Before you can prevent it, you must first understand why Acne “zits” or blackheads form in the first place. Acne is not due to a single event (like eating a box of chocolates) but the result of multiple steps going “wrong” in the skin. It is a disorder of keratinization, or dysfunctional formation of the cells lining the gland beneath the skin’s surface.

Under normal circumstances the cells lining the neck of the sebaceous gland should invisibly exfoliate onto the skin's surface through the pore. But these cells have a sticky surface, causing them to form a plug and preventing spontaneous exfoliation within the gland. At the same time the plug has formed, androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make extra oil. The bacteria that live within these glands are essentially served a feast of oil, so they proliferate. The gland is plugged, the oils continue to form, more bacteria form and inflammation occurs.

This chain of events must be interrupted to clear and prevent recurrences. Regular, daily cleansing and removal of make-up, dirt and debris is the first step. Try using a cleanser specifically formulated for oily skin and acne prevention like DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' aha/bha acne cleanser. This cleanser has a soap-free, pH balanced, creamy base to dissolve and exfoliate pore-plugging debris, curb bacteria growth and control oil production. Use morning and night to keep skin as clean as possible.

Follow cleansing with an acne targeting, exfoliating serum. DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' acne control serum targets all five points of blemish development, disrupting acne formation by exfoliating pore plugging debris. Patented polymers absorb excess surface oils and keep skin mattified.

If you have regular, ongoing issues with blackheads, try DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' intensive blackhead treatment. This biphasic formulation targets blackheads at their source, providing both rapid and long-term impact. Potent astringents provide rapid improvement in the appearance of pores. Long-term relief is achieved as this intensified medicated therapy deeply penetrates pores, eliminating trapped dirt, oils and pore-plugging debris.

Since acne-prone skin tends to be oily, you don’t want to use a moisturizer that is too heavy or greasy that may further contribute to the problem. Opt instead for a light cream specifically designed for this skin type or a serum like our Dermadoctor Wrinkle Revenge Ultimate Hyaleronic Acid Serum. 

If enlarged pores are an issue for you as well, include DERMAdoctor Picture Porefect pore minimizer. While a pore’s physical diameter cannot be changed, Picture Porefect is proven to help pores appear smaller by removing excess skin oils, cropping out blackheads and smoothing out edges. Sebum Sequestering Micro-Particles “soak up” excess sebum produced by sebaceous oil glands. It can be applied all over the face or as a spot treatment and reduces the appearance of pore size immediately.

Aside from including these steps in your daily skincare regimen, try to eat well and avoid heavy carbohydrates (like sugar and white flour) and fried foods. Avoid touching your face or resting your face on your hands, which can exacerbate breakouts.

Don’t wait until the big day to try to get your skin in good condition. Start now so your complexion is clear for the most romantic night of the year.

By Amy Burger
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

This content is sponsored by DERMAdoctor. The author receives compensation for its creation. All content is the legal copyright of DERMAdoctor, Inc, and it may not be used, reprinted, or published without written consent.

The information provided is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal or other professional advice.