It's no secret that acne is a common concern for many despite skin tones. But acne can present unique challenges to those with melanin-rich tones. These challenges start with acne which leads to dark spots (hyperpigmentation) or even keloids. Much of which, unfortunately, can last months or even years. This results in you searching for options to treat and prevent any further damage.
One of the top three skin concerns we address and advocate for is acne. Acne occurs when the pores become blocked with bacteria, oil, and dead skin. There are a range of factors that triggers acne, such as medications, stress, hormonal changes, and/or genetics. If you're prone to acne, your first line of action is to determine the triggers that cause it.
Today we are chatting about how to combat acne for those with melanin-rich skin tones.
Prevention is Essential
Before we dive in, while we are all for providing solutions and suggestions for caring for your skin, there are two things we stand by:
1. Learn your skin, it tells you everything you need to know as long as you pay attention. When you have an understanding of what is causing changes to your skin, it makes it incredibly easy to determine how to prevent further damage.
2. What works now may change 3 months from now as your skin is ever changing and it's behavior depends on many factors including seasons, stress, or lifestyle habits.
Use Products That are Not Pore-Clogging
Pore-clogging ingredients, often referred to a comedogenic, causes acne by blocking the pores of the skin. Avoid products with ingredients that are prone to clogging pores and increasing the chance of breakouts. Instead, seek skin care products with noncomedogenic ingredients which are unlikely to cause pore blockages and breakouts. Check labels for an indication of noncomedogenic listing or review each ingredient listed.
Some noncomedogenic oils that we love and use in many of our products:
- Sunflower oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Sweet Almond oil
What you should know is that noncomedogenic products can clog pores, it just means it's less likely.
Keep Your Skin Clean
Cleanse twice a day, this one applies to anyone, whether you have acne or not. Cleansing daily allows you to remove impurities, extra oils, and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. If you find that perspiration is an issue, implement additional cleansing as sweating can make acne worse.
The key here is to be gentle with your skin by using gentle products that are alcohol-free and won't irritate your skin. Dry, irritated skin makes acne appear worse.
Pro tip: Discard washcloth after one time use to avoid the spread of bacteria.
Here's our guide for a simple skincare routine that supports acne and oily skin:
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Cleanse: Use a gentle cleansing method that doesn't involve scrubbing. Instead, use a mild facial cleanser, warm water, and a soft cloth or fingertips. Avoid using harsh soap as they can further damage of already inflamed skin and cause more irritation. We love the oil-cleansing method, because it a cleansing routine that gets rid of bacteria and dirt with a combination of of oils and water.
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Tone: Use toners that are alcohol free and contain hydrosols and plant extracts that prevent acne, reduce inflammation, remove bacteria, and feed the skin. Start by spritzing on a cotton ball or pad and apply to the face in a circular motion. Toner removes any last traces of dirt, grime and impurities stuck in your pores after cleansing. It also restores your skin's pH level, smooths skin by refining rough patches and improves skin tone.
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Treat: Serums are powerful components to your skin routine. They are lightweight and contain a high concentration of vitamins that absorb quickly into your skin to target acne and prevent new breakouts. The HEAL No. 15 Acne + Oil Control Serum is designed to balance oil production and reduce acne, working actively overnight.
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Moisturize: Often, we believe we should over cleanse and use harsh cleansers to rid the skin of oils, but your oily skin needs moisturizing. Your skin goes through a state of shock that causes skin to overproduce oil because there is lack of oils in the first place. We can't emphasize this enough, your oily skin loves and needs oils and moisturizers. And our oil control face cream is our favorite for getting the job done.
Use Makeup Sparingly
During breakouts, it may be tempting to cover up with makeup. Acne and dark spots can affect your confidence (we get it), so you tend to side with a cover up option. However, avoiding foundation is highly recommended as it can have an adverse effect on the skin and increase the chances of breakouts.
If you do decide to wear makeup, remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day and choose oil-free cosmetics or those that are noncomedogenic.
Allow Your Skin to HEAL Naturally
Most experts agree that certain foods, such as chocolate and junk food, does not cause acne. While this may true, it is advisable to manage your diet intake. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, are helpful in either reducing the acne-causing bacteria or decreasing the inflammatory response associated with acne.
Additionally, avoid picking, popping, or squeezing your acne. This lengthens the time to clear your skin and increases the risk of dark spots (hyperpigmentation).
There you have it!
Acne doesn't have to be the end of the world for you. There are solutions to help you combat it. Using these simple, yet effective practices will make a powerful stance in your skin care journey for your acne-prone skin.
xo Frankie
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