Acne is a common chronic skin condition that affects 85% of teens (Reynolds et al., 2024). While acne usually clears up after puberty, about 3% of men and 12% of women do experience adult acne (Goulden et al., 1999).
Acne causes pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It occurs when your hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne management includes both topical skincare and healthy lifestyle factors, such as a varied, healthy diet and exercise. Below are skincare tips for acne/acne-prone skin (Reynolds et al., 2024; Zaenglein et al., 2016).
Hygiene Tips:
- Wash your face twice daily, and after sweating
- Change and wash your pillowcases regularly
- Shampoo regularly (oily hair touching skin may cause acne)
Skincare Ingredients:
- Retinoids → these prevent dead skin cells from clogging pores by increasing cell turnover and prevent acne scars
- Benzoyl Peroxide → this kills bacteria involved in the formation of acne, unclogged pores by breaking down skin cells within the pores, and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Azelaic Acid → this controls pigment production (reduces hyperpigmentation), has antimicrobial action, normalizes cellular turnover, and regulates sebum production
- Exfoliating Acids → these slough off the dead skin cells that clog your pores
- Sulfur → this is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and controls oil which can all help to control acne