Acne doesn’t just affect your skin, it affects your self-confidence, your mood, and even your daily routine. If you suffer from pimples, blackheads, or acne scars that won’t go away, you’re not alone. Millions of people face the same problem, and are looking for effective solutions that give long-lasting results. The good news? Clear, glowing skin is within your reach with the right skincare routine that suits your skin’s needs.
At Routine, we believe that skincare isn’t just about products; it’s about understanding your skin type and using targeted treatments that address the root causes. Whether you suffer from hormonal acne, struggle with stubborn blackheads, or just want to maintain your skin’s radiance, we’ve got you covered.
This comprehensive guide will take you step-by-step through the best acne treatments , skincare routines, and expert tips, all designed to help you achieve your beauty goals.
Causes of acne
Acne is not just a teenager's problem. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin type. To treat it effectively, you need to know its causes.
How does acne form?
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This causes inflammation that leads to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and sometimes deep cysts. Factors that contribute to acne include:
- Excess sebum production: Oily skin increases the risk of clogged pores.
- Hormonal changes: such as androgen hormones that increase the activity of the sebaceous glands, especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or with stress.
- Bacterial growth: such as Cutibacterium acnes, which increases inflammation.
- Diet and lifestyle: Sugary foods, dairy products, and stress can make the situation worse.
- Environmental factors: Pollution and humidity can clog pores and cause skin irritation.
Different types of acne
Understanding the type of acne you have is very important for choosing the right treatment:
- Comedonal acne: such as blackheads and whiteheads resulting from clogged pores.
- Inflammatory acne: Red, swollen pimples caused by bacteria and inflammation.
- Cystic acne: deep, painful pimples under the skin that require intensive treatment.
The perfect skincare routine for acne-prone skin
Consistency is the key to treating acne . An effective skincare routine should cleanse, treat, and protect your skin without causing irritation.
Step 1 - Gentle Cleaning
Start and end your day with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that cleanses away dirt and excess oil without drying your skin. Look for ingredients like:
- Salicylic Acid: Deeply cleanses pores and exfoliates dead skin cells.
- Tea Tree Oil: Natural antibacterial.
- Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation and improves oil balance.
Recommended Product:
- Korean Rice Bran Ampoule: Enriched with rice bran extract, it purifies and unifies skin tone, and soothes redness thanks to portulaca extract and madecassoside.
Step 2 - Targeted Therapies
After cleansing, use concentrated treatments for specific problems:
- Benzoyl peroxide: Kills acne -causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
- Retinoids: stimulate cell renewal, prevent clogged pores, and reduce the effects of acne .
- Azelaic Acid: Fights bacteria, reduces redness, and evens skin tone.
Recommended Product:
- Niacinamide Serum : Contains niacinamide to effectively treat spots and acne scars .
Step 3 - Moisturize
Many people think that moisturizers increase acne , but the truth is that dry skin produces more oil to compensate for the dryness. Choose light, non-comedogenic moisturizers that contain:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply moisturizes without clogging pores.
- Ceramides: Strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
Recommended Product:
- Snail Cream: Contains Synanthum Atratum extract to treat inflammation, lighten skin and regenerate cells.
Step 4 - Sun Protection
Sun exposure can worsen acne scars and promote skin pigmentation. Use an oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
Ingredients you should look for in acne treatments
- Salicylic Acid: Salicylic Acid (BHA) penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil and exfoliate dead skin cells. Very effective for blackheads and whiteheads.
- Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, retinoids promote cell turnover and reduce the appearance of acne over time.
- Niacinamide: The multi-benefit ingredient: reduces inflammation, regulates oil production, and strengthens the skin barrier, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
- Green Tea Extract: Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Rich in antioxidants, soothes irritated skin and reduces redness.
Lifestyle changes to support your skin care routine
Skin care is not just about products, your lifestyle has a big impact on the health of your skin.
Clean diet for clear skin
- Cut down on sugar and dairy: High-sugar foods raise insulin levels and increase oil production.
- Drink plenty of water: It helps flush toxins from the body and keeps the skin hydrated.
- Omega-3 acids: reduce inflammation and support skin health.
Stress management
Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which increases your risk of acne . Try yoga, meditation, or any activity that relieves stress.
Sleep and skin renewal
Lack of sleep disrupts hormones and increases inflammation. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for acne treatment to show results?
Most acne treatments take 4 to 8 weeks to see a difference.
Do moisturizers cause acne?
No if you choose a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer.
Is it safe to pop pimples?
No. This increases the chance of infection and scarring.
What is the best acne treatment for sensitive skin?
Use gentle, fragrance-free products with soothing ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.
Does diet affect acne?
Yes. Diets high in sugar and dairy products can increase acne in some people.
We also have an Instagram bot that can help you if you are new to skincare or need advice about your products. The bot is an automated program that can answer your questions and provide you with information or advice without there being a real person responding to you at the same time. It’s like you are talking to a virtual assistant ready to help you at any time.
All you have to do is send a message, and the bot will ask you simple questions about your skin type and needs, then give you the necessary guidance and recommend products or steps suitable for your skin care. Or click here to go to the group!