In fact, washing your face in the morning is up for debate, as some dermos don't think it's a requirement. Not only are you fighting breakouts, but you're also experiencing the signs of aging, such as moisture loss and fine lines. So, skincare options, solutions, and suggestions may seem contradictory at best and downright stressful at worst. To help you find the best products, tips and routines for treating adult skin prone to acne, we spoke to two of the best dermatologists, Brendan Camp, MD, and Arash Akhavan, MD, of the FAAD, to ask us for specialized advice, and they explained an easy, daily skin care routine.
By its simplest definition, acne is a common skin condition that occurs when the sebaceous glands become clogged with excess sebum, causing pimples and cysts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it's the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans a year, and approximately 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 have at least mild acne. Fortunately, there are options to care for and treat even the most persistent and serious cases. The products used in this treatment may look different for each person, but Camp says that morning is the ideal time to start treating new or existing imperfections.
Localized treatments help focus on acne bumps with products that contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and sulfur, he says. Now you're ready to apply your favorite oil-free, mineral-based makeup, if you wish. Camp tells us that the best results come with consistency and compliance, and that if you simplify your skincare routine, it will be easier to complete it, increasing the likelihood that you'll repeat it day and night. According to him, mimicking your evening routine after your morning routine is one way to achieve this.
He says that people with more severe acne may prefer to use cleansers that contain active ingredients, while people with less severe acne may consider milder alternatives or micellar water. According to Camp, CeraVe covers every aspect when it comes to cleansers for acne-prone skin. It offers a hydrating cleanser for dry skin, a foaming cleanser for balanced and oily skin, and cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Since not everyone needs or can tolerate acne medications being applied all over their face, the way you take medication may be different from of another person with acne.
Camp states that, while Retin-A is only available by prescription, retinoids work to prevent acne by regulating or normalizing the cell renewal process, which prevents clogged pores and the formation of breakouts. Differin's 0.1% adapalene gel acne treatment is an over-the-counter alternative that's worth checking out. Unlike what happens in the morning, your night moisturizer or night cream should not contain SPF. Instead, look for moisturizers that contain a retinoid derivative or hyaluronic acid, a moisturizer that attracts water molecules towards the skin.
While this is the order of application that doctors usually recommend to patients, some dermatologists recommend applying products from the thinnest to the thickest as a general rule. I don't think that's a strict rule, Camp says. And keep in mind that no acne treatment works right away or overnight, Camp says. He generally recommends that patients use a prescription acne product for at least 8 to 12 weeks on a consistent basis before deciding whether or not it helps (unless the product causes skin irritation or rash).Camp adds that adult acne can also indicate a health condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is associated with irregular periods, facial hair, loss of hair on the scalp, and weight gain.
If you think your acne may be due to an underlying condition or if it doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. The 14 Derm-approved La Roche-Posay products your skincare routine needs now The benefits of salicylic acid in an acne-fighting skincare routine Is acne a sign of ovulation? Dermatologists explain how the menstrual cycle affects breakouts. Is benzoyl peroxide the localized treatment we were looking for? Experts evaluate the 12 best drugstore scrubs of 2024 for glowing skin The complete guide to treating acne-prone skin Say goodbye to body blemishes with the best acne body washes of 2024 The best drugstore skincare routines for every skin type How to treat and prevent neck acne, according to Derms. An acne skin care routine should include a cleanser, a tonic, an acne medication, a moisturizer and sun protection.
If the toner dries out too much, you can skip that step. Here's a quick summary of the things you should and shouldn't do when developing a skin care routine to control acne. If you need help controlling acne breakouts or need guidance on how to choose the best skin care products for you, call your dermatologist. With so many products available and so much conflicting information, creating an acne skincare routine can seem confusing.
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