Why This Derm Says Understanding Your Skin Is the First Step to Preventing Breakouts
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Acne, shmacne. Whether you're dealing with red and angry bumps or barely there blemishes, if you're bothered by some form of pimples on your face, you're certainly not alone. Although acne occurs for a great number of reasons — some of those being diet (thanks, greasy yet delicious arepa), hormones, or genetics — it's important to understand your skin and learn what may be causing it to break out. Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. James Wang of Metropolis Derm shares the most common reason is excessive oil and sebum that leads to clogged pores. "Clogged pores are great environments for bacteria that can then overgrow and cause inflammation," he says.
"Although the exact initial scientific trigger for acne is still a mystery, we do know that certain activities can help create that pesky blemish," he adds. The use of heavy creams, ointments, and makeup are common culprits for clogged pores. "This usually leads to an eruption of many pimples all at once. Another common cause is exercise, where sweat and dirt cause swelling and irritation. The third leading cause is excessive exfoliation with masks, peels, AHA/BHA, and retinols," he explains.
Overexfoliating can also be a cause for breakouts due to the removal of the skin's natural protective barrier. "The resulting irritation induces the oil glands to create even more oil, fast. This will do the opposite of what is intended and cause clogging of the pore and create that annoying, inflamed pimple."
Ahead, see some of the products meant to help treat acne and prevent pesky breakouts from even happening — because who doesn't want to feel bella y radiante?
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Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
The Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($48) is loved by all skin types as it's proven to maintain the skin's pH while it cleanses, softens, and hydrates. It removes makeup and deeply cleanses pores with soy protein. It also contains aloe vera, which is used to soothe and hydrate, and borage-seed oil, which nourishes and softens the skin.
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Press Exfoliating Hydro-Mask
Consider the Press Exfoliating Hydro-Mask ($36) by ZitSticka as part of your Sunday self-care ritual. This jelly-like sheet mask exfoliates and eases the appearance of redness and irritation as it soothes and unclogs pores. It's formulated with key ingredients such as allantoin, salicylic acid, and niacinamide that help treat acne-prone skin.
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Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Surface
The name says it all. The Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Surface ($18) comes al rescate on days when you need to put an end to XL breakouts. Its one and only powerful ingredient is hydrocolloid, a natural fluid-absorbing gel that's ready to suck all the gunk out of your face or body. And don't worry about the patch falling off. It's tapered to fit all contours of the face or body, so it stays on through your every move.
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CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
If you've dealt with acne in the past, the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum ($20) reduces the appearance of visible pores and postacne marks with ceramides, which work to refine the skin's surface. It's formulated with encapsulated retinol to improve smoothness and help skin look brighter and more even-toned. Sí, sí, and sí!
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Tula Bright Start Vitamin C Moisturizer
"Ay, pero que radiante," is what you want to hear, and the Tula Bright Start Vitamin C Antioxidant Brightening Moisturizer ($54) moisturizes and brightens the complexion with mandarin orange and tranexamic acid, revealing an even skin tone, smooth texture, and overall luminosity. It also helps improve the look of dark spots, leaving your face smooth and radiant.
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Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Because we should all be wearing sunscreen, the Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($68) is ready to protect skin from UVA/UVB rays and free radical damage. It's safe for sensitive skin, and it helps reveal radiance while improving skin clarity and tone. Hello, bright, beautiful skin; adios, sun damage!
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