I—like a lot of other people with a uterus, have been on “the pill” for almost ten years. For so long, it was just something I never even thought twice about, I would just wake up, swallow my birth control, and go about my day. That is until I was trying to manage balancing my hormones, my contraceptive options, and the state of my health, which in turn, had a pretty big impact on my skin—something I was not expecting at all. 

Last year, the chaos of the pandemic finally managed to reach every little corner and piece of my life—even my hormonal birth control. On a Sunday morning in March, just like I did every four weeks, I sat at the pharmacy window to pick up my pack of pills for that month. But when I opened up the package, my usual brand of birth control was not inside. Instead, I was given an off-brand generic version of my usual medication. 

My first reaction was to call my doctor, of course. When I spoke to my gynecologist, I was told that this new pill pack was the ‘exact same pill.’ According to my doctor and pharmacist, this new pill had the same dosages of hormones, it was just the generic, non-name brand version of my usual medicine. So naturally, I continued to take the oral contraceptive and go on with my life. Supply chain problems, what can ya do?

Two months later, and two pill packs in of this new medicine, my skin was a disaster. It was the first time in my life I had struggled with acne, and though that in itself may have been a blessing, it was frustrating being a 21 year old with what felt like the skin helplessness of a middle schooler.

It was the first time I recognized the relationship between mental health and acne. I was discouraged, confused, and extremely self conscious. I weighed all of my options for this random acne crisis that was so out of character for my skin—could it be stress? My diet? The products I was using? My mask? I began to trial and error, becoming increasingly frustrated, and hitting dead ends. 

An estimated 14% of those with a uterus aged 15-49 in the USA take birth control. Some take the birth control pill for its intended use, while others take the pill for its long list of unintended side effects, including acne treatment. However, for a portion of people, certain birth control pills can cause acne due to the skin’s reaction to the androgenic effect that some birth controls have. Androgens are characteristically male hormones that contribute to acne, hair loss, and unwanted hair growth.

This hormonal birth control for me was stubborn. It consisted of an extremely rough and bumpy skin texture around my jawline, with tiny whiteheads that just multiplied on the surface of my skin. I was also experiencing acne around my mouth and nose that was deep, under the skin, and painful. 

It wasn’t until my skin continued to worsen for another month, and with another pill pack gone, that I thought about the impact that this different medicine may be having on my skin.

I was so confused, I thought birth control was supposed to help clear skin? In fact, most times, it does. And in my case specifically, it probably was a factor in my clear skin before I had the unwanted pill change, and this new medicine was not reacting to my body in a regular way. 

At this point it was June, I was going through a ton of emotional and physical stress, changes in environment, and my body felt all out of sorts. So, I decided to stop taking the birth control pill altogether. I had no idea if my birth control was what was negatively affecting my skin, but I was at the breaking point of trying everything but this, so why not at least see? Less than a month after stopping, my skin started to clear immediately, and by August and September, it had returned almost completely back to normal. 

In combination with stopping the hormonal pill, I began using a face cleanser meant to target stubborn hormonal acne, PanOxyl. This water-based cleanser has 10% benzoyl peroxide to tackle deep, under-the-skin acne. It was truly the only staple skin care product that I saw results with at the time. The cleanser has strong acne-fighting ingredients, which in turn brought on a bit of dry skin.

I made sure to use a hydrating moisturizing cream to protect and nourish my barrier. One of my favorites is First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, formulated with colloidal oatmeal, a skin protectant, and allantoin, a humectant that helps to calm irritated skin. 

During this time, I also used a TON of SPF. Active skin care ingredients are strong and it was the dead of summer. You could find me in SPF 50, a hat and sunglasses, under an umbrella, under an awning. 

The Bottom Line

Birth control has a powerful effect on your hormones, and your hormones have a direct correlation with your skin. If you are struggling with hormonal birth control or stubborn hormonal acne, have a conversation with your doctor about your concerns and needs, and remember that your acne is not your fault!

+Have you had this experience? If so, drop your tips below!

The post How Can Birth Control Impact Your Skin? appeared first on The Klog.

Sometimes, it’s hard to separate the acne we experience from our personal identities. It’s easy to let acne feel like a part of our identity big enough to impact the rest of our lives– and even let it negatively affect our mental health.

But it’s so important to remember, you are not your acne. Your identity is strong and powerful among all things! Here is more information about the relationship between acne and mental health, and tips to keep thinking positively.

