Acneis a skin condition characterised by the emergence of spots and small lesions on the skin. It can lead to a lack of self-confidence and genuine psychological distress. Many mistakes are made when trying to combat acne spots. This article provides an overview of these errors.
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- Mistakes to avoid when dealing with acne.
Mistakes to avoid when dealing with acne.
Acne: What is it?
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that presents itself through the emergence of spots on the face and/or body. The causes are multifactorial: genetic, hormonal, stress, intake of certain medications... It generally affects teenagers but also adults.
In the case of acne, we observe ahypersecretion of sebum(also known as hyperseborrhea) at the level of the pilosebaceous follicles. The sebum clogs the pores, which are the openings of the sebaceous glands on the skin's surface. This fat-rich environment is conducive to the proliferation of the bacteria responsible for acne,Cutibacterium acnes(formerly Propionibacterium acnes), which primarily feeds on sebum. This bacteria secretes pro-inflammatory substances that cause inflammation and the formation of spots.
A great many mistakes are made in the management of acne. These mistakes exacerbate the formation of spots. Therefore, it is crucial to identify them in order to avoid them.
Mistakes to avoid when dealing with acne.
Overdoing skin cleansing.
Excessive cleansing strips the skin of its hydrolipidic film and weakens the skin barrier, thus impairing its protective function. The skin becomes more vulnerable to external aggressions and to transepidermal dehydration. In response to this assault, it overproduces sebum, creating an environment conducive to the formation of spots. Furthermore, excessive cleansing can cause inflammation and redness in the skin.
Thus, cleanse your face 1 to 2 times a day at most. The cleanser should not contain irritating surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, as they are very drying for the skin. In the case of acne-prone skin, you can choose our exfoliating cleansing gel. Based on 5% of P.H.A. (INCI: "Gluconolactone"), this cleanser offers a gentle chemical micro-exfoliation. It unclogs pores and promotes skin hydration. It also contains aloe vera which hydrates and soothes the skin, as well as inulin which rebalances the skin microbiota. The sweet orange essential oil it contains has antibacterial properties ideal for fighting against spots.
The purifying cleansing gel is also suitable for acne-prone skin. It contains 2% of zinc PCA , which is an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating active ingredient. It deeply sanitises and frees the skin from impurities that clog the pores. The eucalyptus globulus essential oil it contains also has anti-bacterial properties that help limit the appearance of blemishes.
Not hydrating one's skin.
Hydration is a crucial step for all skin types, even acne-prone skin. It ensures the proper functioning of the skin barrier. Indeed, the skin barrier protects the skin from external aggressions as well as from transepidermal dehydration. If this is compromised, transepidermal water loss will trigger an overproduction of sebum in response, creating an ideal environment for the formation of spots.
Hydrate your skin morning and evening with a suitable moisturising cream. Our purifying face cream contains zinc, which is a key active ingredient against acne due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties.
Employ mechanical exfoliation.
There are several types of exfoliation: chemical (fruit acids), enzymatic (fruit enzymes), and mechanical (grains). Mechanical scrubs should be avoided in the case of acne, as they can cause micro-lesions on the skin, thereby exacerbating any existing inflammation. We would instead recommend using exfoliants based on fruit acids.
Our exfoliating serum with a base of 10% glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin, tightens and unclogs pores. It also contains anti-inflammatory actives such as chamomile extract and alpha-bisabolol. This serum is to be used only in the evening and a sun protection is necessary throughout the duration of use.
Using comedogenic products.
Acne results from internal factors, such as hormonal fluctuations or genetics, but also from external factors such as the use of comedogenic products. Indeed, these can block the pores of the skin, thus leading to the formation of blemishes. Ensure to use non-comedogenic skincare, makeup and sun protection products.
Touching one's acne spots.
Even though it may be tempting, do not manipulate your spots. You risk causing a superinfection as well as the formation of scars and/or marks .
Not protecting one's skin from the sun.
Many people believe that the sun reduces skin imperfections. This is not true! Indeed, the rays dry out the skin and make it sweat, which stimulates the sebaceous glands, causing them to produce more sebum leading to a greater formation of spots. If you expose yourself to the sun, we recommend using a non-comedogenic sun protection with a high SPF.
Neglecting the role of diet.
Thediet is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in the appearance of your skin. Research has indeed proven that there is a link between the gut microbiota and acne. Therefore, adopt a healthy and balanced diet and favour anti-inflammatory foods and those with a low glycaemic index.
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