Fighting acne? Here's what you should look for in skin care products

No More Acne Season: Use These Skincare Products To Fight Acne!

There is no argument on the fact that acne is our worst nightmare. There is always a never-ending fight with acne. When we try to get rid of the existing ones, new ones pop up from nowhere! 

Here’s the catch. What if I told you that not all acne is the same. Each of these bumps have their own personalities—redness, whiteheads, puss-filled and blackheads. So, each of them requires a different weapon to tackle them!

I know this isn't a cake walk, but as someone wisely said “believe you can and you're halfway there”. This applies for those stubborn acne bumps too. With the right skincare products and healthy diet and exercise, we can definitely win this war against acne (it is possible, so don't give up)!

And that is what we are going to see in this article. By the end of this blog, I am sure you will get to know the type of treatment your acne needs, and the skincare products your skin requires.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the topic.

CONTENT INDEX

• What is acne? What causes it?
• How do we treat acne? What ingredients to look for?
• UnbottleCo acne clearing range

Acne: Meaning And Causes

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It is the reason for all the whiteheads, blackheads and pimples we experience on our face. 

Acne is most common among tenagers, but can affect people of all ages. Did you know the medical term for acne is acne vulgaris?

As mentioned before, there are different types of acne we can experience. Let’s look at each of them.

Acne And Its Types

Fungal acne: it occurs when yeast builds up in our hair follicles. They can be itchy and inflamed.

Hormonal acne: this is the most common type of acne, which happens to teenagers the most. It occurs due to excess sebum production that clogs the pores.

Cystic acne:  this is caused by deep, pus-filled pimples. They are difficult to get rid of as they leave stubborn scars.

Nodular acne: this is a severe form of acne that causes pimples on the surface of your skin, and tender, nodular lumps under your skin.

All these acne highly affect your self-esteem and, on top of that, cause severe damage to the skin (especially cystic and nodular acne). It is thus important to treat them at the right time, so that you can be relieved of acne scars.

So, to the all-important question — what causes acne?

Bad Guys Behind Acne

Hormonal imbalance

This is the major factor that contributes to acne. Excess testosterone hormone (or the male hormone) produces excess sebum, which makes the skin oily, thus creating a breeding ground for acne. 

Dead skin cells

Your skin often sheds old cells to make room for new ones. During this process, old cells can get stuck in the hair follicles and cause acne. This can happen due to low collagen production. One way to get rid of this is to exfoliate regularly. 

Bacteria

Bacteria can cause acne and other skin issues. There are small amounts of bacteria that live on our skin. But if you have too many bacteria, they tend to clog your pores.

Acne can also be caused due to some poor lifestyle habits and oily diet. Lack of physical activity can also trigger acne-related problems on our skin. So, it is important to top of the problem by finding out the root cause. The next step is to start the treatment to get rid of these tiny, yet annoying bumps.

Anti-acne Treatment: Check for These Ingredients In Your Products 

Starting the right skin care regimen is the first step to clear acne. There are many acne-fighting products available in the market. Before selecting them, look out for these ingredients:

Cleansers

How many of us cleanse our face regularly with the right ingredients? If the answer is no, then it's high time we start our cleansing process to shoo away symptoms of acne. While buying cleansers, look out for salicylic acid, beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and benzoyl peroxide (an antimicrobial agent that kills bacteria). Use them alternatively for best results.

For milder options, you can try formulas without active ingredients — but which contain Vitamin C (this has anti-aging properties) and niacinamide (that works on creating an even skin tone). 

Exfoliants and scrubs 

If you have acne-prone skin, exfoliate at least once a week to remove excess dirt and rejuvenate the skin. Be cautious not to use harsh exfoliators. An exfoliator with a gentle fragrance-free formula is preferred, as it does not irritate the skin.

Look out for ingredients such as glycolic acid, citric and mandelic acids that hasten the process of exfoliation. Since dead skin cells are removed during the exfoliating process, it results in fresh, glowing skin, clear of bacteria or oil trapped in hair follicles. Start by exfoliating twice a week and slowly increase the process. Remember not to over exfoliate, as it might cause discomfort.

Moisturizer

The moisturize mantra is the most important part of any skincare regimen. You need a moisturizer no matter what your skin type is (yes, even if it's oily). Switch over to gentle moisturizers that have less ingredients, as harsh ones strip off the natural oil (which act as a barrier) from our face. For people with oily or acne-prone skin, gel-based moisturizers that are fragrance-free are the best option. Ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and salicylic acid to reduce excess sebum production.

Serum

Serums are literal acne saviors! Adding them to your skincare routine not only breaks apart the stubborn acne, but also adds the much-needed glow on your face. PS: it also looks and sounds luxurious :p.

They are packed with active ingredients that deal with various skin problems associated with acne. There is a world of serums out there. Vitamin C serums, the popular ones, inhibit melanin production and stops  hyperpigmentation. AHA serums (acne-fighting serum) on the other hand, are anti-aging heroes that diminish fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen production and unclog pores.

Sunscreen 

Sunscreens are like water for the body. They are extremely vital and their importance can’t be stressed enough. They create a protective barrier on your skin that acts as a shield against external pollutants, bacteria and harmful UV rays of the sun — all of which tend to damage our skin, causing acne scars.

Sunscreens are must-haves, regardless of your skin type. Sunscreen for acne-prone skin should have an oil-free formula with gentle ingredients that do not irritate the skin. It must contain skin friendly items such as Vitamin C, niacinamide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid that target breakouts and discoloration. 

Pro tip: use a waterproof or sweatproof sunscreen while swimming or working out.

Check for these ingredients before you buy your skincare products. They will hasten the process of healing acne and remove stubborn acne scars. For acne-prone skin, it is better to buy products that are fragrance-free and do not contain a lot of chemicals, since the skin is very sensitive. If you are confused about choosing a brand that is safe and effective for the skin, then UnbottleCo is the right brand for you. Their skintelligent® range has products specially made for treating acne and pimples, all naturally!

Acne-clearing Face Cleanser Proven to Fight Acne with Calendula & TeaTree Oil

This product fights acne in addition to reducing inflammation and redness. 

To treat: 

• Calendula oil has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties for soothing eczema.
• Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial which reduces acne-causing infection.

To prevent recurrence:

• Glycerin naturally prevents skin from drying out and retains moisture. Castor oil fights acne and is a natural cleanser.

Acne-clearing Serum Proven to Fight Acne & Dark Spots with Chamomile & Safflower

This serum treats acne and dark spots with botanical actives. It is also non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog your pores. 

To treat:

• Wintergreen-derived salicylic acid acts on acne and dries it out.
• Safflower seed is an antioxidant storehouse and lightens acne scars.

To prevent recurrence:

• Chamomile acts as a powerful antioxidant to eliminate free radicals.
• Cherimoya fruit extract reduces the body’s oxidative stress.

Acne Clearing Handmade Soap Proven to Fight Acne & Dark Spots with Calendula & Neem Oil

This handmade soap treats acne and dark spots with its botanical actives.

To treat:

• Calendula oil has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties for soothing eczema
• Jojoba oil promotes collagen synthesis and controls sebum production

To prevent recurrence: 

• Chamomile acts as a powerful antioxidant, which eliminates free radicals
• Neem oil, which naturally stimulates collagen production, treats acne and heals wounds