Home Acne Treatments – Updated for 2019
Hi, Beth here! 🙂
Before I begin, I understand that some people mightn’t fancy reading our full guide. That’s no problem!
If you’d prefer, you can instead have a look below at the summary table of the top 5 acne treatment kits that our research has uncovered. Alternatively, you can also jump straight to my #1 recommendation - Here.
In saying this, we at theHealthBase always recommend that you read our guides in full - it really is the best way to get properly informed!
Brand | Exposed | Acnezine | Clearpores | Zenmed | ProActiv+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  | |
Skin suitability: | All Types & All Degrees of acne | All Types & Minor to Medium degrees | All Types & Minor to Medium degrees | All Types & Minor to Medium degrees | Multiple Varieties of Home Kits Available |
Main ingredients: | Salicylic acid | Hyaluronic Acid | Alo Vera | Salicylic Acid & Benzoyl Peroxide | Salicylic Acid & Benzoyl Peroxide |
Side effects: | None | None | None | None | Slight dryness |
Our Rating: | |||||
Click for More: |
A Painful Problem – The Reality
It's fair to say that this particular affliction really is a horrible one – there is no other way to describe it. Whether it's an everyday ailment or just a random breakout, acne is ultimately never a welcome occurrence.
Why is it so bad? Because it has a detrimental effect both on how we perceive ourselves and how we think others perceive us. It does this by knocking our confidence and makes us self-conscious. This is the same for everyone, nobody is immune to the psychological impact that this problem can have.
“I had just started ninth grade when I got my acne…I wouldn’t look people in the eye. It was not a good time for me – it just killed my self-esteem. I thought when I didn’t look at someone, they couldn’t see my face.”
– Kendall Jenner
Personally, when I think of unwelcome pimples two things come to mind – spotty teenagers and unhealthy people. Why these two things? Probably because my own acne years occurred when I was an unhealthy teenager! Thus, the association. [1]
However, it isn’t as simple as that. This issue can occur no matter how old or healthy you are. Unfortunately, there are far more reasons other than poor hygiene or the changing hormones of an adolescent.
Yes, the above factors do cause breakouts – something I learned from painful experience – but so do things such as stress, allergies, poor diet, excessive consumption of certain foods, a rundown system, and a whole host of other factors.
In recent years, I have managed to banish this skin affliction from my life, but, like with everyone else, I still get the odd zit or breakout from time to time despite my best efforts.
Such annoyances are usually caused by one of the above-mentioned factors. However, despite this, it is most certainly not all doom and gloom!
This bacterial infection is a problem that can indeed be controlled. This is the good news. The better news is that you have happened across our site where we provide the solution.
The Health Base team have done the leg work for you and have constructed a fool proof, comprehensive acne battle plan. Extensive testing and product comparison studies have given us the knowledge that I would now like to share with you.
The following is a detailed guide to everything that you need to know about this dreaded skin ailment; including the five best over-the-counter home kits on the market today.
In addition, I will also help you discover which product is best suited for your complexion. Let's get stuck in! 🙂
What is Acne?
The technical term for this issue is acne vulgaris. In a nutshell, it is a disorder that causes blockages in your skin’s pores. These pores connect to oil glands which lie under the surface of your skin. [2]
An oily substance known as sebum is pushed up through these glands and out through your pores.
Why? So as to rid your body of dead skin and dirt that has accumulated over time.
Sometimes this mixture of dirt, oil, and skin can cause these pores to become blocked. This is when problems can occur.
It can come in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, breakouts, and even scarring.
This problem is normally located on the face, back, and upper portion of the chest. These areas are worst hit because they have the highest number of oily glands. What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are several different types of this issue. And to make matter even more complicated, each of these types have their own causes and effects as well as methods of prevention. [3]
Below, I have explained the different variations as well as a little bit more about pores.
Click to Learn More About Pore Health
The Three Types of Acne Vulgaris
1
Comedones
More commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads, a comedo occurs when a hair follicle/pore becomes blocked by emerging keratin (skin and dirt) and oil/sebum.
A blackhead is when the surface is breached by a comedo. A whitehead takes form beneath the skin. The factor that dictates whether the comedo will be a whitehead or blackhead is at what depth the blockage in your pore occurs.
2
Pimples
Also known as a zit or spot, pimples are a type of comedo that are also caused by blockages in the pores. In addition, pimples can take the form of pustules and papules.
Pimples are what comedo’s become when they reach the point of inflammation. This occurs when the blockage is it at its zenith.
3
Seborrhoea
This is a rare type of skin problem that is also known as seborrheic eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. Unfortunately, its rarity is equaled by its memorable appearance. Seborrhoea is a type of mild dermatitis. It usually affects the upper torso, scalp, and, of course, the face.
