Menstruation, birth control, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause are some of the major reasons for hormone fluctuations in women. Elevated hormone levels stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum, which in turn creates a happier environment for the acne bacteria to proliferate, resulting in clogged pores and acne in conjunction with dirt and dead skin cells.

Wearing dirty or tight-fitting clothes for long stretches of time can exacerbate or give rise to back acne, or bacne. For one, it reintroduces bacteria, dirt, sweat and sebum back onto the skin, resulting in buildup that drives acne. Tight-fitting clothes, be it underwear, gym attire or body-hugging clothing, keep dead skin cells and sebum in constant contact with the skin, creating an environment suited for acne bacteria to grow as the friction pushes it into the pores.

Using skincare products containing a balance of active ingredients and natural extracts is an effective way to combat acne. The anti-acne line from Derma AC+, exclusively available at Venus Beauty, harnesses key active ingredients such as salicylic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to deeply cleanse and relieve acne-prone skin.

To banish bacne, the Derma AC+ Anti-Acne Cleansing Gel (For Body) (500ml), $21, comprises salicylic acid (a type of fat-soluble beta-hydroxy acid or BHA) that penetrates deeply to remove pore-clogging dead skin cells and blackheads and control excess sebum.

It’s also formulated with a potent yet hydrating cocktail of fruit-derived AHAs such as grape that has strong antioxidant properties, kiwi that is rich in vitamins and known to increase skin metabolism, and peach to encourage blood circulation and fortify skin’s immunity. These acids work to gently exfoliate the skin without drying it out, and make room for new, healthy cells.

Simply work the cleanser into a soft and rich foam and massage well into the skin.

Foods with a high glycemic index or a high sugar content can induce acne breakouts because the insulin spikes set off a chain reaction that makes acne worse. Similarly, a diet rich in saturated fats raises the body’s insulin growth factors, which in turn raise the production of sex hormones that worsen acne. Eating dairy products, whey protein supplements and B12, biotin, and iodine supplements may also enhance the occurrence of acne.

Overly aggressive skincare practices, such as washing your face too often or using harsh chemical or physical exfoliants, can weaken the skin barrier leading to inflammation. If they are overly greasy and emollient, leave-on products like facial oils, moisturisers, and hair conditioners can potentially clog pores.

With makeup, the biggest offender is failing to remove it before going to bed. This leaves a layer of grime and grit, which causes clogged pores and inflammation. Additionally, if your makeup tools aren’t properly cleaned, the bacteria that causes acne can build up and continually get reapplied to your skin.

Tapping on the anti-bacterial and soothing properties of tea tree oil and centella asiatica extract, the Derma AC+ Clear Foam (150ml), $21, helps to control excess sebum and keratin. Fortified with herbal extracts including ficus carica, portulaca cleracea and licorice, it further strengthens your skin’s natural barrier to help restore a healthy, smoother texture.

The cleanser forms a thick and smooth lather to effectively remove bacteria, while soothing and purifying the skin to leave it fresh and clean.

Being an adult is stressful, to say the least. As women are expected to wear many hats such as being a wife, mother, daughter, employee and more. While stress doesn’t cause acne directly, stress causes inflammation in the body which lowers the body’s defences against pathogens and its capacity for self-healing and restoration. When the stress hormone cortisol is raised, it can lead to increased sebum production.

For more targeted acne treatment, the Derma AC+ Clear Spot Corrector (30ml), $21, contains anti-acne ingredients like tea tree oil and centella asiatica extract to treat and disinfect troubled areas by killing acne-causing bacteria, while soothing the inflamed spot. Other plant extracts are also present to bolster the effective yet nourishing formula.

All Derma AC+ products are suitable for anyone with acne-prone skin, meaning even your preteen or teenage children can use them.

The Derma AC+ range is exclusively available in all Venus Beauty retail outlets and online at www.venusbeauty.com.sg.

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