Acne has been a common problem for teenagers and young adults since ancient times. In this blog, you will find the answers to the most important questions about what exactly acne is and which products you can best use.

WHAT IS ACNE?

Acne is the result of the small hair follicles on your face becoming clogged. There are several phenomena that fall under the name 'acne':

Whiteheads, or closed comedones: although also called comedones like blackheads, they are not the same. This happens when dead skin cells and sebum form a bump between 'skin and flesh'. They are skin-colored or white and will eventually lead to a breakout of the underlying sebaceous gland. They can be difficult to squeeze or empty, which is also strongly discouraged, as it damages the skin.

Papules: these are red, tender bumps or lumps on the skin, which can be painful to the touch. They are deeper below the surface and can feel like hard bumps or knots.

Pimples or pustules: this is what you think of when someone says 'acne'. They have the redness and tenderness of a papule, but with a small white bump in the center - this is the build-up of pus.

Cysts: these are similar to nodules, appearing as a round lump filled with pus.

WHAT CAUSES ACNE?

Acne can be caused by various factors, which together can lead to acne.

The most common reason is related to hygiene; touching the face with unwashed hands, a dirty phone screen during calls, or using pillowcases that are not washed frequently, can all introduce unwanted bacteria to the skin. Together with dead skin cells that clog pores, this can lead to inflammation. The acne bacteria ultimately cause subcutaneous inflammation that leads to acne.

The skincare products you use can also damage your skin if they contain certain ingredients. Scroll down to the 'Skincare and acne' section below to find out which are the most harmful ingredients to avoid in the fight against acne.

Furthermore, hormonal changes are a very important factor. Your hormones cause a change in sebum production. This is also why more than one in three teenagers suffer from acne. Therefore, acne can also flare up just before menstruation or during pregnancy.

Acne can also be a visual indicator of internal problems in the body, such as a poor diet, food intolerance, irregular or insufficient sleep, or a hormonal imbalance. Acne is also a symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women. If you are unsure of the cause of your acne, do not hesitate to consult a medical professional.

WHICH SKIN TYPE GETS ACNE?

While all skin types can experience acne, especially with the external factors mentioned above, oily skin is most prone to acne. This is because excess sebum produced by the skin can naturally clog pores, leading to build-up in the follicle and subsequently to acne.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SKIN PURGING AND ACNE

Skin purging occurs when unwanted substances in the skin are pushed to the surface, causing red bumps or pimples. These can be sensitive or painful to the touch. This resembles acne, but there is a big difference.

Skin purging compared to acne is good because it pushes unwanted substances out of your skin, while acne is caused by impurities. Skin purging also does not leave acne scars or marks on the skin. If you want to learn how to clear your skin of impurities, read our blog on the Skin Detox.

WHY IS THE FACE MORE PRONE TO ACNE THAN OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY?

The answer to this question is very simple: different parts of the body are covered with different types of skin. The skin on your face and neck, for example, is incredibly sensitive. Facial skin has by far the most sebaceous glands, meaning it produces the most sebum (skin's natural oil).

However, acne can occur on other parts of the body. More than half of people prone to acne also have acne on their back, and 15% also have acne on their chest.

IS ACNE A SIGN OF A SKIN DISEASE OR CANCER?

Acne itself is a skin condition, but most acne is not a sign of disease or skin cancer. However, some skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), can appear as a spot or acne scar, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Therefore, we always recommend seeking professional medical advice if you think your skin condition is more serious than it appears.

SKINCARE AND ACNE

CAN TOO MUCH SKINCARE CAUSE ACNE?

This is a complicated question, as it depends on the number of products in your routine, the frequency of use, the type of products you use, and what substances they contain.

Skincare routines with 10 or 15 steps don't actually help that much. A simple routine with three to six products can be much more effective, as it clogs pores less and puts much less strain on your skin.

Overuse of your products can have adverse effects. Washing your face multiple times a day can dry out and irritate your skin, removing the natural oils it needs. On the other hand, using too much product to 'compensate' for dry skin can clog your pores again. Ultimately, the advice is: everything in moderation. Let the skin do its own work as much as possible and support it where needed.

Type of products: using a very aggressive exfoliant (scrub or peel) can damage the skin and remove the natural oils and fats it needs. Make sure the intensity of the products you use is suitable for your skin type.

The substances that products contain: the ingredients in your skincare can be extremely harmful! Artificial ingredients like silicones or mineral oils are common in products and clog your pores. This way, these products can cause acne while being completely unnecessary. Moreover, mineral oils, which sound good for your skin, are very unnatural and can make your skin addicted to their use. These are the two things you can pay most attention to. Of course, also consider any skin allergies or ingredients that may irritate your skin, while others may not suffer from them.

While all these factors are important, the products you use are often the main reason why acne develops or worsens. If you want more information about what you put on your skin, read our blog cosmetics ingredients on this topic.

Our products are 100% vegan, natural, and microplastic-free. Witlof Skincare therefore contains no artificial ingredients. Check out our page with skincare tips for acne and find out which products are good for your skin.

WHICH PRODUCTS ARE BEST TO USE ON ACNE-PRONE SKIN?

If your skin needs it, yes! It is important that your skin is relaxed; if your skin remains too tight or too dry, your acne may worsen. If, on the other hand, your skin does not need a moisturizer in its normal state, we recommend not using too much cream but rather an oil-free treatment like the Hydrating Calming Lotion. And believe it or not, a pure oil (like rosehip seed oil in our Regenerating Oil Serum) is a very good way to calm sebum production, and we often recommend it over a cream for acne-prone skin. For cleansing, we recommend the Glow Up Cleansing Gel followed by the Balancing Toner. You can also find the necessary products together in our Set for Acne-Prone Skin.

Finally, our Witlof Skincare skin expert Caroline can also inform you about your current routine, your diet, and which products are suitable for your skin type. Book here a free online skin consultation.