Disclaimer: the information contained in this article does not in any way replace medical advice. The topics covered mainly concern impure, acne-prone skin, both in the juvenile phase and in adulthood.
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the pilo-sebaceous follicles and is manifested through the appearance of comedones, papules, pustules and cysts. The main cause is a seborrheic skin, as well as an excessive production of sebum, which tends to stagnate in the follicle forming the blackhead.
Unfortunately, on acne prone and impure skin there is a lot of misinformation. In fact, it is not uncommon that those who are subject to such problems do not know the importance of introducing the basic steps of skincare into their routine, such as a non-aggressive cleansing, regular exfoliation with the right products, proper hydration.
For example, a common belief is that, due to increased sebaceous production, oily skin should not be hydrated. Actually, as with all other skin types, hydration is essential. Choosing specific cosmetics will combat the overproduction of sebum, fight bacterial proliferation and promote the tightening of pores. The goal will be to properly regulate the natural balance of the epidermis, so that it can have a healthy and radiant appearance.
Let’s see in detail what are the ingredients to be looked for in products for oily and acne-prone skin, their main characteristics and the right routine to adopt to achieve a significant improvement.
The most effective cosmetic ingredients
The main substances to look for in a cosmetic for oily and acne-prone skin are:
- Sebum regulators such as witch hazel, birch, sage
- Dermo-purifying: for example burdock extract, tea tree oil
- Antibacterial: azelaic acid, boswellic acids
- Mattifying: kaolin, talc, starches
- Exfoliants: alpha and beta hydroxy acids
Ingredients such as aloe, ceramides, lactic acid and centella asiatica are also extremely useful.
Aloe is not only soothing, but also has healing and re-epithelizing properties due to the presence of polysaccharides that enhance collagen synthesis and increase cell regeneration. It also contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that stimulate damaged skin’s healing.
Ceramides are lipids that strengthen the skin barrier helping to prevent moisture loss and keeping away the irritating agents that cause inflammation and itching.
Lactic acid is a key component of the protective acid mantle that regulates the PH value of the skin. It absorbs and retains hydration in the outermost layer and consequently plays an indispensable role in improving its condition. It is also comedolytic.
Centella asiatica or Asiatic Pennyworth also promotes collagen production and inhibits the inflammation that leads to scarring. Centella asiatica extract is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3 (niacinamide) and carotene, which combined together give brightness and counteract cellular aging. Madecassic acid, one of the active components of centella, has a high anti-inflammatory power. It is therefore perfect for sensitive, acne-prone and inflammation-prone skin.
The best products will be:
- delicate
- non-comedogenic: they do not clog pores
- non-greasy
- comedolytics: they open clogged pores
- keratolytics: dissolve the caps and promote the natural process by which the skin loses dead cells
The perfect routine
As always, good skincare habits must necessarily start from cleansing, which will be delicate but effective, to be carried out daily both in the morning and in the evening before going to sleep. It is essential to remove all traces of makeup and impurities with a non-aggressive facial cleanser such as Snail Solution Foam Cleanser, which contains ceramides, snail slime filter and Centella asiatica extract.
To remove makeup, the double cleansing (of which we talk about here) is ideal. Himalaya Cleansing Balm Pink Salt can be effectively used for both face and eyes.
Then, proceed with a delicate toner containing Asiatic pennywort (centella) and ceramides, with the addition of propolis, which contributes to the calming and antibacterial effect. Green Derma Mild Toner.
After the toner, an essence may be appropriate. It enhances subsequent treatments and contributes to the anti-inflammatory effect, also restoring the correct moisture supply. Snail Solution Essence contains ceramides, in addition to niacinamide, madecassic acid (from Asiatic pennywort) and 80% of snail slime filtrate, with healing and sebum-balancing properties.
Finally, the face cream will be light and impalpable, calming and soothing thanks to its precious ingredients including aloe vera, antioxidants derived from fruit and starches with a mattifying effect.
Real Squeeze Aloe Vera Cream
Real Squeeze line also offers an air mist for the face to be used during the day to refresh and purify at the same time. In fact it includes, besides aloe, tea tree oil, which we mentioned at the beginning.
Regular exfoliation is essential at least once a week. It should always be chemical (based on alpha and beta hydroxy acids) and never mechanical (with scrubs). Since the acneic skin is very sensitive, the scrub particles would irritate it excessively, with results totally opposite to those desired.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that acts at keratolytic and comedolytic levels. It reduces impurities and prevents their formation. It is a key ingredient in the Green Derma Real Gauze BHA mask.
If the skin is acneic but extremely sensitive, you can resort to the Green Derma Real Gauze AHA mask, which also contains lactic acid and boswellic acids.
Having an acne-prone skin is a real challenge, but with the right precautions and the use of the most suitable products for your needs, you can get surprising results. In most cases, in fact, the appropriate treatments can lead to a noticeable improvement or complete recovery.
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