Acne: Before you can tackle it, you need to know what causes it, and the solution might be simpler than you think. So instead of focusing on the breakout, let’s start at the beginning--what’s causing the breakout in the first place.
1. Improper Cleansing
Have you ever washed your face and then swiped on toner only to discover the cotton pad is dirty? Yep, your skin is not properly cleansed and all those impurities (sunscreen, makeup, dirt, excess sebum) can get trapped into pores and cause breakouts.
How to fix it?
Fully remove makeup with a makeup cleanser before cleansing or double cleansing, which is another effective way of fully getting rid of any impurities.
Ohlolly Suggests:
Sioris Goodbye Makeup Remover to fully remove makeup. Urang Natural Cleansing Oil & JKosmmune Powder Cleanser to double cleanse every night.
Clear Skin Tip:
Speaking of makeup, apply makeup with a makeup sponge for good hygiene and super easy application. Just make sure you wash the sponge often! When using a makeup remover, use a cotton pad, like these Pyunkang Yul ⅓ Cotton Pads.
2. Environment
Where you live can have a big impact on the condition of your skin. Air-borne pollution and humidity are two environmental factors that can often result in breakouts.
How to fix it?
For those who live near air-borne pollution, protecting your skin from free radicals is crucial, especially if you have sensitive and/or dry skin, which could be a sign that your moisture barrier is damaged. Moisture barrier is what keeps essential hydration locked in and harmful bacteria out. Search for products full of antioxidants that target strengthening your moisture barrier.
Ohlolly Suggests:
Huxley Anti-Gravity Cream, an antioxidant-rich moisturizer, and Olivarrier Fluid Oil Squalane to rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier.
Humidity can also be a factor, especially if you already deal with oily skin, which acne loves. Keep excess sebum under control with a gentle foaming cleaner and an oil-free moisturizer.
Ohlolly Suggests:
Cosrx AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser, Toner & Spot Cream to help heal fast from existing breakout, and to keep acne at bay. Cosrx Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap to hydrate and moisturize skin without added oils or heaviness.
Clear Skin Tip:
No matter what your skin type, consistency is key. Don’t expect your breakouts to clear overnight, or even after a week. Getting your skin back to a balanced, healthy state takes time.
3. Workouts
Exercise can simultaneously be amazing for your complexion and be breeding ground for blemishes. This type of acne will normally show up in bumps around your hairline.
How to fix it?
Let’s revisit culprit #1. Yep, cleansing is crucial, especially after a high-sweat workout. Keep travel-friendly cleansers in your gym bag so you have zero excuses not to wash your face after your workout.
Ohlolly Suggests:
JKosmmune Enzyme Cleansing Powder Packet, a powder-to-foam cleanser perfect for gentle but complete cleansing. Or Avajar Quick Cleansing Dry Tissue, a convenient add-water cleansing tissue for easy and super quick cleansing.
Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Toner Pads, if you want to cleanse, exfoliate and tone all at once!
Clear Skin Tip:
A gentle weekly exfoliator is another great way to keep those pesky bumps at bay. Try: A’Pieu Aqua Peeling Cotton King Swab.
4. Hormones, diet & stress
Unfortunately sometimes finding the root cause of breakouts can be tricky, although not impossible. If you’ve ruled out the above culprits, your acne might be caused by hormones, diet or stress. Taking a holistic approach and paying attention to your skin is key. Try keeping notes of when you notice acne creeping up, what forms it takes and the circumstances -- time in your cycle, what you recently ate, and how you’re feeling.
How to fix it?
Hormones: For hormonal acne, which typically pops up around your chin, spot treat immediately with these Clear Fit Master Patches, which can be worn even under makeup.
Diet: While there has been little research done on the links between diet and acne, many individuals notice a connection between certain foods and acne flare-ups. Try eliminating the possible offenders from your diet for at least two weeks and take notes of any changes your notice in your complexion.
Stress: Again, while there is no research proving that stress causes acne, it may worsen existing acne. Take a few minutes every day to decompress -- breath deeply, stretch, drink water, go on a walk. After all, your skin is just an organ and will reflect your internal health.
Clear Skin Tip:
No matter what is causing, or exasperating, your acne, keeping bacteria away from your face will benefit everyone. Wash your hands often, especially if you’re prone to touch your face, and always wash hands before starting your skincare routine. At least once a week wash your pillowcases, or anything else that regularly touches your face, like your favorite hat, and of course your phone. Also, always protect your skin from sun damage by applying sunscreen every day, even on a gray day. We love the Huxley Stay Sun Safe sunscreen.
The best thing you can do for your skin is to give it some loving attention. Take time to figure out the root causes of your breakouts, seek professional help if needed, use some covering concealer if you want, but don’t stress. At the end of the day, life happens, and life always has some bumps.
Written by Kait @ Ohlolly
