Discover our best tips, tricks and advice for how to get rid of breakouts, blackheads and acne for good
So, you have acne. You’re not alone—acne is actually one of the most common skin concerns, amongst teens and adults alike. But taking care of acne-prone skin isn’t always the easiest task. You might be wondering what the best way to wash your face is when you have acne—and if that’s the case, then you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn how to wash your face when you have acne, along with recommendations for our best face wash for acne and best acne facial brush. Buh-bye, breakouts! Step 1: Choose the Best Facial Cleansing Brush Head and Cleanser for Your Skin Using a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush is a great option for washing your face, especially when you have acne. That’s because it’s 6x more effective than washing your face with hands alone, meaning it’s great at removing makeup, dirt, and oils that can clog pores, allows skin care products to absorb better, and leaves your face with a refreshed feel. So, choose a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush, such as the Mia 2, then pick the right brush head to put on the cleansing brush. For acne-prone skin, try the Acne Cleansing brush head. This brush head is designed for sensitive, acne-prone skin, and it gently removes trouble-causing debris from your pores and leaves skin softer, smoother, and comfortably clean. To make the most of your morning and evening cleanse, use the Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser, which gently exfoliates without drying skin. Step 2: Turn the Sink to Lukewarm Super-hot water might feel good on your skin, but it’s actually not the best choice for your face washing routine. It can strip your skin of essential oils, leaving your skin overly dry. When your skin becomes dehydrated, it can start producing extra oil to make up for what’s been lost. All that extra oil can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. So, stick with lukewarm water when you wash your face. Step 3: Be Gentle But Thorough It’s all about finding a happy medium when washing your face, as you want to apply enough pressure to deeply unclog pores. Let your facial cleansing brush do the work for you. By turning your brush on and gently grazing it across your face, you’ll be able to remove any traces of buildup without causing any irritation to your sensitive, acne-prone skin. Step 4: Follow Up with Toner Depending on how oily or acne-prone your skin is, you may find that you need to take an additional step to rid your skin of all impurities. If that’s the case, then reach for a toner to help cleanse your skin further. Look for one that’s alcohol-free, as alcohol can be overly drying. Simply soak a cotton pad with the toner and wipe it across your face to remove any excess oil, makeup, or pore-clogging debris that may still remain on your face. Once you’ve done that, work your way through the rest of your skin care routine, and you’re good to go! Make sure to follow this face-washing routine morning and night to help maintain clear skin and get rid of acne.
Picture this: Just when you think you’ve outgrown the blemishes associated with youth, you take a peek in the mirror only to be greeted by a lovely little breakout. It turns out that plenty of women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s experience acne—and there are a few different causes of adult acne. Below, find three common causes of adult acne along with tips on treating adult acne so you can find clearer skin days ahead. Adult Acne Cause #1: Your Hormones Are Fluctuating Your hormones change when you get your period, are pregnant, or go through menopause, and these hormonal fluctuations can lead to adult acne. Adult acne caused by hormonal shifts often appears on the cheeks and jaws. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to an increase in oil production and acne-causing bacteria. Adult Acne Cause #2: You’re Stressed Out Stress gets the best of all of us every now and again. When you’re stressed, your body produces more of a hormone that stimulates your oil glands, and this can lead to adult acne breakouts. Adult Acne Cause #3: You’re Genetically Predisposed Take a peek at your mom, dad, sister, or brother—do they have acne on their faces? Well, if they do, that could explain why you have adult acne. Some people may be genetically predisposed to adult acne, and if any of your close family members experience adult acne, you might as well. Adult Acne Cause #4: You’re Using Pore-Clogging Skin Care and Hair Products When your skin is prone to breakouts, it’s important to check the label of any beauty products before using them, because certain products can clog pores. And it’s not just moisturizers you have to think about—buildup from hair products can transfer to your face, leading to breakouts as well. Look for skin care that are non-comedogenic and oil-free because they won’t clog pores. When it comes to your hair, make sure to shampoo and condition before cleaning the rest of your body—that way you can wash off any residue and prevent it from clogging your pores. When styling your hair, do so before applying your makeup—and wash your hands to get rid of any hairstyling product buildup that could be transferred to your skin. Cover your face before spritzing on hairspray, and do your best to keep your hair out of your face when you can by wearing a headband or putting your hair into a ponytail or bun. How to Treat Adult Acne Keeping a consistent skin care routine is key when it comes to managing adult acne. That being said, treating adult acne is slightly different than treating teen acne. In your teen years, your skin was likely oilier. But skin loses moisture as you age, so you want to make sure that you’re caring for it gently and not over-drying your complexion. Use a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush with an Acne Cleansing brush head to gently rid the surface of your skin of pore-clogging impurities. Washing your face with a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush is 6x more effective than hands alone and it’s a gentle cleansing method that works even for sensitive skin. If you find that nothing you do gets rid of your adult acne, head to your dermatologist, as in-office treatments might be an option for you. Blue light treatment can help mitigate excess oil production and kill acne-causing bacteria. Prescription retinoids can also be effective, as they unclog oil glands and can also offer anti-aging benefits such as smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (keep in mind that it may take 2-3 months to see results). Finally, an in-office chemical peel can help to get rid of adult acne. Peels utilize acids, such as salicylic or glycolic, which can help break down buildup and keep your pores clear.
