How to care for blemish-prone skin

9 do’s and don’ts

Breakouts and blemishes are part of life and the truth is, even the best of us get them. But when they seem to be happening more often than not, it's time to take a closer look at what our skin is trying to communicate to us and alter our skincare routine according to its specific needs. 

If you're dealing with blemish-prone skin, chances are you're already familiar with the words acne-prone and oily skin, as these conditions often occur together. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all of their collective issues, there are some steps you can take to soothe and protect your skin.

So if you're looking for the best ways to care for blemish-prone skin, this article is for you. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on nine dos and don'ts guaranteed to help keep blemishes and breakouts at bay!

Do: Cleanse Twice a Day

Cleansing twice a day is a key practice if you have blemish prone skin. Cleansing once in the morning and once at night will help to keep your skin clear, healthy and balanced. Make sure to use a water based cleanser that's specifically designed to address the underlying skin issues of blemish and acne prone skin. We recommend the Leovard Multicleanser consisting of salicylic acid as it is a great ingredient for this skin type.

Cleansing twice a day will ensure that your pores are clear and unclogged and it will even reduce the severity of future breakouts. Regular cleansing using a salicylic acid cleanser will ensure squeaky clean skin that's ready for moisturizing and treatment!

Don't: Rely on Bar Soap

It's tempting to reach for a bar of soap to wash your face if you have blemish-prone skin, but bar soap is not your friend. The ingredients in bar soap are too harsh for the delicate skin on your face, and can strip away natural oils your skin needs, leaving it dry and vulnerable to breakouts.

Instead, create a gentle cleansing routine with a mild liquid cleanser, or one that contains natural ingredients like honey, aloe or oatmeal. When using a cleanser, lather up and let it sit on your skin for a few seconds before rinsing off with lukewarm water. And always avoid scrubbing or rubbing harshly as it can irritate the skin and trigger an outbreak.

Do: Moisturize Properly

Regularly moisturizing your skin is essential if you want it to stay healthy. But if you have blemish-prone skin, you'll need to pay special attention. The wrong type of moisturizer can clog pores and lead to more breakouts. So what do you do?

The big thing here is to find a moisturizer that won't clog your pores. So make sure you pick one that's non-comedogenic which means it won't clog your pores, cause breakouts or look greasy. You'll also want one that's free of oils and fragrances, as those can also cause breakouts. The Leovard Multicream is a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that is free of artificial fragrances and additives. 

The timing is important here too, so make sure you're applying it after cleansing and toning your skin to lock in the moisture. You should also use it twice a day, morning and night, and use the appropriate amount which is a nickel sized amount as too much can still clog those pores! 

Don't: Use Oil-Based Cleansers

When it comes to taking care of blemish prone skin, one thing you definitely don't want to do is use oil-based cleansers. While oil-based cleansers can be a great choice for dry or sensitive skin types, they're not the best pick if you're prone to blemishes. That's because oil-based cleansers often contain ingredients like mineral oil, which can leave a film on the skin and lead to clogged pores and bacteria buildup. So if you have blemish prone skin, stick to water based cleansers!

Do: Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure

When it comes to caring for blemish-prone skin, it is important to remember that too much sun exposure can do more harm than good. Sun damage can worsen your already troubled skin, increase signs of aging and cause sun spots to form.

It's important to take precautionary measures such as:

• Applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when you are outside for extended periods of time
• Wearing protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and long sleeves
• Avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible, especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun's rays are strongest
• Not spending too much time in tanning beds or other artificial sources of UV radiation.

By following these steps, you can help protect your blemish-prone skin from sun damage and keep your complexion healthy.

Don't: Pick or Pop Pimples

It's tempting when you have a pimple, to go in and give it a squeeze. But here's the thing: picking or popping pimples can make them worse or cause acne scars. Not only that, but by popping pimples, you risk introducing bacteria deep under your skin and it can spread, causing more breakouts.The best thing you can do is simply leave them alone! Try not to touch your face too much with your hands as this causes oils to transfer from your fingers on to your skin. 

For extra measure, try keeping a spot treatment, like Leovard Elixir, handy. It contains the acne and blemish fighting tea tree oil extract and can enable you to take immediate action and get ahead of things quickly if you feel like one is coming up or you see one forming!

Do: Exfoliate Gently and Regularly

It's no secret that exfoliation is important for healthy skin, but you need to be careful if you have blemish prone skin. Exfoliating too often or too aggressively can actually make things worse. So, what do you need to do?

Ensure gentle exfoliation. This means that while you don't over-exfoliate and damage the skin barrier you also get to reap the benefits that come with it. Natural and gentle exfoliants such as papaya extract, found in the Multicleanser not only get the job done effectively, but also ensure that your skin feels loved and cared for. By removing the upper most, dead skin layer, gentle exfoliation helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne scars, promoting a radiant and glowing complexion.

Don't: Wear Heavy Makeup

When it comes to makeup and blemish prone skin, less is definitely more. The problem with heavy makeup is that it can sit on the surface of your skin and clog your pores, leading to breakouts.

So how do you know if a product is "heavy" or not? It all comes down to the ingredients, so take a look at the label before buying. Heavy makeup contains lots of oils and waxes, so if this is listed on a product label, then it’s best you skip it. If a product has powdery ingredients like cornstarch or silica, then it's okay for you to use on your blemish prone skin.

Do: Consult a Dermatologist as Needed

Last but not least, if you've ever had severe acne or other skin conditions, you should consider consulting a dermatologist. No matter how hard you try, it's always best to get professional advice when it comes to your skin's health. They'll be able to provide more solutions that are specific to your type of skin and help you determine which treatment methods will be the most effective for you.

Conclusion

Remember, blemishes can occur for a variety of reasons. That’s why it’s essential to do the proper research, see a dermatologist and build a routine specifically tailored to your skin’s needs. By changing up your habits and understanding the elements that are affecting your skin, you can get ahead of the game and start taking better care of your complexion.

In the end, it’s important to be gentle and patient with your skin. Don’t expect overnight results since it may take weeks to notice any real change. All that matters is that you follow the right steps to get your skin back in balance and give it the TLC it needs to look and feel its best!