Treating acne from cleansers to creams

June is acne awareness month and this week I am going to focus on products and treatments designed especially for this skin condition.

There are different forms of acne and as a result different ways of keeping it under control. It is of course imperative that the skin is well protected from the sun and that the skin is kept clean and hydrated.

With 40% of adult women and 80% of adolescents experiencing blemish prone skin, it’s an increasingly common issue

Clean

Avène Cleanance Gel (€14.95) is a purifying, lightly foaming gel cleanser specially formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin. Helping to regulate oil production, the gel delivers a deep cleanse, revitalising skin to leave it feeling fresh and clean. Suitable for the face and body and is now repackaged in a handy tube.

Refresh and target

Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic (€37.50) contains a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to help unclog pores.

Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid is one, for example) are also good at unclogging pores by improving cell turnover. This tonic may cause dryness, so start out using it once a week and gradually increase usage as your skin adjusts. You can then follow up with the Clear Cell Medicated Lotion (€38.50).

It also features salicylic acid as a key ingredient. The lotion will help target existing lesions while helping to prevent new ones. R

egular use can help you be more in control of your acne, as opposed to letting the breakouts run their course.

This is a spot treatment so apply it directly onto the lesion. Treatment

Irish brand Citrine launched Triacine Control, a smoothing exfoliating cream (€19.95) to help reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads and balance the appearance of excess oil.

Triacine Control contains Salicylic Acid which accelerates the removal of dead skin cells by exfoliation and improves the appearance of blemishes. Salicylic acid is recommended as it increases the shedding of dead skin cells, which prevents the clogging of hair follicles that lead to the development of blackheads and whiteheads. The cream also contains niacinamide which helps to target oily skin and fade the marks left by spots.

Everyday

An essential upgrade for blemish-fighting routines, Skinceuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment reduces oil production and soothes inflammation from active breakouts all while tackling post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The result? clearer, smoother and brighter skin.

It is common to find that even once breakouts have passed they often still leave their mark via pigmentation caused by excess melanin production.

Also, an overabundance of oil on the skin’s surface can lead to clogged pores and uneven texture, resulting in skin that lacks radiance, clarity and smoothness.

Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment hydrating yet oil-free formula features a synergistic combination of azelaic acid, alpha arbutin and a phyto botanical blend to help modulate discoloration, cell turnover and oil production.

The kit

Reform Skincare Anti Blemish set (€85) includes a salicylic acid cleanser, anti blemish cream and repair and renew gel. The 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser helps to unclog pores and kill bacteria on the skin. It can be used daily morning and evening.

The anti blemish cream is an excellent daily moisturiser containing salicylic acid, zinc and niacinamide to help fight breakouts and congestion on the skin. Finally the repair and renew gel is a home peel which is glycolic and mandelic based to help fight congestion and bacteria on the skin.

This gel can be used daily or as a treatment starting at 5 minutes and working all the way up to overnight.