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Oily skin, inflammation, enlarged pores, and post-acne marks—all of these can significantly lower your self-esteem and cause a lot of inconvenience. Therefore, it is important not only to choose the right care products but also to understand which active ingredients will truly help combat acne.
Larisa Sergeevna Kruglova, Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at the Central State Medical Academy of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation, and Librederm expert, notes:
"In clinical practice, procedures (hardware and injection methods, peels, and other procedures) are primarily used to treat the consequences of acne (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scars). All patients must follow a diet: limiting easily digestible carbohydrates (sweets, carbonated drinks), fatty foods, and alcohol.
General recommendations include proper care, gentle cleansing and moisturizing with the use of dermatocosmetics that restore the barrier properties of the skin, have an anti-inflammatory effect and do not contain skin-irritating components, as well as comedogenic substances. "
In this article, we will tell you about the five most effective components for combating problem skin.
First place: salicylic acid - an ideal assistant in the fight against acne
Salicylic acid is one of the most popular and effective ingredients used in Dermatocosmetics for the treatment of problem skin. Its unique properties make it an indispensable component in the care of skin prone to breakouts. Let's look at why salicylic acid deserves special attention:
Gentle exfoliation. Salicylic acid belongs to the group of beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), which have a keratolytic effect. This means that it effectively removes dead skin cells from the skin's surface, preventing clogged pores and the formation of comedones.
Regulation of sebum production. Salicylic acid penetrates pores and dissolves excess sebum, which helps reduce the skin's oiliness. With regular use, it helps maintain normal secretion levels, preventing the formation of new breakouts.
Anti-inflammatory effect. Salicylic acid has antiseptic properties and actively fights bacteria that cause inflammation. It reduces redness and accelerates the healing of existing pimples.
These three properties make salicylic acid an ideal assistant in the fight against acne. It helps to comprehensively address the underlying causes of breakouts and maintain healthy skin.
Second place: AHA acids
Let's move on to the next important component in the fight against acne - alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids have long been popular in cosmetology due to their multifunctional properties, which make them indispensable in the care of problem skin.
AHA acids, such as glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids, act on the surface of the skin, gently exfoliating and promoting skin renewal. Unlike salicylic acid, which penetrates deep into pores, AHA acids work primarily on the surface, improving skin texture and evening out its tone. Products with AHA acids, provided they contain skin-softening ingredients, can be used daily.
Properties of AHA Acids
Improving skin texture. Regular use of products with AHA acids helps smooth out unevenness and lighten post-acne spots, making the skin smoother and more radiant.
Stimulating cell renewal. Thanks to their exfoliating effect, AHA acids help speed up the cell renewal process, which is especially important when treating post-inflammatory acne scars.
Hydration. Some AHA acids, such as lactic acid, have moisturizing properties, which helps maintain the skin's moisture balance, preventing it from drying out.
It is important to remember that when using AHA acids, the skin may become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is recommended to always use sunscreen.
Which AHA acids are most commonly used in cosmetology:
Glycolic acid. Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is the most popular and effective of the AHA acids. Due to its small molecular size, it easily penetrates the skin, accelerating cell renewal and improving skin texture. Glycolic acid also helps lighten age spots and even out skin tone.
Lactic acid. Found in milk and some fruits, this acid is known for its gentle exfoliating properties. Lactic acid also has a moisturizing effect, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin. It helps reduce visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and age spots.
Mandelic acid. Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid has a gentler action than glycolic and lactic acids, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. It helps fight acne, improves skin texture and evens out its tone, reducing the appearance of post-acne.
These acids are valued for their effective yet gentle effect on the skin.
Third place: sulfur
The next important component in the fight against acne that deserves attention is sulfur. This mineral, known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, is often used in cosmetic products designed to care for problem skin.
How sulfur helps fight acne:
Regulation of sebum production. Sulfur has the ability to reduce excess sebum production, which helps prevent the formation of new breakouts. This is especially important for people with oily skin prone to acne.
Antibacterial action. Sulfur effectively fights bacteria that can cause inflammation and worsen acne. Its antiseptic properties help reduce the number of inflammatory elements on the skin.
Drying up inflammation. Thanks to its mild drying effect, sulfur helps quickly deal with existing breakouts, accelerating their healing process. It helps reduce inflammation, reducing redness and swelling.
These properties make sulfur one of the most reliable ingredients for acne-prone skin care. It can be found in many dermatocosmetic products, such as masks, creams, and cleansers designed for the comprehensive care of problem skin.
Fourth place: zinc
Zinc is another essential element in the fight against acne, which is actively used in dermatocosmetics due to its multifunctional properties. It is included in many problem skin care products, and for good reason: zinc has a complex effect on the skin, helping to cope with various aspects of acne.
Regulation of sebum production. Like sulfur, zinc helps control excess sebum secretion. This property is especially important for oily skin, as it prevents the formation of clogged pores and new breakouts.
