How can I get rid of acne on my face?

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that affects many people and all skin types, not just oily skin, including adult women. It manifests itself in different forms, such as papules, pustules, whiteheads and blackheads, and can have significant psychological repercussions on sufferers. To better understand how to eliminate acne on the face, it's essential to explore the causes of acne, the local treatments available, and the steps to follow to achieve clearer skin.

What causes acne?

Acne is mainly caused by an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. This excessive sebum secretion can clog the skin's pores, leading to the formation of closed comedones (whiteheads) and open comedones (blackheads). Various factors can contribute to this overproduction, including :

• Hormonal fluctuations: often linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause, these fluctuations can aggravate acne in adult women.
• Stress: can lead to increased sebum production and exacerbate acne.
• Diet: Certain foods, especially those rich in sugar and dairy products, can influence the appearance of acne.
• Medication: Certain medications can also aggravate acne.

Local acne treatments

To effectively treat acne, the use of local treatments is essential. These treatments are specifically formulated to act directly on skin lesions, reducing inflammation, eliminating bacteria and unclogging pores. Here are some of the most commonly used ingredients and products:

1. Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective treatments for acne. Here's how it works:

• Antibacterial properties: kills Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, responsible for inflammation and pimple formation.
• Reduced sebum production: Helps reduce sebum secretion, thus limiting the conditions conducive to the appearance of acne.
• Exfoliation: Promotes cell renewal, helping to eliminate dead skin cells that can clog pores.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in a range of concentrations, generally from 2.5% to 10%. It is advisable to start with a lower concentration to assess skin tolerance, and gradually increase if necessary.

2. Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is another key ingredient in acne treatment, and it's particularly effective for non-inflammatory types of acne, such as blackheads and comedones. Here are its main benefits:

• Exfoliation: Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores and helps exfoliate dead skin cells. This reduces the build-up that can lead to clogged pores.
• Reduces inflammation: It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne lesions.
• Reduces blackheads: by unclogging pores, it helps prevent the formation of new blackheads.

It is often found in products in the form of lotions, gels or creams.

3. Topical retinoids

Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, are particularly effective in treating both inflammatory and non-inflammatory forms of acne. Their benefits include:

• Cell renewal regulation: Helps prevent the build-up of dead cells that clog pores, reducing the formation of blackheads and pimples.
• Improved skin texture: Retinoids promote smoother, more even skin by stimulating collagen production.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: They also help reduce acne-related inflammation.

Common topical retinoids include tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene. They should be used with caution, as they can cause skin irritation, especially at the start of treatment.

4. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)

Alpha-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are used to gently exfoliate the skin. They are particularly useful for :

• Eliminate dead cells: AHAs help exfoliate the skin's surface, preventing the build-up of dead cells that can cause blackheads.
• Improve the appearance of acne scars: They promote cell renewal, which can help reduce the appearance of scars.

These acids are often found in cleansers, serums or masks.

5. Green tea products

Some studies have shown that green tea extracts can help reduce acne. Their beneficial effects include:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which can reduce skin inflammation.
• Reduced sebum production: Some green tea products can also help regulate sebum secretion.

Other measures to be taken

In addition to local treatments, other measures can help reduce acne and improve skin condition:

1. Adopt an appropriate skincare routine: Use gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers specially formulated for oily skin. Avoid products containing heavy oils that could clog pores.

2. Avoid touching the face: Hands can transfer bacteria and impurities to the skin, aggravating acne.

3. Eat a balanced diet: Favour foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruit and vegetables, and limit consumption of refined sugars and dairy products.

4. Manage stress: techniques such as yoga, meditation or regular exercise can help reduce stress and, consequently, sebum production.

Professional consultation

In cases ofvery severe acne, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. The latter may prescribe more powerful treatments, such as antibiotics or hormonal therapies, depending on the severity of the acne and the patient's individual needs.

Conclusion

Acne is a complexcondition requiring a personalized approach to treatment. By understanding the causes of acne and adopting appropriate local treatments, it is possible to reduce the appearance of papules, pustules, whiteheads and blackheads. With patience and the right skincare routine, it's entirely possible to achieve clearer skin and limit the psychological impact of this condition.