Seborrhoea only occurs on people who have existing severe acne. It takes the form of red, crusty, and flaky skin that looks very irritated. The best thing to do with Seborrhoea is to visit a dermatologist immediately. As indicated, this type is far more serious than a comedo. [4]
Each of these types suck. There's no getting away from this fact. But what causes them? Read on to find out!
10 Major Causes
- Overload of Sebum/Oil
- Cosmetics
- Bacteria Spreading
- Allergies
- Stress
This one is a big issue with females….though men can suffer from it as well! Many people choose to wear makeup on a daily basis. These products, if not removed properly, can cause pores to be blocked.
A significant cause of makeup related acne often occurs due to fatigue. If you’ve been out all day at work, or at night having fun, it can be an arduous task to remove the makeup from your face before you collapse onto your bed. You might even forget, depending on how many drinks you’ve had!
Sleeping with makeup on is, of course, not good for the skin. Pimples or other breakouts can happen quite easily due to this.
A handy way to avoid such a problem is to place a pack of clean wipes and a small waste-bin beside your bed. That way you will be reminded to quickly cleanse your face before you close your eyes for the night.
Does this sound like you? Then our article on Reasons for Cosmetic Addiction could be worth a read.
- Run-Down System
- Poor Cleansing Routine
- Dietary Habits
- Puberty
- Dead Skin Builds Up
This one is really quite self-explanatory. Very often our complexion is a fair gauge of our health. While this is not always the case, having a healthy diet and body usually results in healthy skin.
I still wince today when I look back at my diet as a teenager. Teenagers are an unaware, care-free bunch, and I was no different.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; our care-free teenage years allow us to grow, mature, and evolve into a mature member of society.
However, our diets usually take a bit of a hit nonetheless! Thus the constant reminders from parents to eat our veg and fruit!
If you are going to eat sugary, salty, and greasy foods then you can expect your skin to pay a price. There is a reason why professional athletes always seem to have a glowing complexion – it's because they are at the peak of their physical powers!
All in all, this is just another great reason to improve your overall fitness and dietary habits.
Acne Care – The Key Dos & Do Nots
Click: The Key Dos
Click: The Key Do Nots
What is My Skin Type & is it Important to Know?
Identifying your skin type is something that many people would like to be able to do, but a large majority don’t actually know how to go about gaining this knowledge. Why so difficult?
Simply, because there are quite a few different types, all which have varieties. It is also very common for a person’s face to consist of different types rather than just the one.
For example, I have quite a dry and sensitive complexion around my cheeks and neck. Yet, in contrast, my nose and forehead (the T area) consists of oily skin. The fact though that I know these differences is hugely beneficial as I can then treat both types accordingly.
The above is the key to the importance of knowing – each type is unique and therefore needs to be treated differently. Only by correctly identifying your skin type can you then take the necessary steps in order to prevent facial maladies.
Again, using myself as an example, I would exfoliate my nose and forehead regularly in order to remove the excess oil/sebum.However, I would very rarely exfoliate my cheeks as it would only irritate the sensitive skin that’s located there. Instead, I gently wash this area and moisturize daily.
So, you can see the importance of identifying the different types that make up your face and body. Next, I’ll look at these types in a more detailed manner.
The Different Types
The varying skin types can roughly be broken up into five different categories – normal, oily, combination, dry, and sensitive. These categories are quite broad with each having varying levels of intensity. For example, most people have an oily complexion somewhere on their faces, but some might have excessively oily skin that needs to be cleansed every second day.
Below is a description of these five types and some of their most common characteristics – have a look and see which ones you believe best describes your own unique complexion.
- Normal
- Combination
- sensitive
- dry
- oily
Oily skin can be a real pain – it can make a face look greasy and unclean; it can aid in the spreading of dirt and bacteria; it can be a nightmare when mixed with makeup; and, ultimately, it can stress the heck out of you! This unhealthy concoction can very easily lead to whiteheads or other such nonsense appearing. Not good. 🙁
Yet, and this is the important bit, it’s most certainly a manageable condition. What exactly is oily skin though? Well simply put, it’s an area of our skin where there is an excessive production of oil/sebum. It’s not an uncommon occurrence and it’s also not something that indicates poor health – though this may be a factor.
I have quite an oily complexion on my forehead, even though I exercise regularly and also have a solid diet. Despite this, my forehead can often appear shiny if I do not cleanse regularly.
This type is characterized by having a complexion that shines. This is very evident on the forehead. This shine is caused by the sebum/oil that is being exuded from your pores. I know, that sounds a bit gross but it’s perfectly natural!
