Have you been prescribed medicine or a medical cream for acne, and not sure what skincare you should or should not use? Then read on!
By: Maria Ahlgren
Acne meds (such as Isotretinoin, Epiduo and Acnatac) have helped several of us Common Clouds team members – but we’ve also experienced common side effects like dry, flaky, and red skin – especially at the start of treatment, and know how challeinging it can be.
Here's some of our best tips to help your skin feel its best throughout your treatment!
1. WASH WITH CARE
A SUPER-gentle cleanser that doesn’t dry out the skin or disturb the pH balance is essential. Avoid harsh cleansers with drying ingredients like sulfates.
PRODUCT TIP! Cloud Wash is an extremely gentle cleanser, that won’t dry out your skin. Washing your face in the evening is often enough.
2. MIST WITH HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
Hypochlorous acid, like in Cloud Mist, is proven to minimise acne breakouts thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, AND can be used alongside your acne meds to soothe and balance.
PRODUCT TIP! Spray Cloud Mist after cleansing and any time during the day.
3. SKIP THE ACTIVES
Since your medication is designed to treat acne, it likely contains high levels of actives that speed up cell turnover and unclog pores. Therefore, you can leave retinol and exfoliating acids (like AHAs and salicylic acid) on the shelf to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation. At the end of your treatment, you can discuss introducing them again with your dermatologist.
PRODUCT TIP! Azelaic acid (found in Cloud Milk) is a gentle, non-exfoliating acid that you can use to treat post-blemish marks, even when on acne meds. (If you apply an acne cream at night, you can use Cloud Milk in the morning.)
4. FOCUS ON HYDRATION AND BARRIER REPAIR
As acne meds often dry out skin, you need to replenish hydration levels with lots of moisturiser. Look for ingredients like panthenol, ceramides and niacinamide to boost your barrier and keep skin hydrated.
PRODUCT TIP! Cloud Jelly packs several calming and hydrating ingredients like panthenol, niacinamide and centella, and barrier-restoring ceramides, that will help your skin through the storms.
5. WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY
Acne medications make skin much more sensitive to the sun. It’s super-imortant to use sunscreen with at least SPF30 every day. Don’t skip this step!
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6. DON’T PANIC!
Finally, don’t panic if you get a breakout – it’s common that the acne worsens before it gets better. Never stop your treatment without talking to your doctor first.
PRODUCT TIP! Instead of popping in panic, apply a pimple patch to protect the area and speed up the process.
(Avoid applying a pimple patch straight on top of prescribed creams, as the hydrocolloid material can make the cream even more potent.)
You can read more here about how to care for your skin while on common acne medications!
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Everything you want to know about hypochlorous acid