Acne, however mild or severe, can have a debilitating impact on self-esteem. The quest to find the perfect acne treatment is something of a right of passage for many skincare connoisseurs.
If you have acne-prone skin, it can feel overwhelming—but caring for your skin doesn't have to be.
Today, we are sharing our top acne-fighting ingredients to help you heal your acne.
What are the main causes of acne?
Acne is a result of a combination of excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. When pores become clogged with sebum, the bacteria enclosed within the pore produces inflammation.
In addition, hormonal imbalances can further exacerbate your acne. It’s why it’s a good idea to develop an acne routine that’s curated to your skin's needs. And while there may be no one-size-fits-all regimen, building a foundational skincare routine that can be modified to suit your skin type is always a good place to start.
So, what ingredients should you look out for?
#1 Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
AHAs are great exfoliators. They work by removing the uppermost layer of dead skin cells which encourages cellular turnover. This is especially beneficial for people with acne because it helps prevent clogged pores, one of the leading causes of acne. While AHA comes in various forms, glycolic and lactic acids are the most popular. Why is that?
Alpha hydroxy acids can irritate the skin. However, glycolic and lactic acids are less likely to cause irritation.
Glycolic acid, on the one hand, penetrates the deepest into the skin and has been shown to successfully unclog pores. It’s important to know that because glycolic acid penetrates quickly, it can be more irritating to sensitive skin types.
Lactic acid, on other hand, is a larger molecule which means it does not penetrate as deeply into the skin's surface as glycolic acid, making it a gentler exfoliating alternative.
#2 Beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid)
Salicylic acid is an amazing ingredient that not only dislodges dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, but it’s also able to travel deep into the pore, dissolve the oil and break apart the debris inside that commonly leads to acne.
While AHAs remove the outer layer of the skin, BHAs penetrate deeper into the skin, offering more intense exfoliation.
#2 Retinol (retinoic acid, retinyl palmate, retinol, vitamin A, tretinoin)
Known for its anti-ageing benefits, retinol is another powerful acne treatment. It’s an antioxidant that boosts cellular turnover, promoting a higher production of elastin and collagen, and prevents closed comedones internally. By clearing acne and reducing outbreaks, retinoids can also reduce the formation of acne scars.
Here’s a morning and nighttime routine for clearing up acne.
Morning Skincare Routine:
Step 1: Cleanse with SkinCeuticals Simply Clean
Simply Clean is a soft cleanser that removes dirt, grime and makeup without stripping the skin. Formulated with an amino acid surfactant system and a 6% concentration combining sulfonic acid, it gently exfoliates uneven or rough skin. Expect the cleanser to efficiently remove waterproof makeup and excess oil to leave your skin feeling clean.
Step 2: Apply SkinCeuticals Silymarin (Vitamin C)
This vitamin C is developed for oily and blemish-prone skin and it helps reduce excess oil and improve skin texture.
Step 3: Moisturize with SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
Daily Moisture is a lightweight face moisturizer for normal to oily skin that hydrates, nourishes, and helps reduce the appearance of pore size. Formulated with an exclusive combination of vitamin E, three nutrient-rich algae extracts, and a blend of seven botanical extracts to protect and leave skin soft without a greasy residue. It is an ideal moisturizer for oily skin.
Step 4: Finish your morning routine with SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion
Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is a weightless fluid that combines 100% mineral filters with translucent colour spheres for effective broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and an even, radiant finish.
Nighttime Routine
Step 1: Use Simply Clean by SkinCeuticals
The cleanser’s gentle formulation can be used twice daily.
Step 2: Apply SkinCeutical’s Blemish+Age
Blemish + Age Defense is a targeted, oil-free approach for acne-prone skin. This first-to-market acid blend combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation to reduce the formation of acne and clogged pores while improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Step 3: Finish with SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
The moisturizer’s rich formulation can be used at night to seal in the moisture of the skin.
Need more guidance to perfect your acne skin care regimen? Give us a call or visit us in-store to meet with one of our skin care specialists who will help you develop the perfect personalized skincare routine.