Night care for problem skin

Characteristic signs of problem skin

Problem skin is primarily characterized by increased oiliness, resulting in enlarged pores, blackheads, inflammatory elements (pimples, acne), post-acne (stagnant spots, pigmentation), uneven texture and a dull complexion. Most often, these symptoms appear in adolescence (from the age of 12), but are also typical for people aged 20-35.

How to choose care for problem skin

Of course, depending on the severity of the symptoms, a doctor's consultation and appropriate treatment are necessary, but proper skin care is one of the auxiliary methods that allows you not only to achieve results faster, but also to maintain them.
Today, there are a large number of different cosmetic products of different categories. I recommend choosing pharmacy cosmetics that say "for problem skin", but do not forget to look at the composition. Cosmetic products for problem skin should not contain alcohol, which leads to drying of the skin, disruption of the hydrolipid mantle (the most important element of the skin barrier), which worsens the skin process. Products should be marked "non-comedogenic" - this means that they will not lead to clogged pores and the appearance of enlarged pores, comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), inflammation.

Before using any product, it is recommended to conduct a sensitivity test. To do this, apply a small amount of the product to the elbow in the evening, evaluate the reaction in the morning. If redness, itching, swelling in the area where the test was carried out, then you should stop using this product. Please be aware that some ingredients, such as retinol and glycolic acid, may irritate your skin—this is normal and temporary. If you experience a skin reaction, gently rinse the product off as soon as possible and discontinue use. Nighttime skincare is just as important as daytime skincare, as it's at night that skin renewal processes occur and the skin's moisture and lipid balance are restored. Scientists have found that epidermal cells are most active between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., which provides maximum susceptibility to the components of topical products.

With proper, comprehensive night care, your face will look rested and fresh in the morning.

The Main Steps of Night Care for Problem Skin

Step 1. Cleansing

Remove makeup before bed, without exception. Sleeping with makeup on can clog pores, which will lead to breakouts. Micellar water, which does not contain alcohol, is suitable for this step. Apply the product to a cotton pad and wipe your face gently to avoid damaging the skin.
Many people are mistaken that problem skin requires thorough cleansing "squeaky clean." This only dries out the skin, causing the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which leads to the appearance of new inflammatory lesions. Using cleansing sponges, brushes, and scrubs does not make your skin cleaner, but rather damages it, disrupting the hydrolipid mantle, and, accordingly, worsens the skin's appearance. Avoid using soap, as it also provokes dehydration.
For this step, choose gentle cleansers in the form of gels and foams. Avoid oil- or alcohol-based products, as they can irritate your skin.
Wash with warm water, as hot water stimulates sebum production and further enlarges pores. After washing, it is recommended to gently pat your face dry with paper towels, as regular towels are a good breeding ground for bacteria, which can worsen skin conditions.
I often recommend LIBREDERM Seracin Cleansing Gel to my patients. This product provides an antiseptic, sebum-regulating, mattifying, and cleansing effect due to its hydroxy acids, zinc salts, and sulfur. In addition, the gel soothes and softens the skin, as it contains allantoin, and a complex of plant ingredients ensures optimal hydration.

Step 2. Basic Care

Don't neglect your skincare routine before bed, especially when you experience an exacerbation of breakouts in the off-season—fall or spring. LIBREDERM's Azelaine Forte Seracin Night Cream does a good job of this, helping prevent inflammation and post-acne during the day. It contains 5% azelaic acid in an innovative water-soluble form, demonstrating high activity at lower concentrations. Azelaic acid has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes sebum production, and inhibits the growth of abnormal melanocytes (skin pigment cells), which cause post-inflammatory age spots. Vitamin B3 (known as niacinamide) in the cream reduces pore size and, together with aloe vera, moisturizes and softens the skin.
As a doctor, I always recommend a course of dermatocosmetics: a combination of cleansing and care products in conjunction with a dermatologist's recommendations. By following these simple rules, you will ensure your skin looks healthy and beautiful.