Reality is, keeping it simple works. Why do we complicate ourselves so much by using so many products and trying different things all at ones. I’m guilty of this, too. I have decided to start fresh and throw the clutter. Time to simplify it all!
There are three items that will make it all come together, a cleanser, treatment and protection. The key is picking products with the right ingredients, percentage of active ingredients and of course the right products for your skin type.
Today’s list is for acne prone skin. My goal is to teach you to read the labels and pick products by knowledge not by what is advertised to you!
#1 The Cleanser
If you have acne you need to use a cleanser that effectively removes excess oil, a gel cleanser with salicylic acid 2% or more is a must have. Make sure it’s gel base if you use makeup and have oily skin type.
If you aren’t very oily but still have acne, a foam cleanser will be best for you.
#2 The Treatment
This is the part that makes most, if not all of the difference! The treatment is a product used to target the problem and fix it. This product should have the highest percentage of active ingredients in your regimen.
If your treatment is of the same percentage as your cleanser or moisturizer it’s not going to work. Toss it!!
The treatment can either be retinol, benzoyl peroxide 5% or more, salicylic acid 10% or more, or a mixture of acids which will be an AHA about 10% or more.
#3 Protection
When acne appears on the skin it creates damage to the skin outermost layer, the epidermis. This can create a little mark, which we would like disappear as quickly as possible. If we do not use sunscreen that mark will only become darker and stay on the skin. In order to prevent this from happening and to make sure our skin stays clear, we have to protect from UVA and UVB rays. I’ve had many clients skip this part thinking sunscreen breaks them out or believe that they don’t need it.
They are very mistaken! Not only do you need it for health purposes but to keep an even skin complexion. Picking the right sunscreen will take you a long way. A zinc oxide 9% and oil free is the best choice.
My favorite is the Image Skincare Matte Moisturizer SPF 32+.
I hope this has helps! Click the book now button to schedule a free consultation with me in Washington DC.