What helps against acne? – Effective solutions and tips

What helps against acne?

Treating acne requires a consistent skincare routine and can be supported by changes in lifestyle and diet. Here are some general tips and recommendations that can help you improve your skin and reduce acne breakouts.

General tips and recommendations

• Regular cleansing: At the beginning of any effective skincare routine is a thorough cleansing of your skin. Our Foam Intense is ideal for this purpose. It removes dead skin cells, makeup residue, and impurities gently, establishes an optimal acidic skin environment, and restores balance to your skin. Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids act as gentle exfoliants, while vitamin C exerts its antioxidant effect. With regular use of Foam Intense, skin texture and pores can be visibly refined. Our Purifying Tonic is the perfect complement to cleansing. The AHA complex effectively combats cornification and sebum deposits, while ichthammol (shale oil) has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe Vera also provides intensive hydration and promotes healing and soothing.
• Avoid picking at pimples: Avoid squeezing pimples or blackheads, as this can lead to inflammation and scarring. Instead, you should use targeted treatments like antiseptic creams.
• Moisturizing: Use an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate the skin without clogging it. Even oily skin needs moisture to maintain balance and strengthen the skin barrier.
• Sun protection: Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage, which can worsen acne scars and accelerate skin aging. Our Anti-Pollution Day Cream with SPF>30 offers comprehensive protection against harmful environmental factors such as UV radiation, free radicals, and blue light, and is suitable for all skin types.
• Healthy diet:A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and low sugar can help improve skin condition. Certain foods like dairy products and highly processed foods can worsen acne, so it's helpful to pay attention to your diet.

Importance of an Effective Skincare Routine

A well-structured skincare routine is crucial for effectively combating acne. Several steps and products are important to work together to keep your skin in the best possible condition. Our Breakout Fighters offer a customized solution specifically targeting the needs of skin types prone to breakouts and impurities.

Start your skincare routine with the Foam Intense, which gently removes makeup residues, sebum, and horn flakes. This fine cleansing foam establishes an optimal acidic skin environment and rebalances your skin. Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids have a gentle peeling effect, while vitamin C unfolds its strong antioxidant effect. With regular use, skin texture and pores can visibly refine.

Next, the Purifying Tonic establishes an optimal acidic skin environment to perfectly prepare your skin for subsequent active ingredient absorption. The AHA complex in the tonic effectively combats cornifications and sebum deposits, while ichthammol (schist oil) unfolds its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Aloe vera provides intense moisturization for your skin and promotes wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and strong soothing effects.

After cleansing, the Anti-Aging 15% Fruit Acid Peeling is an ideal addition to achieve a fresher complexion and refined pores. This peeling supports skin renewal, helps remove dead skin cells, cleanse pores, and smooth skin texture.

Gently pat on the Purifying Power Serum, which alleviates cornification disorders and counteracts inflammatory skin changes. The Vit C + Biobotox Serum not only activates collagen synthesis, but also relaxes fine lines.

During the day, care for your skin with the Anti-Pollution Day Cream, which protects against harmful environmental influences such as UV radiation, blue light, and infrared rays. This day cream preserves your skin's youthful, radiant appearance. The potent antioxidants resveratrol and tocopherol effectively protect your skin from free radicals, while amino acids promote collagen production. With a sun protection factor (SPF) of over 30, it protects your skin from UV and blue light damage. The skin appears smoothed and tightened, while skin and blood vessels are strengthened.

In the evening, a Retinol Serum is essential. It effectively combats unevenness and skin imperfections, activates cell renewal, reduces pigment spots and acne scars, and can smooth out fine lines.

Finally, the almost oil-free Purifying Night Cream ensures maximum regeneration of your skin overnight. This night cream helps combat impurities and regenerate the skin overnight so you wake up with a fresh and rested complexion.

For a flawless finish, we recommend the Bamboo Enzyme Powder Peeling. Use it 2-3 times a week or intensively daily for a week. This peeling gently removes dead skin cells and provides a smooth and radiant skin surface.

By following this comprehensive skincare routine, you can establish a solid foundation for effective acne treatment and significantly improve the appearance of your skin.

Lifestyle and Nutrition

In addition to a careful skincare routine, lifestyle and nutrition also play an important role in combating acne.

Stress Reduction: Stress can negatively affect skin health and worsen acne. Techniques like meditation, yoga, or taking regular breaks in everyday life can help reduce stress, thus improving skin condition. Regular relaxation and stress-reducing activities are important as stress can increase the production of hormones like cortisol, which in turn can increase sebum production and promote acne outbreaks.

Adequate Sleep: Good sleep is important for skin regeneration. During sleep, repair processes are activated in the body that also affect the skin. Lack of sleep can lead to an imbalanced hormone balance, which in turn can worsen acne. Therefore, pay attention to sufficient sleep duration and good sleep quality to provide your body with the necessary rest. Try to establish a regular sleep routine and keep your bedroom as quiet and dark as possible.

