How Can I Use Skincare to Manage Breakouts?

What is Acne?

Acne develops when pores on the surface of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Several factors can contribute to acne, including genetics, hormonal changes, diet, stress, and improper skincare routines.

Breakouts can affect people of all ages (not just teenagers) and can be something which really affects our confidence about how we feel in our own skin. Thankfully, with the right skincare routine we can dramatically reduce these breakouts and improve our overall skin health.

Skincare Basics for Acne Management

Gentle Cleansing: Keeping the skin clean is essential, but harsh scrubbing can aggravate acne and disrupt the skin barrier. Instead opt for a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

My favourites include: Cerave Hydrating cleanser, Skinbetter Science cleansing gel, Obagi gentle cleanser.

Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation can remove dead skin cells that clog pores. Chemical exfoliants, such as salicylic acid (BHA) and glycolic acid (AHA), are particularly effective for acne-prone skin. They help to unclog pores and smooth the skin's surface. However, it's important to exfoliate moderately to avoid irritation.

My favourites include: Obagi Pore Therapy

Moisturising: Hydration is key, even for oily and acne-prone skin. Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturisers that hydrate the skin without clogging pores. Proper moisturisation helps maintain the skin's barrier, preventing irritation from acne treatments.

My favourites include: Cerave moisturising lotion, Obagi Hydrate

Sun Protection: Sun exposure can exacerbate acne and lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen EVERY DAY that is suitable for acne-prone skin to protect against UV damage.

My favourites include: Heliocare Oil Free gel

In addition to the basic skincare routine outlined above we can also add in topical treatments that can target acne directly such as:

Benzoyl peroxide which is effective at killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.

Retinoids (eg Tretinoin) to help prevent clogged pores and promote cell turnover.

These are often prescription-based formulas so I would advise speaking to your practitioner for specific advice on what suits your skin type/concerns and how to use them correctly.

Acne treatment requires patience and consistency. It's important to remember that results take time, and what works for one person may not work for another. By developing a skincare routine tailored to your specific skin type and concerns, combined with professional guidance, you can be on your way to your best skin yet!

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together some acne, obagi® medical products and specialist skin cremes FAQs just for you.

If you have more questions, you can use the acne, obagi® medical products and specialist skin cremes treatment questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts.

If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited acne, obagi® medical products and specialist skin cremes treatment clinics in your area.

Many thanks to the author of this blog Dr Emma Goulding who is from the Dr Emma Goulding clinic.

Dr Emma Goulding is an NHS and aesthetic doctor based in Hale, Altrincham. She prioritises a patient-centred approach to aesthetic medicine. This means you will receive a comprehensive consultation, where all options can be discussed, and any questions addressed. As this is a bespoke clinic you will not be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach, and every treatment will be tailored specifically to your needs.

Visit Dr Emma Goulding on 0797 354 2322 or visit www.DrEmmaGoulding.co.uk

How Can I Use Skincare to Manage Breakouts?

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