Who hasn’t gone through those irritating phases of helplessness when a giant pimple comes and you are left with nothing but anxiety and wondering what to do? Just the word Acne brings a sense of helplessness and irritation among many of us. So what exactly is acne and what are all these AHAs and BHAs products like Lactic Acid Face Wash and salicylic acid scrub that get thrown around a lot? Let’s tackle it one by one, starting with the main cause:
Acne, also known as acne vulgaris is a dermatological condition that usually occurs due to excess secretion of sebum which clogs the skin pores with the added accumulation of dirt and residues of cosmetics, it becomes an ideal hotpot for bacterial growth thereby promoting the infestation of P. acnes (acne-causing bacteria).
The occurrence of Acne just like any other condition starts with a few early signs.
- Whiteheads have a white dot-like appearance and occur due to the accumulation of excess oil in the skin pores.
- Blackheads usually appear near the nose and chin areas and are more visible and get darker in colour when the accumulated oil comes in contact with oxygen.
- Pustules commonly called pimples, occur when the skin pore gets infected with P. acnes leading to pus and inflammation.
So, to win the battle against acne and pimples many dermatologists recommend lactic acid face wash or salicylic acid gel. These ingredients are commonly incorporated in cleansing products due to their keratolytic and exfoliating action i.e., they have the capability to break down the accumulated deposition chemically thereby cleaning the skin pores thoroughly, and deeply. But does that solve the problem of acne completely?
No, these ingredients only help in the management of the symptoms but not the root cause.
As long as there is excess secretion of sebum the acne problem persists therefore it is essential to consult a dermatologist and get educated on your skin needs and conditions before trying out new skincare products and medications.
To make your skincare journey a bit easier we have curated best practices to treat Acne and Pimples:
- Keep your skin hydrated: If your skin feels even a little bit of dryness it starts secreting more oil naturally, so scrubbing and washing your face frequently won’t solve the problem. So a dermatologist's recommended options to keep your skin hydrated are to use the Best Moisturizer For Oily Skin and drink plenty of water daily.
- Exfoliate once a week: Excess exfoliation gives a sense of freshness but increases the sensitivity of the skin and also ironically promotes excess oil secretion continuing the cycle of acne. Therefore AHA or BHA products like lactic acid facewash or salicylic acid cleansers are great choices for once-in-a-week exfoliation.
- Opt for Anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory ingredients: Look for natural ingredients like tea tree oil, turmeric, neem, or aloe vera to soothe the symptoms and manage the irritation also keeping bacterial growth in check.
- Sun Protection: Always apply non-comedogenic sunscreen to decrease the hyperpigmentation, acne marks, and further inflation of acne. Products with Retinol and Niacinamide also work well for dark spots and acne marks reduction.
- Maintain proper Hygiene: Yes, even when you are feeling tired and absolutely done with the day just find a bit of motivation to wash your face or cleanse it with non-alcoholic toner or makeup remover to remove the dirt and cosmetic residues.
Don’t fall for the marketing jargon offering fancy solutions for acne management in a few days, take a few moments of research and go for essential ingredient-based products preferably recommended by dermatologists, because you know your skin needs better than anyone. Consult a dermatologist in the initial stages of acne treatment. It’s a process and you have to treat acne management like one, it takes time and a disciplined regimen to treat it. In the end, what you offer and your capabilities define you more than what is visible at the skin level.
