Skincare Tips For Spot Prone Skin

Breakouts can appear at any time, and they can be a complete pain to get rid of. So, what do you do when a spot breakout comes along, and what can you do to stop them occurring in the first place? Here are 10 tips to prevent and treat spot flare-ups.

 

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Use a gentle cleanser twice a day

Washing your face first thing in the morning and at night will make a big difference from the get-go. First thing in the morning will remove any build-up and dead skin from the night’s sleep and prepare your skin for the day. It is crucial that before going to bed you wash off all your makeup, otherwise, this is all going to sit on your skin and clog your pores which lead to breakouts. If you have oily skin, this step will also help to balance the oils produced by your skin. Find out what causes oily skin and which skincare ingredients work really well with oily skin.

Utilise salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is the pimples worst enemy. It works as an exfoliant deep in the skin targeting abnormal shedding of cells and dries out excess sebum produced by your pores. For milder acne, salicylic acid helps unclog pores to resolve and prevent lesions. It does not have any effect on sebum production and does not kill bacteria, so it is best used on sporadic breakouts of

Consider Benzoyl peroxide

If you suffer from cystic acne and nothing else is working, benzoyl peroxide is a great option to try. It is one of the most used acne treatments available without a prescription. In addition to removing excess oil and dead skin cells, benzoyl peroxide helps kill acne-causing bacteria beneath the skin. It is not without its side effects, as it is very drying and can cause your skin to become very sensitive to the sun, so ensure you are using a stronger SPF. (Also, as a side note, it’s best used during the day as it can sit on your pillowcase and get into your eyes, which is not fun, trust me).

 

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Don’t pick your spots. Ever.

Look I get it, I’m as guilty as the next person for picking my face until it’s a redraw mess, but we really shouldn’t pick, lance or squeeze our spots. Picking or popping a zit exposes the pore to even more bacteria, including those from your hands, and if it’s not ready to be extracted, you can end up pushing bacteria deeper into your skin.  It also increases the risk of infection or scarring and can make the whole situation much worse.

If you have a pimple that really hurts, see a dermatologist. They can perform specialized treatments and extractions to safely get rid of the pimple while also minimizing the risk of infection.

 

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Sleep on a silk pillowcase

Getting enough sleep is important, and the material you are sleeping on is also massively important. Switching to a silk pillowcase is the best change you can make to reduce spots and breakouts, as it will give your skin a smoother surface to sleep on, so it won’t aggravate your skin. It will also keep your products on your skin and stop them getting soaked into your pillowcase, which combined with your sweat, dead skin and body heat, makes for a perfect habitat for acne-causing bacteria to breed. Don’t forget to change your pillowcase every week to keep it fresh and clean. Read our blog here for more information on how your pillowcase can be causing your breakouts.

Consider your diet

If you suffer from hormonal acne, you may want to look at your diet and consider making some changes. Reducing the amount of sugar and white carbohydrates, cutting out sugary drinks and food, dairy, and choosing to opt for whole grain, nutrient-dense foods that are high in omegas, protein and essential vitamins will boost your overall health and improve your skin.

 

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Exfoliate gently once a week

Exfoliation will help to remove dead skin cells and build-up which can clog your pores which lead to spots. Having a build-up of dead cells on your face may also make your skin look dull, flaky, or prematurely aged. Depending on the type of breakouts you are experiencing, you have a wide choice of chemical and physical exfoliants. If your skin is sensitive, limit your exfoliation to avoid irritation and aggravation.

Avoid touching your face

In addition to not picking your face, avoiding touching your face is important to remember when dealing with a breakout. Think about everything you touch every day – from doors, your phone, your keyboard, your hair, food etc. The more you touch your face, the more you will move bacteria around your face, which can exacerbate the problem.

Apply moisturiser

How does a moisturizer help to keep your skin clear? Well, if your skin is excessively dry, it may try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil. The result? Breakouts. Moisturizers don’t have to be expensive or filled with fancy ingredients. More importantly, look for a moisturizer that’s non-comedogenic. This means it won’t clog your pores.

If you have oily skin, moisturizers labelled “lightweight” may be best to prevent a heavy, greasy feeling. Some people find they must switch to heavier moisturizers during the winter months when cold, dry air can leave skin feeling tight and dried out.

 

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Wash your makeup brushes

Seriously guys, wash your brushes regularly. It’s so gross and bad for your skin.  Face brushes and sponges should be washed after every use, and other brushes should be washed at least once a week. Why? Dirty brushes hoard bacteria, which can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Clean brushes also apply makeup better and will last longer with regular cleaning.