Treating your skin when you are suffering from acne
One of the most common skin issues is acne; it is the eighth most common skin disease worldwide. It mainly occurs during puberty; however, it can affect adults, with 95% of people aged 11 to 30 being affected by acne at some point.
Mostly all acne is caused by inflammation and clogged pores. However, hormones, contact irritation, stress, and bacteria can also cause acne. The battle against acne can feel like it is never-ending if you do suffer or have previously suffered with it, with the right information and guidance, you can learn to curb the breakouts and reduce the signs of a flare-up.
There are several ways to treat and manage acne, and results vary from one person to the next. A good, consistent skincare routine is crucial to have if you are prone to breakouts. It can help remove excess oil; keep pores clear; boost skin regeneration, and alleviate existing blemishes.
The current coronavirus pandemic has drastically increased the numbers of people wearing face masks, the problem of breakouts, or as we now call it ‘maskne’ is becoming more prevalent. Wearing a face mask for a long time can cause blockages in the pores, much like common acne – however it is centralised around the mouth and nose.
To help, here is a simple daily routine using some of the Proto-col skincare collection that you can follow both morning and night to treat acne-prone skin like a pro:
There are several ways to treat and manage acne, and results vary from one person to the next. A good, consistent skincare routine is crucial to have if you are prone to breakouts. It can help remove excess oil; keep pores clear; boost skin regeneration, and alleviate existing blemishes.
The current coronavirus pandemic has drastically increased the numbers of people wearing face masks, the problem of breakouts, or as we now call it ‘maskne’ is becoming more prevalent. Wearing a face mask for a long time can cause blockages in the pores, much like common acne – however it is centralised around the mouth and nose.
To help, here is a simple daily routine using some of the Proto-col skincare collection that you can follow both morning and night to treat acne-prone skin like a pro:
Step 1: Cleanse
The first step of any good routine is a facial cleanser. Used in both the morning and evening, it will help to relieve oiliness. Using a facial cleansing cloth, thoroughly cleanse your face, as well as your jawline and neck. A favourite for blemish-prone skin is the Foaming Facial wash. A non-comedogenic cleanser that deeply cleanses, whilst minimising the appearance of pores.
Top Tip: Always double cleanse to make sure you are removing all traces of make-up, as well as any dirt or bacteria that you might have picked up during the day.
Step 2: Tone
Toners are helpful and necessary if you have acne-prone skin. They help restore the skin’s PH balance; minimise the appearance of pores and brighten your skin tone. They also prepare the skin for the application of serums and treatments. The Collagen Toning Mist is a hydrating toner enriched with hyaluronic and glycolic acid that help shed any dead skin. It also contains chamomile, providing antioxidants which support the reduction of inflammation.
Top Tip: In the summer, this is a great mid-day pick me up to rehydrate the skin, prevent make-up from sliding and cooling down.
Step 3: Serum
The next step is a serum they deliver a high concentration of active ingredients like nutrients and antioxidants that can improve your skin health. People tend to skip a face serum out of their routine, but it offers more targeted results. You can apply serum twice a day immediately after cleansing and toning to your face, neck and décolleté. One you should try is the Collagen Facial Serum, it targets redness, scarring and pigmentation while strengthening the skin’s barrier. It also restores optimum hydration levels with its blend of plant extracts and antioxidants.
Top Tip: Serums penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, reaching the root of the concerns, and in return, we see long-lasting results.
Step 4: Moisturise
Using a moisturiser not only locks in our serum, but it protects our top layer of the skin, taking care of what we can physically see. Make sure you’re using a lightweight formula that is ‘non-comedogenic’, this will stop the moisturiser from blocking your pores. Another ingredient to look out for in your moisturiser is hyaluronic acid which will help de-clog the pores and curb breakouts.
Perfect for strengthening the skin barrier and for those with acne-prone skin, the Moisturising Facial Gel is a light moisturiser combining collagen, hyaluronic acid and triple vitamins A, C, and E. As it is oil-free, it absorbs into the skin effortlessly and leaves you with a fresh, dewy, and hydrated complexion.
Top Tip: We have multiple layers of skin, our moisturiser takes care of the top surface allowing our skin to feel soft, nourished with a natural glow.
Weekly skincare steps:
Not every product should get used daily, but it’s good to treat your skin every week to manage your acne.
Exfoliation is a crucial skincare step for acne-prone skin. Avoid using harsh scrubs though, as it will result in your skin upping the natural production of oil to compensate for the dryness caused. Instead, opt for a gentle face exfoliator, either an enzyme or acid-based formula. Microdermabrasion is a triple-action exfoliating scrub formulated to instantly restore your natural glow while dissolving congested pores and loosening dead skin.
Top Tip: Exfoliate in the evening to allow your skin to replenish, avoiding sun exposure.
The best skincare step has to be a hydrating face mask, another perfect addition for acne-prone skin. While it helps to reduce oiliness and soothe inflammation, you can sit back and relax. The Collagen Facemask also helps with the appearance of scarring, which is quite common after having acne.
Top Tip: Set aside 15 minutes of an evening once a week to treat your skin to this power duo, grab a cuppa and unwind.
As well as a regular skincare routine, there are other actions you can take to help with acne which, can prevent introducing additional bacteria to the skin:
- Change your pillowcases regularly,
- Clean make-up brushes,
- Avoid touching your face during the day.