The appropriate actions to take against acne spots.

Acne is a skin condition characterised by the emergence of spots and small lesions on the skin. 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.

There are good practices to adopt in order to prevent the onset and/or worsening of acne spots.

We first advise you to consult a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis of your type of acne, as well as a suitable treatment. Then, certain actions are essential. Incorporate them daily into your beauty routine:

• The dual cleansingmethod.

  Firstly, we recommend a double cleanse in the evening. Begin by removing your makeup with an oily phase. This will help to eliminate makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. For instance, you could choose our makeup removing balm. Enriched with vegetable oils from buriti, camellia, coconut and sunflower, this multi-purpose balm gently cleanses and removes makeup from the face and eyes. The skin is freed from its impurities. Its texture, transforming into oil then milk, is respectful of the skin. This balm is 100% natural in origin and contains certified organic botanical actives.

  Subsequently, cleanse your skin with a water-based solution. With the skin now free of makeup, the cleanser can thoroughly clean it. In the case of acne-prone skin, you may choose our exfoliating cleansing gel. Formulated with 5% gluconolactone, this cleanser provides 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 that are ideal for combating spots.

Note : In the morning, proceed with cleansing using only the aqueous phase.

• Apply targeted treatments.

  Certain molecules such as thesalicylic acid or the zinc are recognised as effective in soothing and reducing acne spots. After cleansing your skin, you can therefore use the local imperfections serum on the spots. This serum contains 2% salicylic acid, a BHA known for its keratolytic action that promotes the elimination of dead cells. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It also contains 1% zinc which is an anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating and anti-bacterial active ingredient.

• Hydrate your skin.

  Contrary to popular belief, acne-prone skin also requires hydration to ensure 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. Apply our purifying face cream morning and evening on clean, dry skin. It contains zinc , which is a key active ingredient against acne due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties.

• Protecting oneself from UV rays.

  Sun rays dry out the skin and cause it to sweat, which stimulates the sebaceous glands, leading them to produce more sebum and resulting in a greater formation of spots. Therefore, it is essential to wear a non-comedogenic sun protection with a high SPF, throughout the year.

Note : We recommend that you avoid prolonged and repeated exposure to the sun.

Beyond these daily actions to incorporate into your skincare routine, there are other habits to adopt to limit the occurrence of acne spots:

• Regularly clean your makeup brushes or cosmetic applicators.

  These are breeding grounds for bacteria. Clean them at least once a week and do not share them with anyone.

• Avoid touching your 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 .

• Wear loose clothing to avoid friction.

  Body acne has the same origins as facial acne. However, it can be exacerbated by wearing tight clothing due to the risk of friction and excessive sweating.

• Adopt a balanced diet.

  Diet 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 gut microbiota and acne. Therefore, adopt a healthy and balanced diet and favour anti-inflammatory foods and those with a low glycaemic index.

• GARNER S. & al. Acne vulgaris. The Lancet (2012).