Does Face Lotion Hurt or Help Acne How To Properly Moisturize When You Have Acne Prone Skin

Do face washes hurt or help acne? How to use the right moisturizer if your skin is acne-prone

Does moisturizer make acne worse? Since acne is caused by excess oil and dead skin cells that clog and irritate your pores, it would seem that using lotion can make it worse. This is true if the moisturizer you use contains heavy oils, waxes, or petrolatum. However, studies have shown that using a moisturizer with healing ingredients like retinoids or niacinamide can actually improve the signs and symptoms of acne. 1 This is especially true if you’re already using a topical treatment that can dry out your skin.

Read on to learn what causes acne, why it’s important to keep your skin moisturized, and what types of moisturizers you should add to your routine.

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. These rashes can appear as blackheads, papules, pustules, or cysts and can leave scars. While acne can occur anywhere on the body, it’s most common on the face, chest, and upper back because these areas have more sebaceous glands.

There are a number of possible triggers for acne breakouts. These include:

Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, menstruation, or menopause

Stress

Certain medications, such as steroids

Nutrition

Excessive sweating

Picking at the skin

Air pollution

Rough or oily makeup

Genetics

Acne treatments

There are many different treatments that can be used to clear acne, prevent breakouts, and heal scars. A healthy skin care routine is essential, starting with daily cleansing, wearing sunscreen, and breaking bad habits like picking.

Common acne treatments include the paraben-free benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical retinoids (such as tazarotene or Tretinoin), or prescription isotretinoin (for severe acne). While these types of products are very effective, they can also dry out the skin, cause burning and redness, or make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

If your acne is moderate to severe and doesn’t respond to other treatments, your doctor may also prescribe oral medications, such as antibiotic tablets or birth control pills.

Why Moisturizing Is Important for Acne

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when your skin becomes too dry, your body increases sebum production. 2 Excess sebum can clog pores, leading to more breakouts, or making existing breakouts worse. Using the right moisturizer can prevent your skin from becoming too dry and irritated, especially when using strong topical acne treatments.

Using a moisturizer also protects your skin from acne by creating a physical barrier on the top layer of your skin, reducing sebum production. The right moisturizer is hydrating enough to lock in moisture and soothe inflamed skin.

What to Look for in a Moisturizer If You Have Acne

The best moisturizers for acne contain the following ingredients:

Labeled “oil-free.”

Non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores

Moisturizers, such as hydrating hyaluronic acid

Acne-fighting ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and azelaic acid

Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and green tea

Moisturizers to avoid if you have acne

If you have acne, it’s recommended that you avoid moisturizers that:

Heavy oils, such as coconut oil

Waxes and petrolatum

Cocoa butter

Perfumes

Alcohol

Parabens

Peels that contain sodium chloride

Vitamin C Lotion 20%

Regular Price $45

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When and how to apply a moisturizer for acne-prone skin

Dermatologists recommend applying a moisturizer after washing your face with a gentle cleanser. Applying a moisturizer when there’s still some moisture in your skin will help retain moisture in your skin. You can also apply a moisturizer if your skin feels dry.

Studies show that most people experience a reduction in acne 4 to 8 weeks after they start using an acne-fighting moisturizer. 2

Acne-Recommended Foundation Skincare

The Foundation Skincare line offers a range of dermatologist-developed products to fight acne, without a prescription. All of these products are lotions that help lock in moisture and keep your skin well-hydrated. Whether you’re fighting current breakouts or trying to prevent future ones, use these acne moisturizers:

FS Night Renewal Cream contains 2% Granactive Retinoid and Essential Peptide Growth Factors along with herbal ingredients. The moisturizing formula delivers the skin-renewing benefits of prescription retinoic acid without the irritation.

FS Azelaic Acid 14% is the highest concentration of over-the-counter azelaic acid available. This skin-friendly antioxidant formula soothes and fights breakouts without irritating the skin like prescription formulas, but is more effective than other less concentrated over-the-counter products. In addition to killing acne-causing bacteria on the skin, azelaic acid disrupts the link between elevated testosterone levels and other hormonal changes, minimizing hormonal breakouts. The formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and suitable for daily use as a soothing cream.

FS Niacinamide Lotion supports healthy oils in the skin while reducing sebum production to prevent acne breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory properties also soothe the redness and irritation of current breakouts while improving skin texture and minimizing scarring. The lotion is also gentle enough for sensitive skin and has a hydrating base that can be used twice daily.

FS Vitamin C Lotion contains a highly concentrated 20% active ingredient that reduces the redness caused by acne, boosts collagen production, and supports scar healing. Vitamin C Lotion also contains a hydrating base that moisturizes, brightens, and protects the skin without drying or irritating it.

When your skin needs more moisture, the best top product for daily use is FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, a fast-absorbing, intense moisturizer that locks in moisture and deeply hydrates for healthy, radiant skin. All products in the Foundation Skincare range can be layered with or without additional moisturizer. If you suffer from acne, we recommend the following routine.

Morning:

Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.

Apply FS Azelaic Acid 14%.

Moisturize skin with FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.

Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against sun damage.

Evening:

Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.

Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion.

Moisturize skin with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion or alternate with Foundation Skincare Night Renewal Cream with Granactive Retinoid.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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