How to deal with problem skin with acne?

Acne troubles many of us – although it most often appears during adolescence, it can affect adults as well as newborns or toddlers. Blackheads and whiteheads, spots, bumps under the skin – that’s what acne can look like. How can you fight this inflammatory condition and how should you care for sensitive, acne-prone skin?

What acne actually is

Usually, problems with sensitive and acne-prone skin begin during puberty, when major hormonal changes take place in the body. For example, whiteheads and blackheads are mainly caused by excessive sebum production and a large amount of dead cells that have not been cleansed and removed from the skin – these can build up in the follicle and form a soft plug. This causes the follicle wall to swell and create a white tip or darken.
Spots, i.e. red areas with a white centre, form if a clogged follicle becomes inflamed or if an infection gets into it. Small bumps under the surface of the skin, so-called cysts, form deep inside the sebaceous glands. Problem skin most commonly occurs on the face, shoulders, chest and back, because that’s where the most sebum is produced. Acne is influenced by many factors – hormones, bacteria, genetics – so unfortunately there is no simple, universal guide on how to get rid of acne.

Simple rules for better skin

Many things negatively affect acne. Following simple rules within your means can help your skin significantly. It’s important not to scratch or squeeze individual spots and, in general, not to touch the skin of your face with your hands during the day – you could introduce infection into the wound and the inflammation could spread into deeper layers of the skin. Include foods rich in selenium, zinc, vitamins A and E, and fish oil in your diet. Limit alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, get enough sleep on a clean pillow, drink plenty of clean water, and avoid meaty and fried foods or foods full of sugars. Of course, also choose carefully the products you apply to your skin!

The right products are key

With properly chosen skincare, we can reduce the signs of acne and minimise the risk of unpleasant scars being left behind. The most important element is thoroughly clean skin, where bacteria won’t stand a chance.
So cleanse your skin twice a day, morning and evening. Buy quality make-up removal and cleansing products without alcohol – it unnecessarily irritates and dries out the skin. For gentle make-up removal, try for example the mild, slightly oily remover Etude House Soon Jung Lip and Eye Remover, which effectively removes make-up and impurities from the skin and also provides immediate relief and soothes irritated skin. The gentle low-pH cleansing foam Holika Holika Sparkling Lemon Bubble Cleanser Cleansing Foam will thoroughly cleanse your skin, remove dead skin cells and prevent further spots from forming. Preventing acne is also helped by Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Cleansing Toner, which tightens enlarged pores, smooths wrinkles, brightens pigmentation spots and evens out skin tone.
After cleansing, your skin will crave a proper dose of hydration. This is provided by a cream suitable for sensitive skin with antiseptic effects. Reach for the light hypoallergenic cream Pyunkang Yul Acne Cream Face Cream – it regenerates and hydrates the skin, reduces inflammation and regulates sebum production. A multifunctional helper can be a mask, night mask and daily moisturising cream in one with vitamin E that brightens and nourishes the skin, such as Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask.

You can also apply care directly to problem areas and irritated patches – the ultra-thin cleansing patch Cosrx Clear Fit Master Patch Cleansing Acne Patches perfectly conceals spots and effectively speeds up their healing. For a great soothing effect, go for Purito All Care Recovery Cica-Aid Waterproof Acne Patches, which fight redness, heal inflammation and at the same time provide natural wound coverage.

Once a week, it’s also useful to use a peel for problem skin. It removes dead cells and deeply embedded impurities that would contribute to the formation of spots. You can try the gentle peeling gel Holika Holika Sparkling Lemon Peeling Gel – it reduces irritation, tightens enlarged pores and leaves the skin fresh and clean.

Don’t forget suitable decorative cosmetics too

Be careful with decorative cosmetics too – the usual ones could cause you unpleasant issues if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin. So always opt for gentle products designed for problem skin. For medium coverage make-up with soothing effects, reach for Holika Holika Clearing Petit BB Cream with tea tree oil, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Long-lasting make-up with a protection factor and guaranteed brightened skin is Heimish Artless Perfect Cushion Sponge Make-up SPF50+ PA+++, whose floral extracts deeply hydrate and nourish the skin.