ACNE 101

Acne is a skin problem that can be painful and uncomfortable, whether it first appears in your teenage years or later in life. It can feel like a never-ending battle against breakouts, from pus-filled pimples to their lingering scars. Understanding what causes these breakouts and learning about key ingredients that can help reduce the appearance, severity, and spread of these breakouts are the first steps toward clearer skin. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS ACNE?

Through hair follicles, our pores connect to oil glands (technically known as sebaceous glands) beneath the skin, which excrete sebum to the surface to keep it soft and prevent dryness.

When too much sebum is produced, it can clog and block follicles with dead skin and dirt, causing blackheads and whiteheads to appear. When pores become inflamed or infected as a result of this congestion, angry pimples appear in the form of papules and pustules, or in more severe cases, nodules and cysts. Acne does not just affect the face; it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the back and chest. 

WHY DO I GET ACNE?

Acne can be caused by a variety of factors, and there's a lot of speculation about specific triggers, such as certain foods or behaviours. Hormonal changes (hence why it's so common in teenagers), genetics, and certain medications are the most commonly identified causes of acne. Other lifestyle factors can contribute to clogged pore such as environment, products used or not drinking enough water. We recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist and making adjustments to different areas before monitoring the impact on your skin to investigate potential causes, especially in severe and long-term cases. 

TYPES OF ACNE

Acne can manifest as a number of variants which are typically classified as non-inflammatory/comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads) which are closer to the skin’s surface and inflammatory which is caused when the normally harmless bacteria living on the skin finds its way into a congested follicle and causes infection. These tend to be more painful and severe outbreaks which require treatment, attention and a little bit of patience. 

HOW TO GET RID OF ACNE

So, what can you do? Whilst the key is attacking the fundamental reason (which may be examined with a dermatologist or doctor) there are some excellent components to help reduce and treat breakouts when they arise. Here are top acne treatments;

SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic Acid can work really well for acne. It’s oil soluble and can get deep inside the pores, helping to minimise breakouts. With anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial characteristics, it can also help spots disappear quicker when they do arrive.



This hero ingredient may be found in Cosrx Salicylic Acid Cleanser. Cosrx Salicylic Acid Cleanser may be used AM and PM as the first stage of your routine to minimise breakouts and blackheads.

 Other products that contain Niacinamide: