Improve acne-prone skin

Acne is a common problem for many people, especially during puberty and in those with oily skin. Acne not only causes aesthetic issues and reduces self-confidence but also affects skin health.

Change your lifestyle habits.

Acne is caused by many factors such as oily skin, inadequate cleansing, a dusty work environment, late nights, and stress. However, it primarily occurs through four main mechanisms: keratinization and blockage of hair follicles, increased sebum production, the role of the bacteria P. acnes (C. acnes), and inflammatory reactions. These mechanisms rarely occur in isolation but rather simultaneously, so treating acne requires a combination of methods.

First, lifestyle changes account for up to 50% of the effectiveness of treatment. An unhealthy diet can worsen your skin condition. Fast food, and foods high in sugar and fat, can cause severe acne breakouts.

Focus on eating plenty of green vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich foods, and drink plenty of water to help improve your skin condition. Develop a habit of going to bed early; this not only makes your skin more radiant but also greatly improves your health, especially during puberty. Regular exercise improves skin condition by stimulating blood circulation and increasing skin resistance. Additionally, change your bed sheets and pillowcases regularly. Avoid bad habits such as picking at pimples or touching your face.

Proper skincare

The remaining 50% of treatment effectiveness comes from acne treatment products (topical and oral medications) and skincare cosmetics. If the condition is severe, you should see a dermatologist to get a prescription for oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, or isotretinoin... This may be accompanied by zinc, L-cystine, and antihistamines. Topical treatments, such as products with active ingredients like adapalene, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid, help reduce inflammation and dry out pimples quickly. These will be prescribed according to the severity of the acne.

Regarding a home skincare routine for acne-prone skin, the first and most important step is cleansing. You should thoroughly remove makeup and wash your face using a cleanser containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to deeply cleanse and reduce excess oil. Products containing niacinamide, AHAs, tea tree oil, and salicylic acid also help reduce inflammation, control oil production, prevent clogged pores, and fade post-acne marks. However, start with a low concentration and gradually increase it to allow your skin time to adapt.

Repairing and sun-protecting products should be prioritized in your daily skincare routine. For moisturizing, prioritize water-based, oil-free products with a lightweight texture to allow the skin to breathe, and those containing powerful restorative ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and panthenol. Using sunscreen will help protect the skin from harmful environmental factors, minimizing the formation of acne and post-acne marks. Because acne-prone skin is quite sensitive, you should also consider using a suitable sunscreen that does not contain ingredients that irritate the skin.

Be patient and treat acne scientifically ; don't rush into using homemade creams or herbal remedies containing unknown ingredients, as this can severely damage your skin.

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