Acne and Mental Health

It’s not uncommon to get in your head when you’re experiencing skin struggles.

Along with the self-consciousness that can surround breakouts, anxiety and depression, among other mental health issues, can appear alongside acne. According to the British Journal of Dermatology, in the first year following an acne diagnosis, patients have a 63 percent increased risk of developing depression compared to patients who did not have acne.

Acne has also been said to impact the way we socialize with others. In a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, it was stated that acne and acne scarring impacted the way people present themselves in social situations, as well as even impacting the clothes those with acne chose to wear 

What to Do If You’re Struggling

If you feel like your mental health—whether that is anxiety, depression, or a negative self-image—is impacting the way you live your daily life, it may be worth reaching out to someone to receive help. 

Luckily, therapy is more accessible than it has ever been. Resources like Better Help and Talkspace offer affordable, professional therapy from anywhere.

Surrounding yourself with skin positivity is also a great way to combat the negative associations we’ve been conditioned to think about acne. If you’re on social media, following acne positive accounts, like isofiagrahn’s Sofia Grahn , Evelyn of normalise.acne, and Taylor from taylor_unfiltered, will help you unpack just why we feel so bad about ourselves when we experience breakouts. We are not our skin and there’s nothing inherently bad about acne! 

To take skin positivity a step further, separate your acne from your identity. Keep a journal and jot down three things you love or like about yourself everyday. 

Conquer Skin Positivity But Still Ready To Tackle Acne?

When it comes to your acne, it can be hard to know what is causing the breakouts and in turn, difficult to pinpoint a solution. One thing that is important to remember when your skin isn’t being agreeable is that sometimes, less is more. 

First off, if you have access to a dermatologist, visit them! If your acne is persistent, painful, or deep, a derm can provide the help you need.

If you’re looking for additional acne insight, you should keep your skin care routine simple. Don’t over-cleanse or use products with harsh ingredients.

Dermatologists recommend using gentle cleansers with an active acne-fighting ingredient like salicylic acid, a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that clears excess oil and dirt, or benzoyl peroxide, which guards against inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria.

It can be tempting to steer away from moisturizers if you have acne-prone skin, but it’s just as important to hydrate skin with acne as skin without it, to maintain balance in the skin barrier. Look for a lightweight moisturizer with an anti-inflammatory agent or extract with antioxidant properties, like this Mugwort Cream by I’m From.

Avoid picking at your acne and skin. An easy way to aid this is utilizing an acne patch, like The Klog’s Soft Shield Pimple Patch. Physical shields helps keep your hands off your acne! 

Bottom Line

If you can’t seem to figure out what products to use and when for your acne, reach out to your dermatologist and have a conversation about the next best steps to take for your skin! And the same goes for your mental health, never hesitate to reach out and ask for help when life feels difficult, no matter the reason. 

Remember, you are not your acne and you are worthy of all the happiness!

The post How to Take Care of Your Mental Health When Struggling With Acne appeared first on The Klog.

There is nothing more irritating than acne that isn’t quite acne. Trust me, we’ve all been there: incessantly picking at those tiny, pesky white bumps on your forehead, hoping and praying that they’ll miraculously vanish. 

Turns out, those pint-sized bumps have a name. Known as one of the milder forms of acne, closed comedones, AKA whiteheads, arise when a skin follicle is clogged by sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria. Unlike blackheads, these closed comedones cannot be pushed out — so treating them goes way beyond squeezing them. 

How to Spot Close Comedones AKA Whiteheads 

Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules… does the list ever end? 

A common mistake that’s made when treating acne is not knowing what type of acne you’re dealing with. Similar to whiteheads, fungal acne and milia both appear on your skin as small, raised bumps. So, let’s dive into how they differ from closed comedones! 

Fungal acne — also referred to as Pityrosporum folliculitis — isn’t acne, technically. Caused by a yeast infection, fungal acne can be identified by itchy, small red bumps. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are white, non-itchy bumps. 

Likewise, milia is the result of keratin overgrowth. They appear on your skin as grain-sized, white bumps. However, unlike closed comedones AKA whiteheads, the area around milia is not as inflamed or raised. 

Tips For Treating Closed Comedones

The good news is that there are plenty of options when it comes to eradicating whiteheads.

