How to Get Rid of Acne?

Did you know that acne affects 90% of teenagers and 20% to 30% of adults?

Acne is a very common inflammatory disease of the skin that no one is safe from. It usually affects the face but, in some cases, the body as well. Most of the time, it appears around puberty due to hormonal changes. The bacteria settle in the skin's pores. Acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum (overactive sebaceous glands) and a blockage of the pore by cellular debris. The result is inflammation.

Acne comes in different forms : blackheads, pimples, microcysts, cysts. However, you should not think that it only affects oily skin. Dry skin can also suffer from it, through retained secretions. In some cases, people with acne will be left with permanent scars of different types. If that is your case, don't worry! There are several treatments aimed at reducing the appearance of your scars and improving your skin texture.

What makes me have acne?

Certain factors could influence your skin condition without being the main cause, such as diet, stress, lack of hygiene, hormonal activity, etc.

Diet is an aspect to consider when acne is present. Certain foods increase mucus production in the body, and therefore sebum. The presence of mucus clogs the lymph with waste that cannot be properly eliminated, causing acidity in the body and an overload for the liver and intestines. Unable to do its job properly, the body tries to rebalance itself by expelling the excess toxins through the skin, the largest eliminating organ of the human body. So combining the advice of an esthetics professional with that of a naturopath is the ideal situation.

When you suffer from acne, you must avoid overly aggressive treatments and products at all costs. They could make it worse and even go as far as damaging the skin. Consult a skin professional to receive tailored advice and treatments.

It is also very important to use sun protection when you suffer from acne. You may feel that your condition improves during the summer when the sun comes out, but think again: these benefits are only temporary. In the short term, your pimples will dry out and your tan will camouflage your imperfections. However, your skin will fight the dryness by overproducing sebum. The sun will also thicken your epidermis and disrupt the cell renewal process. This will increase inflammation and cause more breakouts. In addition, some ingredients found in acne products and treatments, such as salicylic acid and retinol, can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. Without protection, you increase the risk of permanent damage to the skin. You can probably guess that tanning beds are not recommended either. Phototherapy, on the other hand, can be beneficial for you. Indeed, light therapy is a form of light that is effective in treating acne. Gentle and risk-free (no UV), blue light helps destroy the bacteria.

When we are talking about oily skin with infection present (red pimples, whiteheads and blackheads), we look more for an antiseptic action to kill the acne bacteria.

When it comes to a rough, uneven skin texture with no oil present (cysts, microcysts, nodules and blackheads), we aim to oxygenate the skin. The retained secretions must be brought out to control the spread of the bacteria.

Want healthy skin?

Here are the steps to follow according to your skin professional's recommendations.

Cleanser – Morning and evening.

Exfoliant – 1 to 2 times a week. Choose an enzyme exfoliant that requires no rubbing on the skin. Greatly appreciated by sensitive and/or inflamed skin.

Treatment mask - 1 to 2 times a week, after your exfoliant.

Spot treatment for imperfections – Apply locally to imperfections or affected areas.

Gel or cream – Apply morning and evening

Sun protection – Apply every morning and throughout the day

We also suggest reading the article published on May 20, 2021 How to Properly Care for Your Skin at Home.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask us, we love to help ?