Acne of any kind can be difficult to face in the mirror, but when those breakouts sit front and center on your forehead, this can take on a whole other level of annoyance. Since nobody deserves to feel stressed when they look into the mirror, we’re all about finding ways to manage breakouts and get rid of forehead acne once and for all. If you feel like you’ve already tried everything, take a deep breath and understand that it’s best to take a multi-faceted approach to your skin care routine. If you’re unsure what skin care steps you should, in fact, be considering when exploring ways to get rid of your forehead acne, keep reading—we’re outlining it all below. Are you ready to get rid of forehead acne? Follow these skin care tips to give your acne-prone skin the TLC it deserves. 1. Double Cleanse Your Skin to Rid It of Impurities When you have forehead acne, it’s best to double-cleanse your skin to help ensure that no oil, dirt, or debris stays built up on the surface of your skin. Start by using a no-rinse cleansing option, such as a micellar water formulated for oily skin, to remove initial oil and makeup from your skin. To use micellar water, all you have to do is pour some out onto a cotton pad and wipe the pad across your face. Oil cleansers are also a great option for the first step in your double cleansing routine. Make sure to choose an oil that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Then, reach for a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush and pop an Acne Cleansing brush head on it to deep cleanse trouble-causing debris from pores. Pair it with the Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser, which helps clear and prevent acne breakouts. 2. Be Mindful of the Hair Styling Products You Use If you have bangs, or if you regularly spray your hair front and center, your forehead breakouts could be thanks to product buildup along with excess sebum. What’s more, if you don’t wash your hair every day, especially if your hair lays over your forehead, you could be setting yourself up for forehead acne. The best thing you can do is wash your bangs regularly (and try to minimize the amount of product you use). That way product won’t be able to build up and cause forehead breakouts. 3. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face This one’s simple! Don’t touch your forehead! Think about all the germs your hands come into contact with during the day—when you touch your forehead, you’ll transfer these germs to your face, and this can lead to breakouts. Be mindful of your behavior and try your best to keep your hands off your face. 4. Skip Wearing Hats Hats can make a great accessory—especially if you’re looking to hide frizz—but ones that cover your forehead can actually lead to forehead acne. Here’s why: Impurities can build up on the hat and then be transferred to your forehead when you wear it. If you just can’t part with your hat, be sure to clean it regularly to avoid this buildup being transferred to your forehead and causing breakouts. 5. Change Your Pillowcases Regularly Did you know that your pillowcases could be contributing to your forehead acne? It’s true! Dirty pillowcases and sheets can actually have a whole host of dirt and impurities lurking on them—and they can be transferred to your forehead if you sleep on your face. Consider washing your pillowcases once or twice a week to prevent them from giving you forehead breakouts. 6. Spot Treat at Night At the end of your day, take your skin care routine a step further by applying a spot treatment post-cleansing. It’s best to look for spot treatments formulated with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as these are the two most effective ingredients at fighting acne.
