Problematic skin care, nutrition and habits

Women with problematic skin have to put in a lot of effort to maintain healthy, beautiful and clear skin. Often, the victory over acne is very difficult — this is a complex task that includes special care, professional cosmetic procedures, pharmacy cosmetics, and even medications prescribed by a doctor. Equally important is a care regimen that will keep the skin in good condition after treatment. How to care for problem skin, how to eat, what habits should be abandoned so as not to provoke acne again?

Problem skin care plan

The struggle for clear skin after successful acne treatment does not end: it is important not only to eliminate rashes and inflammation, but also to prevent their further occurrence.

Facial problem skin care is based on the traditional scheme — cleansing, moisturizing, protecting, as well as the use of products with anti-inflammatory action and acid agents.

For daily cleansing of problem skin prone to acne and rashes, it is necessary to choose a neutral remedy. That is, the pH level (acidity of the product) should be in the range of 5.5-5.6, as in normal healthy skin. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to professional or pharmacy cleansers, the pH of which is indicated on the label.

For daily cleansing, do not use acid products, as well as gels with abrasive particles, so as not to damage the epidermis.

Since problematic facial skin is not a type, but a condition of the cover, it can be oily or dry, and therefore a cleansing product can be chosen according to its type. For example, for oily epidermis, foams and gels can be used, for dry epidermis, water-based cream-gel.

After washing, for additional cleansing of oily skin, you can use a tonic. Look for toners designed for acne-prone skin.

For special care of problem skin, anti-inflammatory drugs are used. These can be antibacterial gels, fat-free emulsions, anti-acne serums. It is also advisable to look for such products from professional brands (SkinCeuticals, La Roche-Posay, Is Clinical, Dr.Sheller, Lange).

Several times a week (or according to the scheme recommended by a dermatologist), problematic facial skin needs acid products: they create an acidic environment on the surface of the epidermis, thus providing an antibacterial effect. These can be products with azelaic, lactic, glycolic, salicylic acid.

Moisturizing is a necessary step in the care of problem skin. Look for moisturizers with an oil-free formula so that the product hydrates well and doesn’t clog pores.

Remember that problematic skin also needs sun protection: look for a sunscreen with chemical filters, as well as sebum-regulating and antibacterial properties (for example, marked Zinc SPA). Such a product provides protection from UV radiation, but it does not clog pores, does not create a film and oily sheen on the face.

Proper nutrition for clear skin

Nutrition can improve the condition of your facial skin or, conversely, nullify all your efforts to combat acne.

First of all, exclude from the diet the most carcinogenic and harmful foods, such as chips, various fast food, crackers, popcorn and other things that you usually pamper yourself with during your holidays. The abuse of such snacks can provoke rashes on healthy skin, not to mention problematic.

Your skin will be grateful if you minimize the consumption of various sweets (candy, chocolate, marmalade, cakes), sugary carbonated drinks, yogurt and dairy products with sugar and flavor enhancers.

What can cause acne

Taking care of acne-prone skin is not only about using cosmetics, but also getting rid of everything that can trigger acne.

So, even a smartphone can cause acne on the face: if you do not wipe the screen with an alcohol antiseptic, then bacteria accumulate on it. Dirt and sebum, mixed with powder or foundation that remains on the screen after contact with the skin, create an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, develop the habit of regularly processing the screen of a mobile device.

The same goes for pillowcases: change your pillowcase regularly to avoid causing new breakouts.

Washing with tap water can also adversely affect problematic skin. Running water contains minerals and disinfectants that increase the acidity of the skin, destroy the lipid barrier, leaving the epidermis defenseless. For face care, it is better to use filtered water or bottled drinking water.

Cosmetic brushes and sponges are another source of danger that can cause acne. If you use these tools to apply color cosmetics, be sure to wash them thoroughly with soap and water and dry them completely after each use. Cosmetics, sebum, dead particles of the epidermis accumulate on the hands and sponges — a breeding ground for bacteria, which means the risk of acne.