Check out the product that we believe is the best with dealing with this type: Exposed treatment kit.
The Risk: because of this overproduction of sebum, people with oily skin can experience pore blockages quite easily. To avoid this, a quality cleansing regime is needed – like the one we will soon be detailing.
A key point to keep in mind is to avoid buying an product that has alcohol in its formula. The reason for this is that alcohol cleans you face to an excessive extent, often removing all the oil/sebum. This may work in the short term but over a long period of time it will actually be damaging for your complexion.
Why damaging? Because alcohol based formulas can cause reactive seborrhoea – this is when your oil glands sense that there is a lack of oil so they work doubly hard to produce more. Therefore, a vicious cycle begins.
A much more productive choice is to use formulas of a milder nature. Such a product will remove excess dirt and sebum/oil while leaving your face refreshed and clean. Another option that can be very successful in dealing with excess oil production is to use a facial mask. Masks can have massive benefits for your skin.
4 Methods to Manage to Oily Skin
Method One: Cleanse Both Regularly & Properly
Method Two: Moisturize Regularly
Method Three: Get in Your Vitamins & Minerals!
Method Four: Clay Masks
DIY Home Clay Mask
STEP ONE
– Combine 1 teaspoon of clay in a small bowl with 3-5 drops of Witch Hazel
– Ensure that you mix thoroughly
STEP TWO
– When the mixture is settled, gently apply it all over your face
– Allow the mixture to dry on your face
STEP THREE
– Rinse of the clay mask with lukewarm water
– Pat dry your face with a clean towel or face cloth
STEP FOUR
– Repeat this treatment twice a week for best results
– Use for one month at a time
Alternatively, if you don’t fancy the DIY version, take a look at Zenmed’s Derma Cleanse Mask for a top-quality version – it’s located in the Table of Contents under Product 3.
Identify Your Skin Type – 4 Quick Methods
There are a lot of people out there who are a little bit unclear on how to differentiate these varying skin types. This is understandable as it can be hard to separate a few of them.
However, despite the confusion, it is key to appreciate the importance of identifying the different skin types that cover your face and body.
Only by correctly doing this can we hope then to pinpoint exactly what we need to do to improve and enhance our complexion.
Below, I have compiled four easy-to-do methods that will help you to correctly gauge the different skin types that are present on your body.
Method 1: Use Blotting Paper
This method is straight forward and very useful. It involves using blotting paper in order to determine the skin type in question. It is most pertinent in attempting to discover if you have excessively oily skin or a complexion that is severely lacking in sebum/oil.
The trick is to use the blotting paper on skin that has not been washed recently or come in contact with cosmetics. The best way to ensure this is to wash your face before you go to bed, ensuring that you remove all the makeup or other cosmetics that you may have applied.
Also, refrain from moisturizing as you’ll want your face clear of even beneficial elements. Then, in the morning, gently press the blotting paper to the different areas of the face that you want to check. Don’t rub your skin with the paper as this will cause irritation, so instead just blot. The result will be that you’ll be able to see the amount of oil that is present in the different areas of your skin.
If you have an excessively oily complexion, then there will be quite a large amount of oil present on the blotting paper. In contrast, if the paper is absent of oil then you’ll know you have dry or sensitive skin in that area.
Take a look at what we think is the best blotting paper available today.
Method 2: Take a Close Look in the Mirror
This may seem a bit obvious and simple, but sometimes the best methods are indeed obviously simple!! When it comes to discerning what type of skin type you have, more often than not you can figure this out by simply taking a good look at the chosen area.
This is particularly relevant for an oily complexion. This type is very noticeable to the eye as the skin will look more shiny than usual. It can even look somewhat greasy which is not what we want for our faces.
Below is a quick guide to what to look for when it comes to differing types:
Skin Type | Visual Characteristics |
|---|---|
Normal | Healthy & smooth |
Sensitive | Inflamed & irritated |
Combination | Normally oily in T-Zone area, dry on cheeks & under eyes |
Dry | Red & flaky |
Oily | Shiny & greasy |
.
Method 3: The Sense of Touch
Again, this is another straightforward method but one that is very effective. We use our sense of touch every day of our lives to ascertain the nature of things. Understanding what type of skin you have is also something that your sense of touch can help you with. Oily complexions will leave visible residue on your fingertips, while healthy, fresh skin will feel smooth to the touch.
I would add though that it is advisable to wash your hands before you go touching your face. Some of my colleagues are avid believers that people should never touch their face.
