Overcoming Acne 3: How to maintain clear skin

Now that you have finally gotten rid of your acne from what we’ve learnt in Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, how do you keep your skin clear?

It’s not so much about the occasional facial or mask. It’s what we do every day that matters the most. Here’s everything you need to do for clear skin.

Step 1 – Cleanse

Cleansing is the most important step in your routine. It removes all unwanted impurities and skin debris so that what you subsequently use can be effective.

You might already have a face cleanser, but it may not be the right one. As most acne is inflammatory, always choose a gentle cleanser. It should wash off completely without the need for hot water or cloths. Skin should not feel tight of the skin after cleansing.

Some people think scrubbing keeps their skin clear. However, as acne is not a skin surface condition, no amount of aggressive scrubbing will actually get rid of it! This harsh rubbing only irritates and can again lead to inflammation. It also encourages the spread of bacteria to other uninfected areas.

The Foam Party, our favourite foaming face wash, cleans immaculately without over-drying. It is pH-balanced, fragrance-free, soap-free and rinses off completely. Like all of our products, it is customised to suit your skin type.

 

Step 2 – Exfoliate

Exfoliation removes the top layers of (dead) skin cells. It is crucial in acne prevention because it prevents our pores from being blocked.

We can exfoliate physically using scrubs or chemically using acidic compounds. We always recommend chemical exfoliants as they remove cells evenly across the skin surface, without any abrasion.

There are a variety of acids that each have their own advantages.

• Salicylic acid (BHA) – Oil-dissolving, pore clearing. Good for oily or blackhead-prone skin.
• Lactic acid – Mild AHA. Best for dry, sensitive skin
• Glycolic acid – The smallest and most penetrating AHA. Great for normal or resilient skin.

Not everyone needs the same frequency of exfoliation. You will be able to tell how much your skin likes to be exfoliated as it will look and feel its best. Start once or twice a week and work upwards if necessary.

The Smooth Operator, is our leave-on chemical exfoliant. We formulate it to the right pH level with optimal blends of AHAs and BHA to suit your skin, achieving maximum effectiveness with minimal irritation.

Step 3 -Moisturise

Finally, the skin needs to stay hydrated.

Light-textured moisturisers are most suitable for acne-prone skin. Avoid moisturisers that are thick or contain high amounts of plant oils, butters or waxes. Instead, choose those that are high in humectants, which are ingredients that draw water onto themselves, thus directly increasing water content of the skin.

If you have active breakouts, press your moisturiser lightly into skin. Do not massage or rub into the skin as this can cause physical irritation, further aggravating the inflammed lesions.

Our advanced facial moisturisers for acne-prone skins will be specifically formulated to be lightweight, oil-free yet intensely hydrating.

Clear skin for life

As you can see, it doesn’t take a lot to maintain clear skin. The routine is simple! However, finding the right products can be tricky.

If you don’t care for the trial-and-error approach, let us do the hard work. We custom-formulate your products so you can enjoy clear skin for life effortlessly!