3 Step Simple routine for Acne Prone Skin

Intense marketing and the trend of overconsumption has been tricking women in particular that in order to have clear skin you need to buy the newest, bougie skincare product. In reality, the list of clinically proven ingredients is shockingly small AND has not changed drastically in the last decade. If you suffer through acne prone skin like I did, I want to offer you practical anecdotal advice that transformed my skin.

Here are the 3 ingredients that will transform scene prone skin + bonus skincare items

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a very well known ingredient traditionally used to treat acne. This is accessible over the counter in most countries up to 10% in a variety of forms. The typical can be found two forms – a wash off solution such as a face wash or bar soap or in a leave on solutions such as gel or cream

Pros

• Clinically proven to improve the appearance of skin in 12 week in percentage 2.5% to 10%
• Can be used as a spot treat
• Can be used indefinitely 
• Can slightly decrease oil production in oily skin

Cons

• Maybe drying and irritating to the skin, particularly in percentages above 2.5%
• Can have a bleaching effect on clothing and materials
• Can exacerbate already dry skin

Studies show that 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide cream shows comparable results to 5 -10% concentration without causing as much irritation. These means it’s the perfect to tool for acne prone skin because it’s gentle to enough to use proactively rather than just treating an active breakout.

Check out the Neutrogena 2.5% Benzyol Peroxide Vanishing Cream

2. Adapalene

This is a retinoid that can increase cell turnover and improve the quality of your acne prone skin over time. It can help to prevent future breakouts Adapalene has to applied consistently to see results, often three months is the standard time given to see noticeable results. Because of how adapalene works, you cannot use it as a spot treatment for breakouts

Check out the Differin Adapalene 0.1% 

3. Tretinoin/Vitamin A

This is prescription strength retinol that is effective in treating acne and signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. Tretinoin can be very irritating to most. It is recommended that you start off with the lowest prescriptions available and apply the tiniest amounts. Some dermatologists will even recommend that you apply your moisturizer first so as to mitigate irritation.

Pros

• It’s proven to extremely effective
• Also addresses signs of ageing

Cons 

• Requires a prescription
• Potentially very irritating for most skin types

Supporting Skincare products

1. Cleanser – Gently cleanse your face daily. For some people once at night is sufficient while for others they may need to cleanse AM and PM. Some cleanses may have special actives such as Salicylic Acid which is targeted at acne concerns. If you have sensitive skin, a simple product with no extra frills is best

Try out the Cetaphil Daily Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin

2. (Optional) Exofliator – The general rule of thumb is to exfoliate 2-3 times a week to help remove dead skin cells. However, over exfoliation can dry out irritate the skin

Types of Exfoliators

Physical – includes abrasive particles to mechanically remove dead skin. Most common are DIY scrubs using sugar or salt. I highly suggest you avoid this category 

Chemical – includes acids such as Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). BHA such as Salicylic Acid 2% can be used by most skin types including skin of colour. It unclogs pores and reduces inflammation. AHAs like Glycolic Acid 8% by Good Molecules will promote skin cell turnover. High concentration of these acid should only be administered by licensed professionals

3. Moisturizer

The main role of your moisturizer is to help maintain or enhance the skin’s natural moisture balance. So if we have a natural balance….why do we need a moisturizer?

Well, first our environment can fluctuate and affect the skin but also the products that we apply also have drying properties even though they are effective at treating other things.

Let’s keep it simple and go with the Cerave Daily Moisturizer. Yes…I use this one on my face. It has hyaluronic acid and ceramides to support good moisture balance. I like to apply it to skin that is slightly damp

4. Sun Protection

Even if you don’t live in the Caribbean, consider wearing sunscreen daily. This decreases the risk of skin cancer but also, prevents hyperpigmentation caused by acne to darken further. Applying any of the actives previously listed can also make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure as a by-product. Ideally, we should all be wearing mineral (physical) sunscreen. However, zinc and titanium oxide is culprit for leaving a white or purple cast on skin of colour.

BUT, I am EXCITED to share that I have tested and proven the Cotz non-tinted mineral sunscreen is PERFECT even for darker skin

**Caution: Cotz will turn white on you if you sweat. I am yet to fun a mineral sunscreen that I can wear in sport mode

Here’s the simple skincare routine to treat acne

AM Routine

• Cleanse
• Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% cream
• Moisturizer
• Sun Protection

PM Routine

• Cleanse
• Adapalene 0.1%
• Moisturizer

***It gets even simpler if you choose to use tretinoin

AM Routine

• Cleanse
• Moisturize
• Sun Protection

PM Routine

• Cleanse
• Moisturise
• Tretinoin (at your prescribed percentage)

Conclusion

No matter which routine or path you choose, know that treating acne doesn’t have to be complicated and expensive. However, it does require you to be consistent and patient in seeing results. I shared mostly over the counter solutions, but you don’t see an improvement in skin appearance in 3-6 months, consider visiting a dermatologist or licensed esthetician.

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