A Delicate Approach: Managing Acne for Sensitive Skin

In a world obsessed with flawless-looking skin, dealing with acne can be tough. If you have sensitive skin, the challenge becomes even more daunting. Those with acne and sensitive skin often encounter issues such as burning, stinging, redness, peeling, and overall irritation. These discomforts can make the quest for clear skin feel like an uphill battle. 

At Source Vitál, we understand the importance of balancing the need to treat acne while being mindful of sensitive skin. We’ve developed some gentle strategies to help you conquer acne while keeping the delicate nature of your skin in mind. 

Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to know about treating acne while having sensitive skin. 

What is Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin refers to a skin type where the skin may react more sensitively to external factors, such as harsh skincare products, fragrances, or even environmental factors. Those with sensitive skin may experience sensations like itching, burning, or tightness. Sensitive skin may exhibit signs of redness, flakiness, dryness, or small bumps. A gentle skincare regimen and the use of specialized products may help to maintain its health and comfort.

At Source Vitál Apothecary, we believe that sensitive skin is indicative of weakened skin. Before attaining healthier skin, engaging in activities that exercise, strengthen, and fortify this type of skin is essential.

What is Acne-Prone Skin?

Acne-prone skin refers to skin that is more susceptible to developing acne or breakouts. People who experience acne skin may produce excess oil, leading to clogged pores and the formation of pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. Acne-prone skin may appear red, inflamed, and have a bumpy texture. Hormonal changes, stress, and certain skincare or cosmetic products may contribute to the development of acne.

Tips for Tackling Acne While Having Sensitive Skin

Patch Test New Products

Before incorporating any new skincare products into your routine, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product to a less visible area of your skin, such as behind your ear or on your forearm. Wait 24 to 48 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur, such as redness, itching, or irritation. If no reaction occurs, it should be safe to use the product. 

Be mindful of potential irritants in your skincare products, such as fragrances, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.

Cleanse Gently

Use a mild cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive skin with gentle ingredients. One of the primary reasons why dry and sensitive skin becomes irritated is excessive cleansing using an inappropriate cleanser for your skin type. For sensitive skin, Source Vitál recommends our Lavender Cleanser. Our carefully crafted oil-based cleanser is designed to be extremely gentle and is formulated with pure, all-natural ingredients selected specifically to cater to the needs of delicate skin types.

When cleansing, it’s also important to avoid harsh scrubbing or using hot water, as these can further irritate your skin and worsen acne.

Moisturize Regularly

Even if you have oily or acne-prone skin, moisturizing is crucial. Although it may seem counterintuitive to slather on hydration when dealing with breakouts and skin sensitivities, the importance of moisturizing cannot be overstated. While it's tempting to strip the skin of all oils in an attempt to banish acne, this approach often backfires, leading to dryness and irritation. Moisturizing is essential to maintain a healthy skin barrier, which protects against external aggressors. A well-hydrated complexion helps to regulate sebum production, reducing the likelihood of clogged pores and future breakouts. 

For the most sensitive skin types, we recommend our Face Cream Unscented. This lightweight moisturizer is free from essential oils and fragrances, making it an ideal choice for even the most delicate skin types. Its unique formula combines hydrating botanical oils and plant-based extracts, specifically selected for their ability to shield against irritations. 

Spot Treat with Care

When treating acne, it’s crucial to choose spot treatments that are suitable for sensitive skin. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if tolerated. Avoid using multiple acne treatments simultaneously, as they can cause dryness and further irritate your skin.

For a gentle alternative to an acne spot treatment, use our Acne & Blemish Infusion. When used regularly, it helps eliminate visible breakouts caused by acne or oily, congested skin, resulting in a healthier, clearer complexion. It can also be applied to areas like the back, chest, and arms where breakouts occur. Ideal for those with oily, congested, and acne-prone skin, it can be used to target individual blemishes on all skin types or applied all over the face and affected areas with excessive breakouts, such as full-face acne.

For use as a spot treatment, apply 1 drop of Acne & Blemish Infusion directly to each blemish. Best to use 4-5 applications daily on active breakouts. To care for larger areas, such as the full face or the back, mix 6-7 drops with 7 sprays of Source Vitál Sea Tonic and apply to congested areas.

Be Gentle with Exfoliation

Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, but it's crucial to be gentle. Avoid harsh scrubs or abrasive exfoliants that can cause irritation. Instead, choose gentle exfoliating products with natural ingredients. Start with a low concentration and gradually increase if well-tolerated.

Our natural alternative to abrasive glycolic chemical peels, Aroma Peel, is specifically formulated to gently enhance the qualities of healthy and youthful skin. This peel serves as a mild yet effective exfoliant, catering to all skin types, and unveiling a radiant and clear complexion. Combining a potent mixture of pure, concentrated essential oils, this peel effectively eliminates dead skin cells and reduces the appearance of congestion and dullness. The outcome is a smoother, revitalized, and restored complexion. 

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from within. Also, maintain a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of processed foods and sugar, as they can potentially worsen acne. Manage stress levels through exercise, meditation, or mindfulness, as stress can contribute to acne breakouts.

Additionally, sun protection is crucial, even if you have acne and sensitive skin. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, especially when outdoors.

Struggling with acne while having sensitive skin can be a challenge, but not all hope is lost! We hope some of our tips can help you feel more confident and secure in your skin. 

What additional tips do you have if you have sensitive and acne-prone skin? Let us know in the comments!