The SOS Kit: How to Pair a Pimple Gel with a Soothing Barrier Repair Routine

An acne breakout occurs but it is not just acne. Along with it comes redness, skin irritation, inflammation. The skin gets so tight and dry sometimes that it can cause irritation even on waging your face. This can disrupt the skin barrier. Pimples when occur repeatedly it worsens the condition.

What most people do is, they start using anything and everything they find for pimple reduction. It does not help at all. This approach might seem right at the moment but it is not. Overusing active ingredients can weaken the skin barrier and cause skin concerns.

The right approach for acne care is not a single product. A pimple gel can be useful for acne control but it needs to be paired up with the right barrier repair routine. You need a targeted approach for acne along with a barrier repair routine that helps in protecting and improving the skin barrier. This makes an overall approach for acne care that actually helps.

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier is basically the stratum corneum layer of the skin. It is the outermost layer of skin that functions as a protective layer. It performs as a barrier by:

Locking in the skin moisture
Protecting skin from pollution and environmental changes
Protecting from bacterial infection
Supporting skin healing

If the barrier of the skin gets disrupted by any acne control products or other reasons. Skin gets more prone to breakouts, dullness, irritation and inflammation. It also causes dryness in the skin.

Why is only spot treatment not enough?

Most acne spot treatments perform their action in many ways. It functions by removing excess oil, killing acne causing bacteria or gently exfoliating clogged pores. That’s necessary for acne control but these ingredients are also quite drying and can be a bit irritating if used without barrier protection. The area around pimple is already inflamed, and using harsh agents on top without any skin barrier support routine can:

It can cause damage to the skin barrier
Causes peeling, flaking or an irritating sensation
Causes post-inflammatory redness or dark marks that can last for a long period of time
Result in repeated cycles of breakouts

Steps for a barrier repair routine

For AM routine

Step 1: Cleanse: Wash your face with lukewarm water. Select a gentle cleanser. Apply it to the face and massage gently without over rubbing which can strip away skin barrier. After that, wash it off with water. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Step 2: Pimple gel: Now take your gel and apply it only to the targeted areas with pimples and redness. A salicylic acid gel to reduce pimple redness can be used for reducing redness and inflammation due to pimples on the face. You just need to apply it to the targeted areas of the face and not the whole face. Let the gel dry properly before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Moisturize: Now you need to select a barrier repair moisturizer and then apply it to the face. Such a moisturizer may provide hydration to the face along with reducing the redness and irritation due to acne. This kind of barrier repair moisturizer may contain ingredients like ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid etc.
Step 4: Sun protection: This becomes the most important step while going out. For protecting your skin from the UV radiations of the sun applying a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen becomes ideal. You need to apply sunscreen after moisturizing and apply it at least 15-20 minutes before stepping out.

For PM routine

Step 1: Double cleanse: Start by cleansing your face firstly with micellar water to remove any makeup or sunscreen application. After that follow by using a gentle face wash and rinse it off with water.
Step 2: Pimple care: Now take your salicylic acid gel and apply it to the targeted areas with pimples and redness. Avoid rubbing. Just dab it in a very gentle way. Let it absorb into the skin.
Step 3: Barrier cream: Apply a barrier repair cream to the face and neck. Apply and massage it on the face properly. This helps to lock in moisture and prevent any damage to the skin.

Mistakes to avoid

For keeping your barrier repair function intact and reducing skin irritation you need to avoid certain habits.

Picking or popping pimples frequently
Skipping SPF
Avoiding moisturizer
Using comedogenic products
Using multiple active ingredients together

Regular habits to adapt to ensure a healthy skin

For enhancing the barrier repair function of the skin. You can incorporate some healthy habits like

Sleeping for adequate hours
Managing stress
Drinking plenty water
Having a balanced diet
Avoiding touching face frequently

Last thoughts

Taking care of acne is important but it does not mean that you keep on using harsh activities without thinking about the skin barrier. You must pair up your acne care product with supporting barrier repair products in order to protect the skin from further concerns. Pairing targeted acne care with a barrier repair routine helps you clear acne faster, avoid skin irritation and redness, and keep your skin’s moisture barrier intact.