There's no real danger, however, as long as your paws are clean. 🙂 Below is a quick guide of what the different skin types feel like:
Skin Type | Visual Characteristics |
|---|---|
Sensitive | Will feel irritated & a tingly sensation |
Oily | Visible residue will be evident when touched |
Normal | Smooth |
Dry | Coarse to the touch & will feel tight |
Combination | A mixture of the above types |
Method 4: Seek a Professional’s Opinion
This is probably the last one that people would actually consider as it takes a bit more time and effort than the other three. Also, you’ll have to pay for a consultation fee in the process – dermatologists and doctors don’t work for free after all!
I personally think that you’ll be able to pinpoint your different skin types from the first three methods that I have discussed thus far. However, if you want a concrete opinion, or if you’re struggling to identify the type in question for whatever reason, then don’t hesitate in choosing this method.
Also, and this is important, if you are suffering from any type of persistent malady then it’s key that you visit a dermatologist or doctor in the near future.
Key Note – Skin Changes!!!
It’s very much worth noting that our complexions gradually change over the duration of our lifetimes. Therefore, the way we treat it has to evolve and develop as well. Aspects like puberty, hormonal changes, age, diets, exercise regimes, and changing climates are some of the most common reasons that can cause our complexions to change over time.
Fret not though. Now that you have the necessary information pertaining to each skin type, you can comfortably treat your skin and ensure that it is at its best 24/7, 365 days a year.
Essential Ingredients – the Right Stuff
A vital part of your search to cure your skin problems is to ensure that the right stuff has been put into the product. As with everything, if the ingredients are not proper then the outcome will mirror this. Just imagine trying to make chicken noodle soup without the chicken…or noodles! No good. [7]
The following two ingredients are absolutely vital for an effective home kit – benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It is worth your time to read a little a bit about these two ingredients if you are determined to rid acne from your life.
Benzoyl Peroxide
– Also known as peroxide benzoyl. This ingredient supplies oxygen to your skin which works to kill the bacteria that brings about pimples and breakouts. The scientific name for this bacteria is Proprioni Bacterium. This bacterium thrives in oxygen-less areas. Therefore, oxygen is needed to battle this bacteria and this is what benzoyl peroxide delivers.
– This ingredient also succeeds in ridding your face of dead skin cells. Dead skin accumulates on the surface of your skin which can block pores. Furthermore, this accumulation can also expedite the growth of Proprioni Bacterium.
– Warning: it's worth noting that benzoyl peroxide is quite a strong ingredient. It can lead to excessive drying of your skin which can then result in irritation. This ingredient has also been known to cause allergic reactions as well as bleaching clothes or towels, so be careful where you apply it.
Salicylic Acid
– This is a beta hydroxyl acid that originates from willow bark. Sometimes it might actually be listed as willow bark instead of salicylic acid, so keep that in mind when you are scanning the ingredients.
– In scientific terms, salicylic acid works as a bacteriostatic agent. It reduces the spread of bacteria by nullifying the bacterial protein from being produced. In addition, this ingredient also works to remove dead skin cell, excess sebum/oil, and dirt from your body’s pores.
– Overall, this process will succeed in opening your clogged pores and cleaning them out. It will aid in inducing cell growth which will ensure that your skin grows at a faster rate. This will then help to remove any scarring that might have occurred. It will also cure lesions and discoloration. [8]
The Big Decision...Benzoyl or Salicylic Acid?
In terms of their effectiveness, both these ingredients are beneficial. Any related product worth its salt will have either one of these in their formula. In fact, some products incorporate both. However, in saying this, our research has provided conclusive proof that salicylic acid is the one to choose. Below are the main points as to why we think this is the case:
What are Other Vital Ingredients?
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may be the two prominent ingredients, but there are other ingredients in products that prevent whiteheads that are also worth being familiar with. The following is a quick guide to each of them:
INGREDIENT | BENEFIT |
|---|---|
Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid or multifruits acids) | – significantly aids with exfoliation by clearing blocked oil glands – not as effective as salicylic acid so therefore should never replace it |
Antibiotics (Vitamin C & A, retin A, tretinoin, retinoic acid) | – supplies needed vitamins – usually only found in prescription products |
Clay | – natural mineral – works to suck out excess oil, dirt, and dead skin from pores – hugely beneficial for the exfoliation process |
Peppermint | – antifungal properties – regulates the production of oil/sebum |
Rose extract | – similar benefits to that of peppermint |
Sulfur | – found in all sorts of acne kits, including facial masks – works to decrease oiliness |
Ensuring the Formula is Correct
We cannot stress how key this is. A lot of inferior brands and products will make one of two mistakes – either they’ll refrain from using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, perhaps choosing a cheaper option instead.
