Between stress, summer heat, unhealthy quarantine diets, and protective masks, breakouts are bound happen. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. And even though you know it’s inevitable, it still sucks when those red spots appear. Thankfully, I’ve found the three skincare products you need to stop a breakout.
Stop a breakout item #1: Acid
Glossier Solution, Exfoliating Skin Perfector, $24: This solution uses Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Lactic and Glycolic Acid, AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid, BHA) to help slough away dead skin cells. I start using this nightly (after cleansing and before serums or moisturizers) when I feel a breakout coming on, it’s like being on offense and I find my breakouts don’t last as long and aren’t as severe.
Stop a breakout item #2: Patches
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch, 24-patch sheets, pack of 3 sheets, $9: When I can see a pimple forming, I use these small patches to treat each spot. If I leave them on overnight, pimples are markedly smaller and heal faster. Sometimes I’ll just leave a patch on all day and the patch just pulls all the nastiness out of the pimple – crazy. Also, these are far superior to the Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots at a fraction of the cost.
Stop a breakout item #3: Mask
Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, $7: Don’t ask me how or why this works, but this Queen Helene mask is like a miracle worker. I know it’s old school and been around for a million years, but it works! I love how it’s a purifying clay mask that DOES NOT dry out your skin at all. And if you’re out of those Cosrx patches, this also works great as a spot treatment. If you’re going to pair this with Glossier Solution, be sure to split them up. For example, use Solution for AM and the mask for PM.
A few other tips that help me fight a breakout:
- Don’t over wash or over scrub. I know it’s so tempting to bring out the strongest cleansers, but you don’t want to strip your skin of all the good stuff either. And you don’t want to accidentally pop a zit from overzealous exfoliating. I’ve done it, it’s not pretty.
- Don’t over treat. The middle of a breakout is not the right time to use the 72-step skincare routine your cousin swears by. You can play skincare mad scientist when your skin is back to normal.
- Do use a niacinamide serum. If you’re like me, then breakouts mean redness. Incorporate a niacinamide serum for its skin-calming properties.
- Do keep it simple. If your skin is really struggling, keep to the basics – a gentle cleanser, a spot treatment, and a no-frills moisturizer.
What are your tips and tricks for stopping a breakout in its tracks? Share your recommendations in the comments below and check out more Beauty content on the blog here!