1.Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is revered in the K-beauty world, and rightfully so. A double cleansing ritual consists of two parts: first, an oil-based cleanser to take care of makeup and oil buildup, and then a water-based cleanser to deeply remove old skin cells, bacteria, and other water-based impurities. 

By engaging in two rounds of cleansing, you’re helping remove the stubborn gunk 

and leftover makeup in your pores, giving your skin a breath of fresh air. Then I Met You’s award-winning Cleansing Duo combines a double cleansing ritual with nourishing ingredients like rice extract and Vitamin E to cleanse your skin without excessive irritation. 

2. Tea Tree Oil 

TikTokers swear by this at-home remedy for comedonal acne. Tea tree oil is a godsend for killing bacteria and calming inflammation. However, it should be used sparingly as it can cause dryness, blisters or rashes when applied directly to the skin. Instead, incorporating it into your skin care routine with products like Benton’s cult-favorite Tea Tree Serum is the safer route.

For those that suffer from whiteheads on the body, this Tea Tree Care Body Spray from KLAVUU features tea tree oil and salicylic acid to fight breakouts all around your body. 

3. Azelaic acid 

Azelaic acid is a skin care powerhouse: it clears your pores of bacteria while soothing inflammation. Dermatologists rave about azelaic acid for its gentleness on the skin and its versatility. Naturium’s Azelaic Acid Emulsion contains a concentrated blend of azelaic acid, bio-retinol and niacinamide, perfect for zapping away those stubborn whiteheads. 

4. Hands Off! 

The golden rule in skin care is that picking at your pimples is never a good thing. In the case of whiteheads, this still holds true. As satisfying as it is to pop your pimples, popping whiteheads may contribute to more sebum and bacteria buildup in your pores, in addition to infecting or scarring your skin. As someone who is frequently resisting the urge to pop my pimples, I like to apply pimple patches to bigger whiteheads to avoid the temptation. 

5. Retinol 

Retinol is frequently referred to as a miracle ingredient for anti-aging, but it also does wonders for pore clearing, too. By increasing your cell turnover, retinol not only keeps your skin glowing, but it also makes sure that your pores aren’t blocked. Depending on your skin preferences, prescription retinoids or over-the-counter retinol, like Versed’s Press Restart Serum, are both effective options.

+Do you have closed comedones? How do you tackle them?

The post Here’s How to Zap Away Those Annoying Forehead Bumps appeared first on The Klog.

When the internet’s resident skin care expert Rio Viera-Newton recommends a product, you know it has to be good. 

Newton’s skin care must-haves, including Acropass’s Trouble Cure and Good (Skin) Days C’s the Day Serum, span every price point from $6 pimple patches to $53 masks. However, we were kind of shocked when we saw Newton recommend the $9 PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash.

It’s not because the 10% benzoyl peroxide foaming cleanser doesn’t deserve the hype- it’s maintained a 4.6 star rating on Amazon with over 16,000 reviews- but because the drug store staple remains relatively low key, often looked over by beauty and skin editors. 

That’s about to change!

The Let’s Face It author sung PanOxyl’s praises in her latest YouTube video, detailing how it “got rid” of her cystic flare up in THREE days. Beyond the quick turnaround time, the top skinfluencer also detailed how PanOxyl can be used on the arms, chest, and on the butt for breakouts, too. A multi-tasking acne cleanser for only $9?! Yes, please!

The secret to this product’s acne vanishing success? Pimple crushing benzoyl peroxide paired with a massaging technique. 

Benzoyl peroxide’s long been known by dermatologists as a powerful top acne ingredient. It both exfoliates pores AND kills bacteria that causes acne.  It can be used for treating all types of acne, including cystic flareups, as experienced by Viera-Newton, and inflammatory spots. Because it’s so potent and targets bacteria, BP can also deliver pimple-diminishing results quicker than salicylic acid.

PanOxyl instructs users to massage the face and body cleanser into the skin for 1-2 minutes for full effectiveness. Newton also suggests using the buzzy product as a spot treatment, massaging the formula into any and all breakouts and following up with a great moisturizer, like the Hanskin Real Complexion Hyaluron Moisture Cream (benzoyl peroxide is a strong ingredient, after all!).

Finding a skin care product that tackles a variety of acne types across the body is rare. But, I’m pretty sure Rio Viera-Newton did just that. 

What’s your favorite benzoyl peroxide packed product? Share your recommendations below!

