Acne Be Gone: 8 Tips For Achieving Clear Skin

We've all been there: waking up on the day of a very important work presentation or better yet, the morning of a first date, to find a cute little cluster of new, pimply friends on your face. Acne — be it whiteheads, pimples, cysts, or blackheads — happens to the best of us, and is reported to affect nearly 5.6-million Canadians per year.

Although there are different degrees of acne, with risk factors being your menstrual cycle, genetics, stress and anxiety, the makeup you wear, and the food you eat, we always recommend that the journey to clearer skin calls for a dedicated, holistic approach.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ACNE?

According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, acne occurs when pores become clogged by dead skin cells resulting in accumulation of sebum. This, mixed with bacteria known as Cutibacterium acnes, leads to inflammation, visible swelling, pus and redness, and pore blockage.

GENETICS

Those with overactive sebaceous glands produce more natural oils and can often lead to more prevalence of acne. If both of your biological parents suffered from acne, genetics can give you a clear insight into your skin health future.

HORMONES

Acne is a hormonal disease as hormones for both men and women are responsible for developing sebaceous glands. Hormonal fluctuations can trigger breakouts throughout puberty or as an adult, specifically in women if one menstrual cycle is imbalanced.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS

Shower or wash your face directly after sweating and completing any physical exercise. When you exercise, your body heats up and your pores open — makeup can settle in your pores and contribute to clogging them. Always use non-comedogenic products and remove makeup before bed. Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C, can play a huge difference in achieving clear skin.

HOW TO GET CLEAR SKIN: 8 TIPS FOR A MORE GLOWING SKIN

1. WASH YOUR FACE REGULARLY

Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, non-drying facial cleanser with active ingredients such as salicylic acid or lotus flower extract, which being anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, shed the dead skin cells on the top layer of your face.

2. EXFOLIATE WEEKLY

Opt for a chemical exfoliant with enzymes like papain (derived from papaya), bromelain (derived from pineapple), baobab extract, and glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. Exfoliation can be done once weekly.

3. DON'T SNUB THE MOISTURIZER

It's a common misconception that acne-prone skin does not require added moisture. Choose an oil-free, lightweight moisturizer with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These will help make your skin stronger and maintain more water and hydration with continued use.

4. ASK FOR A TOPICAL PRESCRIPTION

For those suffering from moderate to severe acne, seek medical attention. A dermatologist can prescribe the right topical medication based on your needs ranging from salicylic and benzoyl peroxide, to tretinoin or clindamycin.

5. WEAR SUNSCREEN: APPLY SPF

SPF is vital for any person using prescription retinol, benzols, and salicylic, as these ingredients can lead to a compromised and more sensitive skin barrier. Look for oil and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic SPF formulas.

6. STOP PICKING

Just don't do it — it will only make acne worse! Picking or popping a pimple can only lead to a higher risk of acne's harmful bacteria spreading and can damage the skin's surface.

7. GET SOME SLEEP

During your nightly sleep, your skin replaces aging cells with new ones, removes harmful toxins, and repairs cell and DNA damage. Sleep's regeneration process is also three times faster than during the day, which means ample opportunity for your nightly skincare products to heal acne scarring and pigmentation.

8. TAKE SUPPLEMENTS

We recommend treating the gut first, as it has been proven to have positive effects on the skin microbiome. Probiotics, Zinc, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) have all been shown to have positive effects on acne.

HOW TO GET CLEAR SKIN: THE FIRST BASE APPROACH

Remember, achieving clear skin doesn't just happen overnight. At the root of any journey to clear skin is self-love. That, and a skincare regime tailored specifically for your individual needs and skin type, is the key to taking the next steps towards your ideal skin health.