Effective skin care for sensitive and acne-prone skin
It can be tempting to cleanse your skin frequently and use harsh products when your skin is oily or has acne. However, when your skin has acne (an inflammatory condition), the skin barrier is weakened, which is another word for sensitive skin and should not be overtreated. Oily skin also needs moisture and a well-functioning skin barrier.
How to build a skincare routine for oily, acne-prone skin
Torhild & Amanda
Founders RÅ Skincare
Step 1: Pure lipid cleanser (evening) Oil-based cleanser that removes sunscreen and makeup without clogging pores
Step 2: Pore clarifying cleanser (evening) Zinc, niacinamide and lactic acid that provide a deep cleanse, remove excess dead skin and balance sebum production.
Step 3: Active ingredients, moisture and protection
Variant 1: Ultra-Light Moisturiser For those who want a super light, mattifying routine. Serum and cream in one – simple and effective routine. Variant 2: Correcting Serum + Ectoin Light Moisturiser
When you want that little extra. Ectoin and zinc soothe, while bakuchiol and vitamin C work on scars, acne, pigmentation and skin texture.
Choose products like:
- cleanses the skin thoroughly without drying it out
- balances excess sebum
- adds moisture without feeling heavy
- supports and strengthens the skin barrier
- works with blemishes and marks from previous breakouts
What is acne?
Acne, or pimples, is a very common skin condition that can occur at any age. For many, the symptoms start during puberty, while others only experience acne in adulthood.
Acne develops when sebum and dead skin cells contribute to clogging of pores. Together with increased sebum production, bacteria and inflammation, this can lead to blackheads, whiteheads and deeper inflammation of the skin.
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There are wide variations in the severity of acne. Some people experience isolated pimples and blackheads, while others may have more widespread breakouts, deep inflammation, or painful lumps under the skin.
The goal of skincare for acne-prone skin is to cleanse and balance sebum production, while maintaining the skin barrier and not stripping the skin of moisture. Products that are too harsh or drying can irritate the skin and make it harder to maintain a healthy skin barrier. In addition, it is beneficial to use ingredients that reduce and limit acne marks and scars.
Hormonal influence on the skin:
Menstruation
Sebum production can vary throughout the menstrual cycle. Many people with oily and acne-prone skin find that their skin becomes oilier and that they experience more breakouts in the period before their period.
Hormonal fluctuations can also be a major reason why some people experience acne in adulthood.
Androgens
Androgens are a group of hormones, including testosterone, that affect the sebaceous glands. When the levels or activity of these hormones increase, the skin can produce more sebum. This is common during puberty, for example, and can contribute to pores becoming more clogged and acne developing.
Can diet affect acne?
The connection between diet and acne is complex, and there is no one diet that fits everyone. However, research suggests that certain dietary factors may be important for some people with acne-prone skin. Many people with acne tell us that they experience improvement with a balanced and healthy diet, but for those with severe acne, this is not enough. In this case, acne treatment by a dermatologist often has to be combined with a balanced diet, the right skin care products and stress reduction.
Fast carbohydrates
A diet high in sugar and other fast carbohydrates causes a faster rise in blood sugar and insulin. In some people, a diet with a high glycemic load may be associated with more acne.
Dairy products
Some studies have found a link between the consumption of certain dairy products and acne. However, the link is not clear-cut, and dairy products may not necessarily affect everyone's skin.
A varied, raw food-based diet
A varied diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein sources and healthy fats provides the body with the nutrients it needs. It is rarely necessary to cut out entire food groups due to acne without a clear reason.