The post The Affordable Drugstore Acne Busting Cleanser That Skin Expert Rio Viera-Newton Can’t Get Enough Of appeared first on The Klog.

The only thing more frustrating than acne is the scarring they can leave behind. Acne scars are one of the biggest skin concerns among both men and women. To effectively treat them, it’s key to learn the difference between scars and how they come about. To find out, we spoke with Dr. Anne Guanche, board-certified dermatologist and celebrity beauty expert based in Southern California. Read on for her expert tips, plus our product recommendations. 

Keloids 

Do you notice an excessive amount of scar tissue after experiencing acne? That’s what keloids are. “Characteristically these scars are raised and grow larger than the original skin injury size,” says Dr. Gaunche. Essentially, keloids result in a large amount of texture from the inflamed area, and there are parts of our skin that are more prone to keloids than others. “Often the jawline, back of the neck and chest are more prone to keloids,” she says. Keloids also tend to be genetic, so the condition has likely been passed down from generation to generation. 

How to prevent: Some people are more prone to keloid scar formation naturally. In addition, the more picking, especially if using at home tools, could trigger a keloid or thick scar to form. 

How to treat: “At home, there is not much to do besides keeping your hands off,” Dr. Guanche explains. “Sometimes over the counter acne scar pads can be helpful and at a dermatologist’s office we can inject a diluted form of cortisone called Kenalog into the keloid to help thin out the scar tissue and flatten the keloid,” she adds. However, if you notice that your keloids are deeper shade of red and purple post-acne, a pulsed-dye laser called the V-beam is often used to lighten the discoloration.

Ice Pick Scars

If your scars tend to be more narrow and on the deeper side, these are likely ice pick scars. “They appear classically as if someone took an ice pick and made a tiny hole in the skin,” Dr. Gaunche explains. 

How to prevent: Again, the best way to prevent these from forming is to not touch or pick at your skin after a breakout. This tendency to form ice pick scars can also be genetic. “Some can have extensive breakouts and not develop a single one, and others can have one deep pimple and develop a permanent ice pick scar,” she says.

How to treat: “At home one could use retin-A to soften scars and help build collagen,” she says.  “In the office, we like to try resurfacing lasers such as Fraxel to build collagen from underneath to soften ice pick scars,” she explains. However, it’s very important to note that ice pick scars can be the hardest scars to treat! “Occasionally, we can “punch out” or cut out the scars with a small punch device and with a small stitch you can achieve a linear scar which some find more acceptable than an ice pick scar,” she adds.

Rolling Scars

“Rolling acne scars are a type of scar where bands of scar tissue form beneath the layers of the skin’s surface and from bands, that pull at the skin, creating a visible, rolling effect,” Dr. Guanche explains. 

How to prevent: While these aren’t as sharp as other acne scars, rolling scars can still form as a result of picking your skin, but need to be treated on a deeper level. These scars lose volume and can also become more visible with age.  

How to treat:  “These are difficult to treat at home, but use of topical retinoids regularly can help all types of acne scars,” she says. A dermatologist may use fillers for correcting these scars, as they plump up the indented areas. “Fraxel 1550 resurfacing laser series is the gold standard for these types of acne scars, and a combination approach is often used,” she adds. 

Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars are similar to ice pick scars, but are generally more of a more rectangular shape.  “These are caused by too little collagen formation during healing as opposed to too much, like Keloid scars,” she says. 

How to prevent: Unfortunately, there really isn’t a way to prevent boxcar scars other than to minimize picking and trauma to the area while it is an active pimple. 

How to treat: Again, at home retinoids are helpful to treating the affected areas. “These are a challenge to treat but resurfacing lasers such as Fraxel, or Radiofrequency microneedling are helpful,” she says. Dermal fillers can also be helpful in some instances.     

Another ingredient we recommend looking for to treat boxcar scarring is EGF (epidermal growth factors), which helps regenerate skin cells. You’ll find it in the Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Ampoule. 

Hyperpigmentation

“Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH, is the medical term we use to describe excess pigmentation that some experience as a mark after a breakout,” says Dr. Gaunche. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can  range from light to dark brown spots and is sometimes accompanied by redness as well. 

How to prevent: Anyone with darker skin tones are more prone to PIH. They have the tendency to produce more pigment in response to injury when compared to other races. “The sun on healing areas is a cofactor for hyperpigmentation,” she explains. It’s very important to wear SPF to avoid making these appear even darker, but just as important to avoid direct exposure to sunlight if possible. “Both are temporary, but can take months or years to fade away,” she says. 

