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Inflamed, pimple-prone skin?
Photo Courtesy of Sofie Pavitt Face
The road to clear skin isnt necessarily a10-step K-beauty regimenor the trendiest serum.
According to the experts, the best acne skin-care routine starts with consistency and avoiding the wrong ingredients.
Chief among those irritating offenders?
Fragrance and alcohol-laden formulas, which can wreak havoc on already inflamed, acne-prone skin.
When youre dealing with breakouts, less is definitely more.
That means resisting the urge to pile on actives all at once.
If youre using ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids, space them out.
Apply one in the morning and another at night or on alternate days.
Overlapping too many strong ingredients can lead to more breakouts.
Just as crucial is what you pair thosetreatmentswith.
And when it comes to cleansing and exfoliating, be gentle.
VoguesAcne Skin-Care Essentials
Still, even with the perfect regimen, results dont happen overnight.
And thats where patienceand a bit of perspectivecomes in.
Theres no quick fix for acne, Catie Boucher, DCNP, FNP-C and founder of SavvyDerm tellsVogue.
Its easy to get pulled in by buzzy marketing, but long-term results come from consistency.
Perhaps most importantly, Boucher emphasizes the need for personalization.
Its not just about whats trendingits about what works foryourskin.
Lets get into it!
The pros suggest starting off your routine withmicellar water.
Removing makeup andSPFthoroughly is important to clear, healthy skin.
Micellar water is a gentle, non-stripping option that doesnt require scrubbing, celebrity esthetician Kristin Gunn tellsVogue.
Micelles attract oil, dirt, and impurities like a magnet without disrupting your delicate skin barrier.
This is crucial for those dealing with breakouts, as inflammation and barrier damage will worsen acne.
Dr. Gratch reminds us that ingredients matter, especially with acne-prone skin.
As for which cleanser to choose?
One of the biggest misconceptions I constantly hear about acne patients is that theymustbe on a cleanser with actives.
This couldnt be further from the truth.
Acne patients are usually already on enough actives, says Boucher, who prefers gentle cream cleanser.
Exfoliating helps prevent that cycle, says Gunn.
Many experts preferchemical exfoliantsover physical scrubs for their gentle yet effective approach.
And for persistent acne, Differin gel remains a trusted go-to.
Whatever you choose, the key is consistencypick just one option and stick with it.
I recommend using a deep cleansing face mask once to twice a week, maximum.
Overdoing it can disrupt the skin barrier and actually make breakouts worse, says Rufolo.
While these masks are great for drawing out impurities, they should support your acne skin-care regimennot overwhelm it.
Kiehls, Caudalie, and Isntree all offer clarifying clay masks that balance actives with calming botanicals.
Meanwhile, Herbivore relies on fruit enzymes to exfoliate while blue tansy calms redness.
Gel moisturizers are best for oily or combination skin.
Theyre typically lightweight, fast-absorbing, and wont clog pores.
Theyre also great for layering under SPF or makeup, says Gunn.
Cream moisturizers, on the other hand, are better for dry, dehydrated, or sensitized skin.
Regardless of texture, Gunn emphasizes choosing a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula.
Torn between the two?
An editor favorite is Omniluxs Blemish Eraser, a mini version of the brandscult-favorite LED face mask.
Prefer something more low-maintenance?
You cant go wrong with a classic hydrocolloid patch.
Opt for the ultra-discreet Mighty Patch, or make it fun with one ofStarfaces cheeky decorative options.
A gadget that tackles wrinkles, dark spots, and blemishesall at once.
A daily SPF is essential (even if youre inside most of the day).
UV exposure can worsen inflammation, slow healing, and darken acne scars, says Gunn.
This is especially important if you use exfoliants or treatments that increase sun sensitivity.