Or they won’t do the necessary research and will add too much or too little of these vital ingredients into their formula. Either eventuality can prove detrimental for the quality of the product.
If these ingredients are overused in any given product then serious damage could occur. Abuse of such ingredients as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can cause your skin to become heavily irritated and even burnt. The only time these ingredients should be used in high doses is under the supervision of a qualified dermatologist. Even then, this should be a last course of action.
Correct amount of benzoyl peroxide: this ingredient usually falls into the 2.5% - 10% concentration range. The temptation is to automatically go for the 10% so as to get the strongest, most impactful treatment. Our advice would be to start with a smaller dosage, perhaps the 2.5%.
The reason for this lies in the strength of benzoyl peroxide. 10% could very well be too much for your skin type, even though it can be bought over-the-counter. So, to avoid irritation, the best course of action is to buy a product with a lesser percentage and see how that goes.
Correct amount of salicylic acid: the same can be said for this ingredient. It is far better to start with a smaller dosage than to go straight away for the highest percentage. In saying this, salicylic acid is naturally far easier on your face than benzoyl peroxide.
Salicylic acid usually comes in just the 0.5% - 3% concentration range. While the 3% concentration probably won’t cause any issues, it is still advisable to start with a lower dose – our recommendation being the 0.5% - 1.5% range.
Also, the higher the concentration of these two ingredients then the higher the price of the product will be. So, to spare yourself possible side effects as well as needless spending, it really is best to start with lower dosages.
Next, I'll discuss some warning signs that you need to be on the lookout for regarding the formula.
Formula Alarm Bells
As with every niche and product line, there’s going to be some dodgy ones. Unfortunately, for every one-hundred honest merchants, you’re going to have a few that are lacking in ethics. These people are more concerned with lining their pockets than your health concerns.
As a result, this leads to shoddy and potentially dangerous products. The same can be seen in the niche of acne treatment. So, what are the main things to look out for?
The first one is an overuse of ingredients. Companies who do not know, or care, what they’re doing will sometimes pack in as many ingredients as possible into their creations. They do this to try and impress consumers. We are programmed to think that more is better. However, this most definitely is not always the case.
An overload of ingredients in a product can actually work to further clog pores – exactly the opposite effect of what it’s meant to be doing! Overusing ingredients such as paraffin oil or some silicones can cause this to happen. So, keep an eye out for an overload.
It is important to note that the above-mentioned ingredients aren’t necessarily bad for your skin. They work to soothe and refresh, thus the reason they are added to formulas. Once the dosage of these ingredients is low then there should be no problem.
The second thing to look out for is the use of alcohol. AVOID THIS LIKE THE PLAGUE. We really cannot stress this enough. The sad fact is that alcohol is used in quite a large amount of brand's products, something that in this day and age shouldn’t be the case.
Companies and brands use alcohol in their products for two reasons. Firstly, the alcohol gives the naturally thick cream a lighter composition. This may seem trivial, but then again this is the beauty industry we are discussing.
The second reason is that alcohol is super at removing oil from the skin. The problem lies in the fact that alcohol removes too much of this oil. This can cause your complexion to become raw and irritated. Also, your glands will react to the sudden lack of oil/sebum by trying to generate more and more. As noted before, this will result in a viscious cycle that will be disastrous for the well-being of your skin.
The Must-Have Moisturizing Agents
As we have stressed, benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid are vital ingredients.
But they can also have a certain drying out effect on the skin. In order to compensate for this, many cosmetic brands make sure to include ingredients that are used to ease dryness and increase freshness.
These top moisturizing ingredients can be seen to the right ---->
The ideal formula will include a variety of the above moisturizers in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid as well as other elements.
Choosing & Sticking with the Correct Brand
This is common sense yet something that a lot of people don’t adhere to. People often swap and mix different brands.
THIS IS A MISTAKE!!!
The logic for staying with the same brand is quite simple and straightforward. The products from the top brands are all designed to work together – this is how they have been formulated. Messing with that formula by introducing a product from a competing brand can very easily unbalance the whole enterprise.
This is clearly evident in the niche I'm discussing here today. Each brand uses different dosages and measurements in terms of their ingredients. All the products from any given brand are designed to be compatible, something that is definitely worth keeping in mind.
Now, in different areas of your life it is perfectly OK to mix and match the different brands. For example, it really doesn’t matter if your hair gel and body spray are both produced by Lynx. It’s far better to find ones you like rather than worrying about brand loyalty.
However, when a treatment for a health issue is being considered, it is absolutely the correct decision to stick with the same brand.
Another key thing to keep in mind is that you must give your chosen product/kit enough time to be effective. A common mistake many people make is that they abandon a treatment after a week or so because there are no immediate results.
