by Burt's Bees | 5 min read
Remember when you believed that acne was just a hormonal teen thing? Whatever name you give the pesky problem—blemishes, pimples, zits, acne—about 20% of all cases occur in adults. The onset usually begins in puberty (during the ages 10 to 13), continues for five to ten years, and diminishes during your early 20’s. However, it turns out that women are more likely to carry breakouts into their 30’s and beyond.
Regardless of your age or gender, acne-prone skin can be hard to manage. Keeping blemishes at bay requires a skin care routine that’s tough on oil, with the benefits of active natural ingredients like Salicylic Acid—a beta hydroxy acid that acts as an exfoliator to unclog pores—and Cica—an ancient skin soother. But more on that later!
What Causes Acne?
In the most clinical terms, acne is caused when greasy secretions from the skin’s sebaceous glands (aka, oil glands) plug your pores. When bacteria grow in these plugged pores, blackheads or whiteheads often result. Some people will even develop deeper lumps beneath the skin’s surface called cystic acne.
But beyond the bacteria and clogged pores, what are the other factors that contribute to acne-prone skin?
Genetics
Unfortunately, heredity can play a role. Some people have genetically larger sebaceous glands that produce excessive oil.
Hormones
During puberty, just before menstruation, and during pregnancy and menopause, people can produce high levels of androgens, which are the male sex hormones. These androgens increase sebum production, which directly translates to more oil.
Medication
Certain oral, injectable and intrauterine birth control (IUD) may trigger acne—though, as you probably know, many contraceptives will also suppress it. Steroids can also contribute to increased acne.
Over-Washing Your Skin
Gentle cleansing is the way to go with easily irritated acne-prone skin. Avoid abrasive skin tools and harsh exfoliators that can strip your skin of moisture and cause your glands to overcompensate with more oil.
The good news is: There are steps you can take to prevent excess oil and breakouts. Following a consistent skin care routine with effective yet gentle products that are noncomedogenic—meaning they won’t block pores—will make a big difference in your skin’s health and appearance.
What Skin Care Routine Works for Acne?
Before we dive into a recommended routine, there are a handful of general skin care tips that are useful for acne sufferers.
• Look for products that read “noncomedogenic” because they are specifically formulated to not block pores.
• Use products with acne-fighting ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel and Tea Tree Oil.
• Wash your face twice daily with warm water (not hot), but don’t over-wash. Even if you think washing frequently will eliminate more oil, you run the risk of irritating your skin and stripping it of good oils.
• Always moisturize after cleansing, since many products that are tough on acne have a tendency to dry your skin.
• Don’t pick your zits! It can spread bacteria, cause more breakouts and even lead to permanent scarring. (If you cave and end up picking, be sure to disinfect the area afterward).
For acne-prone skin, a routine of noncomedogenic cleansing, treating and moisturizing will net you a big difference in your skin’s health.
Cleanse
Use a Salicylic Acid cleanser or gentle foaming cleanser. Wash with warm water.
Tone
Use a Salicylic Acid toner, preferably one with skin-clarifying natural ingredients like Witch Hazel. If your skin seems extra sensitive, you can skip this step in the a.m. and only tone in the p.m.
Treat
Tackle existing blemishes with a Salicylic Acid spot treatment or those made with naturally antiseptic ingredients like Tea Tree Oil.
Moisturize
Opt for a Salicylic Acid-containing moisturizer, which will do double duty of hydrating while nipping acne in the bud.
