Skincare for Acne

Acne can be a frustrating and challenging skin concern, but finding the right approach can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with stubborn breakouts or occasional flare-ups, a good, consistent skincare routine is key to achieving a clearer, healthier complexion. We reached out to the pros to help find some of the most effective strategies and treatments to combat acne, from proven skincare routines to cutting-edge ingredients, ensuring you have the tools you need to tackle blemishes and spots.

What is acne?

According to Tarryn Jacobs, a specialist dermatologist based in Pretoria, acne is a common chronic disorder that affects the hair follicle and sebaceous gland or oil gland, where there is blockage and inflammation. Acne is identified by the presence of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), pus-filled spots (pustules), and red bumps (papules).

What are the main causes of acne?

Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle choices. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty or pregnancy, can trigger the production of excess oil in the skin, leading to the formation of acne.

What are some of the best ways to treat acne?

Dr Ayanda Matou, a specialist dermatologist based in Johannesburg suggests the following:

Effective skincare: For mild to moderate acne and congested or oily skin, sometimes all that is required is a good skin care regimen to follow. Some well-developed and trusted cosmeceutical creams, cleansers, and frequent medical-grade acne-specific chemical peels can make all the difference to your acne.

Prescription creams and/or medication: Various prescription creams can be used to prevent and/or treat mild to moderate acne. These creams may contain antimicrobials, antibiotics, and retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), as well as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and niacin. For more severe and resistant cases of acne, prescription medications are required to combat acne effectively.

Lights and lasers: Some lasers can effectively be used to treat active acne. Lasers used in the right clinical context, with the right settings and in the hands of experts, can be used to improve acne more rapidly and reduce the redness of acne scarring more quickly. LED light treatments can also be used, but for improved effectiveness, a medicated cream should be applied just prior to the procedure.

What’s the best skincare routine?

Cleanse: A regular cleansing routine is a must. For those with mild breakouts or oily skin, a salicylic acid-based cleanser is ideal to help unclog the pores. But it’s important to consider your skin type when cleansing and adjust as needed with the change in seasons. 

Exfoliate: Whether your acne is mild or more severe, regular exfoliation is key as it helps reduce breakouts by keeping the pores from becoming clogged with the pus of dead cells and sebum (skin oil).

Tone: A toner that has been specially formulated for blemish-prone skin helps to clarify and refresh skin and prepare it to absorb maximum benefit from your care products.

What active ingredients should be included?

Specific treatments will vary from person to person, but according to Dr Adè Forsyth-Thompson, a medical doctor and founder of Arca Health and Arca Aesthetica, these powerful ingredients will help to combat acne: 

Salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble and penetrates deep into the skin to break down oil and dead skin cells, effectively unclogging pores.

Glycolic acid: This alpha-hydroxy-acid is water soluble and helps to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their removal and unclogging of pores. It also aids in reducing acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Zinc oxide: A powerful anti-inflammatory that helps regulate oil production and has antimicrobial properties to eliminate bacteria that contribute to acne formation.

Retinol: This powerful vitamin A derivative has exfoliating properties to help lift away bacteria as well as dead skin which can block pores and can cause breakouts. While it is one of the best ingredients for acne, retinol can cause irritation, so it is best to incorporate it slowly into your routine and at night (as retinol also increases the skin's sensitivity when exposed to the sun's UV rays).

Important acne treatment facts

- Acne treatments can be drying, so it is important to hydrate. Look out for light moisturising lotions or gels that contain ceramides and niacinamide which help support the natural skin barrier without clogging, as well as help reduce inflammation.

- As many anti-acne products can make you more sensitive to the sun, it is important to also wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more every day, come rain or shine!

- For those with back and chest breakouts that are red and inflamed, it is best to stick with a gentle body wash with benzoyl peroxide or a formula that is non-comedogenic which means it won’t clog the pores. 

Try these products:
• Bye Bye Blemish Drying Lotion Tea Tree
• Bye Bye Blemish Micro Needling Blemish Patch
• Bye Bye Blemish Witch Hazel and Tea Tree Blemish Toner
• Sorbet Even Effect 3 In 1 Cleanser 
• Sorbet Salon Skin Spot Rescue
• Clicks Skincare Collection Tea Tree & Cucumber Toner
• Clicks Skincare Collection Tea Tree Mattifying Actives Facial Serum 
• Clicks Skincare Collection Tea Tree + Mattifying Actives Facial Mask 
• Clicks Skincare Collection Tea Tree & Cucumber Shine Control Moisturiser
• ISDIN Acniben On The Spot Gel
• ISDIN Acniben Face Mask 
• Sorbet Salon Skin SPF50 Sun Protection Face Cream

IMAGE: 123rf.com