Why does it sometimes feel like no matter what you do, you can’t get rid of your acne? This can especially be frustrating when you’re a teen! With all the selfies you snap, you likely want your complexion to look as healthy—and pimple-free—as possible. To truly put together a targeted skin care routine that’ll help you achieve clearer skin, it’s important to get to the root of the issue and understand what causes acne in the first place. You probably already know that excessive oiliness and the buildup of dirt and makeup in your pores can lead to breakouts, but what about some of the more unexpected reasons why you have acne? Here are three surprising causes of acne you may not have given much thought to before. 1. You’re On Your Cell Phone All the Time Do you start chatting on the phone as soon as you get home from school or work? Well, your cell phone could be to blame for your breakout. Think about it: Your cell phone is probably pretty dirty. Throughout the day, makeup, dirt, oils, and bacteria can build up on the screen as you text and call your BFFs—and this can all be transferred to your face and clog your pores, leading to breakouts. Make sure to stash a screen-cleansing towelette in your bag so that you can wipe down your phone’s screen on the go before placing a call. 2. Your Shampoo and Conditioner Are Clogging Your Pores You may not give all that much thought to how you shower, but it turns out that your shampoo and conditioner could be clogging your pores and leading to acne. These hair care products are often formulated with ingredients such as silicones and moisturizers that can clog your pores. When you wash them out of your hair, they likely slide down your chest and back before they reach the drain, and this can leave you with body acne. The products can get onto your face, too, when you rinse them out. The next time you wash your hair, try to tilt your head so that when you rinse out your shampoo and conditioner, it doesn’t land on your face, chest, or back. 3. You Keep Picking at Your Pimples We know, it’s tempting to squeeze or pop pimples to make them go away immediately—but this can actually do more harm than good in the long run. For starters, your hands pick up germs as you go about your day, and when you touch a pimple, those germs can be transferred to your face—and this can lead to more acne. Popping pimples can also lead to scars. It’s best to keep your hands off and let a zit heal in its own time. You can use spot treatments to help speed up the process or visit a derm for a professional treatment if at-home acne-clearing methods aren’t working for you. At home, make sure to wash your face morning and night—but no more often than that, because over-cleansing can lead to irritation. Pair a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush with an Acne Cleansing brush head to gently remove trouble-causing debris from your pores and set a clean canvas for better product absorption.
Ah, acne. If you’ve ever experienced breakouts, then you know how frustrating the quest for clearer skin can be. But it turns out there are a quite a few acne myths—like that you can use toothpaste on pimples to get rid of them—that could be standing in the way of you and a blemish-free complexion. Keep reading for common acne myths you should stop believing and strategies to effectively manage acne-prone skin. Acne Myth #1: Toothpaste Can Get Rid of Pimples Perhaps the biggest acne myth of all is that toothpaste can be used to get rid of blemishes. The truth is that toothpaste can dry out and shrink pimples—but it can actually be pretty irritating to put it on your skin. So if you have a pimple, look for a spot treatment formulated with an effective acne-fighting ingredient, like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide instead. Acne Myth #2: You Have to Skip Makeup if You Have Acne You might think that you can’t wear makeup if you have acne-prone skin, but it’s really about finding products that are suitable for your skin type. Look for a foundation that’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, or an oil-free formula if your skin tends to look shiny or greasy by midday. Avoid applying foundation with your fingers, as you could transfer pore-clogging dirt from your hands to your face. Instead, apply liquid or cream foundation with a Sonic Foundation Makeup Brush for an airbrushed finish. Acne Myth #3: Popping Pimples Is a Good Way to Get Rid of Them Do not, we repeat, do not squeeze that zit! While popping a blemish might be tempting, this can do more harm than good. That’s because when you do this, you risk the chance of being left with an acne scar. Keep your hands off and follow a consistent skin care routine for acne-prone skin, including cleansing and moisturizing with an oil-free lotion as well as spot treating with salicylic acid or benozyl peroxide. Acne Myth #4: You Have to Wash Your Face Frequently Cleansing your skin twice a day can help keep it clear of dirt, oils, and impurities that can clog pores—but it’s an acne myth that you need to wash your face any more than that. Over-cleansing your skin can actually backfire, as it can lead to dryness and irritation. It’s key to deep clean your skin without stripping your skin of essential oils You can ensure you get a 6 times better cleanse with a facial cleansing brush like Mia 2. Pair it with a gentle Acne Cleansing Brush Head and an acne facial cleanser like our Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser, which helps clear and prevent acne breakouts. Acne Myth #5: Spending Time in the Sun Can Clear Up Acne Don’t believe this acne myth. Spending time in the sun can’t clear up acne. In fact, when you’re out in the sun for prolonged periods of time without wearing sun protection, this can lead to visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and dark spots, making their presence known years down the road. Whenever you know you’ll be in the sun, it’s best to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher as directed. If you have acne-prone skin, look for a sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.
