Get A Skin Care Routine for Acne that Works

Finding the right skincare routine for acne can be a frustrating experience for many. Around 50 million Americans are affected by acne each year. No matter the cause, the painful or red papules, pustules, and other blemishes that appear on your face, back, or chest can make you dread another flare-up at best, hurt your self-esteem at worst.

Acne is not a one-and-done situation, it’s an ongoing challenge. A gentle skincare routine with basic steps and acne products (with key ingredients) is the best way to get you on track to clearing breakouts, preventing future blemishes, and minimizing the risk of scarring. 

The best skincare routine for acne is one that needs to work for you. It has to be manageable for your schedule and lifestyle so you can be consistent in your skincare. Most importantly, it should actually make a difference in the look of your skin! We’ve put together a guide to building your own routine with a few steps you can experiment with.

What Causes Acne?

Let’s start by answering the question of what causes acne. Acne occurs when your pores are blocked by bacteria, skin cells, or oil. Acne breakouts can also be triggered by hormonal changes, genetics, stress, and even some medications.

Acne Skin Care Routine

Although everyone’s skin is different, there are acne skin care routine basics that apply universally. Let’s cover these before we head into some specific routines. 

Removing makeup: If you wear makeup, removing every trace of it with a gentle remover helps avoid clogged pores. The industry darling of dermatologists and make up artists is Bioderma Sesibo H20 Miceller Make Up Remover. We love micellar water because of the way it clings to dirt and oil, gently removing them without stripping moisture.

Daily cleansing: Cleansing once or twice a day with a mild, oil-free cleanser removes bacteria from the skin and washes away dead skincells, so they can’t clog your pores and cause more blemishes. Always use lukewarm water, avoiding hot and cold extremes, so your skin gets a gentle wash. Apply product to your skin with clean fingertips, using a gentle circular motion to work it in, then splash with water and pat gently dry with a clean towel. We suggest Eminence Organic’s Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser.

Trying a toner: This gentle toner won’t dry out the skin and can be a good way to remove any final traces of makeup or oil. A good toner helps neutralize bacteria and actually adds healthy elements back into skin which can help control oily skin and can even help you freshen up after a workout.

Applying an acne skin care treatment: Apply a thin layer of an acne serum, acne mask, or acne cream intended to stop acne flare-ups all over your skin. You can also use it as a spot treatment overnight to zap any stubborn blemishes.

Moisturizing: Acne treatments can dry out skin, which can cause flaking and painful tightness! Moisturize with a gentle, oil-free moisturizer made for acne-prone skin. This gentle and natural moisturizer keeps skin soft without clogging pores.

Applying sunscreen during the day: As discussed in our Ultimate Sunscreen Guide, everyone, no matter their skin type, needs protection from the sun. Using some acne treatments can make you especially vulnerable to sunburn, so slather on mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These key ingredients let your skin breathe while also protecting from the sun’s harmful rays.

Cleaning up: Anything that touches your face should be scrupulously clean. Wipe down your phone and clean your towels, makeup brushes, facecloths, pillowcases, and anything else you use on your face often so you don’t introduce bacteria to your pores. And let’s face it: using clean brushes, towels, and pillowcases just feels better!

These are the basics you can adjust to your own regimen. As you assemble acne skincare products for your own routine, get in the habit of checking the labels. Sure, the packaging looks great, but look for words like “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores” and for products that don’t contain alcohol and perfumes, since these can aggravate the skin.

Acne Skin Care Treatments

Regular deep cleaning treatment from a professional can help not only address skin concerns at a deeper level, but also check in on whether your at-home routine is working as it should be. We believe regular facials with a skilled esthetician go more than skin deep! Working with a skincare professional lets you discuss your skin habits and get information you can use at home, so your professional treatment is an investment that keeps on giving. It’s also a nice way to pamper yourself after all the hard work you’ve done taking care of your skin at home.

Acne Facial: Our go-to  acne facial is the Viva Deep Pore Cleansing Acne Facial. This blemish-fighting treatment includes skin analysis, steaming, customized products, and extra extraction time.

Hydrafacial: Looking to take your acne skin care spa treatment to the next level? Try the cutting-edge facials from HydraFacial MD. The newest advancement in non-laser skin resurfacing, HydraFacial MD is a facial treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, peels, extracts and hydrates your skin all with a single tool — leaving you with healthier, more nourished skin.

Acne Skin Care in Austin and Round Rock

At Viva, we know that when your skin looks its best, you feel your best. Our licensed estheticians in Austin and Round Rock are here to help you and our med spa treatments can address your acne concerns and goals. Browse our range of products for your skin or book a facial treatment at any one of our Austin & Round Rock locations. We’re always here to help you create a custom skin-care routine so you can feel confident, no matter what.