What ingredients and creams are effective against pimples?

Pimples or acne-prone skin? Before using an "anti pimple" skin care product, it's essential to know what type of pimple you have.

What type of buttons do you have?

• Blackheads, also known as open comedones

These are pores clogged by excessive sebum secretion and dead cells that accumulate and oxidize on contact with air, giving a black color to the surface of the pimple. They are not covered by the skin, allowing oxidation, and are found on all skin types, from oily to dry.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy or certain medications, can increase sebum production, favoring the formation of blackheads.

• White dots

A whitehead is a closed comedo that has not opened outwards. The skin covers the bump, giving it a whitish appearance. It's also called a whitehead. Squeezing a whitehead does not empty its contents, and it may feel firmer to the touch than a blackhead.

• Nodules

A nodule is a deep, severe skin lesion often associated with nodular or cystic acne. It appears as a large lump under the skin, usually several millimeters in diameter, and is distinguished by its firm consistency. In contrast to superficial pimples such as blackheads or whiteheads, nodules are much deeper and not on the surface of the skin. They are painful to the touch and can persist for weeks or even months. Because of their depth and intense inflammation, nodules can leave scars when they heal. Treatment of nodules may require more extensive medical interventions, such as prescription drugs or specific therapies administered by a dermatologist.

• Pustules

A pustule is a type of pimple characterized by a visible elevation of the skin containing pus. It usually forms as a result of clogged and inflamed pores, often in connection with conditions such as acne. Pustules are typically round, with a whitish or yellowish center surrounded by reddish skin, reflecting an underlying infection. They can appear on any part of the body, but are frequently seen on the face, back and shoulders. Pustules are usually tender to the touch and can be painful. Treatment can include proper skin hygiene, the use of topical anti-inflammatory or antibacterial products, and sometimes prescription medication to control inflammation and prevent infection. It's important not to puncture or squeeze pustules to prevent the spread of infection and scarring.

• Cysts

A cyst is a deeper, more serious skin lesion that forms when hair follicles or sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum, skin cells and other debris. Unlike other types of pimples, cysts are swollen, pus-filled lesions that form deep under the skin. They are often larger, more painful and harder to treat than other types of pimples. Cysts can leave scars when they heal, especially if handled incorrectly. Treatment of cysts may require prescription medication, corticosteroid injections or, in some cases, surgery to drain the infected fluid. It's important not to attempt to pierce or extract a cyst yourself, as this can worsen the infection and increase the risk of scarring.

• Papules

A papule is an inflammatory skin lesion characterized by a small red or pink bump on the skin. It forms when skin pores become blocked by dead skin cells, sebum and possibly bacteria, leading to an inflammatory reaction. Unlike pustules, papules do not contain pus or fill with fluid. They are generally tender to the touch and can be painful, but they do not have a visible white or yellowish spot on their surface. Treatment of papules may include the use of topical anti-inflammatory products, regular skin cleansing and, in some cases, prescription medication to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.

What ingredients are needed to treat pimples?

Different types of pimples require different approaches in terms of topical treatment. Here's a list of ingredients commonly used in skin care products to target each specific type of pimple:

For blackheads and whiteheads:

• Salicylic acid: A magic ingredient! It exfoliates dead skin cells and dissolves sebum, helping to unclog pores.
• Retinoids (Vitamin A): Accelerate cell renewal and prevent clogged pores.
• Benzoyl peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and helps eliminateexcess sebum.

For papules and pustules:

• Benzoyl peroxide: Fights acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
• Azelaic acid: Reduces the growth of acne-causing bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Salicylic acid: Helps exfoliate skin and unclog pores.
• Retinoids (Vitamin A): Reduce inflammation and promote cell renewal.

For nodules and cysts:

• Retinoids (Vitamin A): Reduce inflammation, promote cell renewal and help prevent the formation of new lesions.
• Corticosteroid injections: Used to rapidly reduce the inflammation and pain associated with nodules and cysts.
• Azelaic acid: Can be used to reduce inflammation and prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

General anti-acne ingredients :

• Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates skin without clogging pores.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation while strengthening the skin barrier.
• Green Tea extract: Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and helps control sebum production.

What's your morning and evening routine for treating pimples?