Acne is a common skin condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes cysts. Acne extends beyond its visual impact; it also profoundly affects how your skin feels. The presence of acne can lead to discomfort, including itching, tenderness, and sensitivity, which can be both physically and emotionally distressing. Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This means that regardless of whether you have dry, combination, or oily skin, you could still experience acne. Bacteria, especially Propionibacterium acnes, can worsen the condition, causing inflammation and more severe breakouts.
Identifying Acne Causes
Several key factors contribute to the development of acne:
- Hormonal fluctuations: Increased androgen levels during puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles can result in higher sebum production.
- Genetics: Individuals with a family history of acne are more likely to develop the condition.
- Dietary influences: High-glycemic foods and dairy products can spike insulin levels, which can promote sebum production in the skin, triggering acne in some people.
- Climate and weather: The tropical climates of places like Singapore and Southeast Asia, characterized by high humidity and consistently warm temperatures, can lead to increased sweating and sebum production, which can clog pores and promote acne.
- Environmental pollution: Air pollution in urban areas can settle on the skin, clog pores, and cause inflammation, thereby worsening acne.
- Stress: Elevated stress levels can boost hormone production, leading to breakouts.
- Skincare products: Using comedogenic products that clog pores can aggravate acne.
How Can Skincare Help Acne?
An effective skincare routine can play a crucial role in managing acne by maintaining clean skin, reducing excess oil, and keeping pores clear. Here are the essential components of an anti-acne skincare regimen:
1. Cleansing: Gentle cleansing is vital to remove dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores. Opt for a mild, sulfate-free cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to exfoliate the skin and eliminate bacteria.
2. Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can block pores. Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are more effective and gentler than physical scrubs.
3. Treatment Products: Topical treatments with active ingredients such as Retinoids and Niacinamide can target acne directly.
4. Moisturizing: Maintaining proper hydration is necessary, even for acne-prone skin. Contrary to the common misconception that moisturizing can lead to more oil and breakouts, hydration is extremely important for healthy skin. When the skin is dry, its barrier can become compromised, leading to irritation, inflammation, and increased susceptibility to acne. Additionally, dehydrated skin may overcompensate by producing more sebum to restore balance, which can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, leading to acne. To ensure adequate hydration without exacerbating acne, opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizers that won’t clog pores. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid can provide lightweight hydration without causing breakouts. Besides, hydrated skin heals more efficiently, and moisturizing can aid in healing existing acne lesions, and reducing the risk of scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
5. Sun Protection: Sun exposure can worsen acne and lead to hyperpigmentation, since it causes the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, to become dry and thick, resulting in the body creating even more oil to compensate for what was lost. Therefore, sunscreen is imperative, especially when you are undergoing acne treatments as it can make the skin more sensitive to UV damage. Use a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
On The Other Hand, Does Skincare Cause Acne?
While a well-thought-of skincare routine can help combat acne, the wrong skincare products and practices can aggravate or even cause breakouts.
- Comedogenic Ingredients: Certain skincare products contain ingredients that can clog pores and lead to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), eventually causing acne. These pore-clogging ingredients are known as "comedogenic." Common comedogenic substances include specific oils, such as coconut oil, lanolin, and some synthetic fragrances. It’s important to choose products labeled as non-comedogenic to help alleviate these problems.
- Heavy and Occlusive Products: Thick creams, heavy moisturizers, and makeup products that form a barrier on the skin can trap oil, sweat, and bacteria, leading to breakouts.
- Irritating Ingredients: Harsh chemicals, fragrances, and alcohol in skincare products can irritate the skin and cause inflammation. Irritated skin can react by producing more sebum.
- Over-Cleansing and Over-Exfoliation: While cleansing and exfoliating are good for keeping the skin clean, doing so too frequently or aggressively can strip the skin of its natural oils. Consequently, the skin can produce even more sebum to compensate.
- Improper Makeup Removal: Failing to thoroughly remove makeup can leave a residue that clogs pores. Always remove makeup completely before going to bed to allow the skin to breathe and regenerate overnight.
LM Soelle: Your partner to fight acne
While acne can be a persistent and frustrating condition, remember, that consistent skincare and the right products can help individuals achieve less acne-prone, healthier skin.
LM Soelle offers a range of products designed to assist in acne management through our hydrating and barrier-strengthening properties. The LM Soelle Waterboost range, including cleanser, serum, and face creams, is formulated specifically for Asian skin and the Southeast Asian climate. These lightweight, non-greasy products keep the skin moisturized without clogging pores, thereby reducing the risk of acne. Key ingredients such as Blue Complex, Vegan Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid provide deep hydration and reinforce the skin barrier, helping to prevent and treat acne.
Aside from that, Waterboost UV Essence sunscreen and White+ Glow oral supplements offer extended sun protection. The White+ Glow supplement contains patented ingredients like PhytoflORAL® and Pycnogenol®, which deliver antioxidant benefits, reduce inflammation, soothe skin, and support skin healing.
All LM Soelle products are dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types. Our gentle formulations are designed to be mild and non-irritating. By keeping your skin hydrated, balanced, and protected, our products help maintain overall skin health and minimize acne breakouts. If you experience prolonged or severe acne, consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options is always recommended.