Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. It is a condition characterized by clogged pores, inflammation, and bacteria buildup that leads to breakouts. While acne is often associated with adolescence, many adults also struggle with the condition. The good news is that it is possible to manage and improve acne with the right skincare routine. However, crafting a routine that works for acne-prone skin can be a bit tricky, as it requires balancing acne treatment with maintaining the health of your skin. 

Acne occurs when the hair follicles (pores) become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. This creates an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to inflammation and the development of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or other types of acne lesions.

Some factors that can contribute to acne include excessive oil production, hormonal changes, bacteria, diet and lifestyle and so many others. 

Having gotten an insight as to how acne works, here is a step by step routine that would work for your acne prone skin and keep your face healthy and clean at all times. 

Cleanse Properly

The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing, especially for acne-prone skin. Cleansing helps remove excess oil, dirt, sweat, and makeup that can clog pores. However, when it comes to acne-prone skin, it’s important to choose a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils or irritate your skin.

Some things to pay attention to includes: 

• Cleanse twice a day; once in the morning and once at night using lukewarm water.
• Avoid scrubbing your face too hard; instead, use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin for 30 seconds.
• Don’t overwash your face, as this can strip your skin and lead to further oil production

Read Also: Top Concealers for Acne

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is a crucial step for acne-prone skin, as it helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. However, it’s essential to choose the right type of exfoliator and use it in moderation to avoid irritation. 

Ensure to: 

• Use a chemical exfoliant 2 to 3 times a week. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and lead to more breakouts.
• Apply exfoliant after cleansing, and allow it to absorb into your skin. Follow up with a moisturizer.
• Avoid physical exfoliants as scrubs with coarse grains can irritate the skin and worsen acne, especially if you have inflamed or cystic acne. 

Treat Acne with Spot Treatments

If you’re experiencing active breakouts, acne spot treatments can help target individual pimples and reduce inflammation. Spot treatments are concentrated formulas that help kill bacteria, reduce oil, and minimize the appearance of pimples.

Moisturize Regularly

Moisturizing is a crucial step in an acne-friendly skincare routine. Acne-prone skin can often be dry or dehydrated due to the use of acne treatments and this can strip the skin of its natural moisture. A good moisturizer helps keep the skin hydrated and balanced.

Also ensure to avoid touching your face constantly as your hands carry bacteria and oil, so touching your face can spread these to your skin and contribute to breakouts. Remember to maintain a healthy lifestyle by  staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress to help support your skin’s health. 

If you stick to this routine, you can be sure to have a smooth and healthy face for yourself. 

“Collagen makes up about 30% of the structural protein in the body” ,says Top Dietician Keri Gans. This shows how vital this body nutrient is to our general body health. Among all body nutrients that help with body repair, collagen is the most essential. It helps build various tissues such as ligaments and tendons. However, as we age, our collagen production declines, which could lead to different health challenges.Here are some signs you are losing collagen .

Wrinkles and Other Age-related Issues

Collagen  is vital for the smooth connection of different skin tissues in the body. It helps maintain hydration, skin elasticity, and firmness. Also, it is responsible for holding different body organs, like muscles, together for better body health. However with time ,body organs lose their firmness, which leads to saggy skin and wrinkles. When you notice  skin lags, it means you are losing collagen.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Another way to know if you don’t have enough collagen is when you start experiencing some gastrointestinal issues. The most common being ‘gut leakage’. This health condition occurs when gaps appear in the intestine which toxins and bacteria use to attack your bloodstream. When this ailment becomes serious, it could lead to inflammation and serious intestinal infection.

Slow injury healing

When people have minor injuries, they are expected to heal within a few days. However, when you are low on collagen , it takes more time for your injury to recover. This is true for elderly people whose collagen production has declined over time. A wound that should heal within a few days can take weeks and even months.

Read Also : Does Grapefruit Really Help Build Collagen?

Cellulitis

Is your skin looking lumpy and pale? If yes, it could be cellulitis. This happens when fat cells in your body are fighting against weak tissues. While there are many reasons why this could happen, the main cause is a reduction in collagen fibres. When they weaken, your skin elasticity reduces, which could lead to a more serious skin ailment in the future.

Blood Pressure and Other Circulation Issues

Blood vessels need collagen to maintain their strength and elasticity. However, blood vessels become weak when people suffer from high blood pressure and circulation problems. Those with anxiety and depression problems are also affected by these issues. That’s why people are advised to eat foods and fruits rich in collagen, like avocado and chicken skin.

Final Thoughts

Everyone needs a rich amount of collagen to keep their skin smooth and maintain a healthy life. However, collagen production can be depleted due to age and other illnesses. We have explained in detail some signs that could show you are low on collagen supply.

Looking good is important to Nigerians as it shows their fashion taste. They want to express their sense of style and social status. However, finding quality skincare products on a budget is hard for low- to middle-class Nigerians. Are you searching for affordable and effective skincare products, here are some recommendatio (more…)