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Cleanse twice a day
While we don’t know the exact reason some people develop acne and others don’t, we know that acne tends to develop when hair follicles in the skin become clogged thanks to our sebaceous glands producing too much of an oily substance called sebum. When blocked follicles become inflamed or infected, painful cysts can appear which is why it’s so important to cleanse the face and body regularly, to keep bacteria at bay. Getting into the habit of a thorough face and body cleanse morning and night is important, especially if you work in a polluted area, wear makeup daily (including body makeup) or have been sweating, as this can make acne worse. Our light, gel-like Dove Body Love Acne Clear Body Cleanser is formulated with salicylic acid and bamboo extract to help clear acne and prevent new blemishes from appearing.
Exfoliate gently
While regular exfoliation is great for most skin types, those with acne should be mindful of over-exfoliating or rubbing skin too hard. Vigorous scrubbing can make skin angry, as can popping or picking pimples. Gentle exfoliation, however, helps lift away surface debris which can plug follicles and exacerbate acne. Choose a gentle option to lightly buff away surface grease, bacteria and dead skin cells, like our Dove Exfoliating Body Polish (we love the ‘moderate’ strength, with Pomegranate Seeds and Shea Butter). PH-balanced and formulated with naturally-derived cleansers, expect instant skin softness and lasting smoothness.
Avoid hot temperatures
Sorry sun-worshippers, it might be time to rethink. Ever noticed how acne seems to get worse in the summer months? Hot temperatures can worsen acne, since hot, humid weather usually means more sweat and oil accumulation on skin, which in turn leads to blocked pores. Regularly wiping or touching skin can spread bacteria too, which isn’t a great combination. Try to avoid extreme temperatures where possible. This includes showers, since very hot or very cold showers can make acne worse. Instead, stick to washing in lukewarm water and if you do overheat or get sweaty – at the gym or on vacation for example – don’t leave it too long before showering (our Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar is a great gym or travel companion).
Moisturize
It’s tempting to skip moisturizing when skin feels oily or greasy but moisturizing regularly is vital for anyone with acne. If skin becomes dry, our body produces more oil to compensate, which can lead to more breakouts. Choosing a moisturizer that works for your skin type will stop it from becoming dry and irritated, breaking the vicious cycle. Try our fragrance-free Dove Body Love Sensitive Care Body Lotion which soothes and cares for dry, sensitive skin.
Don’t forget the SPF
Did you know that some acne medications can make the skin extra sensitive to ultraviolet light? Even if you’re not taking acne medication, it’s still important to use plenty of SPF. As well as protecting us from skin cancer and premature aging, wearing SPF is especially important for acne sufferers because UV exposure from the sun can damage our skin’s natural barrier and cause dryness. This results in an increase in oil production, triggering unwanted breakouts and acne flare-ups. Exactly what we don’t want. Keep SPF to hand when the sun comes out – just choose a non-comedogenic version (AKA one that won’t clog pores) where possible.
Try for yourself
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I have accomplished things that I am proud of and that is what gives me my confidence and my beauty."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
You aren’t meant to fade into the background."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Your worth has nothing to do with your weight."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
It was only when I realized that what makes you different and unique also makes you beautiful, that’s when my confidence grew."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
My beauty routine starts with embracing my own natural beauty and its uniqueness."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Real beauty to me means challenging yourself to do the things you can’t and showing yourself kindness along the way."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I have stopped trying so hard to fit in - my beautiful personality is written all over my face and that’s the only beauty I need."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I learned that beauty is from the heart, it’s all about kindness."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I don't often see dark skin in the media, and skin conditions even less so. I want everyone to see that being a Black woman with vitiligo is a source of resilience and pride."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Growing up as a transgender woman, I was pressured to change who I was to fit others' ideas about who a woman should be. Now I'm representing myself and my beauty on my own terms."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I want to shatter the stereotype that I need breasts to look like a woman. Choosing to live flat after my mastectomy has made be stronger and more confidenand that's truly beautiful."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I've carried three babies in this belly, and earned every grey hair. I want all mothers to see that their bodies are perfect just the way they are."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
There's a lot of pressure for women to 'act their age'. I want to show that aging means continually growing and experiencing life beautifully."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Femininity is often depicted as a formula - cut your hair like this, wear that. To me, it's about loving yourself fearlessly for who you are."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Growing up, I never saw women wearing hijabs in media & advertising. Now girls can see me, achieving my career goals and defining beauty on my own terms."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I grew up surrounded by narrow ideas about how a woman should look and what she could be. I’ve overcome those limits and make no apologies for embracing my ambition and my natural beauty."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I'm not worried about fitting into anyone else's ideas of beauty. As a brown-skinned multi-media creator, I want to redefine beauty to include all of us in the melanin pride community."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Women with Alopecia often feel that baldness will hold them back from realizing their full personal and professional potential. Showing the beauty of bald women helps open doors for us to opportunities that others take for granted."