Forget almost everything you believe about treating acne. Unlearn the routine of yore, where pimples were manhandled, stripped back with grainy scrubs and astringents, starved of all moisture, then nuked with alcohol or a peroxide paste that caused instant smarting and wincing.
Experts are now tackling acne with kid gloves. According to dermatologist Justine Hextall: “We are much more aware of the subtle differences in a blemish-prone skin. Not every presentation is an oily teenager with bulletproof skin that can tolerate alcohol-based washes alongside benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating acids and scrubs. For many, this skincare approach is the opposite of what is needed, and will be deleterious to skin.”
