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We all look at acne as something to be embarrassed by – a flaw most commonly found on teenagers or those who don’t properly care for their skin. But this isn’t the case! Acne can affect anyone and everyone, and there are many things that can cause a flare-up – and just as many solutions to preventing it.
“Acne can be caused by many different factors – genetics, hormones, diet, oil content on your face, bacteria and mostly inflammation,” board certified dermatologist, Dr. Corey L. Hartman, Founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, explained to SheFinds.
He continued, “My go-tos for preventing acne are benzoyl peroxide and retinol. Benzoyl peroxide reduces the growth of the P.acnes bacteria on the skin that can lead to acne, and retinol helps speed cell turnover on the skin, which can help with clogged pores that lead to blackheads, whiteheads and sometimes cysts.”
Dr. Hartman explained that incorporating a facial serum into your skincare routine can help target the causes of acne and prevent future breakouts.
“Serums can be a great addition to your skincare routine for acne since they contain concentrated ingredients,” he said. “But like any new product, make sure you start slow, and do a patch test before using it all over your face. And don’t forget sunscreen daily, especially if you are using a serum with actives to treat acne. Some of the ingredients can make skin more sensitive to UV rays, so you want to make sure you protect your skin from the sun.”
The Best Serum Ingredients To Prevent Acne
We asked Dr. Hartman which ingredients to look for when choosing a serum to prevent against acne. His suggestions are:
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that can also be beneficial in treating acne. It helps get deep into the pores to remove dirt, oil and debris. You can also use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic exfoliate the top layer of skin. Hydroxy acids are usually well-tolerated by all skin types, but they can be drying, so start out slow – use it a few times per week and see how your skin reacts.
Niacinamide is another active ingredient I recommend for patients with acne-prone skin, especially if they deal with inflamed acne. It’s an anti-inflammatory that can reduce swelling, and studies have also shown that it can treat acne, especially pustules and inflamed lesions.
The 4 Best Facial Serums To Prevent Acne
Dr. Hartman gave us his top serum recommendations for fighting acne:
SkinBetter AlphaRet Clearing Serum is fantastic, with retinol and salicylic acid to help with the skin’s overall appearance and treatment of acne.
Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment can be used all over as a serum, or as a spot treatment where needed. It pairs Benzoyl Peroxide with glycolic acne to treat P.acnes bacteria and reduce active acne on the face.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a great choice for first-time niacinamide users. I also like Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster because you can mix a few drops with your favorite moisturizer or night cream to get the benefits of niacinamide without adding an extra step into your routine.
