosing a moisturizer that is advertised as non-comedogenic (that will not clog pores) may help you to achieve a balance of healthy moisture and acne treatment. However, for some, even the gentlest of moisturizers may cause them to break out.

As with most aspects of creating a skincare routine, trial and error may be necessary. But if you do need a moisturizer, finding the right one will be well worth it.

What if No Regimen Seems to Work?

For many people, developing a regimen can clear their skin completely, or almost completely. But if you find that, despite your best efforts, your skin simply won’t clear, it may be time to see a professional.

Severe acne can cause scarring and permanent damage to your skin, but a good dermatologist or skin care specialist can help you. These specialists may be able to determine whether an underlying condition is responsible for your acne, and they also may be able to prescribe you a stronger cleanser or other medication to manage your skin.

How Do You Go About Finding a Doctor?

Acne isn’t just a medical condition; it also has serious effects on self-esteem. If your efforts to treat your acne haven’t helped, and if you’re ready to start feeling better, contacting a dermatologist may be your next logical step. You also may want to try a skincare regimen developed by someone who knows how to treat acne.

If so, Iridesse Skincare, developed by Dr. Ruth L. Hillelson, MD, may be a good place to start. Dr. Hillelson is a renowned reconstructive and plastic surgeon, and her line of skincare products is designed to work naturally and effectively with your skin.

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What is your anti-breakout routine?

I want to know and read yours. Hopefully, you’ll share it through the comments below!