Whether you are battling occasional breakouts or dealing with persistent acne, we understand how frustrating having problematic skin can be, especially when all you want is a clear glowing complexion, is that really too much to ask? While acne is a common skin concern, it doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to radically reduce it! Keep reading as we reveal our 10 top tips…

 

1. Cleanse twice daily

Start your skincare routine with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities from your skin. Be sure to cleanse both morning and night, but we picky with what products you use. You don’t want to choose a harsh cleaner that’ll strip your skin of its natural oils as this can lead to an increase in oil production and in turn more potential breakouts! Eek. You want to look for gentle formulations rich in ingredients such as salicylic acid or lactic acid as they can help prevent the buildup of sebum (which can contribute to acne.)

Try Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser. With a balanced blend of lactic and salicylic acid the gentle cleanser works quickly and effectively to eliminate toxins, impurities, surface bacteria, and make-up. It’s ideal for inflamed, sensitive, acne prone and oily skin types.

“I have problem skin & after using this product my face is clear & people have commented on the changes.” Laurie

2. Exfoliate weekly, but be sure to be gentle

Incorporating a mild exfoliant into your skincare routine can do wonders in the fight against acne. Exfoliating will help to remove any dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin which can clog pores and lead to breakouts!

Just remember over exfoliating can have the adverse effect and actually irritate your skin so make sure to exfoliate just once a week to start and use a gentle exfoliator.

Try Phytomer’s Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes. It’s a soft exfoliant for even the most sensitive or rosacea prone skin and uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin.

“Gentle on the skin and worked well even for my acne prone skin.” Olive

If you do love a granular scrub though opt for a gentle version like Pevonia’s Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.Formulated with jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile,it gently polishes skin with its unique creamy, granular texture, removing dead skin cells, impurities and toxins to reveal instant radiance and softer, smoother skin too! You’ll love the immediate gratification you’ll get from this formidable favourite of ours.

“This is the best exfoliating cleanser I have ever used. I’m so impressed with the results, my skin feels so much smoother and cleaner.” Chloe

 

3. Never skip your moisturiser

Even though sometimes applying moisturiser to oily, acne prone skin can seem counterintuitive, it is essential as you want to steer clear of a damaged skin barrier! With no moisture at all, your skin would become dehydrated and begin to over-compensate by producing more oil! Something you definitely don’t need when it comes to oily, blemish and acne prone skin!

Instead look for lightweight, oil-free moisturisers that won’t feel heavy on your skin.

Try: Phytomer Acnipur Blemish Solution Fluid. This lightweight gel-cream works amazingly on problematic skin reducing overall breakouts

The formula also helps eliminate shine for a clean, matte complexion. With regular use, this acne treatment not only helps diminish the appearance of existing blemishes, but it prevents future breakouts too!

“This fluid is almost like a serum but lighter in texture. I use it after I wash my face morning and night. I have noticed a reduction in breakouts on my skin and also a more mattifying appearance on my skin”. Alyssa

 

4. Spot treat with care

For targeted acne treatment, use spot treatments. These can help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. Remember to use them sparingly and only on active breakouts to avoid drying out your skin.

Try: Phytomer’s’ Oligopur Blemish Target Gel, it’s a phenomenal spot treatment which targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! Simply apply a small amount of product to your pimple and let the powerful ingredients keep your skin follicles clean to achieve an even and bright complexion.

This is the best product to fight pimples! I couldn’t get my chin to clear up and w/in a few days of using phytomer my chin was clear again! Joanne

5.  Never skip on sunscreen

Some acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so protecting your skin is crucial to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and sun damage. The Sun, heat and humidity can also cause oil glands to become overactive, which in turn can lead to acne breakouts! To prevent these breakouts choose and oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen and apply it liberally daily!

 

6. Be aware of what you are eating

What you eat can have a huge impact your skin’s health so it’s imperative if you are suffering from acne to Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit your intake of processed foods and sugary treats. Consuming foods high in antioxidants and vitamins can help promote clear, radiant skin too!

Try;

Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna

Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, and sweet potatoes

Spinach, kale and other dark green and leafy vegetables

Tomatoes

Blueberries

Avocados

whole-wheat bread

brown rice

quinoa

Soybeans

 

 

7. Reduce your stress levels

Sounds easier said than done I know, we all have those days, weeks, months even where we are super stressed but said stress can lead to acne flare ups!

This is because stress-related hormone CRH can bind to receptors in the skin’s sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. Excess oil production can then cause pimples. So, if you keep breaking out and just can’t understand why, stress might be to blame, so try to relax!

Try; listening to relaxation music or meditate. Also, something as simple as taking a relaxing bubble bath every evening can really help. Exercise is also imperative! While exercising will increase blood flow, helping nourish skin cells and keeping them vital, it has also been accountable for reducing stress-related acne.

 

8. Keep your phone clean! And your pillowcase too!

Yup, a sudden breakout can be from something as simple as your phone or pillowcase (well anything that touches your face really that could be hosts for harmful bacteria!) And anytime you hold your phone to your face or lie on your pillowcase you are spreading the bacteria to your skin. So, if you haven’t done so for a while, try sanitizing your phone screen and wash that pillowcase of yours more often, it could make a big difference to your skin.

9. Hydrate inside and out

We all need to stay hydrated every single day, after all our bodies can’t operate effectively without water, but when I say stay hydrated, I mean drive plenty of water and drink it throughout the day, 8 glasses minimum!

Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin as it helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin looking plump and radiant.

 

10. When it comes to makeup, go mineral

Makeup can be a real trigger for pesky pimples. Especially if it’s full of pore clogging ingredients and oils. If you have acne, you are likely going to want to try and conceal but you don’t want to exacerbate it! This is where mineral makeup will become your best friend! Each product in the ELES Mineral Makeup range is free of skin irritants and pore clogging nasties and instead are rich in skin nourishing and nurturing ingredients that will not only allow the skin to breathe freely but will help to improve its condition too!

To learn more about the best makeup and tips for acne click here.

 

By following these ten essential steps and maintaining a consistent skincare routine specifically designed to help acne prone skin, you can take proactive steps toward n reducing acne and achieving the clean, radiant skin you’ve always wanted!