Ask any girl what her worst nightmare is, and she will surely list out unexpected pimples that pop out right before an important occasion at the top of her list. As much of a nightmare as sudden, yet occasional pimples can be, there is nothing worse than perpetually acne infested skin.

If acne breakouts are like second nature to your skin, then it’s safe to say you have acne-prone skin. Pimples, red bumps and irritated skin are some common symptoms that tag along with acne-prone skin, but there is so much more to this. So, read up and arm yourself with everything there is to know about acne-prone skin and how you can take care of it.

 

What is acne-prone skin

What is acne-prone skin?

Simply put, if acne breakouts are frequent to you, then you can say you have acne-prone skin. This isn’t your regular pimple outbreak which happens sometimes, but instead is a frequent occurrence that leaves your skin with acne and sometimes even inflamed skin. Acne-prone skin is a long-term, chronic skin condition that requires months and even years of treatments to keep it manageable. That means acne isn’t just a teenage skin issue! These outbreaks lead to acne, not just on your face, but also on your back, neck, chest, and even shoulders.

 

What are the symptoms of acne-prone skin

What are the symptoms of acne-prone skin?

There are two types of acne - non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Let us break it down for you. Non-inflammatory acne is mild and occurs due to clogged pores. The blackheads and whiteheads on your nose and temples are an example of this type of acne. While blackheads are flat, whiteheads appear as small bumps on your skin.

On the other hand, red or more robust appearing bumps on your skin are inflammatory types. From the small red, tender papules to simple pimples, to large painful nodules and cystic lesions, they all fall under this category. They are deeper, larger and in some cases, even painful, that often contain pus.

 

What are the causes of acne-prone skin

What are the causes of acne-prone skin?

Now, there are many reasons for acne-prone skin. One of the biggest reasons is clogged hair follicles which occur due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and bacteria on your skin and high sebum production in your oil glands. This debris blocks your pores and in turn, leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Contrary to popular belief, hygiene isn’t the only issue that causes pimples. Improper diets and stress lead to frequent acne breakouts on your skin. Also, certain allergic reactions or using makeup with comedogenic ingredients can worsen your skin health, so it’s best to check and research about what you use on your skin.

While acne is often considered an oily skin problem, people with dry skin experience breakouts too. Dirt, pollution, poor skincare routine - all these can lead to clogged pores and thus, acne outbreaks even in dry skin.

 

What can you do to take care of acne-prone skin

What can you do to take care of acne-prone skin?

Now, taking care of acne-prone skin is not just about switching and trying different skincare products, it is about improving your skincare routine and taking better care of your skin in general.

Keep skin clean:

Wash your face at least twice a day or more if you have been sweating. Try switching to a mild yet effective face wash like Simple Daily Skin Detox Purifying Facial Wash. This face wash has no harsh chemicals, salicylic acid, fragrance or alcohol and fights clogged pores and oily skin effectively. Ingredients like witch hazel, thyme and zinc deeply cleanse the dirt, oil and makeup from your skin

Be gentle, don’t exfoliate hard:

While exfoliating is good and helps wash away the dead skin cells from your skin, scrubbing too hard can lead to irritation on your acne-prone skin. So, be gentle and pick mild scrubs for your face.

Pick makeup and skincare products with non-comedogenic ingredients:

Non-comedogenic ingredients are basically ingredients that won’t cause your pores to clog. Clogged pores lead to breakouts and to avoid that, we must make informed skin care choices. Go for products that are oil-free and have no alcohol or perfume that can inflame your skin.

Keep yourself hydrated:

It is said that hydrated skin can help fight excessive oil production in your skin, so drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

Change your hair care routine:

It’s not just your skincare products but also your shampoos, conditioner and other hair care products you use regularly that can be causing the acne outbreaks on your forehead, neck and back. So, try avoiding products with oil in them as they might be aggravating your skin condition.

Keep your surroundings clean:

Yes, it’s not just you, but also everything around you that might cause acne. So, regularly change your pillowcases, clean up your makeup brushes and phone screens.

Don’t pick and pop:

This is very important - never pick or pop your pimple. Besides being gross, doing this can lead to scarring and also transfer bacteria to other pores which can lead to more acne.

 

FAQs about acne prone skin

FAQs about acne prone skin

Q. Does acne-prone skin go away?

A. Yes, with proper care and a healthy skincare routine, it is possible to manage acne-prone skin and make acne go away. Also, improving your diet and lowering your stress levels can help make your skin better.

Q. Should I moisturise at night if I have acne?

A. Yes, moisturisers with retinoids are great for people with acne-prone skin. As a rule, moisturisation is a must for all skin types, you just need to make sure you pick the right one that works for your skin. For acne-prone skin, go for light, non-oily and non-comedogenic moisturisers to hydrate your skin while preventing acne breakouts.

Q. Is aloe vera good for acne?

A. Due to its antibacterial properties, aloe vera can help you treat acne. This can help control and reduce acne-causing bacteria. Also, the gel-like texture of aloe vera makes it light and more favourable for acne-prone skin.

Q. What vitamins are good for acne?

A. Vitamins A, D and E and minerals like zinc are good for your skin and can help make your skin clearer and acne-free. You can try oral supplements or go for skincare products that have these vitamins and minerals - although topical treatments are recommended.