At some point, most people realize that the way they take care of their skin matters – a lot. Skincare is not a set it and forget it kind of thing. The effort is required to mitigate stressors such as sun exposure and aging. More effort may be necessary if your skin is prone to breakouts and the irritation of acne. To have acne-prone skin doesn’t mean that you’re doing anything wrong. In most cases, it is an indication that a little extra TLC is needed. That TLC may be . . .
More patience with skincare.
The daily skincare routine is vital for people who struggle with acne. When flareups occur, there is a natural tendency to want immediate improvement. The more severe breakouts are, the greater the sense of urgency may be to see the skin clear up. What this sense of urgency can lead to, though, is impatience. Skincare products take several weeks to work; up to 8 weeks for noticeable improvement. For peak results, it takes approximately 4 months of regular use of a given product. To switch products after a few weeks could mean exacerbating irritation rather than reducing it.
Addressing the big picture.
One of the habits that many people create is to spot-treat their skin. A pimple or small blemish appears on the chin, so they apply the appropriate cream or cleanser to that area. What is recommended by experts is that acne-prone skin receives widespread treatment? In addition to washing the entire face with a mild cleanser, acne-fighting solutions should also be applied beyond the existing breakout.
Remembering to moisturize.
A mistake that many people make as they fight acne is avoiding moisturizing products (as well as sunscreen). It is understandable that moisturizers may seem off-limits, especially if acne occurs on oily skin. However, there is the equal consequence to drying the skin out with harsh products. When skin becomes dry, it produces more oil to make up for its condition. More oil could mean a greater chance of clogged pores, which then translates into more breakouts.
You are not alone in your quest to support your skin. For professional acne treatment when you need it, call Advanced Laser & Skin Cancer Center in Teaneck, NJ at 201-836-9696.