Regular Exercise: Exercise promotes circulation and helps flush toxins out of the body. Regular exercise can contribute to healthier skin. Physical activities like running, swimming, or yoga can help detoxify the body and improve overall well-being. However, make sure to thoroughly clean your skin after exercise to remove sweat and dirt that could clog pores.

Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can improve skin condition and reduce acne outbreaks. Antioxidants like vitamin C and E, found in many fruits and vegetables, can help protect the skin from free radicals. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne breakouts. Avoid highly processed foods and those high in sugar or dairy products as they can worsen acne. Instead, opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Also, drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside out and flush out toxins.

Avoiding Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can heavily burden the skin and lead to acne. Smoking reduces skin circulation and can lead to clogged pores and increased inflammation. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and impair liver function, making detoxification of the body more difficult and contributing to acne.

By following these general tips and recommendations, you can establish a solid foundation for effective acne treatment.

Active Ingredients That Can Help with Acne

The right selection of active ingredients is crucial to effectively combat acne. Different ingredients have different mechanisms of action and can vary depending on skin type and severity of acne. Here are some of the most well-known and effective active ingredients that can help in the treatment of acne:

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) commonly used in acne treatments. It helps to clean the pores and remove dead skin cells, reducing the formation of blackheads and pimples. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate redness and swelling. Products containing salicylic acid are particularly suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a versatile active ingredient that can be very effective in treating acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce redness and swelling. Niacinamide supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, and can visibly reduce pores. It is included in many skincare products and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Retinol

Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is known for its ability to promote skin renewal and clean the pores. It helps improve skin texture and reduce the visibility of acne scars. With regular use, retinol can make the skin smoother and firmer, and is particularly effective in treating acne and fine lines.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid combines the benefits of azelaic acid and glycolic acid. This active ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces sebum production, and helps smooth and clarify the skin. Azelaic acid is particularly effective in reducing redness and improving the overall skin appearance in acne.

Acnacidol™

Acnacidol™ is a bioactive ingredient specially designed to regulate sebum production and balance the skin flora. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce acne breakouts and improve the skin's appearance. Acnacidol™ is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Neutrazen™

Neutrazen™ is a biomimetic peptide designed to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. It helps reduce redness and irritations caused by acne. Neutrazen™ strengthens the skin barrier and supports the healing of acne symptoms.

ECM™ Moduline Peptide

The ECM™ Moduline Peptide is an innovative active ingredient that promotes skin regeneration and stimulates collagen production. It helps improve skin structure and reduce acne scars. By promoting cell regeneration, it contributes to overall skin improvement.

Ichthyol®

Ichthyol®, also known as shale oil, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is commonly used in the treatment of acne to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of skin impurities. Ichthyol® is particularly effective in treating inflammatory acne.

Ictasol

Ictasol is an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps to dissolve cornifications and regulate sebum production. With regular use, Ictasol can significantly reduce the appearance of acne and improve skin condition.

AHA Complex

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid are known for their exfoliating properties. They help remove dead skin cells, clean the pores, and improve skin texture. AHAs can make the skin smoother and reduce the appearance of acne scars. They are particularly useful for people with dry or sensitive skin as they provide moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.

Panthenol

Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, has soothing and healing properties. It helps hydrate the skin, relieve irritations, and promote the healing of skin lesions. Panthenol supports skin regeneration and can help improve the appearance of acne scars.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a natural active ingredient known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe the skin, reduce redness and swelling, and promote the healing of skin impurities. Aloe Vera can also help strengthen the skin barrier and provide the skin with essential nutrients.

Retinol for Acne

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient in skincare that can be very effective in treating acne. It works by promoting cell turnover, cleaning out pores, and stimulating collagen production. In this section, we will examine in detail the mechanism of action of retinol, its application and benefits, as well as potential side effects and precautions.

Mechanism of Action of Retinol

Retinol accelerates cell turnover and helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. By promoting cell renewal, retinol prevents dead cells from accumulating in the pores, which can lead to the formation of blackheads and pimples. In addition, retinol stimulates collagen production, a protein that keeps the skin firm and elastic. This can help smooth the skin and reduce the visibility of acne scars.

Application and Benefits

Applying retinol requires patience and a gradual introduction to allow the skin to acclimate to this powerful active ingredient. Here are some tips for application and the benefits of retinol in treating acne:

Introduction to the routine:

• Start with the lowest concentration, retinol 0.3, and apply one pump of the retinol 0.3 serum every other evening in the first two weeks.
• If your skin easily adapts to retinol without redness or flaking, you can use retinol daily in the following 3-6 weeks until it's finished.
• You can then increase the amount of retinol serum up to 3 pumps per evening.
• Transitioning from retinol 0.3 to retinol 0.5 should not be done before 6-8 weeks. The higher the concentration, the stronger the anti-aging effect.
• For very sensitive skin, increasing beyond 0.3% is often not possible, but for other skin types, it is.

