To prevent acne, we first need to know what acne really is. Most of the time it looks like a skin complexion covered with red bumps, but there are some other manifestations of acne. It does not just affect teenagers, but can be developed by anyone, even in their late 30s. It is important to know that acne can be treated with a consistent plan!
ACNE APPEARS ON THE SKIN AS:
- Blackheads or whiteheads
- Pimples or zits
- Pustules or bumps containing pus
- Cysts that are deep pimples
Acne is a disease of the hair follicles and must not only occur in the facial area (chest and back). It is not caused by bacteria, which play a major role in its development! Acne occurs when oil glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated by hormonal changes. As a result, the pores (follicle pore) become clogged and the plug appears as a whitehead (dark exposed part is called blackhead). As soon as the clogged hair follicle enlarges, it produces a bump that over time, develops an inflammation (irritating skin caused by bacteria). Further development causes a pimple and a deeper inflammation is called a cyst.
Does acne happen due to wrong nutrition, excessive sebum, stress, diet? There are many myths about what actually causes acne and what does not. We have written two articles in which we point out what is actually truth and what is just a plan myth. You can read them here and here.
THE BEST SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR ACNE TREATMENT
It is important to know that it is important to be consistent when treating acne symptoms! You should follow a daily skin care routine and we recommend these steps:
1.) WASH YOUR FACE - CLEANSE THE SKIN
We recommend washing your face once or twice a day. This really depends on your skin type and the severity of your acne. For mild symptoms or oily skin type, an acid-based cleanser that does not clog the skin pores is recommended. For dry skin type, we do not recommend products that remove the oil from the skin - we know this does not sound intuitive, but it's the right thing to do when it comes to fighting acne. In any case, a gentle cleanser is recommended that can dissolve dirt and bacteria.
2.) MOISTURIZE
This is a very important step as most people with acne try to skip it as its again counterintuitive to moisturize a skin that is already oily. But when the skin feels like drying out, the glands produce even more oil. This leads to clogged pores and excessively shiny skin. We recommend a light moisturizer or a gel formula (for oily skin) that contains acids such as azelaic acid and Lactic Acid.
3.) TONE AND EXFOLIATE
Both steps are recommended as they remove excess oil and dirt from your skin, but do not remove oil and clog pores. We recommend a gentle fruit enzyme peeling. Toners can be applied daily and are especially important for skin prone to acne as they remove dirt from the pores. Take a look at our Fresh papaya peeling here. We are also about to announce our two toners, for normal and oily skin. Stay tuned!
4.) USE ACNE TREATMENT PRODUCTS
There are many ingredients that can be used to fight acne. From products that use active ingredients like salicylic acid, azelaic acid, lactic acid, evening primrose oil, milk thistle oil and marigold oil. In general, we recommend a combination of products and be patient. You can start two weeks with only one selective treatment on two nights a week or even every other night with products containing azelaic acid. Other products, like our Acne Treatment oil, can be used daily.
NIGHT TIME ROUTINE TIP
- Use a face mask that suits your skin type - Face Mask for Clean skin
- Use a toner to wash your face thoroughly ( exfoliate twice a week) - New product coming soon
- Use an acne treatment product - Acne Treatment oil
- Moisturize with your favorite cream if necessary (again, depends on skin type). Try out our Zero Acne Cream with 10% azelaic acid.
It is important to know that this will not work overnight, but it is a longer process. We can also recommend using a product with SPF when you go outside and try to see a professional if the acne is too persistent.