We all want to know how to get rid of acne, but sometimes our natural responses to our skin when it isn’t behaving actually sets us back.
Wanting to pop a pimple, strip the skin by over exfoliating it, or trying to dry the acne out by avoiding moisturiser, are all responses that seem to make sense.
Unfortunately, most of the time these approaches can exacerbate acne by causing further inflammation and damage to the skin’s barrier.
Pick your skin - this will just worsen scarring, and spread around bacteria. Be kind to your skin, and let it do it’s thing. Or try popping on a spot treatment, and go about your day.
Make sure you’re wearing SPF 30 or higher everyday. Acne treatments can be incredibly sensitizing, so it’s important to protect your skin from further damage.
Sleep in your makeup! As tempting as it is, you will notice a huge improvement in your skin if you continually keep it clean, hydrated and nourished.
Double cleanse nightly. Double cleansing requires you to go in with an oil based cleanser before switching to a water based cleanser. This will help stop built up oil, make up and debris from clogging your pores as you sleep.
Overstrip your skin with exfoliants. This can lead your skin to overproduce oil, and can also damage the skin’s barrier. Instead, simply keep your skin clean and super hydrated with good masks and moisturisers. This will keep your skin balanced and reduce inflammation.
Listen to your skin! It's important to pay attention when finding the right combination of active ingredients that work for you skin type and concerns.
At night, start your double cleanse with an exfoliating cleansing oil. Iain uses the Cosmedix Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser to break down makeup, oil and dirt. This formula is a great blend of hydrating and exfoliating ingredients, which leave your skin feeling balanced and refreshed. Apply a pea sized amount of this cleanser to dry skin and massage in and lather for 30 seconds before rinsing off.
Follow up your oil based cleanser with a water based cleanser that will lift up any excess gunk off the skin. Iain oscillates between two La Roche Posay cleansers depending on how deeply they want to clean the skin. Try the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Caring Wash for a lightweight milky cleanser packed with Ceramides and Niacinamide. Or switch to the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel for a deep cleanse that doesn’t strip! Just massage into the skin for 60 seconds and rinse. If you have a FOREO device this is a great time to use it!
1-2 nights a week try introducing a retinol cream or serum to help promote cell turnover, reduce acne scarring and promote collagen production. Iain uses a prescription retinol, but if that’s not your speed we recommend trying any of these great options. Remember to introduce retinol to the skin gradually, and always follow up with SPF the next day as retinol can sensitize the skin.
On the nights you aren’t using a retinol, try a chemical exfoliant with a BHA like Salycilic acid to clean out your pores. Try the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum, a water weight serum that contains 1.5% Salycilic acid and 3.5% Glycolic acid. This formula minimises sebum production and post-acne hyperpigmentation. Simply apply 4-5 drops to the skin and give the product a minute or two to sink in before going on to your next step.
Rehydrate the skin with an active mist like the NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2). This mist helps your skin build up its moisture barrier over time and actively fights off free radicals. It also helps increase the absorption of the hydrating products yet to come. So, spritz away!
Restore your skin's plumpness with a hydrating serum packed with Squalene. The NIOD Modulating Glucosides contains a high concentration of this ingredient to help support the barrier. Apply 4-5 drops and pat into skin.
Apply the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream to your undereye using the applicator and lightly dab it in. This product helps depuff and smooth out fine lines.
Iain uses the Aspect Phytostat 9, which is also a huge staff favourite for a reason. This innovative moisturiser adjusts to the needs of your skin and contains Shea Butter and Sunflower Seed Oil to nicely hydrate the skin. Apply 1-2 pumps to the face, neck and decolletage.
When needed, Iain turns to the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Acne Moisturiser for an effective spot treatment. Dab the gel cream on any spots you may have erupting and let the Niacinamide and Piroctone Olamine do the work. This is actually a hydrating formula, so it won’t dry out your skin excessively.
A probiotic mask will help feed your barriers flora and fauna. Try putting on the Aspect Probiotic Mask overnight or just for ten minutes to nourish the skin!
Try opting for a gentle cleanser in the morning like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Caring Wash to cleanse and refresh your skin!
After cleansing, Iain goes in with the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum. This 15% Vitamin C serum helps to protect and brighten the complexion. Add 5-6 drops to dry skin and simply pat it in.
Spray the NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2) all over the face to rehydrate the skin and protect from free radicals.
Apply 4-5 drops of the NIOD Modulating Glucosides and pat into the skin. This highly moisturising serum adds plumpness to the skin and helps to soothe redness.
Seal in hydration with the versatile Aspect Phytostat 9, which is the right consistency for day or night. This moisturiser also works excellently under make up. Apply 1-2 pumps to the face, neck and decolletage.
Iain uses the Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum as the final step of their skin care routine. Not only does this sunscreen serum provide 50+ protection it also layers perfectly under makeup and provides the skin with a subtle glow.
While everyone’s skin is different, many people find products with potent active ingredients help to reduce acne over time with consistent use.
In this routine Iain Jeffery uses potent antioxidants in the morning (in the form of Vitamin C), and a retinol at night (a prescription Vitamin A).
However, everyone is different and someone with more sensitive skin might find calming products more helpful for hormonal acne.
So don’t be afraid to try a few different approaches if any of these products don’t work for you, and remember you can always contact our customer service team for specific advice about how to work with your skin type.
This routine was transcribed by India Williams
*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Frequent re-application or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection. Always read the label. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided.
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