Skincare Tips that Helped Clear My Adult Acne

Kandor Living

With so many skincare products trending, there is so much information to digest and many layers to apply. Yet, most of us don’t know where to start or don’t have the luxury of splurging $60 on a “miracle serum.” We’re tired of watching celebrities’s 25-step skincare routines filled with overpriced, mediocre products they were probably paid to use. I don’t want to discredit every celebrity’s skincare knowledge and routine – because I have encountered several celebrities with great skincare tips. However, we should stop normalizing looking up to celebrities and IG models on achieving “perfect” skin and start learning more about our skin and what it needs.

As someone who has struggled with adult acne, I’ve tirelessly spent hours watching skincare product videos. There were many times when I purchased products that either irritated my skin or didn’t do anything to help. There were times when my adult acne affected my confidence so badly that I would isolate myself from social events because I was scared of showing my skin to the world. Thankfully, after a few dermatology visits and taking the time to know my skin type and what it needed, I found a skincare routine that has helped clear my acne. Below are tips that have helped me clear my adult acne and keep my skin mostly acne-free.

MY SKIN TYPE

It is essential to consider your skin type and concerns when building your skincare routine. Everyone’s skin is unique and reacts differently to skin products. Our skin even goes through changes caused by environmental factors, genetics, nutrition, sun exposure, etc. I have sensitive and dry skin, and all these steps/products I mention below help keep my skin clear, hydrated, and refreshed. If you are struggling with acne or any other skin concerns, I highly recommend visiting your local dermatologist to help treat your skin, provide effective treatment, and assist you in finding a skincare regimen based on your skin type/concerns. I have made a few dermatology appointments, which have helped me learn more about my skin and how to take care of it.

Use a pre-cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen

You want to ensure you remove all the dead skin cells, dirt, excess oil, makeup, and even sunscreen to cleanse thoroughly and properly. A pre-cleanser helps remove all that build-up without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. The Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm is my favorite and go-to pre-cleanser. It is a thick mango yellow balm that melts into your skin without leaving an oily residue. This cleansing balm melts my makeup away and feels like a mango party on my face! It contains amazing ingredients such as grape seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, babasu, olive oil, and vitamin E. My skin always feels hydrated after applying this balm – it is my favorite part of my skincare routine! I love the texture of this cleansing balm – it reminds me of a mango sorbet!

FIND THE RIGHT CLEANSER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

My number one holy grail cleanser since 2017 has been the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. I have found other cleansers that work well with my skin. However, this one does everything that I look for in a cleanser. It foams up quite a bit, it gives me a clean feeling, it doesn’t feel stripping, it’s super gentle, and it’s super affordable. You can purchase this from Amazon or your local Target for $9. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types, especially if you have sensitive skin. The Vanicream Cleanser has also been approved by the National Eczema Association, making it a great cleanser for those who suffer from eczema.

Apply moisturizer twice a day

Whether you have oily, dry, or normal skin, it is important to moisturize daily! Aside from adding moisture, moisturizers help prevent premature aging and reduce skin issues such as acne, extreme dryness, and even oiliness. I use a moisturizer in both my morning and night routine. I use the Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream in my morning routine. This is my favorite moisturizer and I have gone through three jars so far. It does an amazing job of soaking into my skin and giving me the hydration I need without leaving it looking oily. I use the Order Of The Eclipse Hyaluronic Cream from Good Light in my night routine. I like using this at night time since it is a thicker cream that gives me more intense hydration that I can leave on overnight. Incoroprating this moisturizer in my nighttime routine makes me look super glowy and hydrated the following morning. Key ingredients in the product include squalane, Mishima mushroom, and glycerin.

APPLY SPF DAILY

I can’t stress how important it is to apply SPF every day. Applying sunscreen is a MUST for protecting your skin. Below are several reasons why you apply SPF regularly:

• Protection from harmful UV rays

• Prevents sunburns

• Reduces the risk of skin cancer

• Prevents premature aging

• Prevents skin discoloration

• Helps maintain an even skin tone

For years, I would skip wearing SPF because I hated that “chalky” and “powdery” feeling it would leave on my skin. I know, yikes! Thankfully, I have discovered Korean sunscreens that work, look, and feel good on the skin. My favorite is the Beauty of Joseon Relief sunscreen. It is lightweight and gives me a subtle glow on the skin. It sits well underneath my makeup and doesn’t leave a white cast.

Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells

We often hear about the benefits of exfoliating and how it is a crucial step in our skincare routine. So, what exactly does exfoliating do? Exfoliation is the process of removing built-up dirt and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. However, like everything in life, too much of something can be counterproductive. Over-exfoliating can cause our skin to experience irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Aggressive exfoliant products and usage can damage our skin’s protective barrier and make our skin more prone to sun damage. My dermatologist taught me that exfoliating can be super beneficial if done gently and correctly.

The type of exfoliant we use and how often we use it should be based on our skin type. Because I have dry, sensitive skin, I only need to exfoliate once a week. Someone with normal skin can exfoliate two to three times a week, while someone with oily skin might be able to exfoliate three times a week. I have been using Krave Beauty’s Kale-Lalu-yAHA. It is a gentle AHA Exfoliator formulated with glycolic acid, leafy greens (kale, parsley, and spinach), and hyaluronic acid. Unlike most exfoliants I’ve tried, this one doesn’t burn or sting and leaves my skin looking hydrated. I apply this product in my nightly routine and follow up with a night moisturizer (I skip using a serum when I use an exfoliator). I always wake up the next day with my skin looking smoother!

Apply a serum with niacinamide

You may have heard of niacinamide, a skincare ingredient that has become very popular due to its multifunctional benefits for the skin. Here are several benefits of niacinamide.

• Brightens and evens out skin tone

• Controls the skin’s oil production

• Promotes a healthy skin barrier

• Reduces the appearance of dark spots and redness

• Minimizes pores

• Suitable for all skin types

Niacinamide can help treat acne and be used daily in your skincare routine. I like to use a serum with niacinamide five to six days a week at night – I like to leave room for other ingredients one to two times a week. The Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief Serum is one of my favorite skincare products and it has helped transform my skin. If I had to pick one product I couldn’t live without, it would be this miracle serum. It is a cult favorite and Hyram-approved for a reason! I would recommend this serum for all skin types. Aside from niacinamide, this serum contains beneficial ingredients such as tamanu oil, ceramides, squalane, and glycerin.

Opt for a tinted sunscreen instead of a foundation

2014 makeup was all about that matte look and achieving a full glam. Today’s makeup trend is all about getting that fresh, hydrated glazed donut look – thank you, Hailey Bieber. Now, tinted sunscreens are replacing foundations and have gained popularity due to their dual benefit of providing coverage and sun protection in one step, making a skincare routine much easier and time efficient. Those who prefer less heavy makeup or a more natural look can benefit from using a tinted sunscreen. Most foundations are filled with ingredients that can harm the skin, such as fragrances, parabens, and silicones.

Tinted sunscreens give the skin a natural and even appearance. Your natural skin can still be seen through sheer coverage, which helps to even out your complexion. This is good for those who favor a natural makeup appearance or prefer a lighter feeling during the hot summer months. Instead of feeling heavy like traditional foundations, tinted sunscreens give skin a radiant, healthy appearance. I currently use the Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen in the shade 15 Melrose. This skin tint contains SPF 30 and hydrating ingredients that evens out your skin tone. The coverage is also buildable if you’re looking for more coverage. It is formulated with grapeseed, avocado, and jojoba oils to help hydrate and smooth the skin. I would only recommend it for normal and dry skin. If you have oily skin, I would not recommend it since this skin tint is very hydrating!

CONCLUSION

All these steps are suitable for all skin types. However, tailoring your skincare routine to your skin type is crucial. As previously mentioned, if you are struggling with acne or other skin concerns, it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist who can help get your skin treated. Choosing the right products takes time. Remember that overexposure to certain ingredients can push your skin into the sensitivity range and cause breakouts, dryness, and redness. That’s why it is important to patch test and apply new products every other day and take note of your skin’s response.