While most of us have experienced waking up with an unfortunate blemish here and there, dealing with seemingly unmanageable breakouts can be a daily occurrence for others. Breakouts cannot only affect our mood and confidence, but also be painful and leave permanent effects on our skin. Here we teach you all you need to know about accommodating breakout-prone skin.
Why do breakouts happen? Possible causes & solutions
Impurities form when bacteria, dead skin cells, or oil (sebum) gets trapped and builds up in the hair follicles. Common types of impurities are: Open comedones (blackheads), which get their color from the bacteria mixing with oxygen. Closed comedones (whiteheads), recognized by their white or yellow-ish appearance. Cystic acne, which develops beneath the skin's surface and can be very painful.
Some of the most known causes of breakouts are: Hormonal fluctuations (e.g. during a period, pregnancy, or stress). Some types of medicine. Using the wrong skincare products. Diet, as highly processed foods have been suspected to worsen breakout-prone skin. Other lesser-known factors include smoking, dehydration, an unhealthy sleep pattern, and contact with the skin – are you washing your make-up brushes, towels, and linen regularly?
Treating breakout-prone skin right: Dos & don'ts
DO: Moisturize – even if you have oily skin
If your skin tends to be oily, reaching for a moisturizer might not feel intuitive. However, oily skin still needs hydration. Skipping this step can leave the skin dry and imbalanced, which may cause it to produce even more oil and potentially lead to further breakouts.
One of our favorites for oily and blemish-prone skin is Blemish Control Clarifying Gel. Its lightweight formula hydrates the skin while helping to regulate sebum production and reduce the appearance of blemishes and irritation. If you prefer a moisturizer with a stronger focus on hydration, 24-Hour Hydra Gel is another great option. Its lightweight, water-based formula absorbs quickly and delivers lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Apply your preferred moisturizer 1–2 times a day to keep your skin hydrated, soothed, and balanced.
DON'T: Pick your skin – ever
We know it can be tempting to pick existing impurities, but be strong. What you're actually doing is breaking the impurity's structure, possibly causing its content to spread – resulting in everything from redness and swelling to further inflammation. Instead, use a facial mask with the purifying ingredient salicylic acid. Find it in our Deep Cleansing Mask, which can also be used as an effective spot treatment.
DO: Build new routines and habits
Some simple new habits can go a long way in helping yourself maintain an overview on the days where the pace feels overwhelming. Our best tips on soothing feelings of stress include: scribbling down your thoughts in a diary, making meal plans, keeping a calendar, exercising, and finding a hobby that doesn't include electronics.
DON'T: Cleanse your skin too often
Refreshing your skin daily with a nourishing facial cleanser is essential. But don't get carried away – over-cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to an acceleration in sebum production and therefore possibly more breakouts. Choosing a cleanser with mild and natural cleansing actives, like our Daily Foaming Cleanser, is always beneficial.
DO: Catch some Zzz's
Getting enough sleep plays a vital role in both our health and appearance. Put your phone away half an hour before going to bed – and chamomile tea is nature's own sleep aid, well known for its relaxing effects.
More products worth adding to your routine
Alongside these daily habits, a few targeted products can make a real difference for breakout-prone skin. Our Skin Perfector 2% BHA is a leave-on exfoliant that works inside the pore to clear out the buildup that leads to impurities, while our Blemish Control Clarifying Gel is formulated to treat existing blemishes directly.