Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition worldwide. It does not affect a specific group but can occur in anyone, and it often has a negative impact on the affected person’s appearance and skin health. However, acne can be managed and treated by cleansing the skin effectively, fighting harmful bacteria (one of the main causes of acne), and using appropriate skincare products, which we will discuss in this article.
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when pores become clogged with excess oils, dirt, bacteria, or dead skin cells. This leads to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. If left untreated, acne can result in permanent scarring on the skin.
Symptoms of Acne
Skin pores can become blocked by dead skin cells, natural oils, and external impurities. While this can happen occasionally without concern, repeated breakouts, especially on the face, back, shoulders, chest, and arms, are considered signs of chronic acne.
Causes of Acne
Acne has multiple causes, including:
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Dietary factors
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Blocked hair follicles due to excess sebum production
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Hormonal changes, especially during puberty or pregnancy
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Bacterial overgrowth on the skin (such as Cutibacterium acnes)
Risk Factors for Developing Acne
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Age: Acne is most common during adolescence, but it can affect all age groups.
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Hormonal changes: Particularly during puberty and pregnancy.
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Genetics: If both parents had acne, there’s a higher chance of developing it.
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Oily creams and products: Certain cosmetics can contribute to clogged pores and acne.
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Skin friction and pressure: Such as frequent contact with phones or tight clothing.
Types of Acne
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Whiteheads: Small, closed bumps under the skin, appearing white due to trapped material.
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Blackheads: Open pores that turn black upon exposure to oxygen (oxidation).
These two types are the most common and mild forms of acne.
More severe types include:
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Papules: Red, inflamed bumps.
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Pustules: Small red pimples with pus at their tips.
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Nodules: Hard, painful lumps under the skin.
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Cysts: Large, pus-filled lumps under the skin that can be painful.
Severe forms of acne increase the risk of scarring and skin damage.
Acne Treatment
Despite advances in medical treatments and prevention, acne management requires patience and long-term care. Acne often fluctuates—as one breakout clears, another may appear. Early and proper treatment reduces the risk of scarring.
A successful acne treatment plan aims to:
-Control breakouts
-Reduce the number of active pimples
-Support overall skin health
Daily skincare is essential. The first step is using a suitable facial cleanser that helps prevent clogged pores by reducing excess oil production.
Examples of Facial Cleansers Suitable for Acne-Prone Skin
One of the products from the French company La Roche-Posay, which has proven effective with visible results for the skin. This cleanser controls excess sebum production, a major cause of acne, thanks to the inclusion of Zinc PCA—one of the most potent ingredients known for regulating oil production and helping prevent acne.
Eucerin dermopurifyer cleansing gel
A soap-free, fragrance-free cleansing gel specifically designed for acne-prone skin. It gently cleanses the skin without irritation and contains 6% Ampho-Tensides, an ingredient that helps remove excess sebum (seborrhea), while also cleansing away dirt and makeup residues.
Uriage cleanser effectively removes impurities and excess oils, helping to purify acne-prone skin. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that help regulate sebum production. When it comes into contact with water, it forms a gentle foam, making it easy to use and rinse off.
It is considered one of the best and most effective solutions recommended by dermatologists for treating acne.
Its effectiveness lies in its ability to remove stubborn blackheads, purify the skin, refine imperfections, and eliminate dirt and impurities. It deeply cleanses the skin and helps unclog blocked pores, leaving the skin clearer and health
Bioderma sébium gel moussant actif
It deeply purifies the skin, helping to eliminate pimples, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. The formula contains powerful acids (Salicylic Acid + Glycolic Acid) that work to gently exfoliate the skin and promote healthy cell renewal, without causing excessive dryness or irritation.
It deeply cleanses the skin by helping to unclog pores and remove excess oils. It is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, containing an active ingredient that regulates sebum production. The result is refreshed, balanced skin, and a reduced risk of new acne formation.
One of the most popular facial cleansers used to reduce oil production and minimize the appearance of acne. It is a gel cleanser that helps regulate sebum secretion, which in turn helps prevent clogged pores and the formation of blackheads.
Acne Treatment Creams
Avene Cleanance Expert Cream has gained widespread popularity and trust among millions of users, thanks to its proven effectiveness for those dealing with skin impurities. It has been shown to significantly reduce blemishes, minimize skin inflammation, and slow the formation of blackheads.
Its highly concentrated formula is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and helps to:
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Reduce and prevent blemishes and blackheads,
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Regulate sebum production.
The cream comes in a pump bottle that dispenses the perfect amount with a single press for easy and hygienic application.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Plus
This cream is designed to treat acne and address common issues in oily skin, such as clogged pores and excess oil production. It helps prevent new acne breakouts and reduces the appearance of dark spots left by previous blemishes.
It is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin to actively target both the causes and effects of severe breakouts. The formula helps to rebalance the skin’s composition, cleanse pores, and control excess shine, leaving the skin feeling clean, refreshed, and balanced.
Eucerin dermopurifyer skin renewal treatment
This product is specifically designed to combat all types of acne and skin impurities, as well as to prevent their recurrence. It contains acids and exfoliating agents that help unclog pores, reduce bacterial growth, and remove dead skin cells. Additionally, it is formulated with ingredients that reduce skin inflammation and soothe irritation, promoting healthier, clearer skin.
This spot treatment helps accelerate the healing of pimples by speeding up the pimple’s life cycle, thanks to its key ingredients:
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Shale oil,
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Green clay,
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Zinc.
Additionally, it contains thermal spring water, which plays a significant role in soothing and calming the skin at the affected area.
How to Use Topical Acne Treatment Cream
-Cleanse the affected skin using a suitable cleanser for acne-prone skin.
-Gently pat the skin dry without rubbing.
-Apply the cream directly to the affected areas (only where the pimples or blemishes are present).
-Follow the instructions provided with the cream.
-Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the cream to the entire face.
Important Application Tips
-Do not apply topical acne treatments using your fingers, as they may carry bacteria and worsen the condition of inflamed pimples.
-The size of the finger is often larger than the size of the pimple, which can lead to the cream being applied to a larger area than necessary. This may cause irritation to the surrounding skin, as acne treatments are usually highly concentrated and contain exfoliating acids.
For precise application, it is best to use a cotton swab (Q-tip) to apply the cream directly on the targeted spots.
Common Mistakes People Make When Pimples Appear Suddenly
-Trying to squeeze or pop pimples: This behavior can lead to the appearance of new pimples, worsen inflammation, and leave stubborn scars that are difficult to treat.
-Using multiple products at the same time: Overloading the skin with multiple products can actually worsen the condition. It’s important to be patient and use only products that suit your skin’s condition, applying them in moderation.
-Overthinking and stress: Excessive stress can trigger increased hormone production, which in turn exacerbates acne. Therefore, it’s best to avoid constantly checking your face in the mirror, as this can increase anxiety and worsen the problem.
-Covering pimples with makeup: Using makeup to conceal pimples can clog pores and worsen the condition. Additionally, applying makeup with a brush over pimples and then on other areas of the face can spread bacteria, potentially causing bacterial infections on unaffected areas.
Important Note
Cosmetics do not necessarily worsen acne, especially if you use oil-free, non-comedogenic products (formulated not to clog pores). It’s important to remove makeup regularly and thoroughly.
Oil-free makeup products do not interfere with acne medications.
