It might be difficult to determine what your skin requires to be as healthy as possible.
We’re inundated with marketing hype for various skin care and cosmetic products, as well as advice from social media influencers and other beauty gurus, every day.
So, according to science, what does your skin actually require? In the quest for clear, glowing skin, what works and what doesn’t?
This article will address those questions by presenting 11 scientifically proven strategies on how to achieve the bright complexion you desire.
1. Wash Your Face Twice a Day with a Gentle Cleanser
If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, make washing your face a part of your morning and evening skin care routine.
Participants were invited to wash their faces one, two, or four times a day for six weeks in a study trusted Source that focused solely on face washing.
The acne lesions of individuals who cleansed their face twice a day improved significantly by the conclusion of the research. The volunteers who simply cleansed their faces once a day experienced the most pimple growth.
2. Cleanse with a Gentle Cleanser
Most drugstore aisles are stocked with a variety of facial cleansers. It can be difficult to choose which one is best for you.
When it comes to finding the “greatest” cleaner, more expensive isn’t always better.
A thorough examination
According to 14 research, no matter what sort of cleanser you use, there isn’t much of a difference in skin outbreaks.
The products tested ranged from cleansing bars and antibacterial soaps to alpha and beta hydroxy acid-based cleansers.
While this may be discouraging if you’ve invested a lot of money in a high-end cleanser, the lesson here is that keeping things simple is probably better.
A gentle cleanser with few chemicals and no fragrances can be just as effective as more expensive ones.
3. Use an Acne-fighting Product
Many topical medicines can help fight acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Knowing what sort of acne you have is crucial to selecting the most effective treatment.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests the following treatments depending on the type of acne you have:
Acne with comedones (blackheads and similar bumps). Look for retinoids in products such as adapalene gel (Differin).
Acne that is not severe. Topical benzoyl peroxide, alone or in combination with a topical retinoid, can help treat mild acne.
Acne that is inflammatory. The use of a topical dapsone 5% gel is suggested, especially in adult females.
Scarring from acne. Acne and acne scars can be reduced with azelaic acid treatments.
The AAD suggests using a combination of benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, or adapalene gel to treat multiple forms of acne at once.
If you take these treatments together, your skin may become dry, so be sure to apply a moisturiser to keep it hydrated.
4. Use a Moisturiser to Keep Your Skin Hydrated
What role does a moisturiser have in maintaining clear skin? If your skin is too dry, it may attempt to compensate by creating too much oil. What’s the end result? Breakouts.
Moisturizers, like cleansers, don’t have to be pricey or include exotic chemicals. More essential, search for a noncomedogenic moisturiser. It won’t clog your pores because of this.
If you have oily skin, lightweight moisturisers may be the best option to avoid a heavy, greasy feeling.
During the winter months, when the cold, dry air may leave skin feeling tight and dry, some people find they need to switch to stronger moisturisers.
5. Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliation can aid in the removal of dead skin cells. These cells can clog your pores and cause breakouts if they stay on your skin for too long.
A buildup of dead cells on your face can make your skin look dull, dry, and older than it is.
The following exfoliating techniques may aid in the removal of dry, dead skin:
a salicylic acid mask with 2% salicylic acid a glycolic acid mask or lotion with 10% or less glycolic acid a motorised face brush
When it comes to exfoliation, how often should you do it? The sort of exfoliation you employ makes a big difference.
Once or twice a week for chemical exfoliants like masks or lotions. Use physical exfoliants three or four times per week, such as scrubs or brushes.
To avoid over-exfoliation, start with fewer exfoliating sessions and work your way up.
If you have inflammatory acne (pustules and cysts), the American Academy of Dermatology suggests consulting with your dermatologist first, as some methods of exfoliation might aggravate inflammatory acne.
6. Get Enough Sleep
If you don’t get enough sleep, your skin may become more prone to breakouts.
According to a 2015 study, more than 65 percent of those who reported feeling exhausted also had acne.
The authors of the study hypothesized that a lack of sleep could lead the body to generate inflammatory chemicals in some cases. These substances have the potential to irritate the skin and exacerbate acne.
Aim for seven to nine hours of great sleep each night to be healthy on the inside and out.
7. Select Makeup that Will Not Clog Your Pores
People who use cosmetics appear to be more prone to experience skin outbreaks, according to a 2013 studyTrusted Source. Make sure your cosmetics routine is skin-friendly by doing the following:
Use items with the words “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free” on the label.
Before applying cosmetics or skin care products, always wash your hands.
Always take off your makeup before going to bed or working out.
Weekly, wash your makeup brushes and sponges.
Acne cosmetica is a term used by doctors to describe a type of acne caused by makeup. Small, raised bumps form on the chin, cheeks, or forehead as a result of this illness.
8. Don’t Pick at Your Skin if You Don’t Have To
It’s quite difficult not to pick at a zit. However, it is critical to resist for the sake of your skin’s health.
When you pick or burst a zit, you’re exposing the pore to even more bacteria, including bacteria from your hands. It also raises the likelihood of infection and scarring.
Consult a dermatologist if you have a painful pimple. They can use specialist therapies to safely remove the pimple while reducing the danger of infection.
9. Unwind
A link between stress and acne has been discovered in several research, including one from 2017Trusted Source. Look for healthy techniques to de-stress if you’re dealing with a stressful event or scenario. Among the possibilities are:
meditating for a few minutes writing it out practising sound therapy, such as playing a musical instrument or listening to your favourite music 10. exercising at a high to moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes doing breathing exercises doing yoga meditating for a few minutes writing it out Take it easy on the sugar.
Several studies have suggested that foods with a high glycemic index may be connected to acne, despite the fact that there is insufficient study on the subject.
More than 2,000 people were put on a low-glycemic diet in a big research from 2009. Not only did they lose weight, but they also had less acne, according to 87 percent of those who took part in the study. Furthermore, 91% said they needed less acne treatment.
To reduce your intake of foods with a high glycemic index, try:
Limit refined carbohydrates such as white bread and baked products.
Reduce your intake of sugary sodas and desserts.
Consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods.
Consume alcohol in moderation.
10. Quit Smoking
There is a lot of scientific data linking smoking to an increased risk of acne.
Acne-prone women aged 25 to 50 were included in one study. The researchers discovered that over 73 percent of the women who smoked had acne, while only 29.4% of the women who didn’t smoke had pimples or other forms of acne.
If you need assistance quitting cigarettes, speak with your doctor about possible quit aids.
Last but not least
Pay attention to what you put on your face, such as cleansers, moisturisers, and makeup, as well as what you don’t, such as bacteria from your fingers or filthy brushes and sponges, if you want clear skin.
Certain lifestyle variables, such as getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and managing stress, can also help your skin.
Make an appointment with a dermatologist if you’ve tried a variety of acne treatments and nothing has worked. To assist you clear your skin, they may prescribe antibiotics or prescription drugs. Our Healthline FindCare service can help you connect with dermatologists in your region if you don’t currently have one.
