Acne

The major problem regarding acne is the misinformation circulating around it. People know little to nothing about skincare for acne-prone skin. In addition, there are also many misleading products for acne-prone skin on the market. That is why we are here to bust your myths and tell you real scientific facts about acne and how you can manage to get rid of it. This will help you choose the best products for acne-prone skin. 

What is Acne?

Scientifically speaking, acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that results in the appearance of spots and pimples, especially on the face and neck area. Acne could also appear on the shoulders, back, chest, and upper arm. 

It generally starts during puberty when the sebaceous glands activate, but it can occur at any age. Acne is not a dangerous skin condition but it does leave your skin scarred and makes it very sensitive. 

The risk factors for acne include genetics, the menstrual cycle, anxiety and stress, hot and humid climates, using oil-based makeup, and squeezing pimples. There are many other risk factors for acne. 

Causes Of Acne

Acne could get triggered by several factors that could be or could not be in your control. Acne occurs when your skin pores are blocked by bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil build-up. Each pore of your skin is an opening for a hair follicle. 

Each hair follicle is made up of a single hair and sebaceous gland (that produces oil). This oil gland releases sebum which reaches the top of your skin by traveling via the hair follicle. The sebum is supposed to keep your skin moist and lubricated. 

When your pores get blocked due to various reasons, the sebum is not able to reach your skin surface. This results in the formation of pimples. The various reasons why your skin pores get blocked are: 

• Dead skin cells accumulate in your pores.

• Bacteria build up in your pores. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the name of the bacteria that live on the skin and contribute to the infection of pimples.

• Your hair follicles are producing too much oil. This could be due to hormonal changes, diet, puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. 

Risk Factors For Acne

The severity and frequency of acne depend upon certain risk factors. Let's try to understand them a little better. 

Hormonal Factors

Hormones play a huge role in acne development. The major players here are androgen hormones: estrogen and testosterone. These 2 hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to swell and produce more oil.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes like stress and irregular diet habits also result in acne. Certain medications including birth control pills, anticonvulsants, lithium, and steroids also cause acne. A balanced diet and medications could help you eliminate acne. 

Menstruation

Your menstrual cycle may get affected due to hormonal changes. This is also one of the risk factors for acne. When your period cycle gets disturbed, it somehow also affects the sebum gland. 

Cosmetics

Topical cosmetics (products like makeup, moisturizers, sunscreen, etc) that clog pores, cause a type of acne called acne cosmetics. To get rid of such acne, start using non-comedogenic products for acne-prone skin that do not block your skin pores. 

Genetics

 If your parents or siblings had acne at any point in their lives, you are more likely to develop it at some point too. Although there is no gene carrying the genetic expression for acne, it is still found to run in families. 

Types Of Acne

Different kinds of pimples appear in acne. These manifest in the forms of different symptoms that require varied treatments. Some of the types of acne that you might be experiencing are: 

Blackheads

These manifest in the form of open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. This makes them appear black. 

Whiteheads

These are bumps on the skin that remain closed by oil and dead skin. 

Papules 

These are small red or pink bumps that become inflamed.

Pustules

Pustules are pimples containing pus. They look like whiteheads surrounded by red rings. They can cause scarring if picked or scratched.

Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis)

This type of acne occurs when an excess of yeast develops in the hair follicles. They can become itchy and inflamed.

Nodules

Nodules are solid pimples that are deep in your skin. They are large and painful.

Cysts

These are pus-filled pimples. They can cause scars on your face if picked. 

Anti-acne Skincare For Acne-Prone Skin

You need to adopt good skincare for acne-prone skin. A skincare routine can make your acne problem more manageable. You need to include more lightweight products in your skincare regime. Follow our skincare guide for acne-prone skin to get rid of your acne problems. 

Cleanser 

Starting your day with a mild cleanser can be a good thing for people with acne-prone skin. Use a cleanser that removes excess oil and impurities from your skin without drying your skin a lot. 

Nourish Mantra Ratrani Moroccan Lava Clay Cleanser For Normal to Oily Skin is the perfect natural anti-acne face wash you have been looking for. Moroccan lava clay can draw out and soak up acne-causing impurities.

This face cleanser has absorbent, exfoliating, and astringent properties that work great for acne-prone skin. It also has activated charcoal to detoxify your skin. 

Toner

A good natural toner can remove the excess oil build-up on your skin. This makes your pores clean. When your pores are unblocked, there will be fewer breakouts. Use toners that do not contain harmful toxins. These chemicals can aggravate your acne issues. 

Serum

A good natural serum can spot treat your pimples and spots to help get rid of your acne sooner.

Nourish Mantra Urban Rani Facial Serum is a lightweight skin serum formulated with fortifying plant-based AHAs and Vitamin B3 and Vitamin C. These ingredients help to gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells. This natural serum can also help you get rid of dark acne spots and pigmentation. 

The Acne Clarifying Serum is the best serum for acne-prone skin. It soaks excess oil and fights acne-causing bacteria for clear and smooth skin. It also prevents acne marks and blemishes. 

