How to get rid of acne?
Acne is a common dermatologic problem. Even if it’s not harmful, most of us feel insecure and lose self-confidence because of that. Today, you will learn how to do to get rid of acne but also what you need to do or don’t do for your skin getting better.
Where does acne come from?
Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous follicle which associates several well identified anomalies:
- Hyperproduction of sebum: this is an oily secretion produced by the sebaceous gland, active under the influence of hormones (androgens).
- An obstruction of the follicular canal preventing the normal elimination of sebum with the formation of micro-cysts or blackheads.
- Inflammation due to the proliferation of microbial agents
Causing those lovely pimples that we know so well…
Types of acne:
There are many types of acne but most of the time, people tend to have retentional acne or inflammatory acne.
Retention acne can be recognized by the oily appearance of the skin, the dilation of the pores and the appearance of blackheads (comedones) and whiteheads (microcysts). Subsequently, retention acne can develop into inflammatory acne. The blackheads then turn into large, red, often painful pimples.
There is also cystic acne: red pimples (papules and pustules) develop into deeper lesions, nodules and cysts. Cystic acne is very difficult to treat and requires consultation with a dermatologist. The pimples are inaccessible and can leave serious scars.
Which are the causes?
- Food: Avoid dairy products and sugary foods
- Tobacco: Smoking promotes acne by causing oxidative stress in the skin and changing the composition of sebum.
- Medicines: Some medicines such as antidepressants, antiepileptics and steroids, promote acne
- Inappropriate skin care: Aggressive cleansing lotions, soap and water that is too hot can destroy the skin's natural balance. Some skin care and make-up products are also oily and comedogenic.
- Stress: Some researchers believe that stress may induce our body to increase its production of insulin, which in turn stimulates excessive sebum production.
- Friction: Prolonged skin pressure and friction can make acne worse. Mechanical acne is caused by clothing or belts that are too tight and hold perspiration against the skin. The irritation caused by sweating increases sebum production and leads to blemishes.
- Sun: Acne sufferers may think that their skin condition improves in the sun, but most experts agree that UV rays make acne worse.
- Hormones: Hormonal imbalance (related to puberty, menopause,…) can be the cause of the appearance of acne, the production of androgens leading to an excess of sebum in the sebaceous glands.
- …
Which are the best ingredients against acne?
- Benzoyl peroxide: kills the bacteria on your skin /helps to unclog the pores by removing dead skin.
- Salicylic acid: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), which works as an exfoliant and removes dead skin.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA): treat acne by removing dead skin cells and reducing inflammation. Also improve the appearance of acne scars by stimulating the growth of new skin.
- Adapalene: topical retinoid used to treat acne. Also good for treating aging skin.
- Azelaic acid: anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamin C: antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties
- Tea tree oil: offers antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiviral and disinfectant properties. It strengthens the immune system and protects the skin from acne and sunburn.
- Niacinamide (vitamine B): regulates sebum. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, cause your skin (and associated pimples) to calm down.
Some of these ingredients may have side effects or should not be using with specific ingredients, please always read the instructions before using them or don’t hesitate to contact a specialist.
Which are the ingredients to avoid when you have acne?
- Coconut oil: when applied to acne prone skin, it can block the pores, trapping dirt, sebum and dead skin inside.
- Lanolin: clogs pores
- Algae extract: can be comedogenic
- Isopropyl myristate/Isopropyl palmitate: strong comedogenic properties
- Parabens: stimulates oestrogen which contributes to breakouts.
- …
What do you need to do to make your skin better?
- Cleanse your face twice per day (morning and night)
- Don’t use comedogenic products
- Try not to use make-up often
- Don’t touch your pimples
- Wash your hands before touching your face
- Clean your pillow regularly
- Change your towel regularly
- Don’t use aggressive skin cares
- Don’t use soap
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid dairy products and sugar
- Use products that match your skin type
- Use sunscreen everyday (even in winter)
What kind of products should I use?
As Korean skin cares lovers, we have made a list of products that you can use to treat your acne without side effects like dry skin or skin irritation. Please don’t hesitate to try them and to enjoy them.
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
- COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
- Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner
- Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop
- Purito Centella Green Recovery Cream
- Some by me AHA-BHA-PHA 30 days Miracle Cream
- Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++
- More products here…
You can see the description of each product by clicking on their name.
