How to care for sensitive acne-prone skin

Skin is rarely just one thing (as we keep repeating over and over again). One of the trickier propositions is treating sensitive skin prone to breakouts and acne. It is vital to keep the skin in balance and keep it calm. But, you want products that are effective in treating breakouts. And some products developed to treat acne can be harsh on the skin. How do you treat sensitive acne-prone skin effectively? What should you look for, and what should you avoid in products?

Choose your cleanser carefully

Stroll around your local high street beauty shop, and you are bound to find numerous cleansers that treat spots. However, steer clear of anything that will dry out the skin further as that can lead to the overproduction of oil. Likewise, these types of cleansers can lead to more irritation. The last thing you need is to disrupt the moisture barrier. Look for cleansers without harsh surfactants and with gentle cleansing agents to leave the skin feeling soft and comfortable. When it comes to cleansing, steer clear of cleansing brushes and abrasive scrubs.

What triggers the sensitivity

If you had a problem with sensitive skin for a while, you know what triggers it. It could be a specific ingredient, fragrance, alcohol, or essential oil - the options are endless since skincare is such an individual thing. It very well might be the change in weather, season, or testing out a new product. The best thing to do is to go back to your baseline routine and avoid actives until things calm down. Look for soothing ingredients like Ceramides, bisabolol, Beta-Glucan, Green, or White Tea extract to reduce inflammation.

You still need hydration

Regardless of your skin type, skin still needs hydration. If you are both sensitive and acne-prone, we understand you might want to avoid heavier moisturisers because you fear congestion and potential breakouts. But lighter lotions, emulsions, or oil-free gels should do the trick. Likewise, due to the Korean influence, the skincare market offers plenty of watery lotions and essences for an extra hydrating layer that won't clog the skin. Often, these products contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and prebiotics that calm the skin and strengthen the skin's barrier.

Ishtar products to try

Ishtar products that address the needs of combination and oily skin that is both sensitive and breakout-prone include:

Trizyme Pore Refining Treatment

 Trizyme Pore Refining Treatment is an oil-free formula that combines botanical enzymes and Aspen Bark extract to calm inflammation and clarify the pores. Pumpkin, Pomegranate, and Papaya enzymes scavenge dead skin cells to gently exfoliate and improve the skin's texture. Aspen Bark extract (1% Beta-Hydroxy acid) contains natural salicylates to calm inflammation and clarify the pores. It works deep in the pores to remove oily deposits.

Brighten-Up Pigment Correcting Fluid

 Our Brighten-Up fluid is a light formula that packs a punch with a unique blend of actives to prevent new blemishes and treat existing hyperpigmentation. Chromabright ™ (Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate) is a powerful active present in several high-end formulas. It treats hyperpigmentation without sensitising the skin. Brighten-Up fluid also contains 4% Niacinamide (vitamin B3) to prevent new breakouts, regulate sebum production, soothe inflammation, and fade hyperpigmentation. Bisabolol is another anti-inflammatory ingredient and often found in formulas designed for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. The formula also contains Green Tea extract and Beta-Glucan.