How to treat: “We recommend creams with glycolic acid, low dose hydroquinone, arbutin or licorice extract, in addition to sunscreen,” she says. Bee venom, found in the Benton Snail Bee High Content Lotion, is a great ingredient for boosting collagen production, and thus diminishing acne scarring, as is vitamin C. 

As for help from a dermatologist, Dr. Guanche recommends a prescription-strength compounded topical product as well as a series of chemical peels to lighten excess pigmentation a lot faster.  “Also, controlling future breakouts and new spots with a great skin care regimen is important,” she adds.

The post How to Deal With and Treat Every Kind of Acne Scar appeared first on The Klog.

We’ve all probably dealt with acne at some point. You may have even tried acne specific treatments that dried out your skin, irritated it, and seemingly made it worse.

You may even be wondering if there are gentler, effective, and possibly even natural alternatives to the old acne standbys.

The post The Best Natural Ingredients For Acne appeared first on The Klog.

What is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is nothing new. In fact you’ve probably seen it populating the list of ingredients on your favorite skin care items for as long as you’ve been curating your routine.

This powerful and respected antifungal and antibacterial ingredient is produced through a steaming of the melaleuca alternifolia tree’s characteristically scented leaves. If you’ve ever used a product with tea tree oil, you’ve also likely noticed its distinct fresh and medicinal scent.

Tea tree oil isn’t only vetted by current scientific institutions, it’s also been vetted through centuries of usage. (That’s how you know something’s really good.) The usage of tea tree oil as a medicinal ingredient goes back hundreds of years, as Australian aboriginals used the essential oil to cure everything from coughs and colds to wounds and skin conditions. We love a multi-purpose product!

The Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

We all know tea tree oil is a miracle worker when it comes to solving recurring breakouts and whiteheads. We’ve seen the powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties in action in all of the acne fighting cleansers, sticks, masks, and toners we’ve accumulated throughout the years. Even scientific studies have shown that tea tree oil works just as well as benzoyl peroxide to rid our complexions of acne, with fewer side effects to boot!

Where does the Australian ingredient get all of it’s zit zapping benefits from? A trifecta of compounds: terpinen-4-ol, gamma-terpinene, and alpha-terpinene. Terpinen-4-ol, an organic terpene, works to suppress proinflammatory agents. Gamma-terpinene and alpha-terpinene, the terpinen-4-ol’s long lost terpene cousins, prohibit oxidation and protect the skin from free radicals. 

The three naturally occurring compounds band together to stop and slow Propionibacterium acnes, which is the annoying root of all of your pimple related concerns. Acwell’s pH Balancing Watery Cleansing Oil is a great example of the power of this trio, as this cleanser contains tea tree water and not only removes white heads from the skin, but dissolves deep seated blackheads too. 

Besides the impressive vanishing act it conducts on pimples, tea tree oil also boats antifungal properties, which leads to its usage in numerous medicinal creams and lotions.

What Skin Types Does Tea Tree Oil Benefit?

Normal and oily skin types work best with tea tree oil! Congestion prone skin benefits the most from this wonder oil. If you’re struggling with acne or rotating break outs, try Beton’s Tea Tree Serum or Some By Mi’s AHA-BHA-PHA 30Days Miracle Toner.

As this oil’s filled to the absolute brim with strong ingredients, those who have eczema and sensitive or easily irritated skin should shy away from using it. If this happens to describe your complexion to a tee, we recommend using products formulated with centella asiatica, a healing herb, that both protects the skin and discourages pimples.

The Bottom Line

We haven’t even seen half of what tea tree oil is truly capable of. Scientists are still digging into this compound rich derivative and exploring all of its applications.

An efficacious and naturally occurring ingredient that fights off acne and bacteria just as well as AHAs and BHAs, we can always count on this trifecta of terpenes, whether we apply it to our faces through the vehicles of handy sticks, serums, oil cleansers, or creams. This essential oil’s not going anywhere (and hasn’t for hundreds of years.)

The post Ingredient Spotlight: Tea Tree Oil, The Age-Old Acne Fighting Staple appeared first on The Klog.