" Just like the breakouts that caused them, acne scars come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some acne scars are dark spots on the skin’s surface while others appear as indented areas on the complexion. While getting rid of acne scars can feel like an uphill battle, there are steps you can take to help to diminish their appearance over time. Step 1: Practice a Proper Cleansing Routine A proper cleansing routine can help to increase cell turnover and fade the appearance of acne scars. Use a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush with the Acne Cleansing Brush Head. The brush head is ideal for acne-prone, sensitive skin and can give you the best clean skin to help fight acne and acne scars. Expert Tip: Don’t Pick If you do experience breakouts while you’re trying to get rid of existing acne scars, don’t pick. Picking is often what causes acne scars to form in the first place. Instead, follow steps to get rid of acne and keep your hands off. Step 2: Reach for Brightening Products For acne scars that have left dark marks on your complexion, reach for products that can help to brighten their appearance. Brightening serums and face masks formulated with vitamin C are a great choice. Step 3: Exfoliate 1-3 Times a Week Exfoliation is another way to help brighten the look of the skin. Whether you chose to exfoliate with scrubs or with alpha-hydroxy acids, exfoliation removes any buildup of dead skin cells to reveal newer skin cells underneath. If your scars are surface-level, this can be an excellent tool in helping to fade their appearance. Step 4: Wear Broad-Spectrum SPF The sun’s UV rays can cause existing scarring to worsen so be sure to protect your complexion with broad-spectrum SPF. Look for daily moisturizers that are formulated with SPF to help to keep your skin hydrated and protected while you are trying to get rid of acne scars. Step 5: Conceal Acne Scars with Foundation Since getting rid of acne scars doesn’t happen overnight, you can opt to conceal any existing scars while you wait with concealer and foundation. The Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Makeup Brush helps to give you an airbrushed look by seamlessly blending cream, stick, and liquid foundation to cover blemish and acne scars better than you can with your hands alone. Step 6: See a Dermatologist Many acne scars—especially those left after cystic pimples—need an expert’s touch. If you have significant scarring from past blemishes, make an appointment to consult with a dermatologist. These skincare experts can help to create a personalized action plan to help you soften the look of deep scars and remove any surface-level scarring over time.
Get 10% off your next order and be the first to know about new products, skincare tips, and exclusive offers.
How To Cleanse Your Skin to Help Your Acne and Blackhead Removal Products Work Better Your dermatologist is the best person to tell you how to get rid of pimples and how to remove blackheads. But no matter what acne and blackhead removal treatment products you use, it’s important to remember that getting the clear skin you want always begins with gently yet thoroughly cleansing your skin. Thoroughly Cleanse Skin To Remove Dirt, Oil and Makeup First, let’s start with the ‘thoroughly’ part. This is where a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush can help. It cleanses skin 6 times better than using your hands alone. Less dirt, oil and impurities on the surface of skin and deep in your pores means more room for your acne and blackhead removal treatments to work. We like the sound of that! Gently Cleanse Skin To Avoid Irritation Next, let’s talk about being sure to gently cleanse your skin. Vigorous scrubbing, piping hot water, and harsh cleansers can irritate your skin. Irritation can worsen your skin’s condition and hinder its healing process, which is the last thing you want when your goal is getting rid of acne. So always wash your face with lukewarm water and an ultra-gentle cleanser formulated for your skin type. Using a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush is great way to avoid scrubbing because its bristles don’t scrub or tug, they oscillate using a patented sonic frequency that’s so gentle it won’t break an egg yolk. Now that your skin is properly cleansed, it's time to apply your dermatologist recommended blackhead and pimple removal skincare treatments and send those pesky blemishes packing!