Benefits of retinol:

• Reduction of acne breakouts: By accelerating cell turnover and cleaning pores, retinol can help reduce acne breakouts and clarify the skin.
• Improvement of skin texture: Retinol promotes collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
• Reduction of acne scars: Regular use of retinol can reduce the appearance of acne scars by making the skin smoother and more even.
• Refinement of pores: Retinol can help reduce pore size and refine overall skin texture.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

While retinol offers many benefits, it can also have side effects, especially when first starting to use it. Here are some possible side effects and precautions:

Side effects:

• Skin irritation: Redness, dryness, and flaking are common side effects in the initial weeks of use.
• Sensitivity: Retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and UV damage.

Precautions:

• Slow introduction: To minimize skin irritation, start with a low concentration and gradually increase usage.
• Moisturize: Use a rich moisturizer to combat dryness and flaking.
• Sun protection: Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day to protect the skin from UV rays.
• Avoid during pregnancy: Retinol should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult a dermatologist if you have concerns.

By carefully and gradually introducing retinol into your skincare routine, you can benefit from the many advantages of this powerful ingredient.

What to Do About Acne Scars?

Acne scars can be as distressing as acne itself. They result from the healing processes after severe acne breakouts and can significantly affect the skin's appearance. Fortunately, there are different treatment options that can help improve the appearance of acne scars.

Different Types of Acne Scars

There are different types of acne scars, each requiring different treatment approaches:

• Atrophic Scars: These occur when not enough collagen is produced during the healing process. They can appear as deep, narrow indentations (ice pick scars), wide, shallow depressions (boxcar scars), or wave-like depressions (rolling scars).
• Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are raised, thick scars, resulting from an overproduction of collagen during healing. They often appear as keloids that can grow beyond the original acne area.

Treatment Options for Acne Scars

Choosing the right treatment depends on the type and severity of the acne scars. Here are some of the most effective methods for treating acne scars:

Peels

Peels can help remove the top layer of skin, promote skin renewal, and reduce scarring. Our Anti-Aging 15% Fruit Acid Peeling and Bamboo Enzyme Powder Peeling are particularly effective in treating acne scars.

Anti-Aging 15% Fruit Acid Peeling:
This peel frees your skin of dead corneal cells by lowering the pH, resulting in a rosier and fresher complexion. At the same time, collagen and elastin synthesis is boosted, refining pores, lightening age spots, and reducing wrinkles can be achieved with regular use. To counteract impurities, salicylic acid dissolves sebum in the pores and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Panthenol, niacinamide, and urea calm your skin and protect it from irritations and harmful environmental influences. In this way, the 15% peeling prepares your skin ideally for the subsequent absorption of active ingredients from serums, which are an essential part of any high-quality skincare routine.

Benefits:

• Ideal for impure or aging skin for a fresher complexion.
• Dissolves sebum in pores and reduces wrinkles.
• Lightens age spots.
• Suitable for normal, dry, oily, and impure skin.
• Do not use on very sensitive skin, active eczema, or other skin conditions.
• pH 3.0.

Application:

• Apply the peel to dry skin after cleansing and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
• Use the peel once or twice a week, depending on skin tolerance.

Bamboo Enzyme Powder Peeling:
This gentle enzyme peel uses the power of natural enzymes from bamboo to smooth and clarify the skin. It removes dead skin cells and improves skin texture, resulting in a more even complexion. The Bamboo Enzyme Powder Peeling provides deep yet gentle cleansing and care for face, body, and hair.

Benefits:

• Versatile application for face, body, and hair.
• Gentle but effective and deep-cleansing.
• Dissolves dead cells, dirt, and makeup.
• Bamboo granules provide a smooth and delicate skin feel.
• Intense moisture thanks to argan oil.
• Ideal for skin that can't tolerate fruit acids.
• Suitable for all skin types.

Application:

• For a facial peel, you only need about one third of a sachet. Apply the peeling in circular motions and then rinse it off with warm water.
• Used as a substitute for shampoo, the Bamboo Enzyme Powder Peeling helps with quickly greasy or flaky hair.
• For a luxurious full-body peeling, use a whole sachet and enjoy the feeling of pure, refreshed skin.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure in which tiny needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. This procedure can effectively reduce the depth of atrophic scars and make the skin surface smoother and more even.

Benefits:

• Promotes natural collagen production and skin renewal.
• Can visibly smooth skin texture and reduce the depth of scars.

Application:

• Microneedling can be done in a dermatologist's office or at home with special devices.
• Regular sessions are necessary to achieve optimal results.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is an effective method for treating acne scars, using targeted light beams to improve skin texture. There are different types of lasers, including ablative and non-ablative lasers, which can be selected based on the type of scars and skin type.

Benefits:

• Can treat both atrophic and hypertrophic scars.
• Promotes collagen production and smoothes the skin surface.

Application:

• Laser treatments should be performed by an experienced dermatologist.
• Multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.

By combining these treatments correctly, you can significantly improve the appearance of your acne scars. It is important to consult a dermatologist to develop the best treatment strategy for your skin type and specific skin needs.