How to Care for Acne-Prone, Problematic Skin?

Acne affects many of us—even though it most often appears during adolescence, it can affect adults as well as newborns or toddlers. Blackheads and whiteheads, pimples, bumps under the skin—this is what acne can look like. How can you fight this inflammatory condition, and how should you care for sensitive, acne-prone skin? 

What acne actually is

Usually, issues with sensitive, acne-prone skin begin during puberty, when major hormonal changes take place in the body. For example, whiteheads and blackheads are mainly caused by excessive sebum production and a large amount of dead cells that weren’t cleansed and removed from the skin—these can build up in the follicle and form a soft plug. This causes the follicle wall to swell and create a white tip or darken.
Pimples—red areas with a white center—form when clogged follicles become inflamed or infected. Small bumps under the surface of the skin, so-called cysts, form deep inside the sebaceous glands. Problematic skin most often appears on the face, shoulders, chest, and back, because that’s where the most sebum is produced. Acne is influenced by many factors—hormones, bacteria, genetics—so unfortunately there is no simple, universal guide on how to get rid of acne. 

Simple rules for better skin

Many things negatively affect acne. Following simple rules as much as possible can help your skin significantly. It’s important not to scratch or squeeze individual pimples and, in general, not to touch the skin on your face with your hands during the day—this could introduce infection into the wound and the inflammation could spread into deeper layers of the skin. Include foods rich in selenium, zinc, vitamins A and E, and fish oil in your diet. Limit alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, get enough sleep on a clean pillow, drink plenty of clean water, and avoid meaty and fried foods or foods full of sugars. Of course, also choose carefully the products you apply to your skin! 

The right products are key

With properly chosen skincare, we can reduce the signs of acne and minimize the risk of unpleasant scars being left behind. The most important element is thoroughly clean skin, where bacteria won’t have a chance.
Cleanse your skin twice a day, morning and evening. Buy quality makeup-removal and cleansing products without alcohol—alcohol unnecessarily irritates and dries out the skin. For gentle makeup removal, try for example the gentle, slightly oily remover Etude House Soon Jung Lip and Eye Remover, which effectively removes makeup and impurities from the skin and also provides immediate relief and soothing for irritated skin. The gentle low-pH cleansing foam Holika Holika Sparkling Lemon Bubble Cleanser Cleansing Foam will thoroughly cleanse your skin, remove dead skin cells, and prevent more pimples from forming. Helping prevent acne is also Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner Cleansing Toner, which tightens enlarged pores, smooths wrinkles, brightens pigmentation spots, and evens out skin tone.
After cleansing, your skin will crave a proper dose of hydration. This is provided by a cream suitable for sensitive skin with antiseptic effects. Reach for the lightweight hypoallergenic cream Pyunkang Yul Acne Cream Facial Cream—it regenerates and hydrates the skin, reduces inflammation, and regulates sebum production. A multifunctional helper can be a mask, sleeping mask, and daily moisturizing cream in one with vitamin E that brightens and nourishes the skin, just like Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask. 

You can also apply care directly to problem areas and irritated spots—the ultra-thin cleansing patch Cosrx Clear Fit Master Patch Acne Cleansing Patches perfectly conceals pimples and effectively speeds up their healing. For a great soothing effect, go for Purito All Care Recovery Cica-Aid Waterproof Acne Patches, which fight redness, heal inflammation, and at the same time provide natural-looking coverage of the wound. 

Once a week, it’s also a good idea to use an exfoliator for problematic skin. It removes dead cells and deeply embedded impurities that would contribute to pimple formation. You can try the gentle exfoliating gel Holika Holika Sparkling Lemon Peeling Gel—it reduces irritation, tightens enlarged pores, and leaves skin fresh and clean. 

Don’t forget the right makeup, too

Pay attention to makeup as well—regular products could cause unpleasant issues if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin. That’s why it’s better to always choose gentle products designed for problematic skin. For medium-coverage makeup with soothing effects, reach for Holika Holika Clearing Petit BB Cream with tea tree oil, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Long-lasting makeup with SPF and a guaranteed radiant complexion is Heimish Artless Perfect Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ Sponge Makeup; its floral extracts deeply hydrate and nourish the skin.