Graduating this year? Congratulations! In addition to practicing your walk across the stage to get your diploma, put a consistent skin care routine together to ensure your complexion is clear come graduation day. Find out how to get clear skin in time for this big milestone in your life. Get Your Beauty Sleep! After all the sleepless nights you may have had studying for tests and finishing up papers, it’s time to make sure you get enough rest so that you’re fresh-faced on graduation day. Your skin renews itself while you sleep, which is why it’s essential to make sure you’re catching enough Zzz’s. Before bed, remove your makeup, as sleeping in your makeup can lead to clogged pores—and clogged pores can cause breakouts. Use a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush to get rid of all the dirt, makeup, and impurities sitting on the surface of your skin. Using a facial cleansing brush is more effective than makeup wipes, and will actually save you money in the long run! Exfoliate a Few Times a Week In the lead up to graduation, add a face scrub to your weekly skin care routine. Exfoliating removes dulling dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, so it’s a great way to brighten the look of your complexion. Choose a face scrub that targets your specific skin care concerns—whether that’s clogged pores, dry skin, or dullness. Just remember to be gentle—massage the face scrub in before rinsing it off thoroughly. Pamper Yourself with a Face Mask You don’t have to head to the spa to treat your skin to something nice. The night before graduation, use a face mask to get your skin looking its best for all those photos your friends and family are sure to take. If your T-zone is oily but your cheeks are dry, multi-mask with a couple of different face masks. Then, remove the face masks with a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush. Spot Treat Acne Has a blemish popped up on your face in the days leading up to graduation? Help clear it up by dabbing on a thin layer of spot treatment nightly. Look for one that is formulated with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, two ingredients that are known for their acne-fighting properties. Benzoyl peroxide can be very drying, so only use a little bit of spot treatment to cover your zit. Hydrate with H20 and Moisturizer One of the best things you can do for your skin is drink enough water—but you can also hydrate by applying moisturizer morning and night. Bring a refillable water bottle with you to class so that you can drink H20 on the go. As far as moisturizer goes, look for one that’s formulated for your skin type. If you have oily skin, a lightweight water-based moisturizer could be ideal, while if you have dry skin, a richer, radiance-boosting moisturizer could be a better option. There you have it: Five easy tips for clearer skin. That being said, if you took care of your skin as diligently as you could and still woke up with a zit the morning of graduation, you can hide it. Cover it up with liquid or cream foundation, using a Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Makeup Brush to seamlessly blend in your makeup and cover your pimple. Happy graduation!
When a pimple pops up the morning of a big date or an important meeting, the only thing you can think about is how to get rid of the breakout…and fast. And while a magical blemish remover for getting rid of acne and blackheads overnight doesn’t exist, there are steps you can take to reduce the appearance of your acne quickly. 1. Cleanse Your Skin Twice a Day Before you apply any topical treatment for acne and blackheads, it’s important to cleanse your face so the ingredients in your acne treatments can absorb properly. We recommend cleansing twice per day: once in the morning to remove excess oil and impurities and once in the evening to remove your makeup as well as the dirt and debris from the day. Opt for an ultra-gentle pH balanced cleanser formulated for acne-prone skin like Clarisonic Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser. The Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser not only helps to clear and prevent acne breakouts but when combined with a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush, it can reduce the appearance of pores and leaves skin smooth and soft. Try combining the cleanser with the Clarisonic Acne Cleansing Brush Head for ultra-clean skin. Expert Tip: It’s important to note that while you want to wash twice a day to get rid of acne-causing bacteria, you don’t want to over-wash. Washing your face too often can strip away your skin’s natural oils and compromise its pH balance, which can lead to even more acne. 2. Try A Blemish-Fighting Face Mask One to three times a week, try reaching for a face mask that will help to deep clean your pores and rid your skin of blemish-causing impurities. Clay masks can help to absorb excess sebum which is a great way to prevent breakouts. After cleansing, layer on a clay mask for 10 minutes and then reach for your Clarisonic facial cleansing brush to remove the face mask with ease. 3. Topical Acne Treatments One of your best resources when you’re trying to get rid of acne fast is a topical treatment formulated with proven acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates, helping to deep clean and unclog pores by ridding them of debris and impurities. While products that contain benzoyl peroxide help to kill acne-causing bacteria to clear active breakouts. 4. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize Contrary to popular belief, it is important for people with acne-prone skin to use moisturizers. