How to Care for Acne?
Acne care should be done regularly by creating a cleansing and care routine suitable for your skin type. First of all, the skin should be washed with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening to remove excess oil, dirt and dead cells. However, harsh cleansers should be avoided, because when the skin is dry, it starts to produce more oil and can worsen acne. Using a moisturizer is also an important step in acne care. Oil-free and non-comedogenic products should be preferred. Using sunscreen should not be neglected, because acne spots can become more visible in the sun. In addition, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water and staying away from stress are also important to control acne formation.
What is Acne? Why does it occur?
Acne is a skin problem that occurs when the skin’s oil glands produce too much sebum and the pores get clogged. It usually occurs during puberty due to hormonal changes, but it can continue into adulthood. Factors such as oily skin type, genetic predisposition, stress, unhealthy diet and improper skin care can trigger acne. Dairy products, high-sugar foods and processed foods in particular can increase acne. In addition, makeup products that clog pores or not cleansing the skin enough can also cause acne. Although the main cause of acne is oil production, bacteria and inflammation also complicate the process.
How to Cleanse Your Skin Properly in Acne Care?
In acne care, skin cleansing is very important and should be done regularly with the right products. The skin should be cleaned twice a day, morning and evening. Over-washing or using aggressive cleansers can irritate the skin and cause more oil production, increasing acne problems. Cleansers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide help open pores and fight acne-causing bacteria. Warm water should be used instead of hot water during the cleansing process, as hot water can dry the skin and cause irritation. In addition, those who wear makeup should not go to bed without completely cleansing the skin, as makeup residue can clog pores and cause acne. After cleansing, a light moisturizer should be applied and sunscreen should be used.
Effective Anti-Acne Products for Oily Skin
For oily skin, acne-fighting products should have ingredients that balance excess oil on the skin and prevent pores from clogging. Facial cleansers containing salicylic acid control excess sebum on the skin while also removing dead skin cells. Clay masks help cleanse pores by absorbing excess sebum on oily skin. Oil-free, water-based moisturizers, on the other hand, do not clog pores while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance. In addition, serums containing niacinamide can reduce acne by balancing oil production on the skin. One of the biggest mistakes for oily skin is not using a moisturizer or cleansing the skin too much, so it is necessary to create a balanced care routine.
Substances Used in Acne Treatment
The most commonly used substances in acne treatment include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, niacinamide, and tea tree oil. Salicylic acid helps prevent blackheads and inflammatory acne by unclogging pores. Benzoyl peroxide reduces inflammation by killing acne-causing bacteria. Retinoids speed up skin cell renewal, preventing acne scars and new acne. Niacinamide reduces redness by balancing oil production in the skin. Tea tree oil, a natural ingredient, can be effective in mild acne cases thanks to its antibacterial properties. Since each of these substances used in acne treatment has different mechanisms of action, those that are appropriate for your skin type and acne type should be selected.
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars? Scar Removal Products and Treatment Methods
Acne scars can remain as long-term spots or pits on the skin, and different methods can be applied to remove these scars. For mild acne scars, serums containing vitamin C, products containing niacinamide or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) can be used to even out skin tone. For deeper acne scars, professional skin care applications such as chemical peeling, laser treatment or microneedling can be preferred. Moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid can accelerate the healing process by strengthening the skin barrier. Regular use of sunscreen is also very important to prevent scars from becoming darker. Getting rid of acne scars can take time, so it is necessary to be patient and do regular care.
Common Mistakes and Correct Practices in Acne Care
Mistakes made in acne care often make it harder for the skin to heal and cause acne to worsen. One of the most common mistakes is to cleanse the skin too much. Thinking that the skin is too oily during the day, washing it frequently can activate the skin’s defense mechanism and cause it to produce more oil. Instead, washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day, morning and evening, is enough. Another common mistake is to squeeze pimples. Squeezing pimples can cause bacteria to spread deeper and cause scarring. Instead, products containing anti-acne ingredients should be used regularly. Choosing the wrong cosmetic products can also increase the acne problem. Oily and comedogenic makeup materials clog pores, making it easier for acne to appear. It is a better choice to use light, water-based products specially formulated for acne-prone skin. In addition, not using sunscreen is among the mistakes made. The harmful rays of the sun darken acne spots and prolong the healing process. Therefore, an oil-free and pore-clogging sunscreen should be applied daily.
Acne Treatment with Natural Methods
Acne treatment with natural methods aims to reduce acne formation with herbal ingredients that can support skin care. However, not every natural method is suitable for everyone, so the skin’s reaction should be carefully observed. Tea tree oil can be effective on mild acne as it has natural antibacterial properties. A few drops of tea tree oil can be diluted with water and applied to the acne area. Aloe vera can reduce redness and moisturize the skin thanks to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Apple cider vinegar can eliminate acne-causing bacteria with its antibacterial effect, but it should be used diluted with water as it can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. Honey and cinnamon masks are also among the natural solutions for acne. Thanks to the antibacterial properties of honey and the anti-inflammatory effect of cinnamon, it can reduce the appearance of acne. Green tea, which is rich in antioxidants, can help balance sebum production both when consumed and applied to the skin. A healthy diet and plenty of water consumption are also very important in natural acne treatment.
Fighting Hormonal Acne
Although hormonal acne usually occurs during adolescence, it can continue into adulthood due to hormonal fluctuations. Especially in women, hormonal acne can be triggered by conditions such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, birth control pill use or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This type of acne is usually concentrated on the chin, cheeks and jawline. In addition to skin care, it is also important to make some lifestyle changes that can help regulate hormonal balance in the fight against hormonal acne. Creating a healthy diet, staying away from processed foods and high glycemic index foods can help balance hormones. Stress can contribute to acne by increasing cortisol levels, so stress management techniques should be applied. Regular sleep is very important for maintaining hormonal balance. Birth control pills prescribed by dermatologists, hormone regulating drugs such as spironolactone or creams containing retinoids can be used in the treatment of hormonal acne. Since the appropriate treatment will vary from person to person, it would be best to consult a specialist.
