Let’s face it: One of the first things people notice is your skin. We’re here to help you make sure that first impression is the best version of you. Follow these five tips from dermatologists to help you maintain a near flawless complexion.
1. Don’t just wash your face. Cleanse it, too.
Washing your face every day, twice a day is a fundamental step to clear skin. Makeup wipes can be a girl’s best friend. But if that’s the only step to your nightly skincare routine, you’re leaving behind quite a bit of your day. Water alone won’t cut it either.
The experts at the American Academy of Dermatology recommend washing your face once in the morning, again at night, and after you sweat. To clear pores of excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells (yes, we all have these), use a cleanser that contains Benzoyl peroxide or Salicylic acid.
PanOxyl’s Daily Control Acne Creamy Wash is ideal for daily use on acne-prone skin and can be used two to three times a day. It has a 4% concentration of Benzoyl peroxide which kills acne-causing bacteria on contact and helps shed dead skin cells fast.
*Bonus Tip: No scrubbing! The best way to wash your face is to use what your momma gave you: your fingers! Washcloths or scrub brushes can irritate your skin and lead to breakouts. Massage cleanser into your skin with your fingertips, then pat your face dry with a towel.
2. Hydrate your skin
If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you may think a moisturizer is the last thing you need, but it’s one of the most important steps! Acne treatments that contain Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic acid or Isotretinoin can dry out your skin. In turn that can cause your body to make more oil than it needs and can clog your pores leading to breakouts.
Dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer when your skin feels dry. Look for a moisturizer that is:
✅ Oil-free
✅ Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
3. SPF really is your BFF
The cold hard truth: you can love the sun all you want, but it won’t love you back. The sun is one of the biggest culprits of skin aging. It gives off two types of UV rays that can do major damage to your skin. Studies show that UVA rays cause skin to age prematurely, and UVB rays burn skin, causing sunburn and skin damage.
Protect yourself with a good sunscreen. The AAD recommends sunscreens that are broad-spectrum, meaning they protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Also, make sure to use a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. This will protect you from at least 97% of UV rays.
*Bonus tip: You can also find sunscreens made specifically for the face that are non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores. Right now, we’re loving Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen’s Sensitive Face formula. This mineral sunscreen has no chemical active ingredients, is non-comedogenic and contains hydrating Hyaluronic acid for an added boost of moisture.
4. Shampoo, rinse, repeat
We know what you’re thinking: “What does my hair have to do with my skincare?!” If you have oily hair, those oils are likely going to end up on your face where they can cause acne. The AAD says to wash your hair often if not daily.
To make showering even more complicated, your hair products might be causing your acne. Many shampoos, conditioners and styling products contain oil which can clog your pores. If you think your hair products are doing more harm than good for your acne, switch it up.
Look for products with these words on the label:
- Won’t clog pores
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-acnegenic
6. Give your makeup brushes new life
The best beauty gurus live and breathe this one: clean your makeup brushes often. You never know what might be hiding within the bristles of your favorite foundation brush. Even if you don’t wear makeup every day, product stays in brushes and grows bacteria. Trust us – you don’t want that to touch your face!
The AAD recommends cleaning your makeup brushes once every seven to ten days.
- Wash with lukewarm water and a tablespoon of shampoo
- Rinse until the water runs clear
- Squeeze out the water from the brushes, then lay them out flat on a paper towel to air dry
Also, it’s okay to be protective of your makeup brushes. While acne isn’t contagious, the AAD says sharing makeup applicators can spread bacteria, dead skin cells and oil from other people’s skin to yours. This can lead to new breakouts.
*Bonus tip: Wearing makeup while treating acne can be tricky. Look for cosmetics that are oil-free and won’t clog pores. If you feel your makeup is causing your acne, make an appointment with your dermatologist.
