Acne Solutions: Your Guide to Clear Skin

Acne is a struggle many of us face, and it can be incredibly frustrating to navigate the myriad of products available, some of which can help or worsen our skin. This blog series aims to provide you with reliable information to build an effective skincare routine and say CIAO!  to acne for good!

My Journey with Acne

I've dealt with acne for most of my life, experiencing only a few clear moments here and there. It wasn't until I completed esthetician school that I discovered a skincare routine that finally cleared my painful and embarrassing acne. Achieving clear skin has greatly improved my quality of life—I no longer deal with the pain and frustration of breakouts, spend less on skincare, and feel proud for prioritizing myself.

Before

What to Expect from This Series

In this series, I will offer quality education on acne, skincare ingredients, and various treatment plans to help you curate the best routine for your skin. For my fellow estheticians interested in treating acne or learning more, I'll include posts focused on esthetician-specific insights.

After

Understanding Your Skin

To kick off this series, let's start by understanding how the skin works and what it actually needs.

The Basics of Skin

Skin, the largest organ in the body, covers us from head to toe and consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Each layer contains a variety of cells and structures that perform different functions. Our skin is responsible for hair growth, sweat production, oil production, and melanin production, among other functions. 

Healthy Skin Function

Healthy skin primarily protects our vital organs and vessels from harm and helps maintain homeostasis. It achieves this through various mechanisms, with cell turnover and sebum production being key aspects. Our skin constantly sheds old cells and generates new ones, while sebum (the skin's natural oil) protects and maintains its pH balance.

Common Skincare Concerns

Often, skincare concerns arise from issues with cell turnover, sebum production, or a combination of both. Understanding these basic functions is essential for addressing common skin problems.

Building a Basic Skincare Routine

The skin is a self-regulating organ that needs some help but not as much as some may believe. If you have little to no skincare concerns and just want to maintain healthy skin, focus on these four key steps:

1. Exfoliate Regularly:

   - Use a mild acid exfoliant nightly and consider monthly dermaplane treatments.

   - If your skin becomes red and sensitive, switch to a non-exfoliant cleanser and incorporate a product like Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant.

   - For dull and dry skin, try an exfoliation mask or book a dermaplane appointment from your local esthetician.

2. Maintain pH Balance:

   - Use skincare products formulated for facial skin and avoid body or hair care products on your face.

   - Steer clear of products that strip your skin of its natural oils. If you feel oily or congested, try a weekly clay mask or incorporate salicylic acid into your routine every other night.

3. Hydrate:

   - Apply a moisturizer daily and drink plenty of water.

   - Choose a moisturizer that addresses other skin concerns. Opt for gels if you have oily skin or live in a humid area, and creams if you have dry skin.

4. Wear Sunscreen Daily:

   - Protect your skin from UVB and UVA rays to maintain its healthy function.

These four steps form the foundation of a good skincare routine and can be built upon based on your specific needs and concerns. Stay tuned for more detailed posts on skincare ingredients and treatments to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.