Creating a Plant-Based Skincare Routine for Acne Prone Skin

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, but it's widespread among adults between 20 and 40 years of age. Acne can be stressful and frustrating. It can also be a source of embarrassment. Even mild acne can leave scars, which may be permanent. Who wants to remember their teen years with marks on their face?

You probably know that acne is caused by excess oil (also called sebum) in the hair follicles and that it appears as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts. But you may not know how to treat it, avoid it, or even prevent scarring.

While many topical treatments are available in stores, they often contain harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin more than they help. But you don't have to suffer from painful and unsightly acne breakouts anymore! You can use plant-based skincare products to create an effective natural skincare routine for acne-prone skin.

Common Causes of Acne

Acne is caused by factors that include genetics, hormones and stress. The exact cause of acne isn't known, but evidence suggests that bacteria play a role in its development. Specifically, the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacterium lives on everyone's skin. However, if there's an overgrowth of P. acnes bacteria on your skin, it can cause inflammation and trigger breakouts.

The good news is that creating a natural skincare routine for acne-prone skin doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Some of the best natural remedies are already in your home and medicine cabinet! A natural skincare routine for acne-prone skin can work just as well as conventional products, without irritation. Here's how you can create the best skin care regimen for acne.

Cleansing

The first step in any good skincare routine is cleansing, but don't overdo it! Twice a day should be enough. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any sebum or dirt that builds up overnight for your morning cleanse. 

Pay special attention to your forehead and nose, which tend to be oilier. If you're wearing makeup, you may want to double cleanse by removing makeup before washing your face with a gentle cleanser. 

For example, use a cleansing oil or micellar water first, then follow up with a cleanser formulated for acne-prone skin. In the evening, focus on removing sunscreen and makeup.

You will start by cleaning your skin with a gentle cleanser. When choosing a cleanser, look for one that is alcohol-free and oil-free, and that does not contain synthetic fragrances which can irritate your skin.

When cleansing your skin, wash twice a day. Use lukewarm water to remove dirt and oil from your skin. Use your fingertips instead of a washcloth or sponge, further irritating the skin.

How to 

Use a gentle cleanser (use a pH-Balancing Cleanser) twice daily. Dampen your skin, then gently massage the cleanser over your entire face in small circles (avoid the eye area). Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

Exfoliating

Exfoliate at least once per week with a product formulated for acne-prone skin that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid (but not both). This will help unclog pores and remove excess sebum from your skin's surface.

Exfoliating with a gentle scrub can help clear blackheads, acne, and other blemishes on your skin. However, it's important not to overdo it, as exfoliating too harshly can cause more damage than good.

For the best results, we recommend using Down + Dirty™ Detoxifying Charcoal MicroExfoliant. The exfoliant will gently remove dirt and dull skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Toners or astringents can help remove excess oil from the skin, but many of these products also contain alcohol, which will dry the skin. You may prefer to use a natural toner such as green tea, which will not dry the skin but remove excess oil and bacteria. ClarityRx's blemish wand,  ClearZit™ On the Spot Blemish Control has excellent astringent properties, perfect for oily and acne-prone skin types, for on the spot treatments.

How to

Use an alcohol-free toner twice daily or on clean skin with a cotton ball or pad. Apply to the entire face, avoiding the eye area. You can also use an alcohol-free astringent containing salicylic acid instead of toner after cleansing your skin; follow the instructions above.

Spot Treatment

Spot treatments are designed to target a specific skin area with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria that cause breakouts. Spot treatments can effectively treat acne, but you should use them sparingly. 

Apply acne medication such as benzoyl peroxide or Fix It™ 2% Pore Perfecting Solution after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria under the skin, while Fix It™ 2% Pore Perfecting Solution contains salicylic acid, which helps to reduce swelling and redness by unclogging pores.

After cleansing and toning, treat acne with one of our effective treatments. To help speed up the healing process, we recommend using our Down+Dirty™ microexfoliant twice weekly before bedtime, and for current breakouts, our Clear Zit™ acne Spot treatment can help eliminate pimples fast for instant relief from existing breakouts!

Moisturize Daily

If you have naturally oily or acne-prone skin, you may think that moisturizing is unnecessary. Still, even oily skin types need hydration to maintain a healthy balance of water and oil in the skin.

A moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated, which helps with healing and prevents dryness, leading to more oil production to rehydrate the skin. When treating acne-prone skin, it's also imperative to keep the skin hydrated. 

Avoid too heavy or oil-based moisturizers as they can clog pores and cause breakouts. If you experience some dryness when treating acne-prone skin, look for a moisturizer containing dimethicone that provides lightweight hydration without drying up the skin. Gel moisturizers work best on oily skin because they're thinner than creams and don't leave any residue.

How Will a Routine Help

Creating a natural skincare routine for acne will help you remember what products you need to use every day or week. You will also know what ingredients work best for your skin type and so you will have everything ready if you need to make changes quickly.

You don't need a dozen products to achieve clear skin. If you follow a few simple steps, and incorporate plant-based products for acne prone skin that utilize natural ingredients, you can create your own skin care routine customized to your skin type and concerns. Whether you have cystic acne, inflammatory acne or just sensitive skin, ClarityRx has many board certified dermatologist and estheticians who work closely with our products and can help you build the best skincare regimen for your skin.