Hi there, it’s Sarah, founder of GLO Skin Body. Acne and breakouts can feel overwhelming for some and just annoying each month, but with the right advice and support, for most of us, it’s something that can be managed effectively. Let’s explore the causes of acne and the best ways to treat it, focusing on Dermalogica’s Active Clearing range, which is specially designed to combat acne and breakouts while addressing signs of ageing.
What Causes Acne?
Hormonal Changes - Hormonal fluctuations are a significant trigger for acne. During puberty, the body produces higher levels of androgens, which can increase oil production and lead to clogged pores. Similarly, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can cause breakouts. Hormonal acne is often characterized by deep, cystic lesions around the jawline and chin.
Diet and Nutrition - Certain dietary choices can exacerbate acne. High glycemic index foods, which cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, can increase insulin levels and promote inflammation, contributing to acne. Dairy products and processed foods are also linked to breakouts. Studies have shown that reducing the intake of these foods can help manage acne symptoms.
Stress and Lifestyle - Stress impacts hormones like cortisol, which can increase oil production and lead to acne. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as lack of sleep, smoking, and poor hygiene can aggravate breakouts. Managing stress through techniques like meditation, exercise, and adequate sleep can significantly improve skin health.
Genetics - Genetics play a crucial role in acne development. If your parents had acne, you are more likely to experience it as well. Genetic factors can influence the size and activity of sebaceous glands, the rate of skin cell turnover, and the body’s inflammatory response.
Environmental Factors Pollution, humidity, and skincare habits also contribute to acne. Pollutants can clog pores and cause inflammation, while high humidity can increase oil production. It’s essential to maintain a consistent skincare routine to protect the skin from environmental damage.
Key Ingredients in Skincare that Help Treat Acne
Salicylic Acid - Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve oil and debris, preventing and treating acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing redness and swelling associated with pimples.
Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful antibacterial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces excess oil. It is commonly used in spot treatments and cleansers for its fast-acting properties.
Retinoids - Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that promote cell turnover, preventing the formation of new acne lesions. They also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide - Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, reduces inflammation, regulates oil production, and improves skin barrier function. It is also effective in brightening skin tone and reducing the appearance of post-acne marks.
Beyond Skincare: Additional Approaches to Managing Acne
Healthy Diet - Incorporating low glycemic foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants into your diet can help manage acne. Foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne severity. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables help protect the skin from damage.
Regular Exercise - Exercise improves circulation, which helps nourish skin cells and keeps them healthy. It also reduces stress, which can decrease the likelihood of stress-induced breakouts.
Adequate Sleep - Ensuring 7-9 hours of sleep each night allows the body to repair and regenerate skin cells. Lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels, leading to increased oil production and acne.
Stress Management - Techniques like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help manage stress levels, reducing the impact of stress on your skin. Stress management is crucial for maintaining overall skin health.
Proper Hydration - Drinking enough water helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity, preventing dryness and irritation that can lead to acne.
Effective Devices and Accessories for Acne Management
LED Light Therapy - LED light therapy reduces inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria. Blue light therapy, in particular, is effective in treating acne by targeting the bacteria responsible for breakouts.
We strongly recommend speaking with one of our expert therapists to ensure you are purchasing the correct type of LED mask.
Facial Cleansing Devices - Facial cleansing devices enhance the effectiveness of cleansers by deep cleaning pores and removing dirt, oil, and makeup more effectively than manual cleansing.
Non-Comedogenic Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin:
Using non-comedogenic makeup helps avoid clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. Look for makeup products that are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin.
Recommended Products from the Dermalogica Active Clearing Range
Clearing Skin Wash
Why it’s great: This foaming cleanser targets breakouts and congestion with antibacterial properties. It contains salicylic acid to stimulate natural exfoliation, clearing clogged follicles and smoothing away dullness that contributes to visible skin ageing. Additional ingredients like tea tree, menthol, and camphor provide anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, leaving the skin clean and prepped for optimal absorption of active clearing treatments.
AGE Bright Clearing Serum
Why it’s great: This two-in-one brightening and clearing serum prevents and clears stress-related breakouts while reducing visible signs of skin ageing. It features salicylic acid for exfoliation and unclogging pores, niacinamide for reducing inflammation and brightening the skin, and phytoactives from the Resurrection Plant to hydrate and smooth the skin’s surface. This serum works with the skin’s natural microbiome for clearer, brighter skin without over-stripping the protective barrier.
Active Clearing Retinol Clearing Oil
Why it’s great: This oil targets breakouts and visible signs of premature skin ageing with a combination of retinol and salicylic acid. Retinol helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, while salicylic acid clears breakouts and promotes cell turnover. The formula also includes nourishing oils like argan, rosehip seed, and golden jojoba to soothe and protect the skin.
Sebum Clearing Masque
Why it’s great: This soothing clay masque helps clear breakouts and minimise premature signs of skin ageing. It contains oil-absorbing clays to detoxify the skin and salicylic acid to clear pore congestion. Additional ingredients like oat kernel extract and bisabolol calm and soothe irritation, while niacinamide helps control sebum production and scavenges free radicals.
Oil Free Matte SPF 30
Why it’s great: This sheer, weightless shield provides broad-spectrum UV protection while mattifying oily skin to prevent shine and breakouts. It contains niacinamide to reduce inflammation and regulate oil production, and includes antioxidant-rich grape seed and green tea extracts to protect the skin from environmental damage.
Active Clearing Clear + Brighten Kit
Why it’s great: This kit combines several powerful products designed to target breakouts and premature skin ageing. It includes the AGE Bright Clearing Serum, which brightens and clears the skin, and the Oil Free Matte SPF 30 for protection and oil control. This combination is perfect for achieving clearer, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.
Deep Breakout Liquid Patch
Why it’s great: This innovative product targets deep, cystic acne by forming an invisible patch over the breakout. It contains salicylic acid to clear pore congestion and powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce swelling and soothe irritation. This liquid patch prevents bacteria from spreading and helps to heal deep breakouts more effectively.
These products from the Dermalogica Active Clearing range are specially formulated to tackle acne and breakouts while also addressing signs of ageing, making them ideal for achieving clear, healthy skin.
Achieving clear, healthy skin is a journey that involves understanding the causes of acne, selecting the right skincare products, and incorporating holistic lifestyle changes. By addressing the root causes of acne—such as hormonal changes, diet, stress, genetics, and environmental factors—you can develop a comprehensive approach to managing breakouts effectively.
Dermalogica’s Active Clearing range offers a powerful arsenal of products specifically designed to combat acne while also addressing signs of ageing. From the exfoliating power of salicylic acid in the Clearing Skin Wash to the dual-action benefits of the AGE Bright Clearing Serum and the soothing, purifying effects of the Sebum Clearing Masque , these products work together to provide a complete skincare routine that targets acne at every level.
Beyond topical treatments, adopting healthy lifestyle practices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and proper hydration can significantly improve your skin’s health. Additionally, utilizing devices like LED light therapy and facial cleansing brushes can enhance your skincare regimen’s effectiveness, providing deeper cleansing and targeted acne treatment.
For those who wear makeup, choosing non-comedogenic products like the Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation ensures that your makeup doesn’t contribute to clogged pores and breakouts.
By combining these strategies and products, you can take control of your skin’s health and achieve the clear, radiant complexion you desire. Remember, consistency is key, and with the right support and guidance, managing acne is entirely within your reach.
Explore our full range of acne-fighting products here , and take the first step towards healthier, clearer skin today.
Best regards,
SarahFounder, GLO Skin Body.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need personalized advice. We’re here to support you on your journey to clear, healthy skin!
