10/05/2023
Once acne was reserved only for high school students, today it is a growing problem among the 25+ population. Although acne is not incurable, it can have serious consequences on social relationships and self-esteem. It has been proven that acne can ruin not only your friendships, but also your work relationship. However, it should be remembered that acne is a temporary thing and a lot of patience is needed until it is completely under control. Below we offer some tips on how to get rid of them.
WHY DO WE GET ACNE?
- As a result of tearing/pulling out hair follicles
- As a result of hormone fluctuations that lead to stronger secretion of sebum
- As a result of a bacterial infection with the bacteria that causes acne
Acne can manifest itself as subcutaneous pimples and pimples with a pus head, but they also include open ( blackheads ) and closed comedones .
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ACNE?
- Pustules and papules
A pimple is a closed pore that has become infected. The infection forms a pus-filled white or yellow plug on the surface of the affected pore or deep in the skin, and the skin around the pimple becomes inflamed, red and tender.
Also, a once closed pore can become so inflamed that it explodes - which is why it "infects" a healthy area of the skin, and a pimple twice as large often appears in the place of an existing clogged pore. Pustules are pimples with pus heads, which are soft to the touch, and papules are hard pimples that can be deep subcutaneous - they are specific in that you simply cannot squeeze them out completely.
- Closed comedones
Comedones are types of acne that do not become inflamed. They are formed when a mix of dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum forms a hard plug on the surface of the skin. They look like pimples , but they do not have a purulent "head" and the skin around them is not red or inflamed.
- Open comedones/blackheads
Even open comedones , better known as blackheads , are not an inflamed type of acne . They are formed when a plug from dead skin cells, sweat, sebum , makeup and the like forms in a pore close to the surface of the skin. As the tip of this acne remains open, it oxidizes over time and becomes dark in color - even though the inside is mostly white!
- Nodules and cysts
The biggest form of infection of clogged pores is nodules . They are deep in the skin and can be very inflamed, sensitive and painful. Cysts are the size of nodules , but softer to the touch and filled with pus. This form of acne belongs to the most severe clinical forms that often leave scars.
How to solve the problem of acne?
Adapting your lifestyle is just as important as choosing quality products that will balance sebum secretion, deeply clean pores, have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Keep your face clean and do not touch it with dirty hands
Wash your face once or twice a day (maximum!) with a gentle facial cleanser if you use strong anti- acne products. If you've decided on a gentler approach and you don't have more than one product with acids, retinoids or similar ingredients to fight pimples in your routine - choose a facial cleanser with active ingredients that will help fight acne , such as L'ADRIA Purifying cleanser . Also, try to wean yourself from touching your face with your hands - especially when they are not completely clean.
- Keep your hair clean
Although we often ignore it, dirty hair on a sensitive and reactive face can trigger new inflammations. We get pimples especially easily if we have bangs. Also, pay attention to the styling products you apply to your hair if you often wear it loose - they can also cause irritation.
- Wash your face after exercising
Sweat corresponds to the bacteria that cause acne , that's why after every workout, wash your face and apply light hydration, such as the L'ADRIA Restorative mist face care spray .
- Use creams and SPFs for reactive/problem skin
Products intended for skin prone to inflammation have adapted formulas that hydrate, soothe and prevent new inflammation at the same time. Products with the sign non-comedogenic can help in the choice because they guarantee that they do not clog pores. Never apply face and body products at the same time, as they are more likely to cause reactions on sensitive skin.
- Use water-based and oil-free makeup
Oil-based makeup for problem skin can quickly clog the pores, and at the same time, it does not have the longevity that we usually look for from base products. Water-based makeup does not clog pores, has a light texture and is adaptable. An alternative is silicone-based makeup, as it will provide the longest longevity, or mineral-based makeup that does not clog pores and calms the complexion.
- Don't highlight pimples
Squeezing pimples can seem relaxing and seem to solve the problem sooner - but in fact it prolongs it - so you risk the spread of inflammation and scarring.
- Change towels and bed linen regularly
The golden rule is to change the pillowcase and towel every three days, and the bed linen every week. Sweat, dust, pet hair and dead skin cells on the pillowcase can create complete chaos on your face - so it's better to throw them in the wash as soon as possible!
CONCLUSION: SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP!
Although sometimes we like to take care of our skin and skin problems ourselves - especially if we have been burned by doctors in the past - the most severe forms of active acne can only be properly treated by dermatologists and beauticians. In addition to mechanical cleaning, antibacterial treatments and the like, they will assign adequate products to combat the bacteria that cause acne and to treat it properly, which cannot be done only using cosmetics available in drugstores.