Don’t pop that pimple! A skincare expert shares tips for a healthy acne-free face
- From choosing the right make-up removers and face masks to using face washing acids, the correct routine is essential
- Ching Sze-man, consultant at Taiwanese skincare company Elsa Gusa, gives advice on skincare routines
Ching Sze-man, a skincare consultant at Elsa Gusa, gives advice on skincare routines.
1. Popping your pimples
There are two major types of comedones (acne spots): blackheads and whiteheads. “Blackheads are formed by dead skin cells and oil that clog the pores and oxidise, turning dark. Whiteheads are closed comedones trapped under the surface of the skin, which are harder to remove and more likely to develop into acne,” says Ching.
“In most cases, we do not recommend using external pressure to extract them,” says Ching, whether it is done with tweezers, a comedo extractor or fingers.
“It pushes the bacteria deeper into the skin, potentially spreading the inflammation. It may also damage the collagen fibres, resulting in blemishes that are difficult to repair.”
2. Not removing your make-up properly
One of the most common mistakes is not removing your make-up properly, leaving residue – a major cause of clogged pores – on the skin, says Ching, who suggests getting rid of comedones by addressing their cause and following a skincare routine.
Among different types of remover – such as wipes, water-based, gel and milk – cleansing oil is most effective at dissolving cosmetics and removing tougher formulas without stripping the skin dry. Even if you do not wear make-up, a cleansing oil is required to wash off sunscreen, Ching says.
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3. Over washing your face
Most acne patients turn to acne face wash in the hopes of keeping their skin refreshed and dry, but most formulas contain sulphates that strip away the natural moisture and sebum in the skin – which in turn, produces more oil.
Instead, Ching recommends an amino acid-based facial cleanser, which is gentle for sensitive skin and removes dead skin cells without causing purging.
4. Misuse acids
Acids are among some of the best acne fighting ingredients. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid, for examples, allow comedones that have already developed to naturally come off and help blemishes heal. Be careful, however, when choosing acidic products and read the label carefully. If the concentration of acid is too high, it can have the opposite effect, irritating and overdrying the skin.
5. Use sheet masks
She recommends mud masks, which clear the pores and calm the skin. “And make sure they are free of dyes and pigments,” she adds.
Having once suffered from cystic acne herself, Ching has an additional word of advice for others like her, “your skin will not heal in one day. It is a long-term battle. So we offer encouragement and support.”