Anti-inflammatory effect. Zinc has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it effective in reducing redness and swelling associated with acne. It helps soothe irritated skin and accelerates the healing process of inflammation.
Antibacterial properties. Zinc actively fights bacteria that can cause acne. This property allows it to effectively prevent the further spread of inflammation on the skin.
Regeneration and healing. Zinc promotes accelerated skin regeneration, helping to heal post-inflammatory spots and minor damage that can occur after acne. This results in smoother, more even skin tone.
These key properties make zinc an essential component in a comprehensive skincare routine for acne-prone skin. It not only helps treat existing breakouts but also prevents new ones, maintaining healthy skin. Zinc can be found in a variety of products: creams, serums, masks, and even lotions designed for daily care of problem skin.
Fifth place: retinol
Retinol is one of the most powerful and versatile ingredients in the fight against acne. This derivative of vitamin A has long established itself as an effective remedy not only for the treatment of problem skin, but also for improving its overall condition. Retinol has a complex effect, penetrating deep into the layers of the skin and stimulating its renewal at the cellular level.
Accelerates cell renewal. Retinol actively promotes accelerated cellular turnover, which helps to quickly renew the skin and remove dead cells. This is especially important for acne, where the accumulation of dead cells can lead to clogged pores and the formation of new breakouts.
Skin smoothing. By acting on the deep layers of the skin, retinol helps smooth the skin's texture, making it more even and elastic. This property also helps reduce post-inflammatory marks, such as scars and spots after acne.
Regulating sebum production. Retinol helps normalize the function of the sebaceous glands, reducing excess sebum production. This helps prevent the formation of new breakouts and improves the overall condition of the skin.
Anti-inflammatory effect. Retinol has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, which helps reduce redness and swelling associated with acne. It not only treats existing breakouts but also prevents new ones.
Despite all the benefits of retinol, this ingredient requires careful use. Its high potency can cause temporary irritation and dry skin, so it's important to follow the instructions for use and apply retinol products gradually, giving your skin time to adapt. Retinol should also be introduced into your skincare routine under the supervision of a doctor or cosmetologist. Retinol is not recommended for teenagers when treating acne; however, it is prescribed to adults much more often due to its anti-aging effect.
Top 5 Acne Products
In conclusion of our review of the best acne-fighting ingredients, it's important to emphasize that choosing the right skincare products is just as important as understanding how they work. Incorporating proven dermocosmetic products into your skincare routine will not only help control acne but also improve the overall condition of your skin.
One of the key lines in the fight against acne is the Seracin series from Librederm, specially designed for oily and problematic skin. These products combine highly effective active ingredients and carefully selected formulas, providing a comprehensive approach to acne treatment and prevention.
Seracin cleansing gel effectively cleanses the skin, removing excess sebum and impurities, preventing clogged pores and the appearance of new breakouts. Thanks to its gentle action, the gel is suitable for daily use and does not cause irritation. It is based on sulfur, zinc, and allantoin, which softens the skin during cleansing.
Seracin Deep Pore Cleansing Lotion penetrates deep into the skin, effectively removing impurities and sebum residue thanks to AHA acids, which helps prevent the formation of comedones and inflammation. The lotion gently mattifies and brightens the skin, providing a feeling of freshness and cleanliness throughout the day thanks to niacinamide.
Seracin DUO Cream-Gel is a universal product that not only regulates sebum production but also helps cope with existing inflammation. It contains a complex of active ingredients—salicylic acid, zinc, niacinamide, and a prebiotic—which accelerate healing and prevent the formation of new breakouts without overdrying the skin. According to clinical studies, after just 14 days of using this product, the skin becomes smoother and the appearance of post-acne marks disappears.
Seracin Ultra-Soothing Cream is an ideal choice for those undergoing medication therapy for acne. This cream effectively relieves dryness, flaking and irritation caused by aggressive treatment. It restores the skin's barrier functions and provides comfort to even the most sensitive skin.
Seracin Spot Active Cream is applied directly to pimples and is designed to reduce and, with regular use, completely eliminate visible elements of acne and pimples in just a few days.
"It is important to understand that an individual care program is selected for each case. Thus, for daily skin cleansing, a cleansing gel and a lotion for deep pore cleansing are recommended. For basic care for oily skin, Seracin DUO Cream-Gel is used; - it regulates sebum production, moisturizes the skin and prevents the appearance of new acne. For patients receiving drug therapy (topical or systemic drugs), the ultra-soothing cream Seracin is recommended, which copes well with dryness, flaking and relieves irritation.
Larisa Sergeevna Kruglova, MD, Professor, Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education "Central State Medical Academy" of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation and Librederm expert.
Each of these products helps to solve specific problems Seracin Librederm is a comprehensive skincare line for problematic skin, providing a comprehensive approach to acne treatment. Incorporating products from the Seracin Librederm series into your daily routine will help control sebum production, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin condition. In the next section, we'll look at other effective products that can become indispensable aids in your fight against acne.