Having sensitive skin isn’t a disease per se. It’s rather a reaction to a chemical in cosmetics or skincare products or a symptom of an underlying disease. In other words, it’s a skin type that can easily acquire inflammation. From dry skin to Eczema to Rosacea, there are many reasons why you experience sensitive skin in the first place. But the real question is:
Can Sensitive Skin Trigger Acne?
Sensitive skin and acne are some of the most lethal combinations ever existed. That said, symptoms like burning, redness, irritation, etc., join forces to add fuel to the fire. But, you can take some measures to treat acne on sensitive skin.
How to Treat Sensitive Skin Acne?
Below are some of the possible remedies and treatments worth a shot.
Don’t Wash Your Face Frequently
You should typically wash your face after waking up and before going to bed. Doing it more often can irritate your skin.
Don’t Use Harsh Exfoliators
Exfoliating hard on acne-prone sensitive skin can prove to be a nightmare. Dr. Brooke Bair, a certified dermatologist, puts it this way:
“Acne is not a ‘dirt’ problem. So, scrubbing harder and using hard exfoliants don’t help and can only lead to more redness and irritation.”
No Picking
Popping pimples is exceptionally tempting, but it can lead to acne scars that can sometimes be quite stubborn to disappear. Besides, it also transfers bacteria through your fingers to other pores and turns it into a big, inflamed bump. However, if you have to pick a pimple, let your dermatologist perform it through a process called extraction.
A word of caution: Extraction involves using sterile, cutting-edge tools, so don’t try it at home.
Wash Off Makeup Brushes and Pillowcases Frequently
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends changing pillowcases 2-3 times a week. Besides, bed sheets should be changed every week.
You can also prevent germs from spreading to other pores by cleaning your makeup brushes daily or twice a week at least. Furthermore, your mobile phone harbors enough dirt to clog your pores and worsen acne. So, wiping them off with a specific cleanser every day can be helpful.
Skincare Routine for Acne-prone, Sensitive Skin
Below is a morning and evening skincare routine that will bring desired results if you stick to it. Remember: Persistence is the key in treating any skin condition.
Morning
- Use a gentle cleanser that does not irritate your skin.
- Apply toner to remove excess oil that plays a significant role in causing breakouts.
- Follow it with a moisturizer to attain an appropriate level of hydration.
- Top it up with a broad-spectrum SPF. Ideally, it should be 30+ as acne treatments make your skin sensitive to the sun.
Evening
- If you’ve makeup on, make sure to remove it. Use a gentle makeup remover for this.
- Use a non-irritating, gentle cleanser that removes every spec of dirt from your face.
The pivotal point of morning and evening skincare routine: follow your doctor’s prescription.
Visit a Doctor
Dermatologists usually recommend salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids to treat acne. However, these ingredients are not idealistic for sensitive skin types as they tend to irritate the skin. So, your best bet is to visit a doctor for the proper treatment.
