Most people have experienced blemishes at some point—acne, dark spots, blackheads, uneven texture, and other skin blemishes. Blemishes may not be life-threatening, but they can cause self-consciousness, insecurity, and lack of confidence. Based on a study from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), skin breakouts and related issues may cause anxiety and depression.
If you’re battling blemishes or uneven skin tone and texture, know it can be won. Here are practical solutions to fight skin imperfections and get a beautiful, flawless complexion.
Consider cosmetic procedures
In this modern world, more treatments are being developed to combat skin impurities without invasive surgery. Laser, light treatments, and microneedling are some of the most popular cosmetic procedures to treat uneven tone and texture. These therapies work differently and have unique benefits. For example, SkinPen microneedling is a skin rejuvenator stimulating collagen and elastin production for a smoother, firmer complexion. Alternatively, laser treatments can help reduce scarring and hyperpigmentation.
It’s also worth noting that this procedure isn’t a one-time fix. Depending on your skin condition, repeat treatments may be required to get beautiful results. But it’s a great way to start your journey to a flawless face.
Stick to a skincare routine
It’s tempting to try out different skin care products, especially when you see influencers raving about them. However, using different products at the same time can cause skin irritations. Instead of switching up your skincare routine often, stick to a tried-and-true regimen. Your skin will benefit more from consistent care than from quick fixes.
Try these three basic regimens:
- Cleanser: Washing your face with water isn’t enough. There’s a possibility that water alone may remove surface grime only, while dirt, oil, and bacteria would remain on your skin. This can clog your pores, which could eventually lead to blemishes. To prevent this from happening, use a gentle cleanser that’s formulated for your skin type. That’s because cleansers vary in formulation. Dry skin would need a richer, creamier cleanser, while oily skin does better with a gel-based one. Ideally, you should cleanse twice a day, in the morning and at night before bedtime.
- Toner: After cleansing your face, apply toner to balance the skin’s moisture level and tighten your pores. Toners help remove traces of dirt and cleanser that may still be left behind after cleaning. It also refreshes your skin, especially when it’s made with natural ingredients like tea tree or witch hazel extract.
- Moisturizer: Your skincare routine doesn’t end with cleanser and toner. Your skin needs to stay hydrated and supple, so apply a gentle moisturizer daily. Moisturizing your skin helps lock in hydration and restore its natural barrier. More importantly, it keeps blemishes at bay, protects your skin from the harsh environment, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles or any signs of aging. So, don’t skip this step.
Consistently follow these daily steps, and you’ll soon see an improvement in your skin’s texture and tone. Be sure to buy the right skincare products for your skin type.
Exfoliate
You may wonder how this solution differs from your cleanse-tone-moisturize routine. Exfoliation is a more aggressive way of removing dirt and dead skin cells from the surface. It penetrates deeper into your pores to remove excess oil and built-up sebum that can cause breakouts.
There are two types of exfoliations: chemical and physical. Let’s look at them one by one.
- Chemical exfoliation: As the name suggests, this exfoliation involves using active ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). The AHA family is best for dry, sensitive skin, while BHAs work better on oily and acne-prone skin. How do they work? AHAs dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together, while BHAs penetrate deep into the pores to sweep away dead skin cells.
- Physical exfoliation: This solution is more on the traditional side. It uses a physical, abrasive agent or a tool like a scrub or sponge to slough away dead skin cells. Some exfoliators have added ingredients like jojoba beads and ground walnut shells that help remove dirt while being gentle on your skin.
Remember that exfoliation isn’t an everyday thing—once or twice a week will do. Over-exfoliating can cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to problems like dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.
Wear sunscreen every day
Enjoying the sun is important to get your daily dose of vitamin D. But like most things in life, too much of it can be harmful. This is especially true when sunlight is strongest, typically around 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ultraviolet rays may cause skin discoloration, melasma, and premature aging. To protect your skin from the sun’s damaging effects, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
When applying sunscreen, don’t forget to cover all exposed areas—not just your face. You should apply it on your arms and legs too! Put sunscreen for at least 15 to 20 minutes before stepping out in the sunlight, and reapply after every two hours, especially if you sweat a lot or go for a swim.
Let’s also break the notion that sunscreen is exclusively for outdoor use. Even indoors, harmful UV rays can still pass through windows and penetrate your skin. So, if you spend most of your days inside the house, it’s still best to apply sunscreen.
Start your journey to beautiful and healthy skin
Skin impurities are common issues. But it doesn’t mean you have to live with it forever. You can get rid of it or, if not, reduce their appearance with proper skincare. Consider adding the practical solutions in this article to your daily routine, and you’ll soon start seeing visible results.
Furthermore, consult a dermatologist or any skincare expert for the best recommendations for your skin type and condition.
