For most, the first image that comes to mind is that of a teenager in the midst of hormonal turmoil. However, this is not the only time when women are prone to relapse or new development of acne. This condition can affect people of all ages and sometimes persist for decades, but some factors make the skin more acne-prone.
What is acne, and how does it appear?
Acne is a skin condition that happens when the hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. It is often associated with whiteheads, pimples, and blackheads. Some acne sufferers also develop nodules (solid, painful lumps under the skin) and cystic lesions (painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin). Acne can appear on the face (including the forehead) and the chest, upper back, and shoulders. These areas tend to have the most oil (sebaceous) glands.
Other factors that contribute to acne production are clogged hair follicles, bacteria, and inflammation.
A whitehead is produced when the hair follicle wall bulges when clogged with dead skin cells and excess sebum. If the plug is exposed to air, the surface darkens, causing a blackhead. The pore would be congested with bacteria and oil. Pimples develop from blocked hair follicles that become either inflamed or infected with bacteria. When this blockage occurs deep inside hair follicles, cyst-like lumps form beneath the surface of the skin.
Aside from the discomfort and pain of a condition that can leave scars on the skin, acne can cause emotional distress and low self-esteem.
What makes acne worse or skin more oily?
Some factors can trigger acne or make skin more oily. These are:
- Hormonal changes: androgens that increase in both genders during puberty cause glands to produce more oil. Changes in hormones during midlife, particularly in women, can also lead to acne skin.
- Certain medications: drugs such as corticosteroids or testosterone may make acne worse or skin more oily
- Stress: it does not cause acne but can make established acne worse
- Diet: certain foods such as refined and simple carbohydrates may worsen acne, e.g. white bread, rice, sugary drinks and snacks, and potato chips. Diets rich in high glycaemic index foods i.e., foods that can a rapid rise in blood sugar, may be linked to problem skin.
The importance of a complete skincare routine
Some people believe that oily skin should not be moisturised as there is already plenty of oil on the face. However, we must not mistake oil on the skin for hydration. Without ample moisture, the integrity of the skin and its barrier properties are compromised. Dehydrated skin might even make acne worse as the skin may produce more oil to compensate. This can lead to clogging of the skin and breakouts.
One crucial factor is to use products designed for oily skin. A cleanser such as Normaderm Phytosolution Cleansing Gel should be used twice a day to keep the skin clean and clear of oil. This can be followed by Mineral89, a serum made up of 89% Vichy Mineralizing Water, that penetrates the skin and strengthens it without leaving a residue.
Vichy Normaderm 3-in-1 Cleanser + Scrub + Mask can also be used as a cleanser by lathering with water daily, but there is much more to this product. It can also be used without water as a scrub (recommended once or twice a week) as well as a wash-off mask (recommended once a week). This 3-in-1 product is gentle on the skin and convenient for its multiple functions in leaving the skin clear and radiant.
Normaderm Correcting Anti-Blemish Care is a moisturizing cream that provides a matt finish and fewer marks thanks to the ingredient PHE resorcinol. It blurs the appearance of open pores for a radiant finish. It is also enriched with Airlicium, an ultra-light substance that disperses and absorbs excess sebum. Normaderm Correcting Anti-Blemish Care is non-greasy and non-sticky, making it an ideal base for foundation and other makeup.
When you have oily skin, the makeup and sun protection you use should also be suitable for your skin type. Use Capital Soleil Dry Touch SPF50, a dry-touch sunscreen suitable for those with combination, oily, or sweaty skin. Like all Vichy products, this is enriched with Vichy Mineralizing Water to nourish the skin while protecting it from UVA and UVB rays.
A foundation such as Dermablend [3D Correction] Foundation is oil-free and non-comedogenic and provides oily and acne-prone skin with very high coverage.