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when your skin is dehydrated your body produces more oil, that extra oil can clog your pores which may lead to more breakouts. Those prone to acne should reach for a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Dermatologists recommend that everyone—acne-prone or not—use a moisturizer every day after washing the skin. 5. Reduce Skin Irritation As Much As Possible If you have acne or blackheads, your skin, by definition, is already irritated and not functioning optimally. Any additional skin irritation will impede the healing process and can make things worse. So if getting rid of acne is your goal, you’ll want to stop picking, popping, squeezing, or using any products/tools that could cause further irritation. Since acne-fighting ingredients can cause your skin to be more vulnerable to sun damage, be sure to layer on broad-spectrum SPF each morning—and to reapply throughout the day. 6. Visit a Dermatologist It may seem simplistic, but making an appointment with dermatologist to get advice about how to get rid of breakouts or to extract a pimple is one of the smartest things you can do to help clear your skin. While it is not necessarily a quick-fix, dermatologists are experts in all things skin and therefore the best person to help treat your skin and prepare you to protect your skin from future breakouts. He or she will examine your skin, give you a diagnosis, and then talk you through the best, most-effective options tailored to your skin’s specific needs. If necessary, the dermatologist will efficiently and carefully extract your pimple for you. By following your dermatologist’s prescribed skin care regimen, you will not only treat your current acne but will help to prevent future breakouts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if you have a pimple that you’re about to pop you should stop and see a dermatologist as there is an art to doing it right if you’d like to avoid permanent acne scars and infection. Dermatologists are equipped to use sterile acne extraction instruments to help get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Get All Of The Questions You Have About Acne Answered By Watching This Video:
Better skin day after day. Although breakouts are uncommon, it can still occur for some. Here are a few helpful tips if you experience those annoying pimples. "Don’t let breakouts be the reason we break up. Better skin awaits. We promise." Tip 1: Hang in there. Stick with your skin cleansing routine. Transient acne is a potential side effect for the first time sonic facial cleansing brush user. The stimulation of the skin can bring bacteria to the surface forming a zit. You can scale back your routine, but stick with it. Your skin should clear up after about 2 weeks of continual use. Tip 2: Use more facial cleanser & water with your sonic face brush. Other times the culprit of breakouts is that people don’t use enough water and facial cleanser on their cleansing brush head, which can lead to irritation. To avoid this, introduce more water into your skin cleansing routine (Clarisonic is 100% waterproof, so try it in the shower) and use lots of cleanser. Tip 3: Go easy on the pressure. With proper use, a Clarisonic face brush is gentle enough to be used twice daily. If you push too hard, it limits the bristles’ movements. This prevents your skin from being optimally cleansed. Instead, let you brush float on your skin. Tip 4: Choose the right cleansing brush head. Our cleansing brush heads are designed with different skin concerns and skin types in mind. Whether your skin is sensitive or tougher than a lumberjacks’ (yes we also have brush heads designed for men’s skin), Clarisonic has just the right cleansing brush head for you.
Any beauty-lover will agree, incorporating a new product into your skincare routine is exciting. But, when you’re met with breakouts in place of that glowing, smooth skin you anticipated, that excitement goes out the window...fast. Before you toss that new product, know this: you could just be experiencing skin purging. What Is Skin Purging? Skin purging, or transient acne, is a period of adjustment that occurs due to the stimulating effect certain products have on the skin. The stimulation helps to promote the rate of surface cell turnover and deep pore cleansing, which helps bacteria that was already trapped under the skin’s surface to rise up, leading to a sudden breakout. Fact is, a pimple doesn’t just form overnight—even though it seems that way when a new one pops up on your face—that blemish was already in the works for some time. What Causes Skin Purging? Despite the timing, the acne you can experience during this period of adjustment may not be caused by your new product at all. In some cases, those breakouts may actually be a sign your new product is doing its job. This is especially the case when the new product in question has deep cleansing abilities like our Clarisonic facial cleansing brushes or exfoliating properties like glycolic acid-based peels. These types of products can speed up the cell turnover process. So, if you were going to get a blemish at some point, it may make its debut earlier than it normally would have. How to Deal With Skin Purging The same stimulation that sped up the cycle of a pimple making its entrance can also help it make a quicker exit. Furthermore, these deep cleansing and exfoliating products can also help additional acne from forming and popping up in the future. • Stick With It If transient acne occurs after using a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush or an exfoliating product, don’t be so quick to go back to your old routine. Instead, give it time. With any new skincare practice, your skin sometimes can look worse before it can look its best. Try to give it at least two weeks before calling it quits. • Be Gentle Any time your skin is breaking out, whether skin purging or otherwise, it’s important to be gentle. If you’re using a Clarisonic facial cleansing brush and you are experiencing transient acne, try using less pressure when you’re cleansing—especially during this period of adjustment • Plan Ahead If you’re going to use a new product that is known to speed up surface cell turnover, plan ahead. Keep spot treatments on hand for any troublesome breakouts and know that the acne you’re experiencing is just temporary. Gorgeous, glowing skin is just on the horizon.