Moisturizer

It is essential to use a moisturizer daily. Oily skin people are more prone to acne and try to avoid moisturizers thinking that they might make their skin more oily. But this is not the case. A good lightweight moisturizer makes your skin hydrated so your sebum glands do not release extra oils to moisturize your face. A good moisturizer for acne-prone skin must consist of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. 

Sunscreen

Acne treatments increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. You need to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen which is lightweight and gets easily absorbed in your skin, without clogging your pores. Use anti-acne cream having SPF. 

Face Mask

A good natural face mask can help your acne problem. It works on the oiliness of your skin. It also rejuvenates your skin. Mud masks are the best ones for acne-prone skin. 

Holy Basil & Neem Vardaan Mud Mask from Nourish Mantra is inspired by the recipe from the ancient Ayurvedic texts. This herbal mask purifies skin from toxins and deeply nourishes it. It is time to bid adieu to clogged pores, dull skin, and acne with the perfect blend of freshly picked tulsi and neem leaves.

Ingredients

If your acne products have the following active ingredients, they would work like magic to give you acne-free skin. The ingredients are: 

Benzoyl peroxide

This medication can be bought over the counter or can be purchased as part of acne cream or gel. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria. It can reduce the number of whiteheads and larger pimples, as well as reduce the frequency of breakouts. Your anti-acne face wash must have this ingredient. 

Salicylic acid

This is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)and works wonders by removing the dead skin cells which in turn unclogs your pores. It helps your skin get rid of excess oil which prevents further pimples and blackheads. The best serum for acne-prone skin always contains salicylic acid. 

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

They are a group of chemical exfoliants that remove dead cells and prevent bacterial overgrowth. There are different kinds of AHAs. lactic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid are some of them.

Retinol

It is a type of retinoid which is a Vitamin A derivative. It increases the skin cell turnover rate by getting rid of the dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new cells. It has the tendency to remove the deeper painful pimples as well.

Tea Tree Oil

It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, make sure not to apply this oil directly to your face as it has a very strong concentration. Instead, use products for acne-prone skin containing tea tree oil as an active ingredient.

Sulfur

This ingredient also helps remove dead skin cells and helps in decreasing the size of pimples effectively. It is suitable for sensitive skin and has antibacterial properties in it. It can be used in the form of cleansers containing sulfur.

Acne Prevention Tips

We have brought to you some tips that can help you manage your acne and prevent further breakouts. 

• Wash your face with a mild cleanser. It helps you get rid of impurities, dirt, excess oil, and sweat. Use an anti-acne face wash that does not dry out your skin. 
• Refrain from using harsh scrubs that irritate your face and cause inflammation. It can lead to further breakouts. 
• Don't pop your pimples. It makes your acne problem worse since the bacteria in your pimples go into the deeper portion of your skin and manifest themselves in the form of a new pimple. 
• Over-the-counter creams containing active ingredients like salicylic and benzoyl peroxide can be useful as a spot treatment for pimples. 
• Research says that food containing high levels of sugar can trigger acne problems. Avoid food substances like cookies and cakes that are too high in sugar content. 
• Wear sunscreen when going out. Excessive exposure to the sun can also lead to breakouts and acne problems.  
• Try to reduce stress as it is an active condition that triggers acne problems. Meditation and light exercise keeps your mind healthy. 

Why Choose Nourish Mantra?

At Nourish Mantra, we care about your holistic wellness. We combine the natural goodness of Ayurvedic science and mix it with the modern scientific formulations to give you the best of both worlds. 

At Nourish Mantra, we don't just care about your exterior appearance but your inner beauty as well. Our products are made from ethically sourced plant-based ingredients to give your hair all the goodness of a hair care product, but without any harmful chemicals. 

Our products are "clean", meaning we do not use Parabens, SLS/SLES, Phthalates, Formaldehydes, Mineral Oil, Oxybenzone, Talc, and Phenoxyethanol. Our products are also 100% vegan and GMP certified.

Our range of products for acne-prone skin is made to suit your sensitive skin. It has all the active ingredients that can help you get rid of acne and spots that are left behind. Your skin will become naturally healthy without the use of harsh chemicals. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between acne and pimples?

Acne is a skin condition and pimples are one of the symptoms of it. Your acne affects your skin follicles and the oil glands of your skin. Acne manifests itself in the form of pimples on your face. 

What foods cause acne?

Acne can be caused by food substances high in sugar content. Surgery drinks, chocolates, cakes, etc are some of the food products that can increase the risk of acne for you. 

Is Aloe vera good for acne?

Aloe vera is a plant-derived ingredient that has antibacterial properties. It works by reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria on your face. So aloe vera can be used as a part of your skincare for acne-prone skin. 

1. Does drinking milk cause acne?

The hormones in your milk are said to react with the hormones of your body to increase the risk of acne breakouts. However, this is not agreed upon by all dermatologists. 

Can ice get rid of acne?

Putting ice on your face can help reduce the inflammation caused by pimples. This may make your pimples less noticeable. But there is no scientific evidence of reducing the risk of acne by using ice treatment.