As the mother of a pre-teen, I’ve been bracing myself to deal with pimples. I know that hormones can wreak havoc on the skin — and not just for teens. In fact, when I was pregnant, I suffered from acne far worse than anything I experienced in high school.Luckily, acne care has come a long way since my teenage days, when neon-blue astringent was the weapon of choice. Here are a few tips for making smart choices in the modern-day skin-care aisle:
Skip synthetic fragrances and other potential irritants. Contrary to popular belief, acne care doesn't have to sting to be effective!
Look for soothing botanical ingredients, such as aloe and calendula.
Ditch products that over-dry your skin. Although it may seem counterintuitive, dry skin can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
Don’t forget to moisturize. Yes, even acne-prone skin can still benefit from a nourishing moisturizer. Look for lightweight or oil-free formulas.
Consider products with salicylic acid. According to the National Institutes of Health opens in a new tab, “topical salicylic acid treats acne by reducing swelling and redness and unplugging blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink.”
Alba Botanica AcneDote products contain 2% salicylic acid derived from willow bark extract. Two percent is the maximum over-the-counter concentration to support healthy pores. The AcneDote line includes a range of convenient products, from Daily Cleansing Towelettes to Invisible Treatment Gel.Bonus: now through September 30, Whole Foods Market® is pleased to offer a $2.00 off coupon for all products in the Alba Botanica AcneDote line. Scroll down to find this and other coupons on our Sensitive Skin web page opens in a new tab, print the coupon and bring it to the store or find it in the back of our free Hello Beauty body care guide (available in the Whole Body department).
Do you have tips for parents who are entering the acne years with their kids? I’d love to hear your stories!
