8 Ways to Reduce Acne Breakouts

We know that acne can really impact your confidence. Fortunately there are things you can do to help at home – 8 of the top are listed below. If you need quick, medical treatment to clear your acne, then get in touch. We treat acne with the compassion and kindness you deserve because we understand that opening up about it can feel daunting.

Top 8 ways to reduce acne breakouts:

1. Don’t over-exfoliate or scrub your skin. It can cause irritation and disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. This in turn can result in inflammation and infections – making your acne worse. Instead, clean your skin with warm water and a simple cleanser/soap substitute.
2. Look for products that are non-comedogenic as they don’t have the potential to block your pores. Check make up for this too.
3. If you wear foundation, consider an acne friendly one – we like Oxygenetix – it provides full coverage without blocking pores.
4. Don’t squeeze your spots. Tempting as it is, it will more often than not cause an open wound which will increase the risk of infection. Picking may also scar too. If you have acne scarring, microneedling can help.
5. Wear SPF50. Although you may feel like skipping this step if you have oilier skin, SPF will actually support the skin’s overall health, reducing breakouts. Look for some which are oil free and/or designed for breakout skin as they will absorb quickly allowing for optimal protection without the oily residue. We like Epionce Ultra Shield. La Roche Posay do some good ones too.
6. Maintain a healthy diet. There is some evidence to suggest that a low-GI diet can help acne – so it’s best to avoid things like sugary food, potatoes, white pasta/bread.
7. As with all health advice – drink lots of water. It will keep the skin healthy – again, for that all important skin barrier health.
8. Manage stress. If you do manage to break the stress cycle you can remove a potential trigger for breakouts. Use methods that work for you – from meditation, going for a walk or activities like yoga.

If you would like to see one of our doctors or want an acne facial (which includes a salicylic acid peel) then get in touch.