Acne: find out how to get your care routine and product choices right
Although acne is related to puberty and adolescence, it is not uncommon to deal with its existence in adulthood as well. Pimples can be related to oil problems, hormonal factors or even everyday habits.
Therefore, when it comes to treating the condition, it is necessary to seek specialized assistance. According to the dermatologist at ALS Beauty & Personal Care, Jéssica Starek, it is necessary to evaluate the type of lesion.
"Depending on the intensity of the condition, we define the degree of acne. It is also relevant to consider associated factors, such as medication use, hormonal history, age, sex and lifestyle habits. From there, treatment can range from topical care with an appropriate cleansing gel, use of products such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and even oral medications such as antibiotics, contraceptives with hormonal action or isotretinoin in the most severe cases", she explains.
According to the specialist, there is no single formula: "The best treatment is the one adjusted to the profile of each patient."
In addition, when dealing with acne in adults, Jéssica Starek points out that hormonal changes can be one of the factors that cause acne in women. In addition, it is necessary to observe the possibility of chronic stress, use of comedogenic cosmetics, inadequate diet and genetic predisposition.
Considering the different causes that can lead to the condition, a specialist is essential to understand the condition. However, Starek explains what should be considered when choosing the ideal product for treating acne.
According to her, it is necessary to choose products with an oil-free formulation (without oils in the composition), non-comedogenic (which do not clog pores) and non-acnegenic (which do not induce or worsen acne).
She points out that texture also matters: "very thick or occlusive creams may be unsuitable for acne-prone skin. Prefer gels, fluids or light lotions." Another warning is also for products with fragrances and high alcohol concentrations, as they can irritate the skin and compromise the skin barrier, worsening inflammation.
Jéssica Starek also explains that a basic cleansing routine involves four steps: cleansing, hydration, sun protection and, at night, the use of active ingredients as needed by the skin.
"Hydration is a step that many skip because they think that oily skin does not need to be hydrated. However, acne-prone skin itself has a compromised barrier, less ceramides and greater water loss, so it is less hydrated", she says.
Furthermore, sun protection is "non-negotiable", as sun exposure aggravates acne. "The protector must be used daily and have a suitable formulation for acne-prone skin. In addition, simple everyday care also makes a difference, such as cleaning pillowcases, makeup brushes and the cell phone screen", says Starek.
Despite temporary skin improvement, a common mistake is to stop treatment. The dermatologist says that it is necessary to understand that some types of acne last for many years.
"Monitoring allows you to evaluate the response to treatment, identify adverse effects, adjust medications as necessary. Monitoring allows you to treat scars and acne spots, which have a more effective response when carried out early", concludes Jéssica Starek.
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Source: CNN