Hello. I am a dermatologist. Recently, as wearing masks due to COVID-19 has become commonplace, many people who did not usually have acne are now expressing concerns about it. As a result, 'acne cosmetics' such as calming toners, mildly acidic cleansers, and functional creams for acne relief have become very popular. Today, we will address some common questions about acne cosmetics.
For acne-prone skin, cleansing is the most important step
One of the main causes of acne is that sweat, dead skin cells, makeup residue, and external pollutants are not properly removed and clog pores. Therefore, thorough cleansing is paramount for acne-prone skin. If you consistently cleanse but your acne does not improve or even worsens, you may need to check if your current cleanser meets the effective conditions for acne.
Are you using a mildly acidic cleanser?
Many people are accustomed to the 'squeaky clean' feeling after washing their face and tend to prefer alkaline cleansers. However, excessively scrubbing with an alkaline cleanser can actually trigger acne. Alkaline cleansers are effective at cleaning but can easily irritate and dry out the skin. When the skin becomes dry, dead skin cell shedding may not be smooth, and the skin may produce more sebum to maintain moisture, which can clog pores and lead to acne. Since the skin surface is mildly acidic, it is recommended to use a mildly acidic cleanser with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Properly utilize first and second cleansing steps
If you wear color makeup or sunscreen, you must properly combine first and second cleansing steps. Foam cleanser alone may not completely remove makeup or sunscreen, leaving residue in the pores. Therefore, for the first cleansing step, thoroughly remove color makeup or sunscreen with a dedicated makeup remover. For the second cleansing step, it is best to finish lightly with the mildly acidic cleanser mentioned earlier.
Please avoid oil-based cleansers
Basically, for acne-prone skin, it is recommended to use foam or water-based cleansers to avoid irritating the skin.
- Foam-based cleanser
- Water-based cleanser Oil-based cleansers can clog pores, so it is best to avoid them if possible.
Is Cica Cream effective for soothing acne?
Yes, you can expect some effect. The main ingredient of Cica Cream is 'Centella Asiatica,' which means 'Gotu Kola' in Korean. Cosmetics containing Gotu Kola extract have skin soothing and regenerating effects, which can help calm sensitive skin from prolonged mask-wearing or alleviate inflammation. In addition, other beneficial ingredients for acne include Tea Tree Oil to suppress inflammation and bacteria, Azelaic Acid to inhibit acne bacteria activity and reduce inflammation, and AHA ingredients to dissolve and remove dead skin cells and sebum.
What are comedogenic ingredients that cause small bumps of acne?
If you are interested in acne cosmetics, you have probably heard the term 'Comedogenic' at least once. Comedogenic refers to ingredients that can clog our skin's pores and cause small bumps of acne. Representative comedogenic ingredients include Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, and Mineral Oil. Therefore, if you are concerned about small bumps of acne, it is better to choose Non-comedogenic cosmetics rather than those with comedogenic ingredients. If acne continues to occur even after using non-comedogenic cosmetics, please check for other factors such as lifestyle habits that stimulate sebum secretion or incorrect cleansing methods.
Does Jojoba Oil really help with acne?
In the past, a specific beauty expert mentioned Jojoba Oil as their skin secret, which became a hot topic, and some claimed that Jojoba Oil was also effective for acne. Does Jojoba Oil really help with acne? Opinions among dermatologists on this matter vary slightly.
Pro-Jojoba Oil: There is a view that acne-prone skin has an imbalanced sebum composition, and Jojoba Oil can help replenish it. Anti-Jojoba Oil: There is a view that Jojoba Oil can clog pores and cause acne. Since opinions are still divided on whether Jojoba Oil has a positive effect on acne, it is recommended to use other active ingredients that have been repeatedly reported to improve acne, rather than insisting solely on Jojoba Oil.
How do I choose the right acne cosmetics for me?
We have now addressed your questions about acne cosmetics. If you are currently using an acne cosmetic that doesn't suit you and you want to change it, carefully consider the information we've provided today. If possible, we recommend trying a sample of your chosen cosmetic for about 1-2 weeks to confirm it suits your skin before purchasing.
We hope today's video was helpful. If you have any questions about acne cosmetics, please feel free to contact Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon via KakaoTalk channel or leave a comment below.