Which Foods Cause Acne?
Dietary habits can have a direct impact on acne formation. High glycemic index foods can rapidly increase blood sugar, causing insulin levels to increase and sebum production to increase. White bread, sugary snacks, fast food and soda fall into this category. Milk and dairy products can also trigger acne because the hormones in milk can increase inflammation in the skin. Cow’s milk consumption in particular can cause acne to worsen in some people. Processed foods, refined carbohydrates and foods containing excess fat can negatively affect intestinal health and cause inflammation in the skin. Foods containing trans fats and excessively salty foods can also contribute to acne formation. However, it is important to observe which foods increase acne, as everyone’s skin responds differently. Creating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and consuming foods rich in antioxidants can help skin look healthier.
Medical Methods and Professional Skin Care in Acne Treatment
Medical methods for acne treatment offer effective solutions, especially for stubborn and severe acne. Topical creams, antibiotics or medications such as isotretinoin prescribed by dermatologists are commonly used in acne treatment. Topically applied retinoids accelerate the renewal of skin cells and prevent pores from clogging. Creams containing benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics help heal inflammatory acne by fighting bacteria. Oral antibiotics or hormonal treatments may be recommended in severe acne cases. Isotretinoin is one of the most effective acne treatments, but should be used under the supervision of a doctor due to its side effects.
Acne Care During Adolescence
Acne is a very common skin problem during adolescence due to hormonal changes in the body. During this period, the sebaceous glands begin to produce more sebum, and when the pores become clogged, blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples may occur. The most important step in acne care during adolescence is regular and correct skin cleansing. The skin should be washed with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening, and harsh cleansers that dry the skin excessively should be avoided. Products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help keep the pores clean by balancing excess oil. Moisturizing should not be neglected during this process, because when the skin is dry, it begins to produce more oil, which can increase acne. Oil-free and light moisturizers should be preferred. In addition, mistakes such as frequently touching the face, squeezing acne, or going to bed without removing makeup should be avoided. Eating healthy, staying away from processed foods, and drinking enough water are also important factors that support skin health. If acne is severe and does not go away despite home care, it is necessary to seek support from a dermatologist.
Post Acne Skin Care
After acne heals, spots and scars may remain on the skin, so post-acne care is just as important as active acne. To reduce acne scars and spots, it is necessary to gently exfoliate the skin, support cell renewal and use skin-repairing ingredients. Serums containing vitamin C can help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Retinoids help speed up skin cell renewal, improving both post-acne scars and the overall texture of the skin. Moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid moisturize the skin, strengthening its barrier function and allowing the skin to recover faster. Using sunscreen is very important to prevent acne spots from darkening. In post-acne care, harsh peels that irritate the skin should be avoided and the skin care routine should be applied regularly without overdoing it. If acne scars are deep, professional applications such as chemical peels, laser treatments or microneedling can be considered.
The Effect of the Sun on Acne and Using the Right Sunscreen
Sun rays can have both positive and negative effects on acne. In the short term, the sun may seem to reduce the appearance of acne by drying out excess oil on the skin. However, in the long term, when the skin is exposed to sunlight, it starts to produce more sebum, which can cause acne to increase. In addition, sun rays can cause acne spots to darken and become permanent. Therefore, acne-prone skin should definitely use sunscreen. Light and non-comedogenic sunscreens specially formulated for oily and acne-prone skin should be preferred. Mineral-based sunscreens (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) can provide protection without making the skin too oily. Sunscreen should be applied daily, especially 15-20 minutes before going outside, and should be renewed during the day. If the sunscreen is not selected correctly, it can cause pore blockage in the skin, so it is important that the products are “non-comedogenic”.
The Role of Stress and Sleep Patterns on Acne
Stress and irregular sleep are important factors that increase acne formation. Stress can increase cortisol levels, causing the skin to produce more oil, which can trigger acne. In addition, stress weakens the immune system, making the skin more prone to inflammation. Sleep patterns are also a critical factor for skin health. Inadequate sleep can negatively affect the body’s self-renewal process, causing the skin to become duller, more tired, and more prone to acne. It is necessary to sleep at least 7-8 hours every night for skin renewal and inflammation to heal. Relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises for stress management can positively affect skin health. In addition, exercising and eating healthy can help both reduce stress levels and keep acne under control.
Regular Peeling and Skin Mask Use in Acne Care
It is very important for acne-prone skin to regularly exfoliate to cleanse the pores and remove dead cells from the skin surface. Exfoliation can prevent the formation of blackheads and acne by balancing excess sebum in the skin. However, physical exfoliators (granulated and granulated products) should be avoided, and instead, products containing chemical exfoliants (salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid based) should be preferred. Chemical peels gently exfoliate the skin without irritating it and prevent pores from clogging. Exfoliation applied 1-2 times a week can make the skin look healthier and smoother.
Skin masks also play a supporting role in acne care. Clay masks can absorb excess oil, making the skin look more matte and balanced. Masks containing niacinamide can reduce inflammation in the skin and speed up the healing process of acne. Soothing masks containing aloe vera or honey can be a suitable choice for sensitive and reddened skin. However, skin masks should not be used frequently, they should be applied 1-2 times a week. Excessive mask use can dry out the skin and cause excessive oil production. The skin should always be moisturized after peeling and mask use, otherwise the skin barrier can weaken and cause more irritation. Creating a regular and balanced skin care routine in acne care helps reduce acne and give the skin a healthier appearance.