Acne 101: All You Need to Know About Acne-Prone Skin

Are you suffering from acne and do not know yet what you should do to take care of it? Worry not cause we are going to guide you through!

What is acne? 

Acne is a skin condition, common among young people, that produces many pimples (= spots), especially on the face and neck. While acne doesn’t pose a serious risk to our overall health, it can contribute to emotional distress, affecting our self-esteem and self-confidence.

Types of acne 

There are three types of acne: mild, moderate, and severe.

a. Mild (non-inflammatory): also known as closed & open comedones. There is no inflammation and the chance of scarring is unlikely

     -Whiteheads (closed follicular opening)

     -Blackheads (dilated follicular opening)

b. Moderate (inflammatory): also known as pimples or zits. ‘Active’ acne with visible redness and mild to moderate inflammation. The chance of scarring depends on the degree of inflammation and duration of inflammation may cause hyperpigmentation and scarring

       -Papule

       -Pustule

       -Nodule

c. Severe: The degree of inflammation is severe with a high chance of hyperpigmentation and scarring. It requires medical attention and proper medicated treatment by a dermatologist. 

Causes of Acne 

-Excess sebum production

-Weakened skin barrier

-Inflammation

-Hormones

-Clogged pores due to build up of dead skin cells

-Poor diet/lifestyle

-Psychological stress

-Pollutions

How to treat different types of acne 

Different kinds of acne, different kinds of treatment. For mild to moderate acne, you can use over-the-counter skincare options to help treat acne. However, severe acne might need prescription from doctors and need to be handled professionally by a dermatologist.

For mild to moderate acne 

For severe acne 

Consult with your dermatologist for early intervention and right treatment options to prevent permanent scarring and hyperpigmentation. Typical treatments that might be given to you by your dermatologist include retinoid, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, isotretinoin and hormonal agents. Treatment for each individual is personalized based on current medical condition, severity, endocrine history, and many more. It may take a few weeks (3-6 weeks) till improvement can be seen.

How to take care of acne-prone skin 

Acne-prone skin is a given and we have to live peacefully with it. It is important to minimize the triggers that may cause acne occasionally.

1. Limit food with high glycemic index, sugar and dairy products as these kind of foods may worsen inflammation

2. Cleanse your skin moderately. People with acne-prone skin often think their skin is dirty, hence the acne, and end up over-cleansing their face. Over-cleansing your face, in fact, is going to be one of the causes of severe acne.

3. Get enough sleep and rest

4. Avoid harsh skincare ingredients

5. Do not skip moisturizer! Even though your skin might look oily and is abundant with ‘moisture’, using a light moisturizer will help your skin to lock in the moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss

6. Add antioxidant to your skincare routine to keep your skin from free radicals

Product recommendation: 

Day & Night Oily Acne Prone Skincare box 

The Day & Night Oily Acne Prone Skincare Box from Wishtrend is a thoughtfully curated set designed to address the specific needs of oily, acne-prone skin. It includes four key products that work together to hydrate, protect, calm, and moisturize without clogging pores or worsening breakouts.

Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner deeply hydrates the skin, restoring balance and calming irritation with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica. This toner has a very lightweight texture, perfect for oily acne-prone skin. This prepares the skin for better absorption of the next products, like the Dear, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop . This Vitamin C serum helps brighten the skin, fade post-acne marks, promoting an even skin tone and preventing clogged pores. Enhanced with 5% pure Vitamin C, it's gentle enough to use even for sensitive skin.

The By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Calming Ampoule soothes the skin with its calming properties, helping to promote a healthy skin barrier. Finally, the By Wishtrend Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream provides lightweight, non-greasy hydration with 75% Vitamin Tree Water, ensuring the skin stays moisturized without becoming oily and helps to brighten and clarify skin.

Together, these products create a balanced routine that targets the main concerns of oily, acne-prone skin, helping to reduce breakouts and improve overall skin health.