My top suggestion for acne are my AN Exfoliating Pads. These pads are incredible for breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, mask acne, congestion, and oil! They gently exfoliate the skin to remove dirt and debris from deep down in the pores, which can help alleviate and heal acne faster.
So what does "exfoliation" have to do with acne? And what is found in these pads that help acne so much? Well, let's start with exfoliation and what that even means! In simple terms, exfoliation means the removal of dead skin cells. An exfoliant, such as an Exfoliating pad, reduces the amount of dead cell build-up on the skin.
Now, our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells through a process called Desquamation (sounds fancy!). But, in people who experience acne, this process tends to not work as effectively, therefore dead skin cells get trapped and cause congestion. This plugs up the pores and then can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, acne, and congestion, thanks to trapped skin cells and sebum (oil).
There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants are things like scrubs for example. They physically exfoliate the skin. Now, to be honest, I don't LOVE this type of exfoliant to be used daily, as it can often irritate the skin or inflame acne more. This is why I prefer chemical exfoliants, aka Exfoliating pads! Chemical exfoliation is where the skin sloughs dead cells, thanks to acids or enzymes that improve the skin. These acids and enzymes loosen the skin cells that need to say bye-bye, and help unclog pores and remove dirt and debris.
My personal favorite acids that do an impressive job of exfoliating the skin include: alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids or AHAs and BHAs. AHAs include things like glycolic acid and lactic acid, and BHAs include salicylic acid. All 3 of these ingredients are found in the AN Exfoliating pads, which help clear out pores.
A few other mentionable ingredients in these pads include Beta Glucan and Allantoin. Beta Glucan helps speed up wound healing (aka heals acne faster!), reduces skin irritation and redness, soothes the skin, and plumps the skin as well! Allantoin is similar to Beta Glucan and also helps soothe the skin, heal wounds, and moisturizes the skin as well. So not only do Exfoliating pads help with exfoliation and clearing pores, but they can also soothe and heal breakouts, too!
So how do you use these? Well, exfoliating pads are best when used consistently. At first, begin with using them 3x a week. If your skin tolerates them fine (no redness, dryness, irritation), then you can bump up to daily use. Do not use these pads paired with other acne products, AHAs and BHAs or active serums as it can cause irritation. Always apply pads to clean, dry skin, and you can use them anywhere on the face or body!
Exfoliating pads are an easy and convenient product to add into your skincare routine for clear, healthy skin!
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