Is breaking a sweat causing you to break out on your back and chest? For many of us, body acne is an unfortunate side effect of getting our fitness on, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn the steps you need to take to get rid of body acne and end the workout-breakout cycle for good. How Working Out Causes Body Acne Not Showering After Exercise While acne on the face and the body can be caused by so many different factors, acne that only pops up on your back or chest is often caused by our post-workout skin care routines—or lack there of. When we work up a serious sweat during a workout but fail to wash that sweat away after we cool down, it creates the perfect environment for pimples to pop up. The enzymes from your sweat end up sticking to your skin and mixing with dirt, excess oil, dead skin cells, and whatever else is lingering on your skin’s surface. This mixture can then clog pores, become compromised with bacteria, and cause body acne to rear its ugly head. You’ll want to jump in the shower within 10 minutes after finishing up your workout to rinse away that sweat you worked up. Too-Tight Workout Clothes Another all-too-common culprit? Wearing workout clothes that aren’t breathable and keeping your workout clothes on after breaking a sweat. Opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics which can help to stop your sweat enzymes from sticking to your skin and always remove your workout gear after you’ve finished up! How to Get Rid of Body Acne Now that you know what can cause body acne after working out, it’s time to learn how to get rid of the back and chest pimples you have. Let’s face it, acne anywhere is annoying, but when it’s on your face you can cover your pimples with foundation and concealer. When the breakouts are on your body—especially during warmer months—covering acne can feel like an uphill battle. Here are few steps you can take to get rid of body acne. Step 1: Keep Things Clean… Make it a point to wash your face and body at least 10 minutes after working out. Even if all you have time for in the moment is a quick rinse, it will help in the long run. And, it goes without saying, be sure to change your workout clothes after each and every sweat session. Step 2: …Really Clean When you’re ready to give your skin care routine the attention it deserves, reach for a Clarisonic Smart Profile Uplift cleansing brush, which is proven to cleanse your skin 6 times better than your hands alone. Paired with the Smart Turbo Body Cleansing Brush Head, the brush offers you a full body exfoliation—and a much-needed post-workout massage—to help you achieve cleaner, softer skin. Step 3: Switch Cleansers If you’re using a generic bar soap it’s time to toss it in favor of a cleanser formulated with a key acne-fighting ingredient: salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps to reduce the appearance of acne blemishes you currently have and prevent new ones from forming. Try our Pore & Blemish Gel Cleanser next time you hop in a post-gym shower. The formula—with 2% salicylic acid—helps to clear and prevent acne breakouts without over-drying your skin. Step 4: Spot Treat Did you know that the skin on your body is up to an inch thick? This can make body acne harder to treat than its complexion counterpart. A dermatologist-approved tip for body acne is to try using spot treatments that have been formulated with sulfur on troublesome blemishes. Step 5: Hydrate Your Skin Even though you have body acne, it doesn’t mean you should skip out on moisturizer. By not hydrating your skin after cleansing—especially after using acne-fighting products—you can cause it to produce excess oils to compensate for the lack of moisture. After washing your body, pat your skin dry, and reach for a lightweight lotion to keep your skin hydrated and happy. By following these steps you’re sure to see a reduction in your body acne breakouts over time.
