Taking care of your skin is a great habit to develop.

You may have vivid memories of when you were a teen, and acne breakouts always seemed to happen at the most inconvenient of times. You may also remember the skin care rituals you went through to try to keep the pimples at bay.

As an adult, you still need to maintain a good skin care regimen. The physicians at May River Dermatology in Bluffton, South Carolina have some professional tips for keeping your skin fresh and clean.

Clean routine 

Whether or not you’re prone to breakouts, it’s important to wash your face in the morning and evening every day. You clear away impurities, sloughed-off skin cells, and excess oil, leaving your face looking and feeling fresh. Your Bluffton dermatologists advise against vigorous scrubbing with coarse sponges or washcloths; warm water and a mild facial cleanser are the only two things you really need for proper skin care. You can also use a headband or clip to keep your hair away from your face. Apply the cleanser gently with the tips of your fingers and cup water into your hands to rinse. Pat dry with a clean towel afterward.

Product proportion
Many of the over-the-counter products aimed at combating acne will dry the skin out. The staff at May River Dermatology suggest moisturizing after using anti-acne products, especially those that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Make sure that your moisturizer is oil-free and “noncomedogenic,” which should be indicated on its label. This means it’s been designed not to clog your pores.
Wearing makeup is a great way to enhance the natural beauty of your skin, but make sure your cosmetics are also noncomedogenic and oil-free. If you’re experiencing a breakout, let your skin breathe and don’t use facial products like blush, powder and foundation until it’s cleared up. It’s especially important to follow the face washing instructions above if you use makeup.

Hands off!

If you do have a pimple, don’t give into the temptation to pick at it. You’ll only cause it to become more inflamed and in some cases, the area can become permanently scarred, according to your Bluffton dermatologist.

The entire staff at May River Dermatology, including Drs. Carmen Traywick and Dale Sarradet, is available for further consultations on facial skin care. Call your dermatology experts today  at (843) 837-4400 to set up an appointment at our Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, SC locations!