UNDERSTAND YOUR SKIN
“Take time to take care of yourself: (re)learn how to cleanse, moisturize and do make-up on your acne-prone skin. » - Amélie Arsac, socio-beautician trainer
1. ADAPT YOUR HYGIENE
It is essential to have a daily skin hygiene adapted to oily skin, morning, and evening, especially when you have acne-prone skin. It is indeed important to clean it well to eliminate dead cells, excess sebum, and impurities.
Whether in the shower or in front of the mirror: take advantage of this moment to take care of yourself. Favor gentle products that rinse off, but above all without soap (and yes, you can clean without soap) because soap dries out the skin and makes it uncomfortable. Moreover, the more the skin is uncomfortable, the more we tend to want to touch it and the more we touch it, the greater the risk of causing inflammation and skin imperfections.
Opt for gentle cleansers:
- Syndets
- Dermatological bars
- Gels
- Foams
- Oils
“Oil on my already oily skin?” Yes, cleansing oils are ideal to gently unclog your skin!
It's up to you to choose the one that best suits your skin.
In all cases, rinse your skin well with clear water then dry it without rubbing. Then spray your skin with Thermal Water to soothe it before applying your moisturizer.
2. REMOVE YOUR MAKEUP, WITHOUT AGRESSING YOUR SKIN
Who hasn't lacked motivation to remove their makeup in the evening?
However, thorough and gentle makeup removal is essential to prevent the development of small imperfections. So, take the time to pamper your skin.
Pro tip: why not try to stop using cotton pads?
→ Two advantages: no aggressive rubbing and no waste.
(i) On acne-prone skin, avoid rubbing as much as possible. Always keep in mind that the more you touch and rub your face, the more it will feel "aggressed" and will react by producing sebum.
My favorite are oil-based makeup removers to use on dry skin, gently massaging the face for a relaxing moment! After this massage, moisten your face (if possible, use Thermal Water Spray), and massage again to reveal a soft and milky texture that should then be rinsed off. The result is non-greasy and an immediate sensation of comfort.
3. OPT FOR A GENTLE SCRUB
If you have mild skin imperfections and blackheads, it is possible and recommended to do a gentle scrub no more than once a week to unclog the skin. However, exfoliation is not recommended for acne-prone skin with red pimples or more severe imperfections as it can create irritation.
When is the right time to do it?
After cleansing the face and before applying moisturizer.
There are small cells called "dead cells" and blackheads that are on the surface of the skin. The goal of exfoliation is to eliminate these cells to refine the skin's texture, improve the complexion's radiance, and stimulate the skin's microcirculation. As a beautician, I confirm that the exfoliation step is essential for facial care. Indeed, it enhances the effectiveness of products (mask, serum, cream, etc.) applied.
Which exfoliant to choose?
There are two types of scrub:
- Mechanical "grainy" scrub: use with caution. Seek advice from your general practitioner/dermatologist/pharmacist. You should choose a very fine grain and proceed delicately with your fingertips to avoid aggressing the skin, which would amplify sebum production.
Reminder: do not do it if there are red pimples present, as it may create irritation.
- Chemical exfoliation, also known as "enzyme scrub" or "peeling," whose active ingredients, such as AHA fruit acids, BHA, fruit enzymes, dissolve dead cells from the epidermis without mechanical action. Recommended for retention acne (blackheads), preferably done in the evening to avoid any sensitivity to the sun during the day. Inflammatory acne can worsen with peels.
4. DO FACE MASKS
Doing a face mask goes hand in hand with exfoliating, so it should be done once a week. But before you start, you'll need to assess your imperfections to choose the mask that's best for your skin.
Note: performing these treatments does not replace a mandatory consultation with your dermatologist, who will be able to prescribe a treatment and routine adapted to your acne and skin.
1. For oily skin with enlarged pores, excess sebum, blackheads, and pimples:Solution → absorbent actives such as:
- Green clay
- Kaolin (white clay)
Solution → hydrating and soothing actives such as:
- Calendula
- Aloe vera
- Clay, but white or pink, and do not let it dry too much (it's ideal to spray Thermal Water on it during application).
5. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR ACNE AND IMPERFECTIONS
Who has never been tempted to pop a pimple?
It is very tempting to want to touch your imperfections, whether they are pimples or blackheads, but you must resist.
Why? When you pop a pimple, you risk causing an infection and/or aggravating inflammation which can cause scarring and persistent acne.
To properly treat your acne and deeply cleanse your skin, we recommend that you make an appointment with your dermatologist who will prescribe an appropriate treatment and may also perform peels that remove blackheads and microcysts.
6. YOU CAN GET PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS AT A SPASpas, beauty centers, thalassotherapy centers...
Depending on your availability and budget, these places can offer a great way to take care of your acne-prone skin and enjoy a wonderful facial treatment experience. These treatments have multiple benefits, including skin diagnosis, the use of suitable products, and, importantly, a moment of absolute relaxation, which can be a great stress reliever for those dealing with acne.
At a spa, you will find all the steps of a facial treatment that you can also do at home: cleansing, steaming, exfoliation, massage, and a mask, all performed by professionals. They will use their expert hands and techniques to help you fully unwind and relax, with music, scents, and an ambiance that are specific to the beauty industry.
In summary, it's a great gift idea for your loved ones who want to treat themselves and their skin.
7. DO A PEEL AT YOUR DERMATOLOGIST’SPeels can refine the skin's texture by eliminating blackheads, tightening dilated pores, improving the appearance of the skin and post-inflammatory pigmented spots. Peels involve applying a liquid or paste product that causes the skin to peel through its acidic composition (usually based on glycolic acid).
It is a medical aesthetic technique after which the treated skin (face or neck) will renew itself after peeling[1]. However, it is important to note that peeling should always be performed by a dermatologist. It is useful and complementary to treatments for non-inflammatory acne (eliminating blackheads and microcysts) and helps to refine the skin's texture. These peels are called "superficial" because they remain on the surface of the skin (epidermis).
Peels called "medium" penetrate the superficial or medium dermis but are used less and less. They require a few days of recovery time and can also lead to scarring. These medium peels have largely been replaced by laser procedures (fractional CO2), which are the most effective for repairing even the most marked acne scars.
The result is that the skin is purified and the complexion more radiant. Acne is a skin disease that requires follow-up and appropriate medical techniques. The use of peels may only be proposed to you by your dermatologist.
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Source: [1] Dr. Jean-Luc Morel, French Association of Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine (AFME) - "Gentle peeling (superficial) for new skin" (2015)