Inflammation is the key intruder underneath the skin that leads to sebum build up and re-occurring acne breakouts. Darker skin tones tend to experience higher levels of severe scarring, hyperpigmentation and keloid scars (raised bumps) partly due to higher collagen bundles under the skin.
The key to combating acne breakouts and acne scarring has to do with preventing and treating inflammation underneath the skin through application of water-based super hydrating topical skincare products that will not compromise the skin barrier.
Cleansers:
Harsh cleansers that strip and disrupt the skin’s protective barrier cause inflammation and acne breakouts that lead to acne scarring.
It is important to use gentle cleansers that do not strip the skin’s natural eco-system. Cleansers formulated with the low pH of 5.5 is where the skin is happiest.
Humectants:
Hydration is fundamental to having healthy, glowing skin. Humectants are water-binding ingredients that sink deeper into the skin layers. This is crucial for maximizing skin’s hydration and preventing acne scars. For existing scarring, proper hydration reduces inflammation and induces better healing.
Products containing humectants such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, ceramides and fatty acids are excellent ingredients for improving skin’s texture, treating hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
RNW DER. Moist Hyaluronic Treatment Toner
Exfoliation:
Gentle exfoliants containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid (BHA), mandelic acid (AHA), and vitamin C are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial ingredients that are excellent for treating acne breakout, scarring and hyperpigmentation. Exfoliants also improve our skin’s texture by removing dead skin cells. It is important to not overdo this step by limiting exfoliating to 1-2 times a week maximum.
Neogen Bio-Peel Exfoliating PadsAntioxidants:
City living is extremely harsh on our skin. Air pollutants can actually cause dark spots. The EPA has identified 6 different types of pollutants that are small enough to seep into the pores of our skin, causing skin damage that is identical to that of severe sun exposure.
Products that contain the following anti-oxidants help to fight free-radical skin damage:
- Green Tea is a potent anti-oxidant reducing inflammation, redness and irritation while protecting cells and molecules from free-radical damage.
- Vitamin C is essential for collagen biosynthesis and has been proven to help to reduce the appearance of dark spots creating a more even-toned complexion.
- Vitamin E, known as tocopherol, adds moisture to the skin; slows the hyperpigmentation process while fighting off free-radicals.
- Vitamin A treats acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation and fine lines in the skin.
Sunscreen:
Sorry, Korean sunscreens do it better…
Sunscreen should be applied everyday of the year, without fail. Every skin tone benefits with protection from UVA and UVB ray damage, developing sun spots and pre-mature aging. Korean sunscreens use a different rating system than the ones we use in North America. In addition to an SPF number, these sunscreens use a point system called the persistent pigmentation darkening test, known as the PA system for short. The more + you see after the PA, the more protection your skin receives from UVA exposure. Korean sunscreens often forego the gooey, white-cast texture we’ve come to accept and instead they are lighter in weight, with better absorption and fragrance. The affordable pricing is an added bonus.
