To many of us, acne is associated with teenagers but surprisingly enough it can resurface later on in our lives. During adolescence, acne is more common in males than in females but in adulthood it’s the other way round!
“During their 40s, 26.3 percent of women and 12 percent of men reported experiencing acne.”
Source: www.sciencedaily.com
Unfortunately, as women age, the levels of androgen hormones like testosterone seem to rise (yes ladies we’ve got them too!), while at the same time estrogen levels due to menopause seem to drop. Androgen hormones can stimulate excess sebum and oil gland production as well as increase the rate at which skin cells shed, which can clog hair follicles. So, yeah it’s just one of those things some of us women have to deal with later on in life but there are some promising skincare solutions that can help (in addition to adopting some healthy habits like cutting down on excess sugar intake!)
Ever since I can remember myself, I’ve been obsessed with double cleansing! Whether or not I wear makeup, I need to clean my face morning and night firstly with micellar water and then a cleansing lotion. Afterwards, I apply my creams, sunblock and I’m done. But now that I’ve been having these acne/clogged pores issues I have introduced salicylic acid in my regime and to be honest I have seen improvement!
Salicylic acid belongs to the beta hydroxy acids which means it is oil-soluble. It encourages exfoliation while penetrating through the skin’s deeper layer, unclogging pores. Alpha hydroxy acids such as Lactic acid and Glycolic acid are water-soluble and work better on the surface of the skin loosening old and dead cells revealing fresh skin.
If you suffer from dry skin I suggest you try La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel with 2% Salicylic acid whenever needed so as to avoid unnecessary dryness.
Try applying salicylic acid in serum or mask forms. Below are some suggestions that are currently trending and appear to be working:
Even though salicylic acid is considered to be safe don’t be alarmed if the first time you use it causes a mild burning sensation.
TIP: As a rule, skin care should not sting or burn on a daily basis. A two/three second tingling is ok. If the irritation is daily then you run the risk of getting redness, peeling, and flaking.
So now that you know how salicylic acid works, you can get rid of your blemishes for good!
‘Till next time…