You might be thinking…oils for acne-prone skin? This goes against everything you believe in! But oily and acne-prone skin types shouldn’t shy away from oils. They can be extremely effective at regulating sebum production and keeping acne at bay. It’s all about finding the right ones. We’ve compiled a list of the five best oils for acne-prone skin.

Why oil for acne-prone skin?

We’re not suggesting you take any oil and slather it on your face. Please don’t do that. There are very specific oils that can repair and protect skin from acne-causing bacteria. To do this, it’s best to look for those that are high in linoleic acid, AKA omega 6, an unsaturated fatty acid found within the skin’s surface lipids. This is because research has shown that those who suffer from acne usually also have lower levels of linoleic acid. When skin is low in this particular component, the sebum/oil in pores becomes thicker and more likely to clog pores, which you guessed it, can cause acne. To combat this, supplementing skin with oils that are higher in linoleic acid will help to balance sebum production as well as fight acne.

This doesn’t mean you have to cut off all oils with higher oleic acid entirely though. But you do want to look for those with a higher or more balanced ratio of linoleic to oleic acid. We’ve compiled a list of those with a more balanced ratio, as well as higher ratio of linoleic acid, for you here.

And if you’re thinking of trying an oil that isn’t on this list, you can easily Google the fatty acid composition of any oil and it can help you to see the different ratios. It’s also important to keep in mind the skin care benefits of each oil since some have more anti-aging properties rather than acne-fighting ones.

Camellia Seed Oil

Camellia seed oil actually has a higher oleic acid content but it also contains a good amount of linoleic, as well. Despite this, you might want to give this oil a chance since the molecular weight of it is similar to that of the skin, which means it absorbs easily without any greasy residue.

It’s packed with fatty acids, but more importantly, it’s packed with antioxidants that produce an anti-inflammatory effect. This means its perfect not only to hydrate acne-prone skin but also to soothe and calm any inflammation. Plus, it’s known to prevent premature aging, leaving your skin more elastic, brighter, and smoother.

The Erborian Dong Baek Camellia Essence actually contains 73 percent camellia seed oil, providing the skin with a high dose of antioxidants. These help to protect skin from environmental factors that can lead to premature aging. The high camellia seed content will also help to not only nourish the skin but calm any inflammation, soothing acne-prone skin and effectively fading redness. If you find the oil to be too heavy, it might be because you’re using too much. Start out slow and use less than you think you might need.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil is another oil that is actually more rich in oleic than linoleic acid but is still balanced enough to use on acne-prone skin. This is because, much like camellia seed oil, jojoba’s molecular composition is close to that of sebum making it readily absorbed into the skin. This is why products like the Klavuu Pure Pearlsation Divine Pearl Cleansing Oil use it to gently cleanse the skin since jojoba oil helps to get rid of excess dirt and sebum. Jojoba oil also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which work to keep acne at bay while also soothing any existing spots.

If you’re not really thrilled by the idea of slathering oil directly onto your skin, you can work your way up to it by using jojoba oil-rich products like the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream. This calming cream contains not only jojoba oil but yeast-derived beta glucan and ceramides which all work together to strengthen the skin’s barrier to protect your skin from acne-causing bacteria.

Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is extracted from the seed of fruit that blooms from the tamanu tree which is indigenous to southeast Asia. This oil has a similar ratio of oleic and linoleic acid, making it a great balance for acne-prone skin. Along with having amazing skin regenerative properties, which can help to diminish acne scars and pigmentation, this powerful oil is also antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal. This combo is perfect for those who suffer from acne since it will help to not only treat and prevent acne, but also repair the after effect of it as well, AKA acne scars.

The Farsali Volcanic Elixir is a great option for those interesting in trying this oil as it contains 100 percent pure Polynesian tamanu oil, which means no extra fillers, fragrances, or preservatives that could irritate sensitive skin. This oil is thicker and takes longer to absorb than jojoba or camellia seed oil so it’s best to use only a few drops.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is another excellent choice. This vitamin powerhouse is rich in linoleic acid and pro-vitamin A, which you can think of as a natural form of retinol since it’s effective at regenerating skin, getting rid of excess dead skin cells and sebum, as well as smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. At the same time, this oil is packed with antioxidants that protect skin from environmental stress that could lead to acne.