These things take time so don’t be hasty in dumping a product. In fact, you should only ever move onto a new method or product if the one you’re trying is having an adverse reaction on your skin; or if you’ve been using it for months without any visible improvement.
Is the Guarantee Guaranteed?
If you don’t read the small text, it’s time to start! We have reiterated continually throughout this guide that we all have different types of complexions. This means that it might take some time to find the right product for your particular type. It’s highly preferable that this search doesn’t also cost a small fortune!
That’s where the Money Back Guarantee comes into the equation. Now, some brands try to be sneaky; like only giving a 15-day money back guarantee. This is laughable. These brands know full well that a treatment plan cannot be accurately judged after just two weeks.
Therefore, it is key that you choose a brand that offers a substantial period in which you can return the product, and, of course, get a full refund.
Avoid the Marketing Traps
Brands and companies make products for a sole reason – to make money. There is nothing wrong with this, that’s how business works.
To achieve this all-consuming goal, manufacturers sometimes employ marketing tactics that give them the edge over their competitors.
Again, there is nothing wrong with this. What’s wrong is that we as consumers sometimes fall for these traps!! Below are some of these machinations that you mightn't be aware of.
The Volume Trap: A pretty common one. Brands will make their products slightly smaller or lighter than their rivals. This will save them money on the production costs. This might mean that your facial cleanser is 25ml or 50ml lesser than another product…though it still costs the same! If this happens, you really only have yourself to blame.
The trick is to do your due diligence. Don’t just buy the first product that you see. Compare and contrast them.
The Autoshipment Trap: The next tactic or trap that brands use is to try and get customers to select Autoship. For those unaware, Autoship is a service that allows you to receive your favorite products in an automated fashion – usually every month or so.
This saves you the effort of having to physically go through the buying process every time you need a top up. It also saves you money on shipping.
For the merchant, Autoshipment is also beneficial as people are more likely to stay with their product. Let’s face it, people can be quite lazy! Most people won’t bother cancelling their Autoship selection unless they have a major problem with a product.
Don’t get us wrong, this little marketing trap isn’t necessarily a bad thing as Autoshipment does bring down your overall bill.
However, it's important to understand what Autoship entails – otherwise you’ll end getting hit with a second charge in a month’s time even if you have no wish to get a repeat batch of the product.
What is Exfoliation?
Whether it be treating acne, or simply cleansing your face on a daily basis, exfoliation is a vital component if you are to be successful. But what exactly is exfoliation? What does the term actually mean?
Well, simply put, this involves the removal of unwanted substances and agents from your face – both from the surface and from the pores. These substances and agents can include excessive oil/sebum; dirt and debris; dead skin cells; and accumulative elements such as sun damage, air pollution and many more examples.
Only by removing these unwanted undesirables can our faces hope to achieve their healthiest appearance as well as their optimum performance. Next, I’ll discuss some of the key benefits that exfoliation can deliver.
I promised earlier that I would examine the issue of exfoliation and reveal what I believe to be the best cleansing routine. Let’s look at this next.
Four Top Benefits of Exfoliating
- Superior Complexion & Texture
- Battles Acne & Lessens Breakouts
- Combats Father Time
- Increases the Proficiency of Skincare Prodcuts
This benefit is especially important when it comes to the treatment of acne vulgaris. Using healthcare and beauty products on an uncleansed face is both a tremendous waste of time and money! In order for these products to work properly, the canvas that they are being applied to has to be pristine and at its most receivable.
Why is this so important? Because layers of dirt, grime, and other stuff can create a barrier between any products and the skin. Simply put, the product won’t impact the skin as it won’t be able to penetrate the overlying layer of dead skin cells, dirt, sebum and god knows what else! I love a good analogy…so imagine trying to paint a wall that’s filthy!!! Pointless.
This is where exfoliation comes into the equation. A good cleansing session will remove this layer of dirt and grime and leave your face (or wall 🙂 ) at its most receivable for whatever health and beauty products that you plan on applying.
The Correct Cleansing Routine
When it comes to exfoliating and cleansing your face, there are two key boxes that you need to tick if you are to be effective.
The first is that you choose the correct products in which to incorporate into your cleansing routine.
Inferior products can range from being utterly useless to downright harmful, especially if they are an acne treatment product.
The second box, and just as importantly, is the actual physical process of exfoliation. OK, so you’ve got the best of the best in terms of products, but this will still mean very little if you apply said products incorrectly.
This is where a quality application method is needed. Below is what I believe to be the best cleansing routine. Hopefully, you’ll find it helpful!
