In Part One of this two-part series, you’ll learn how to set yourself up for clearer, healthier skin with an uncomplicated regimen for all skin types.
Adult Acne: The elephant in the room — or at least that’s what it feels like when we’re in the middle of a breakout. Don’t-want to-leave-the-house, don’t-look-at-me, I-thought-this-was-for-teenagers elephant. in. the. room.
Adult acne is something I am asked about a lot. My answer is usually a long one and starts with lots of questions about how you care for your skin, what you eat and drink, what products you use, even your laundry habits.
We have been inundated with tricks, product A for this, product B for that, don’t do this but do that, magic tools, and miracle oils. Getting great skin has seemingly become very complex and for a busy professional or a busy mom, simply overwhelming.
A good place to start is cleaning up your regimen. Look at what’s realistic for you and your lifestyle, and try to follow an uncomplicated regimen like this:
AM & PM Skin Care Regimen
Splash warm water on your face and neck. The warmth of the water helps open pores and prepares skin for deep cleansing.
Lather a hydrating cleanser into clean, wet hands. It’s important to use a cleanser that removes makeup and pollution but doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils.
Gently massage cleanser on face and neck — even your chest and shoulders — with bare hands, just long enough to remove make-up and oils. It’s best not to use a wash cloth or a cleansing brush, as these can irritate your skin and spread bacteria, making the problem worse.
Rinse with warm water.
Pat skin dry with a clean towel. Leave your face a little bit damp — the moisture will help your skin care products absorb more completely.
Now, with clean hands, apply skin care products, thinnest to thickest. Most likely you’ll start with a serum, then layer on a moisturizer. If you have additional products, use the thin to thick theory. (Consider simplifying your skin care stash. Piling on product after product, with hundreds of ingredients, can minimize effectiveness and any potential benefits. Use only what you need, when you need it.)
Focus skin care around your eyes, on your forehead, around your mouth, and on your chin. Don’t forget your neck, around ears, chest, and shoulders.
Let skin care absorb before you dress or apply makeup, or before you hit the pillow. When possible, use clean makeup and sunscreens.
There are many, many factors that affect the clarity of your skin — some we can control, some we can’t. Cleaning up your regimen is one piece of the puzzle. To some of you, this will seem pretty simple. For others, being disciplined about skin care is new. Either way, you've got this! Seek progress, not perfection.
Next week, Part Two of the Adult Acne series: More advice, tips, and ideas to help you achieve healthier, more clear skin.
— Carmen
(Photo by @jillianlenses)
Carmen Kubista
Author
founder of story skin care, wife & mom