The RE:P Nutrinature Ultra Nourishing Cream contains this effective oil along with jojoba, olive, and grapeseed oils that work in tandem to brighten and renew the skin’s surface as well calm it by reducing inflammation and increasing the skin’s resiliency.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil also has a higher percentage of linoleic acid making it excellent for those who suffer from acne. This oil is known for its ability to soothe and calm skin which is why Charlotte Cho included it in the formula for the Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick. It’s gentle enough for those who suffer from sensitive or reactive skin. Along with the rest of the oils on this list, the higher linoleic acid in evening primrose oil will help to regulate oil production which will reduce clogged pores and acne.

The Bottom Line

Despite what you may have heard, oils can be extremely beneficial for those who suffer from acne -prone skin. From regulating oil production to repairing acne scars and pigmentation, these oils can help you to achieve the even, acne-free skin you’re looking for.

+What are your favorite oils for acne? Let us know in the comments below!

The post The 5 Best Oils for Acne-Prone Skin appeared first on The Klog.

Especially during times of stress, it can feel like skin care is the least important part of your day and an aspect you may gloss over. Other times, your skin care routine ends up being a valuable time for self-care and reflection; melting the stressors of the day away as you cleanse your face. There is no right or wrong way to think about your skin care routine at this time, and one day may not be like the next.

This month I reached out to friends in Korea and the US who work in various industries – from health care workers to “WFH” office environments – to talk about their current skin care challenges. From multi-masking and at-home facials to soothing ingredients like mugwort, below are some tips on how my friends (by skin type) have been approaching their skin care routines to cope with stressed and irritated skin. 

RELATED: At-Home Skin Care Activities and Face Mask Tips (If You Do Need to Go Outside)

Meena, Skin Type: Oily

I am paying way more attention to my skin care now! So far I haven’t noticed any “maskne,” but I have been paying extra attention to those areas covered by my face mask to prevent breakouts from any bacteria that may be lurking. I also reapply sunscreen since I’m home all day and my apartment gets a lot of sun. 

I’ve been doing a lot more masking, alternating with vitamin C masks, clay masks, overnight hydrating masks, sheet masks, and other AHA/BHA masks. Normally I would just do a clay mask on a Sunday but during quarantine I stocked up on some more masks to feel a bit more luxurious while adjusting to life at home. I plan on emerging from quarantine with my skin looking like a baby’s bottom!  

I have noticed my skin care routine has served as a moving meditation ritual in the morning. My A.M. skin care routine helps me separate my home mode of “breakfast/coffee” into work mode. At night my skin care routine helps me begin to wind down before bed. I never realized how hard I would lean on the routine to help me feel “normal.” It may seem ridiculous but sticking to my skin care routine has greatly helped my mental health. It has always been a stress reliever but now it has become almost meditative. 

Hyun-Ji, Skin Type: Normal-Combination

As a nurse, I wear a face mask up to 10 hours per day, for 4-5 days per week. Many of my colleagues and I have noticed an increase in acne, oiliness, irritation, and enlarged pores over the last 5 months, since we began to wear our face masks for longer hours.

To combat the changes to my skin condition, I’ve found that simplifying my skin care routine and using products with gentle ingredients has been helpful. I sometimes apply just 1-2 products to my skin after cleansing. My current favorite products include Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner, which gently exfoliates and hydrates skin, and hyaluronic acid products from THE LAB by Blanc Doux. 

Editor’s note: For comparable products, we recommend the Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Toner and the hyaluron line from Hanskin, including the Hyaluron Skin Essence and Real Complexion Hyaluron Moisture Cream.

Naomi, Skin Type: Combination, Sensitive

During the week, I wear a face mask 3-4 hours per day, primarily during my work commute. I noticed that my cheeks are sometimes inflamed if I wear a mask for prolonged hours.

The best solution I’ve found for reducing inflammation, outside of decreasing the amount of time I wear a face mask, is to use products formulated with my favorite ingredient: mugwort. Mugwort helps calm redness and I find that it helps soothe my skin even when it’s at its most sensitive.

RELATED: Mugwort Skin Care Products to Calm Your Sensitive Skin

Sonia, Skin Type: Dry

Like many people, right now I have a lot of things on my mind beyond my skin care routine. I’ve diligently followed a morning and evening skin care routine for many years and I’m finding that I can lean on these habits right now. Rather than having to remind myself to do my skin care routine or apply SPF daily, these habits are already built into my daily routine.

Some days, while using my oil cleanser I’ll do a relaxing facial massage as a great way to relieve tension in my jaw. Other days I feel like a zombie just going through the steps of my skin care routine while my mind is on other things. And, to me, both are okay.