- Step 1: Choose the Correct Products
- Step 2: Wash Your Face
- Step 3: Use Clean Towel
- Clean being the essential word here!! There’s no point in using a dirty rag to clean your face, I hope we can all see the sense in that!
- The easiest way to ensure that you’re not stuck with a dirty cloth is simply to have a few spares. This way you can use the cloth, throw it in the wash, grab the next one, and repeat
- It goes without saying that this rule of cleanliness also goes for any implements and tools that you plan to use
- Step 4: Bring the Heat
- Step 5: Apply the Cleanser
- Step 6: Rinse Your Face
- Once the cleanser has been rubbed into your face, you can then rinse it off. If the cleanser has done its job you will also be rinsing off all that unwanted nonsense that accumulates onto our faces
- The only other thing that I’d say about this step is that you use cold water. As warm water naturally opens our pores, cold water does the opposite and causes them to close. This is why we’re always advised to have a cold shower after using a sauna or steam room!
- Step 7: Time for the Acne Treatment
- Step 8: Dry Your Face
- Step 9: Finish with a Top Quality Moisturizer
- I’ll go into this in more depth in a later paragraph, but it’s safe to say that it’s vital that you finish your facial treatment with a good moisturizer. For an example of such a top-notch moisturizer, check out the one that can be found in our Zenmed article - look for the Omegaceramide Moisturizer in the Table of Contents.
Extra Step – How often to cleanse: this is quite an important factor in the cleansing routine. Too often and irritation may occur; not frequently enough, and skin ailments may form. Everyone’s skin is different – what might work for one person, may not be as beneficial for the next.
I personally cleanse every three to four days. I find this to be enough. Any less and I can feel my skin (especially my forehead) becoming oily. Any more and my complexion will start to get irritated. The best advice, I think, is to experiment and see what works for you.
IMPORTANT NOTE: the above routine and advice is something that I use and stand by. However, it is important to acknowledge that every person’s skin is unique. We may be able to divide types into categories but these categories are quite broad. Just like no two faces are exactly identical, skin has the same variations and differences. [9]
As the good doctor says…
“There isn’t a ‘formula’ because we all have different skin types, we live in different climates and we engage in different sports and activities.”
- Brandith Irwin, MD
Key General Tips
1
Improve Your Shave
This is a tip that I personally treasure so I can only imagine how valuable it will be for men. For years, shaving used to be a real hit and miss kind of deal for me. Sometimes I used to have a perfect shave, and other times my skin would be left raw and irritated. At first, I thought it was the razor blades that were the issue. I thought that perhaps it was the fact that the blades were getting dull or that they were nicked. It got to the point that I started using a different blade every time I shaved!! Not exactly practical or financially economically, I know. 😉
Eventually, and it took me a heck of a lot longer than it should have, I realized that it had nothing to do with my razor – it was the state of my skin that was the issue. If my skin was suitably clean and fresh, then it would adversely affect the quality of my shave.
So, as an experiment, I decided to cleanse and exfoliate my skin prior to shaving. And, well, I haven’t looked back!! My shaving routine became far more productive and effective because my skin was more receivable to the blade. Of course, I still have my bad days (I can be quite clumsy!!), but these days are far and few between.
2
Be Wary of Ordinary Soap & Shower Gel
Many people, when in the shower, wash their faces with an assortment of products. Whether it be a generic bar of soap. Or a top of the range body wash. Keep in mind though that your face is far more delicate than your body. It takes far less to damage your face or block your facial pores than any other area of your body.
A lot of soaps and body washes are only really designed to be used on the body – not the face. It is important to keep this in mind. The reason for this is that these products often contain ingredients and mixtures that are not suitable for contact with your face. This can often lead to allergic reactions or blockages in your pores.
3
Never Scrub Your Face
This ties back into what I was saying about your face being delicate. The way you clean your underarms, or upper torso, should most definitely not be the way you clean your face. The former body parts are washed by scrubbing, usually in a vigorous manner. Your face is far too delicate for this. Rough scrubbing on your face will only irritate it and cause problems.
Instead, use a wet cloth to dab your face when you are showering. This will soak up and remove any excess oil, dirt, or dead skin cells. It will also stop your face from being damaged.
4
Do Not Over-Wash Your Face
Many sufferers of acne get into the bad habit of over-washing. They become obsessed with cleaning their face on a daily basis, even multiple times a day. Why? Because they link having this problem with not being clean. Logically they then feel the need to clean their faces periodically.
The danger with this is that you can overdo it. Continually washing your face can make it become very dry and irritated. This will increase the damage that could potentially occur.
