Acne is a common skin condition that can cause spots, blackheads and inflamed breakouts on the face and body. It is particularly common during puberty, but acne can occur at any age.
What actually happens in the skin, and how can you care for acne-prone skin? In this blog, we look at common causes and share tips for a skincare routine that helps keep pores clear, balance sebum production and strengthen the skin barrier.
What is acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles and sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. In a clogged follicle, the skin bacterium cutibacterium acnes, which naturally occurs on the skin, can contribute to inflammation. The result can be blackheads, spots and inflamed breakouts.
Acne is therefore not a sign that the skin is dirty. On the contrary, excessive cleansing and drying products can irritate the skin and weaken the skin barrier.
Why do you get acne?
Acne can have several underlying causes and is influenced by factors including hormones, sebum production and genetics.
During puberty, hormone levels change, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This is why spots and acne are particularly common during the teenage years. Hormonal changes can also affect the skin later in life, for example in connection with the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
Skincare for acne – focus on balancing, not drying out
Skin with spots, blackheads or acne needs to be cleansed effectively, while still being cared for appropriately. Trying to “dry out” spots can have the opposite effect. When the skin becomes dry and irritated, the skin barrier is weakened and dry skin cells can contribute to new clogged pores.
A balances skincare routine for acne-prone skin should therefore help keep the pores clear while also providing the skin with sufficient moisture and lipids.
1. The right cleanser makes a difference
Start your morning and evening routine with a cleanser that removes impurities, makeup and excess sebum without drying out the skin.
Cleansing Clay is a creamy cleanser made with White Clay and is particularly suitable when the skin is also sensitive or has inflamed breakouts.
If you prefer a foaming cleanser, Foaming Facial Wash is a perfect alternative. After cleansing, follow up with our toner
Lemon Freshener.
2. Serum for congested skin
Serum Clearing is developed for skin with spots, blackheads and acne. Apply the serum after cleansing and your toner, before facial oil and face cream.
3. Provide essential fatty acids
Even oily and acne-prone skin needs nourishing essential fatty acids for the skin barrier to function optimally.
Royal Facial Oil Clearing is a facial oil formulated for skin with increased sebum production, spots and congestion.
4. Moisturise and protect
Finish your routine with a face cream that provides the skin with both moisture and lipids. Face Lotion Clearing is a day cream that suits acne-prone skin, while Night Cream for evening use.
During cold and dry periods, Face Balm can be used as needed to lock in moisture and provide extra protection against cold and wind.
Exfoliation and face mask for acne
Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and prevent pores from becoming clogged.
For a more intensive at-home treatment, we recommend AHA & Jojoba Peeling together with Face Mask Clearing. Apply the products for five consecutive evenings. Then continue with Face Mask Clearing for another five evenings. After the treatment, the products can be used approximately twice a week.
Tip! Face Mask Clearing can also be applied locally to areas with spots and congestion.
Remember sun protection
UV radiation can make post-acne marks more noticeable and cause hyperpigmentation. Use our mineral-based Sun Lotion SPF 30 as the final step in your skincare routine during the summer months.
Already have marks from previous breakouts? Also read How to treat acne scars..
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Can diet affect acne?
The skin is affected by the body as a whole, and factors such as hormones, stress, diet and lifestyle can play a role. As acne is an inflammatory skin condition, it can be valuable to consider the bigger picture – while diet should not be seen as a way to treat or cure acne.
Research suggests a possible association between acne and a high intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar, as well as certain dairy products. Pay particular attention to skimmed milk and skimmed milk powder, which can also be found in products such as chocolate and snacks.
How the skin reacts varies from person to person. Therefore, consider these dietary recommendations as something to be aware of rather than general rules about what you should eliminate from your diet.
Tip! PROBIOSKIN+ contains Lactic Acid Bacteria and can be used as a supplement for those who want to support the gut flora and skin from within.
Acne on the body
Acne does not only occur on the face. The back, chest and shoulders also contain many sebaceous glands and are common areas for spots and acne. Skincare should then be adapted to the area and the condition of the skin.
Read our guide Body Acne for tips on how to care for acne on the back, chest and other areas of the body.
Get advice from a skin therapist
We are happy to help you find the right products for your skin! Contact us via our convenient online form, for personalised product advice.
Professional treatment for acne
An authorised skin therapist can carry out a skin analysis and help you adapt both your treatment and skincare routine to your skin’s current condition. Here you can find a salon near you.