Acne can feel like a relentless battle for many people, whether you're dealing with it during adolescence or as an adult. The frustration of trying to achieve clearer skin often leads to numerous trips to the dermatologist, a shelf full of products, and sometimes even more severe acne flare-ups. In this blog, we’ll explore how to manage acne—from managing mild or moderate acne to options for moderate to severe acne—and introduce you to powerful skincare solutions that can help remove excess oil, minimise clogged pores, and visibly reduce skin redness and acne scars.
What Causes Acne?
Understanding the root causes of acne vulgaris can help you care for acne more effectively. Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria. This blockage leads to whiteheads and blackheads, pus filled pimples, and in more persistent cases, moderate or severe acne. Here's what typically contributes to acne development:
- Hormonal Changes: Puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy can trigger hormonal acne due to fluctuating hormone levels. These changes stimulate the production of an oily substance called sebum, which can worsen acne and contribute to clogged pores.
- Excess Oil Production: When your skin overproduces oil, it can mix with dead skin and lead to blocked pores. This environment encourages the growth of bacteria and inflammation—making acne worse, especially in those with acne prone skin.
- Diet: While diet alone may not completely prevent acne, high consumption of sugar and dairy may be linked to developing acne and skin flare-ups. These factors could potentially aggravate mild or moderate acne and increase skin redness.
- Stress: Stress triggers hormonal shifts that can lead to breakouts. It may also cause your skin to produce more oil and impair its ability to protect your skin from environmental stressors, contributing to stubborn acne.
- Improper Skincare: Using harsh products or skipping a gentle cleanser can lead to skin irritation, which may worsen acne. Not removing makeup thoroughly or failing to wash your face twice a day can also block pores and promote adult acne breakouts.
Tips for managing Acne
Now that we understand what causes acne, let’s dive into some practical ways to prevent it:
1. Use the Right Skincare Products
Choose skin care products that are formulated for sensitive skin and acne prone skin. Look for ingredients found in many conventional acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which help fight acne causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and unclog pores. Avoid alcohol-based formulas, which can cause dry skin and worsen acne.
2. Establish a Consistent Routine
Creating a structured routine is essential for managing acne. Cleanse twice a day with a gentle cleanser, exfoliate 2–3 times per week, and use a lightweight moisturiser to help prevent skin irritation. Sticking to a routine is especially helpful for managing mild acne and moderate acne vulgaris.
3. Don’t Pop Pimples
Popping pimples may lead to skin discolouration, scarring, and further breakouts. For pustular acne or stubborn acne, use spot treatments or topical treatments instead to help minimise inflammation and improve acne.
4. Exfoliate Gently
Removing dead skin cells through gentle exfoliation can help prevent clogged pores and support clearer skin. Avoid abrasive scrubs that irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or a reactive skin condition. This is a vital step in many effective treatment plans.
5. Watch Your Diet
Although diet alone may not be the cause, some people notice flare-ups after consuming sugar or dairy. Reducing high-glycaemic foods may help certain types of acne. While this isn’t a guaranteed solution, it can be a valuable addition to other acne treatments.
6. Manage Stress
Stress can contribute to hormonal acne by increasing oil production. Incorporating relaxation techniques and regular physical activity can help balance hormones and support the success of topical medications or other treatments.
7. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Many topical treatments can make your skin more sun-sensitive. Use a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen to protect your skin and prevent irritation. This is particularly important if you’re undergoing conventional acne treatments or prescription therapies.
How to Manage Acne Scars
After active breakouts have subsided, many people are left dealing with the visible aftermath—acne scars. These marks can vary in appearance, from dark spots to uneven texture, and while they can fade over time, they often require a consistent skincare approach to improve visibly.
If you've had acne diagnosed as moderate or severe, you're more likely to experience post-inflammatory scarring. To help manage this, incorporating spot treatments into your routine may support the skin’s natural renewal process. Ingredients like topical retinoids are commonly found in skincare formulas designed to promote smoother, more even skin. However, be mindful of potential side effects.
Products with antibacterial properties can also help prevent future breakouts, as recurring pimples can hinder skin recovery. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, hydration, and sun protection may help reduce acne flare-ups and support overall skin clarity.
In some cases, especially if scarring is linked to hormonal acne, your healthcare provider may recommend hormone therapy as part of a long-term acne management strategy. This is usually explored when conventional acne treatments are not enough to control underlying triggers.
While no single solution can promise to erase scars completely, a patient and well-informed approach—combined with products tailored to your skin type—can make a visible difference over time. If you're unsure which method is best for you, it's always wise to consult a professional before starting other treatments.
Introducing Balense® products for Acne Management
If you’re struggling with acne and have tried a variety of products with no success, it may be time to explore our range. Developed with cutting-edge ingredients, our products are specifically formulated to target the root causes of acne, providing a gentle yet effective solution for those with blemish-prone skin.
Achieving clear skin takes time, patience, and the right treatment. By following the tips outlined above and incorporating the Balense® into your routine, you’ll be on your way to clearer, healthier skin.
