Top 5: Unsung Heroes of Acne Prevention
Acne can take months to form… so why is it that when you feel a pimple coming, it’s always at the most inopportune time? Now of course, there are things you can do once a pesky zit emerges but what’s most important is focusing on prevention. Acne is a condition that is managed.
We all know the obvious things to do – use a red light mask, maintain with prescriptions like dapsone and tret, use (bi)weekly chemical peels, etc. – but here are top 5 of the less obvious things you can do at home to prevent breakouts:
1. Intrinsics Large Cotton Wipes – face wipes
$17 / https://www.amazon.com/Intrinsics-Large-Cotton-Wipes-Naturelle/dp/B000QUAJUA
When not washed regularly, towels can harbour bacteria that can cause acne. Reusing dirty towels can expose you to dirt, oil, makeup and other contaminants that can cause breakouts, irritation and infections. To avoid clogging my pores as well as other issues like acne mechanica caused by over rubbing with a towel, I’ve switched over to disposable wipes. They’ve made all the difference in my skincare routine and ensure that there’s absolutely no cross contamination after you wash your face, ensuring a clean palette for your skincare routine. As far as brands go I have a subscription to the large Intrinsic wipes for daily use and I use xx for travel, but some people swear by the Clean Skin Club. What brand you use doesn’t matter, as long as you’re drying off your clean skin with a clean device. Not into disposable wipes? I’d suggest getting 14 microfibre towels (2 for each day of the week) and washing them weekly so you always have a fresh one to pick from.
2. Argie Skin Sidekick – silk pillowcase
$59 / https://us.meetargie.com/products/skin-sidekick-silk-pillowcase?variant=47164617490744
Cotton pillowcases can absorb all the natural oils, sweat, and bacteria that are collected on your skin. Silk pillowcases are known for their power to stop breakouts and prevent frizz/hair breakage. The reasons? They’re smoother so there’s less friction, they’re not as absorbent so your face will stay more hydrated and products will absorb better – plus the fact that some even have antimicrobial properties. What does that mean? It contributes to your skin’s strength and elasticity – manifesting itself as reduced fine lines and wrinkles over time, a healthier skin barrier, smoother skin and less inflammation.
For the highest quality pillowcases look for Grade A mulberry silk, which has the smoothest and strongest fibers. While all silk pillowcases are naturally hypoallergenic, I’m a fan of the Argie Skin Sidekick Silk Pillowcase that’s been treated with silver ions, which are supposed to help kill up to 99.7% of bacteria on the pillow — specifically cutibacterium acnes and staphylococcus aureus, two of the major acne-causing bacteria types. They’re made in an Oeko-Tex certified factory, which means that every component of their products is free of ingredients from a list of 350 toxic chemicals. Best of all, the pillowcases are machine-washable, even the silk ones. Just make sure to hang them dry. (Pillowcases should be changed once a week at minimum, every 2-3 days ideally, and washed with a fragrance free detergent.)
3. MedPride Prep Pads – alcohol wipes
$3.99 / https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F2N14FV/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_image_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
One of the simplest ways you can reduce the amout of bacteria on your face, aside from washing your hands and not touching your face, is to use these handy single-use, latex free, medical grade alcohol wipes. They kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and should be used to disinfect your phone, sunglasses, and skincare devices, at least once a day.
4. Cinema Secrets Professional – makeup brush cleaner
$32 / https://cinemasecrets.com/collections/brush-cleaner/products/makeup-brush-cleaner?variant=45609690431798
Speaking of sanitization, if you use makeup don’t forget to clean your brushes at least once a week as this can be a major cause of breakouts. I’m such a huge fan of this makeup artist approved favorite Cinema Secrets Professional Makeup Brush Cleaner that I buy it in the professional size. Stubborn waterproof and long wear makeup melts away and brushes dry almost instantly as if it were magic, no water or rinsing required. Just apply the product to the brush by either dipping or spraying and then wipe the brush clean on an absorbant cloth or paper towel and repeat as necessary.
5. Aria by Vanity Planet – facial steamer
$69 / VANITYPLANET.COM
Not much to say here, except a trusty steamer can really help open up your pores and get rid of build up before it happens. There’s a reason that steaming and hot towels are used for almost every facial treatment. Don’t have the money or time for monthly facials, just give yourself a DIY version at home and steam your face at least once a week. Are there better more expensive ones, yes, but this is a good option at a decent price point.