What care does acne-prone skin need?

Acne is a common problem, and while it can affect adults, it’s especially common among teenagers: 8 in 10 young people will suffer from acne at some point in their lives. This skin condition usually appears primarily on areas such as the face, but also to a lesser extent on the upper back and shoulders. This is a visible problem in the dermis, but in many cases, can also affect self-esteem.

Why do acne occur?

“Acne appears on oily skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Paz Cerdá Escar. Increased levels of androgens (male hormones that rise starting with puberty) in both men and women can trigger the process of producing more sebum, which may explain why acne occurs especially after puberty.

While acne is a common hormonal problem, especially in young adults (typically affecting 80% of young people ages 12 to 20), anyone can develop acne at any time in their lives. Because you are being treated with corticosteroids or because you are going through a period of hormonal changes, such as menopause or pregnancy.

Experts note that some acne breakouts on oily skin can also be caused by certain medications, such as “anti-epileptic drugs, corticosteroids and the use of inappropriate cosmetics such as soaps, creams or makeup.”

What are the symptoms of acne?

Acne usually occurs in the form of different types of skin lesions, such as comedones (most common in younger patients), papules, pustules, and nodules. These lesions may be inflammatory, but this is not always necessary. In the first case, red and painful papules usually appear and may leave hollow scars. Blackheads, cysts, and whiteheads can also be caused by excess sebum and closed capillary channels, which trap sebum in the sebaceous glands.

Daily hygiene is key to treating acne

To deal with acne, no matter what your age, it is important to consult a dermatologist who can help us take care of our skin and provide us with the necessary guidance to treat acne in the most appropriate way. “Acne is a skin disease that must be treated by a dermatologist,” Cerdá emphasizes.

This is a skin pathology that requires special care. According to the guidelines for acne patients of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), there are general measures based on key steps when treating acne, such as:

Can I wear makeup if I have acne?

Yes, we can do it, although we have to be very strict about hygiene to avoid leaving traces of makeup, especially at night. It is very important to choose special cosmetics for acne-prone skin that do not clog pores to avoid repeated infections and the appearance of acne, which is the most common lesion in young patients and manifests itself in the form of small lesions.

How about shaving? In this case, it is recommended to soften your beard with warm soapy water and shave gently with a razor or razor, shaving only when necessary and not every day. “Sometimes, after shaving, you may need to use a specific lotion and sometimes a topical antibiotic,” Cerdá clarifies.

Always use specific products

In all cases, acne treatment involves the use of specific products such as fat-free liquid formulas, cleansers, oil control agents (for immediate results), ceramides or shea butter to protect the skin barrier, soothing, sebum regulating products and suitable Products for sensitive skin.

To treat acne, Cerdá explains, the first option is usually “topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and various antibiotics.” Oral treatment usually involves taking antibiotics and retinoids. In this step, Cerdá dismisses the misconception that acne treatments “can dry, irritate, or be harmful to the skin; irritation is often caused by treatments that are used to achieve a certain purpose. Peeling skin”.

Regarding when treatment needs to be started, the dermatologist said, “It has been found that it is not necessary to have severe acne to apply these treatments, as the results are better if we take comprehensive action as soon as possible, since they will be maintained from the start Fewer brands.” Experts clarify that “you must always be careful with acne-prone oily skin” because acne can appear at any time due to various reasons, such as the use of oily creams, oily cosmetics or due to hormonal influences.