Acne comes in many forms, and so do acne treatments. The right treatment for you will depend on both the underlying cause of your breakout (stress, hormonal imbalances, diet…) as well as its severity.
In most cases of acne-prone skin, the correct form of cleansing and the use of adapted daily care products containing reference dermatological active ingredients can help keep pores clear and prevent new pimples from appearing. Action can always be taken, and you’re in the right place to find guidance towards the right solutions!
Post acne scars are notoriously difficult to treat. Certain in-office treatments can help such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser and microneedling. Ideally, post acne scars should be prevented from forming in the first place with suitable medications such as antibiotics or isotretinoin. Ask also your pharmasists about an expert daily skincare such as the EFFACLAR range.
Mild acne can be managed with the right dermocosmetic solutions. Gently cleanse skin twice daily with a micellar water or foaming cleansing gel. Follow with daily skincare with active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and piroctone olamine. If these measures are not enough, see your dermatologist to ask about medical treatments such as retinoids, antibiotics and isotretinoin.
In acne, an inbalance in hormones called androgens cause the sebaceous gland to produce lots of oil. The same hormones cause increased production of skin cells lining pores. Pores then get clogged with a mixture of cells and sebum, becoming a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. This results in several types of pimple ranging from red spots to pustules or deep, painful cysts.
Mild acne on the body can be managed with the right dermocosmetic solutions. Gently cleanse skin twice daily with a foaming cleansing gel. Follow with daily skincare with active ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and piroctone olamine. If these measures are not enough, see your dermatologist to ask about medical treatments such as retinoids, antibiotics and isotretinoin.
So, which top ingredients should you look out for? Broadly-speaking, topical anti-imperfections ingredients fall into two categories: Those that help clear pores, and those that target bacteria.
Salicylic acid is a highly effective ingredient in acne-prone skin moisturizers and face washes for its ability to clear away dead skin cells and dissolve excess oil. Many products also incorporate antibacterial ingredients like zinc sulphate and benzoyl peroxide. As a general rule, look for products that are non-comedogenic (that won’t clog your pores).
Sounds complicated? It isn’t: In these articles you will find top product recommendations that you can buy directly from the pharmacy without a prescription.
You will also find specific tips on how to cleanse your oily and acne-prone skin, as well as how to help get rid of blackheads, post-acne scars and marks, plus an article on the importance of sleep for clear and healthy skin – acne-prone skin needs its beauty sleep!
If over-the-counter cares aren’t strong enough for you (particularly if you have cystic acne-prone skin), in this section you will also discover prescription only medical treatments for acne: Topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane). We’ll also talk you through the side effects to watch out for.
We generally talk about polymorphic acne. Polymorphic means that there are two types of lesions. Firstly, non-inflammatory lesions, i.e. lesions where a small plug - a blackhead - prevents the sebum from being eliminated and causes a build up of sebum deep down in the gland. This is called a micro cyst. Secondly, there are inflammatory lesions. In this case, sebum which is inflamed internally changes and causes inflammation.
The sebaceous gland breaks and leads to the formation of inflammatory lesions in the form of pimples or white-heads. Depending on the type of acne there may be a combination of both of these lesions. In the most severe forms there will be large number of micro cysts and blackheads as well as inflammatory lesions. Both types of lesions must be treated. Inflammatory eruptions should be treated locally with products such as benzoyl peroxide which has a very effective anti-inflammatory effectand should be applied in the evening. Avoid using local antibiotics because you may become resistant to them. In the case of the non-inflammatory lesions the plug which prevents sebum from being eliminated has to be removed using products which need to be aggressive. We would start treatment by using mild products such as fruit acids and especially LHA which is well tolerated and very effective. If these fruit acids are not effective or well tolerated we would proceed to the next step: drugs containing all vitamin A acid derivation therefore tretinoine which have a stripping action and consequently cause mild irritation. Do not forget to compensate for the dryness caused by the treatment by using moisturisers suitable for this skin type in the morning. If the inflammatory lesions are too large oral antibiotics - cyclines - can be prescribed for their anti-inflammatory action.
This oral treatment should preferably be taken in the evening. Care should be taken to avoid exposure to the sun as cyclines can be photo-sensitizing. Treatment is relatively long; about 2 or 3 months as a rule. Zinc can be also be used and hormonal therapy may be prescribed for girls. In fact, some contraceptive pills are used to treat acne and may resolve such problems easily. For more severe acne oral isotretinoins, which have quite severe side effects will be prescribed. Finally, prevention is the best treatment for scars so avoid touching, fiddling with, or bursting the pimples. If the scars persist after the acne is treated it is possible to resort to treatments such as the use of lasers which effectively reduce their appearance.