5
Only Use Clean Implements
We use a variety of implements on our bodies on a daily basis. This ranges from razors, electric shavers, tweezers, combs, or even perhaps a straight edge blade if you’re that way inclined. 🙂 However, these implements are not impervious to dirt and germs.
It is important, and a good habit, to ensure that your implements are clean. Regularly sterilizing all your implements will ensure that your skin does not get infected. It will also help your implements to function at their maximum level.
6
Get Your Vitamins & Minerals In
Vitamins and minerals are rightfully considered as essential nutritional additions to everyone’s diet. Their functions and benefits are numerous:
In terms of bacterial infections, vits and minerals are essential as they help to regulate and strength the skin. This is vital in ensuring that you have healthy skin. So, as the header says, get them in!!! [10]
7
Use Before Applying Fake Tan
I personally do not use fake tans, but a friend of mine uses them pretty much every week. When I asked her, she told me that exfoliating before getting the tan done is a neat trick of maximizing the effect of the tan.
She believes that this is because your skin is at its most receivable right after exfoliating and thus the tan goes on smooth and unblemished. Though I’ve never tried it myself, this makes sense as a good cleanse will leave your skin resembling a clean canvas – perfect for the application of something like a fake spray tan or cream.
Exfoliating & Moisturizing – Hand in Hand
It would be remiss of me to not mention moisturizing. Exfoliation and moisturizing are two practices that should always be linked and followed in that order – firstly you exfoliate, then you moisturize.
The reason for this is very simple. Cleansing your face is something that is hugely beneficial for your skin, but it is also something that is mildly traumatic. Why? Because during the cleansing routine, important nutrients and moisture are removed from your face. This leaves your face somewhat lacking in these areas.
Therefore, to return the balance to your skin, it’s vital that you re-hydrate your face as well as restocking it with those key nutrients. By doing this you will also lock in all that goodness and positivity that has come about through your session.
In addition, a good moisturizer will also work as an effective barrier to harmful UV rays from the sun. Though, in saying this, a moisturizer should only be used in conjunction with a top sunscreen and never as a replacement.
Which Treatment Best Suits You?
As stated, we at the Health Base have done extensive research and testing in this area. Our results have led us to believe that the following five products are the premier over-the-counter home kits. Below is a comparative table that will help you decide which product is right for your complexion.
Quick Summary
Brand | Exposed | Acnezine | Clearpores | Zenmed | ProActiv+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
Skin suitability: | All Skin Types & All Degrees of Acne | All Skin Types & Minor to Medium degrees | All Skin Types & Minor to Medium degrees | All Skin Types & Minor to Medium degrees | Multiple Varieties of Home Kits Available |
Main ingredients: | Salicylic acid | Hyaluronic Acid | Alo Vera | Salicylic Acid & Benzoyl Peroxide | Salicylic Acid & Benzoyl Peroxide |
Side effects: | None | None | None | None | Slight dryness |
Our Rating: | |||||
Click for More: |
The Health Base Verdict
Which option is most cost-effective? This is obviously the most important factor to consider - which of these products is the best value?
All five of these products are great value as they deliver exactly what you would want from an acne treatment product.
However, for us here at the Health Base, there was indeed a clear winner.
Most Cost-Effective: Exposed Skincare System wins the day as it is suitable for all skin types and degrees of acne, though it is exceptionally effective for oily, dry, and sensitive skin as well as severe cases of acne.
Also, it's important to note that Exposed offer a brilliant One Year Warranty which is an exceptionally good length type in this particular niche.
Join the Health Base Community! 🙂
That brings an end to the Health Base’s comprehensive acne treatment plan. Hopefully, you now feel better prepared to deal with your skin issues. I have covered everything from the best products to the best way to apply said products.
However, I and team know that medicine and techniques are always improving. That is why we are committed to updating our treatment plan and general advice sections on a regular basis. Also, if there is anything that you think we have missed then please drop us a comment in the section below.
In addition, don't hesitate to get in touch to tell us your story. We’d love to know what worked for you! Perhaps your experiences and knowledge is exactly what another member of the Health Base community is looking for! After all…
I sincerely hope that this guide has helped you in some way. Always remember, acne may not be a life-threatening ailment, but this is no reason to just accept its presence and live with it. Get rid of it once and for all!!! 🙂
Wishing you the best health,
Beth
P.S. Please feel to browse our other posts on this topic.
Resources
1. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/what-is-acne#1
2. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/understanding-acne-basics#1
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/101639043
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/types-of-acne#noninflammatory-acne
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hormonal-acne
7. https://www.medicinenet.com/benzoyl_peroxide-topical/article.htm
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/101661898
9. https://www.skintour.com/tipd/how-to-exfoliate-intelligently/
10. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/condition-943/acne
