For women everywhere, acne is a very normal occurrence. But when you’re dealing with acne on top of sensitive skin, that can be a whole other challenge.

Because for one thing, acne is a lot of things: it can cause a lot of physical discomfort, yes, but it can also create mental discomfort, with thoughts like “I’m not a teenager anymore, shouldn’t my acne days be over?” or “what am I doing wrong?”

Not to mention that if your skin’s already sensitive, any attempt at treating breakouts may just exacerbate irritation.

If you’ve ever dealt with similar issues, know that you’re not alone, and clearing your skin is absolutely possible.

Today, we're discussing acne and skin sensitivity: causes and solutions.

Before we get into it though, it’s very important to clarify that while we are a beauty company that formulates skincare, we are not licensed experts, and if you’re experiencing irregular breakouts, sensitivity, or acne, you should always consult your dermatologist or esthetician about the best way to handle it.

What Causes Acne and Sensitive Skin?

This is an incredibly prevalent question, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

At its core, acne is a condition cause by specific hormones known as androgens, and because of their tendency to increase during puberty, we often associate acne with teenagers. 

However, it’s just not accurate to assign acne as an adolescent occurrence, because this stigmatizes cases for adults.

And spoiler: acne can happen at any time in your adult life.

Also, a number of things can lead to acne, whether it’s stress, certain foods, or a reaction to a topical substance. Whatever the case, though, this is what’s happening at the core.

With sensitive skin, however, the cause can be far more convoluted and can be triggered by a number of factors.

For this reason, it really is best to consult a dermatologist in order to discern what’s causing your skin sensitivity. However, iwe recommend that those who experience skin sensitivity and acne avoid sulfates, fragrances, silicones and dyes, since these can all irritate skin further.

What to Do for Acne, Breakouts and Sensitive Skin

So what’s one to do when they’re experiencing acne on top of sensitive skin?

As mentioned before, there’s no single cure that’s going to work for everyone, because the cause of acne and skin sensitivity is different for everyone. 

But there are a few approaches that are gentle enough that you can try.

• Choose the Right Cleanser: Start with a cleanser specially formulated for acne-prone and sensitive skin. This seemingly small change can have a significant impact because you use your cleanser daily. Look for a product with a formula free from potentially irritating ingredients to minimize daily exposure to harsh substances.

• Avoid Abrasive Cleansers: It might be tempting to use abrasive, scrubby cleansers on your acne, but such harsh treatments can harm your sensitive skin further. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser.

• Use Gentle Moisturizers: Keep your skincare routine simple by using moisturizers that are gentle on acne-prone skin. Look for products with lightweight, gel-like textures and steer clear of those containing heavy oils or ultra-creamy formulations.

• Beware of Silicones: While silicones can provide a temporary flawless appearance to your skin, they may not be the best choice in the long run. Silicones can clog pores and potentially disrupt the generation of new skin cells, leaving your skin dry and dull. Looks for silicone-free products.

Conclusion

Whatever you do, though, make sure you’re focusing on what’s gentle on your skin. Incorporating new products won't help heal acne if your skin isn't in a state to actively heal.

Consider using Emani Vegan Cosmetics' Starting Kits, like the Clear Skin Starter Kit and Perfect Skin Kit, to embark on your journey toward radiant, blemish-free skin.

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