All of us, men and women included, would want to have great skin. After all, we live in a generation where heading out sans the makeup is considered an achievement and worn proudly like a badge. On the other hand, in terms of skin problems – Acne has to be the one that tops the list. 

Skin care products for acne have been in the market for as long as we can remember. However, given that there are already so many products available out there, how do you choose the one that is best for you? In this article, we will be talking about that : understanding how acne comes about, the proper skin care for pimples, the perfect acne prone skin care routine and even the best products for acne scars. 

But before we get to the recommendations, let us talk deeper about the problem first to better understand how to solve it down to its very roots. 

What Is Acne? 

By definition, Acne is a skin condition which takes place when your hair follicles become clogged with oil as well as dead skin cells. Far too often, this causes back heads, white heads and even worse – the much dreaded pimples. Normally, these little monsters appear in areas such as on certain areas in the face like your nose, your chin, your cheeks or your forehead. In other cases, it also appears in other parts of the body such as the chest, the upper back, on the legs and even on the neck and shoulders. 

Depending on the severity of your conditions, these are some of the things you might encounter on your skin : 

• White heads which are closed plugged pores
• Black heads which are open plugged pores
• Small and tender bumps, usually red in color 
• Pimples, sometimes also filled with pus 
• Large and solid bumps which are painful and beneath the surface of the skin 
• Pus-filled and painful lumps which are beneath the surface of the skin. 

What Causes Acne? 

While Acne is definitely a normal occurrence especially for teenagers who are going through puberty, science has actually specified several factors that cause acne to pop up in your face. 

• Too much oil is being produced by your follicles 
• Dead skin cells are being accumulated inside your pores
• There is a buildup of bacteria in your pores. 

There are also several kinds of food which are considered to be acne triggers. Below, we have listed down some of them : 

• Refined grains and sugars which can be found in bread, crackers, cereals dessert that are made out of white flour. This also includes pastries as well as white rice and rice noodles. Sodas and sugar-filled beverages are not an exclusion, too. Lastly, it is best to keep the use of sweeteners like honey, maple syrup and agave to a moderate amount. 
• Dairy products. Several studies suggest that there is a huge correlation between the consumption of milk products and acne breakouts – especially among teenagers. Aside from that, dairy products are also known to increase insulin levels. Given that refined grains and sugars cause acne – this may very well be the reason too why dairy products fall under the same list. 

• Fast food. Who does not love a quick fast food fix especially after a gruesome and stressful week, right? However, we suggest that you go easy on the grease as acne is also strongly associated with living by a western-style diet which is usually filled with calories, fat and refined carbohydrates. 

• Omega 6-Fat Rich Foods. You may have heard of its healthier counterpart, Omega-3. Researches show that foods which are rich Omega-6 like the usual western diet is linked highly to the increased levels of both acne and inflammation. 

• Chocolate. Yes, just like you – we kinda frowned upon because this is definitely bad news especially for chocolate lovers. While chocolate, especially in it darkest variants have proven to be beneficial to overall health, increased consumption can possibly lead to being more susceptible to skin problems – particularly acne. 

• Whey Protein Powder. Now, this one honestly comes off as a bit of a shocker. In a previous article about weight loss, we have talked about how whey protein powders are an effective way to reach your protein needs for the day. It is also filled with amino acids that your body needs in order to build muscle.  However, as it turns out, excessive amounts of consumption can push the body to produce more insulin which in turn, can lead to acne breakouts. 

Now that we have gotten into better understanding of what acne is, what causes it and the foods to steer clear from, let us talk about coming up with the best products for acne prone skin and how to integrate them into your very own skin care regimen. 

Acne Prone Skin Care Routine

Here is a step by step guide on how to provide proper skin care for pimples, black heads, white heads and everything else in between. 

Step 1 : Make sure to clean your face well but very gently. 

Use only a very soft washcloth or your fingers when doing so. Make sure to include all parts of your face – your jawline, your neck, the front and back parts of your ears and so on. 

Products to Try 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic-Acid Acne-Fighting Face Wash

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicyclic-Acid Acne-Fighting Face Wash is a drugstore favourite among many beauty cults. For a very affordable price of only $6, it still remains as one of the best products for oily skin and highly recommended by several renowned dermatologists. It salicylic acid content is able to break up the oil and dead skin that is normally deep seated in the pores. 

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 

Are you the type who is struggling with reactive skin? This product is highly recommended by several dermatologists because of its ultra gentle formula. In general, it is highly suggested for people struggling with reactive skin to steer clear from products which contain sulfates, parabens and high amounts of oil. 

Step 2 : Use Toner or An Astringent 

We have been down this road before. Just a few weeks back, we were able to answer the question, “Is Toner Bad for Your Skin?” 

In case you missed out on that part – it is a clear resounding no, for as long as you use products which are the right fit for you. Using a cotton ball, ideally one that is also hypoallergenic, put on a few drops of your toner and astringent and wipe it all over your face. Toners are designed to make the other products you are about to put on more effective. Astringent, on the other hand, is meant to take out all excess oil. 

Products to Try 

Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner

Made only with whole flowers and pure calendula and other naturally-derived extracts – this gentle but hardworking product is not only able to cleanse normal to oily skin. It is also able to soothe and improve blemishes on your face. In fact, it is considered as one of the best products for acne scars. 

Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free-Toner

For people with ultra sensitive skin but also want their pores tight and skin refreshed, the Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free-Toner might be the perfect product for you. As it also contains aloe vera, it is able to get the job done without entirely drying out your skin. 

Step 3 : Apply Acne Treatment On Top of Your Moisturizer 

We placed these two steps in one because some acne treatment products are also meant to serve as your moisturizer. Again, make sure to apply the products lightly using your ring finger. 

Products To Try 

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer

Aside from its moisturizing powers, the Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer also contains salicylic acid which allows chemical exfoliation to take place in your skin, thereby clearing excess oil from your pores. 

Fresh Umbrian Clay Oil-Free Lotion

If you’re going for a more mattified kind of look, the Fresh Umbrian Clay Oil-Free Lotion contains mineral-rich clay to help you out with controlling the shine. It also contains antioxidants for added protection and algae, cucumber and lavender to soothe.