Acne, as most people know it, can be a pain in the…well, face and other areas like the chest and back. The painful red spots, hyperpigmentation and acne scars can in fact take a toll on one’s self esteem.
This skin concern can affect anyone, especially teenagers and young adults and it can appear in different forms for various reasons.
While having it can be overwhelming and sometimes persistent, it can still be controlled and managed. In this article, we will take you through what acne means, its types and causes, how to treat it and the best products to combat the skin concern.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a skin condition where the pores on your skin are clogged with sebum(oil), bacteria, dirt or dead skin cells. It is not an uncommon skin concern, and it is absolutely normal if you develop it at a point in your life.
It can appear in different forms and the most common ones are whiteheads and blackheads.
The other kinds of acne are inflammatory. These kinds often cause hyperpigmentation and scars. They consist of papules, cysts, nodules and pustules and are usually red, painful and swollen.
Contrary to the popular belief that poor hygiene is the main or only cause of breakouts, it is in fact, has other causes that are not hygiene related and beyond our control sometimes. As said earlier, these pimples develops on the skin when the pores or hair follicles are blocked or clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells, hair or bacteria. This skin condition can be triggered by a number of reasons. A trigger is dehydrated skin. If your skin is dehydrated, it tends to produce more oil to make up for lack of moisture, this can in turn lead to excess sebum production then breakouts.
Below are other reasons that can cause acne to develop on your skin.
- Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause as well as puberty can cause hormonal changes. Changes in the levels of some of these hormones like androgen can cause excess sebum production which can in turn block your pores and cause acne.
- Genetics is also another factor that is likely to trigger this skin condition. If both or one of your parents have at a point had it, there are chances you’ll have it too.
- Some medications like steroids, lithium and birth control pills can also cause your skin to breakout.
Other factors that are likely to cause or aggravate it are stress, diet, using heavy or oily skincare products, popping existing pimples and using too many skin care products.
Treating Acne
The good news about this skin concern is that regardless of what the cause may be, it can always be controlled or managed. You can even go from having severe acne to having clear skin with the right and effective treatment.
Mild breakouts might require a basic routine that consists of an effective and gentle cleanser that can cleanse dirt and oils without stripping your skin’s moisture barrier, a lightweight moisturizer, and an oil-free sunscreen. In cases where you have moderate to severe acne or comedones that just won’t leave, you might want to do the following:
- Cleanse your face with cleansers that contain acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
- Introduce retinoids to your routine.
- Use chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid to get rid of dead skin cells.
- You might want to consider seeing a dermatologist if after prolonged treatment, there are no changes. You might be asked to undergo procedures like comedones extraction( if you have whitehead or blackhead).
- In the case of severe acne like cystic acne, visit a dermatologist. The best form of treatment or medication will be determined by them.
Best k-beauty products for acne
There are lot of k-beauty brands out there targeted at treating various skin concerns.
The Korean beauty line is known for putting their buyers’ needs in mind. From packaging, to price as well as using the best ingredients in formulating their products. Treating acne particularly requires carefully choosing products that best suit your skin condition. You don’t want anything that can further clog your pores or irritate your skin.
The following are the best k-beauty products we have put together, depending on skin type and needs, for acne.
Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Cleanser
If you have acne-prone skin, you do not want to be using products that can further irritate your skin. This gentle cleanser contains no irritants and is suitable for all skin types and perfect if you have acne.
It effectively cleanses the skin, leaving it clean and soft while maintaining or restoring your skin’s PH balance.
Sioris A Calming Day Ampoule
This ampoule has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a great choice for your skin if you are looking for a product to calm cystic acne. It is also hydrating and it gives your skin the radiant boost it deserves.
Sioris Deep in a Barrier Cream
Having acne means you have to carefully select the products you put on your skin. For moisturizers, you have to ensure they are at least lightweight, non-irritating, hydrating and non-comedogenic.
Almost everyone who has the essence in their stash knows it is a holy grail. If you don’t already have it, maybe this is a sign. It could work wonders for your skin as well.
If your skin is thirsty and acne-prone, this essence provides intense hydration(just what your skin needs) that will leave your skin looking healthy.
TIAM AC FIGHTING AHA BHA PHA TONER
It is essential to have acne-fighting actives like AHAs and BHAs in your routine if you have regular breakouts. With the TIAM AC Fighting AHA BHA PHA Toner, you can manage breakouts with triple-action exfoliation that gently removes dead skin cells for a smoother texture. This toner also balances oil production to prevent further breakouts, soothes irritated skin and calms angry pimples.
TIAM VITA B3 SOURCE
Breakouts may leave you with hyperpigmentation and even scars. To reduce this, you should add products that have brightening properties to your routine. The Tiam Vita B3 Source contains niacinamide and combats dullness to reveal a brighter skin tone. It also fades hyperpigmentation, refines the skin texture and reduces acne marks.
Things to note:
You may have the perfect routine or right products but they may not work like they should if you:
- Keep touching your face.
- Pop your pimples.
- Cleanse improperly.
- Have too many products or actives in your routine.
- Layer your products the wrong way.
- Exfoliate everyday.
- Sleep in your makeup.
- Don’t use sunscreen
- Fail to change your sheet and pillowcase occasionally.
