5 Common Skincare Questions About Acne

Let’s talk about acne! Whether you suffer the occasional pimple or blackhead, or you suffer from persistent acne, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 5 questions people ask about acne-prone skin. Learn how to love your skin with the right products to soothe and treat your acne.

1. What causes acne?

To find the most effective acne treatment, first we have to know what causes acne. The good news is, acne only ever has four causes. Yes, really! These are:

• Excess oil production
• Clogged pores
• Bacteria
• Inflammation

That doesn’t mean there aren’t other secondary causes of acne. You might notice a new foundation causes you to break out, for example. That’s because it’s clogging your pores. Or if you’re on your period and get a few pimples, that’s your hormones triggering extra oil production. Whatever else is going on with your body or lifestyle, your pimples are always a result of one or more of those same four underlying causes.

Treating these underlying causes will get your acne under control. Sometimes that’s easier said than done. If your acne is hormonal, for example, you’ll need a doctor’s help to control it. However you can manage many of the underlying causes of acne yourself. Just use non-comedogenic skincare products and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

2. Does diet affect acne?

There are only four root causes of acne, and two of them are heavily influenced by diet. Both bacteria and inflammation are closely related to your diet.

Inflammation means any kind of low-level infection or stress on your body. That can be from bacteria and viruses, but also the result of some metabolic processes. When we eat diets heavy in saturated fats, our bodies produce harmful molecules called Reactive Oxygen Species. These ROS attack and destabilize our cells. So a poor diet can lead to ongoing inflammation in our bodies, even when we’re not fighting any disease.

The second cause is bacteria. Specifically, a bacteria called P. acnes can be responsible for acne outbreaks. P. acnes usually lives harmlessly on our skin and doesn’t cause any problems. Almost everybody has it, but it only causes acne in some people. Scientists think if your body is too busy fighting other inflammation, it can’t control P. acnes. This leads to the bacteria multiplying until it creates breakouts.

So while it isn’t as simple as greasy food = greasy skin, there is truth in the old wisdom that your diet can cause acne breakouts. The best way to tackle acne is to eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

3. What skincare ingredients are best for acne-prone skin?

One of the most important skincare terms to look for on any product is non-comedogenic. This means the product won’t block your pores, and that’s a big contributing factor for acne. There are also lots of products available that tackle acne directly and help reduce breakouts. Some of the best include:

• Vitamin A (Retinols) — Retinols are an anti-aging powerhouse, but they’re also great for treating acne. Vitamin A has been shown to fight inflammation and decrease sebum production.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin/Niacinamide) — Vitamin B3 has all kinds of health benefits, including fighting the causes of acne. It can even help reduce the signs of acne scars and discoloration.
• Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) — Vitamin C has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne breakouts and help treat acne scars.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) — There are many different AHAs available, but they’re all great at reducing the appearance of acne and preventing breakouts.
• Salicylic acid (BHAs) — Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that comes from willow bark. It absorbs deep inside pores and keeps them clear of dirt and bacteria.

4. What skincare ingredients are bad for acne-prone skin?

You should avoid any products that are comedogenic if you suffer from acne breakouts. These products contain particles small enough to get inside your pores and block them, which will only create more pimples.

Some natural oils also worsen acne, so try to avoid oil-based products in favor of water-based whenever possible. But be wary of any products designed to strip facial oils. Your skin needs a protective barrier of oil to keep out inflammation and prevent it from drying out. If you use products that are too harsh, you’ll strip all your skin oils. That’s bad because you’re leaving your skin unprotected, and to compensate your pores will produce even more oil. That means products that remove skin oil can actually make your skin greasier, and that will make acne worse.

5. Does wearing makeup make acne worse?

Wearing makeup can have negative and positive effects on acne. The most important thing is to make sure every makeup product you use won’t block your pores. Also check for allergens in your makeup, because these can cause inflammation. Common examples include fragrances, parabens, and PEGs  (polyethylene glycols). You can develop an allergy even if you’ve used the same product for years, so always pay attention to any new skin sensitivity.  

Many makeup products include skin-nourishing ingredients. They  fight common causes of acne such as bacteria and inflammation. That means these products can help protect your skin and reduce breakouts. So don’t be afraid to wear makeup even if you do have acne-prone skin. Just make sure your products will work with your skin, not against it.

How Qyral products tackle the causes of acne

At Qyral, all our products are customized for each individual. If you suffer from acne, our smart algorithms will match your skin with the right ingredients to help combat breakouts. Our four-step regimen provides nourishment and support at every stage of the cellular turnover cycle.

• Accelerate Cellular Revitalizing Serum — delivers a personalized blend of AHAs/BHAs to tackle bacteria and inflammation, helping to clear pores, prevent breakouts, and reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration
• Promote BioPlacenta Invigorating Serum — provides a combination of powerful vitamins and fruit extracts that fight the common causes of acne and encourage the growth of healthy skin
• Fortify Nourishing BioPlacenta Moisturizer — packs in even more nutrients and tackles oil production head-on, balancing sebum production and leaving you with smooth, hydrated skin with no greasy residue
• Sustain Cellular Health Supplement — addresses the causes of acne from the inside, by providing your body with the right vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and fight off inflammation