Acne-prone skin is no longer considered a condition typical for teens. Regardless of the age, abnormal work of sebaceous glands contributes to the formation of blackheads and red blemishes. Most of them occur within the so-called T-zone, i.e. around the forehead, nose, and chin, but acne lesions can also appear on the back and neck. Stress and hormones stimulate the glands to overproduce sebum, and consequently, the skin becomes greasy and thus, shiny. Microorganisms break down sebum, and the products of this breakdown irritate the skin. This results in redness of the skin and pustular lesions that are manifested by acne – a chronic and very complicated disease. Do you want to know what the causes of acne are and how to take care of acne-prone skin? What effects and composition do anti-acne cosmetics have? Here are my ways for fighting pimples and pustules.

Causes of acne 

The main causes of acne are connected with genetic predispositions and hormonal imbalance. Nevertheless, many factors may increase it:

• smoking;
• use of comedogenic cosmetics, i.e. clogging skin pores;
• a diet rich in carbohydrates as well as milk and derivatives;
• touching your face with dirty hands;
• too long sun exposure.

How to take care of acne-prone skin?

Proper care of acne skin can not only improve its condition, but also prevent further acne complications, ie scars, and discoloration. The treatment of this type of skin does not depend on the age of the patient, but it is conditioned by the phase of the disease. And so – if you suffer from a severe form of acne, you should first see a dermatologist, who will prescribe the appropriate medicines and recommend mild preparations. It also does not hurt to visit an endocrinologist who, based on the results of hormonal tests, will determine whether your acne problem has an endocrinologic basis. However, if your acne is mild, it is enough to stop the development of the disease and keep the skin in the best condition through proper care.

Anti-acne cosmetics 

When choosing cosmetics, make sure to look for the ones with ‘noncomedogenic’ indication. Remember that many cosmetics have strong drying properties due to the content of salicylic acid which has disinfecting and exfoliating properties. However, too frequent use of such products may lead to skin excessive dryness and roughness. As a consequence, the sebaceous glands are narrowed which can lead to increased acne. How come? Because the sebum produced in the glands has no way to get out to the dry skin.

Furthermore, if you notice that your skin is very dry, you should immediately stop using the cosmetic responsible for such state and reach for a non-oily, moisturizing cream instead. It will restore the skin’s proper tension and hydrate the cells. Acne skin is sensitive and overreactive, which is why it cannot tolerate perfumed creams and some hair cosmetics.

Anti-acne cosmetics – composition 

Usually,  anti-acne cosmetics contain the following ingredients:

• Zinc oxide – it absorbs excess fat secreted by sebaceous glands, and in the end, promotes the reduction of seborrhea. In addition, it has antibacterial properties and accelerates wound healing.
• Propolis – a substance with bactericidal and fungicidal activity. It is produced by bees.
• Benzoyl peroxide – which exfoliates and has antibacterial qualities. Because it limits the process of melanogenesis, it helps to reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Sulfur with antiseptic properties.

Anti-acne cosmetics – effects 

Anti-acne cosmetics have different properties depending on the problem the skin is struggling with. And so – anti-acne cosmetics can reduce the symptoms of acne by:

• combating bacterial infection;
• reducing inflammation and, consequently, getting rid of blemishes and papules;
• limiting the production of sebum;
• acceleration of dead cells exfoliation and, as a result, inhibition of the formation of blackheads.

My own methods to fight pimples and pustules

In order to limit the formation of pimples and pustules, you must follow 6 simple rules.

First of all, cleanse. Regular face cleansing of dirt, dust, and makeup is the fundamental step in acne-prone skin care. All you need to do is to wash the face twice a day – more often and lead to dehydration and irritation. Instead of soap, go for gels and mousses. Remember to avoid products based on alcohol that can dry out the skin and consequently worsen its condition. Use lukewarm water.

Secondly, exfoliate. For the care of acne skin, use advanced preparations with a keratolytic effect, which are used for daily exfoliation. Remember that a cosmetic with an exfoliating effect cannot irritate the skin lesions and dry out the skin. Also, an improperly selected product may lead to the spread of acne. Therefore, in case of the slightest doubt, consult a dermatologist who will assess whether your skin tolerates scrubs well or not.

Thirdly, moisturize. Moisturizing cosmetics intended for acne skin should contain as few oils as possible. Look for those with a light (non-greasy) formula. The best base for such cosmetics is dimethicone (dimethicone) or cyclomethicone (cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane), i.e. hypoallergenic silicones, which do not form an oily layer and do not contribute to the formation of blackheads.

Fourthly, mattify. But not with the use of a powder which excess unnecessarily overburdens the skin and stimulates the formation of blemishes. It’s best to replace it with blotting papers; they will collect excess sebum from the skin.

Fifthly, camouflage. The makeup of acne skin should be done with products designed especially for such skin type. Therefore, I recommend noncomedogenic cosmetics based on oil-free formulas. However, to hide individual breakouts, an antibacterial concealer will work best.

Last but not least, do not pop! Otherwise, you will intensify the inflammation, prolong the breakout healing time and lead to the formation of unsightly scars. In addition, should never ever touch your face with dirty hands.

And what are your ways of fighting pimples and pustules? Let me know in the comments!