If you’re able to find a skin care routine that you can build into your daily routine, I think it’s a great way to establish some habits you can stick to, especially during more stressful times.

The post How to Cope with Stressed Skin and ‘Maskne’ (Mask-Induced Acne) appeared first on The Klog.

First, I’ve got to give you the standard warning. We do not advise popping your pimples as it can lead to unnecessary scarring. But the reality is that sometimes it happens. You either have a big event coming up or you can’t stand seeing whiteheads. Sometimes pimples can even pop on their own. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Because of this, you’ll want to know how to care of your pimple so you can keep things as clean and scar-free as possible. Here’s our trusty guide.

Cleanse

We don’t usually think of pimples this way, but a popped one is actually an open wound. This means you should disinfect it like you would a cut or a scrape. Using a soothing cleansing water or gentle foam will ensure you’re starting with a clean canvas.

The Solved Skincare Coconut Water Cleansing Foam is an excellent choice. This cleansing water whisks away impurities that could infect the newly popped pimple. Plus, it will also soothe the skin at the same time, thanks to the addition of coconut water. This is exactly what you want when you’re dealing with irritated skin.

Soothe

Usually, the first sign of irritation is redness and inflammation. Quickly calming inflamed skin will reduce your chances of scarring. To bring it down, you can ice it immediately after popping.

Another option is to “try using a warm compress on the pimple for about 30 seconds a few times a day,” says dermatologist Annie Chiu. This encourages a pimple to drain, which will get rid of it faster. Whichever method you choose, they’ll both dramatically reduce inflammation and prevent scarring.

Treat

A pimple’s healing process relies entirely on the after-care. Using products that boost cell regeneration reduces the potential for acne marks. Stay away from exfoliating ingredients; they can actually increase irritation.

A great choices is the Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum. It contains traditional Korean hanbang ingredients, like green tea and centella asiatica, to restore skin harmony. This high-quality serum will soothe and improve the skin, helping to stop the marks before they set. It’ll also get to work on brightening other pre-existing acne marks.

Another excellent option is the Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Ampoule. This healing serum contains 65 percent snail slime extract, a powerful ingredient that speeds up the healing process and lightens any hyperpigmentation. It also contains EGF to further increase cell repair and at the same time smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Moisturize

Another way to heal your skin is by making sure your moisture barrier is intact. When this is off balance, your skin takes longer to repair itself. It also becomes more prone to redness and irritation. You can avoid this by hydrating your skin, which will actually increase your skin’s resilience.

The Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Cream is a moisturizer that contains houttuynia cordata and madecassoside. These ingredients work together to soothe irritation and repair skin damage. It’s also formulated without artificial fragrances and colors, parabens, sulfates, animal products, alcohol, or mineral oils. This cream is perfect for reinforcing your skin barrier and targeting inflammation.

The Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream is another option to hydrate acne-prone skin. It contains guaiazulene, a powerful skin-calming ingredient extracted from chamomile oil. This blue-hued ingredient works alongside centella to hydrate and relieve irritation.

Another tip is to use a soothing sheet mask meant for acne-prone skin. I have definitely popped a pimple or two before and I’ve learned from experience that sheet masks are a great way to calm and moisturize skin fast. They’re, of course, not going to make your bumps disappear in minutes, but it does calm everything down.

Protect

For some skin types, scarring is common, but you can reduce the chances of it by applying SPF. Remember: Sun exposure can actually darken acne scars! So, it’s imperative that you remember to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. The Dr. Oracle A-Thera Sunblock SPF 50 is essential for acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with skin-soothing centella asiatica and hydrating bamboo water. The lightweight formula will provide the perfect amount of moisture so you can protect your skin without worrying about looking oily throughout the day.

Another way to protect your skin is by not touching it! If you continue to pick at your blemishes while they’re healing, you’ll just be signing yourself up for acne scars. The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch protects your spots from bacteria but also from your wandering hands! Just apply it to your blemishes and it will help absorb any gunk overnight.

Bottom Line

The reality is that people will pop their pimples no matter how much advice they read telling them not to. If you do happen to indulge in this guilty pleasure, it’s important to have a post-care routine that will soothe and repair the skin so you can decrease the chances of scarring!

The post How to Prevent Scarring After You’ve Popped a Pimple appeared first on The Klog.