Resolve to Have Less Acne This New Year

Acne doesn’t just cause physical symptoms — it causes emotional distress, too. In fact, many people who have acne also suffer from depression or anxiety as a result. 

Today, there are more options than ever to reduce acne breakouts and improve both your complexion and your confidence. With just a little effort and consistency on your part, you could enjoy clearer skin this year and for years to come.

At Starkey Medical Esthetics, Michele Meinhart, FNP, devises customized, comprehensive acne management plans for patients in Salem, Virginia, helping every patient enjoy clearer skin. If you want fewer breakouts this year, these 10 tips can help.

1. Cleanse regularly

Although acne isn’t a “sign” of a dirty face, it’s definitely helpful to wash your face once or twice a day. If you wear makeup, be sure to remove all traces of it before going to bed. Use a cleanser product designed for acne-prone skin and follow up with an oil-free moisturizer.

2. Use the right products

Choose products that are gentle on your skin to prevent overdrying or irritation. Add a moisturizer to your routine to keep your skin soft and supple and prevent overproduction of oil. Read product labels to ensure the ingredients are appropriate for acne-prone skin. Often, these products have the word noncomedogenic on their labels to signify that they won’t cause breakouts.

3. Don’t scrub your skin

Since acne is caused by bacteria trapped inside your pores, it might seem like exfoliation and regular scrubbing would help open your pores and prevent breakouts. But actually, the opposite is true. Too much scrubbing irritates the skin, spreads bacteria, and triggers an overproduction of oil that winds up clogging your pores and causing pimples.

4. Don’t touch your face

Acne is caused by bacteria, and when you touch your face, you can transfer germs, as well as dirt and oils, to your skin, worsening inflammation and breakouts. Try to avoid touching your face, and be sure to wash your hands regularly, so if you do forget, the risk of spreading germs will be low.

5. Be careful with hair removal

When you shave, move the razor in the direction of the hair, being careful to avoid nicking blemishes. Wash your blades thoroughly afterward to avoid spreading bacteria. An electric razor may be more effective in removing hair without irritating your skin. Waxing and threading can spread infection, too, especially if they’re used in an area where your skin is broken out.

6. Don’t pop your pimples

It might be tempting to pop pimples to “help” them drain, but don’t do it. Popping a pimple can spread bacteria and cause more breakouts, plus it often leads to permanent scarring. Stick with the products we prescribe to keep those pimples under control.

7. Shower after workouts

Exercise and strenuous physical activity can make you sweat, especially if you’re in a warm environment, and sweat can increase the likelihood of having a breakout. Shower after working out or any time you’re really sweaty, and consider using a body wash made for acne-prone skin.

8. Shampoo frequently

If your hair is oily, you should wash it frequently — more frequently than someone who has dry or “normal” hair. That’s because oils from your hair can wind up clogging your pores. Try to keep your hair off your face, too, but avoid headbands that can trap dirt and oils and increase acne breakouts. Skip hairspray, gels, and other hair products if you can, since these can also clog your pores and cause breakouts.

9. Avoid too much sun

Not only can too much sun increase your risk of skin cancer and cause premature skin aging, but it can also irritate your skin and make your acne worse. Some acne medications make your skin extra sensitive to the sun’s UV rays, increasing the risk of irritation. Tanning beds can have the same effect.

10. See your dermatologist

Acne is a chronic condition that requires an ongoing management plan to keep it under control. Your skin’s needs tend to change over time, and that means your treatment plan needs to change, too. Having regular visits with our team helps ensure your skin gets the care it needs to reduce future breakouts, so you can enjoy a clearer complexion.

If you’re ready to enjoy healthier skin, a clearer complexion, and increased confidence this year, we can help. To get started with your own acne management plan, call 540-389-0909 or book an appointment online at Starkey Medical Esthetics today.