Although those with oily skin types tend to be more prone to acne, it isn’t actually the root cause of pimples. Excess sebum make up just one of the components that creates an ideal environment for the proprionibacterium but doesn’t actually cause the pimples. Cleansing does remove the dirt and excess sebum that can contribute to them, but you can’t actually wash those pimples away. Besides dehydrating your skin, over-cleansing skin can also cause irritation. The ideal cleanser for acne-prone skin should include ingredients that do not strip skin of its natural moisture. If anything leaves your skin feeling tight and squeaky clean, it’s a tell-tale sign that it’s drying your skin out, and should be swapped out for something more hydrating and gentle on your skin. 

A type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid’s unique property of being oil soluble allows it to penetrate into pores, and helping to clear it. It also helps with exfoliation and regulates sebum production, which in turn limits the occurrence of pimples as well. You can find salicylic acid in a variety of skincare products targeted at acne-prone skin, like the A-DERMA Phys-AC Perfect Anti-Blemish Fluid, $49.90 (40 ml), a lightweight fluid that not only helps prevent pimples, but strengthens fragile skin and improves acne scarring. 

READ MORE:
Top Myths About Adult Acne You Need To Stop Believing

Formulated specifically to treat acne-prone skin, the A-DERMA Phys-AC Perfect Anti-Blemish Fluid, $49.90 (40 ml), helps skin by regulating sebum production to limit the formation of pimples. Containing active ingredients like the patented Cicahyalumide® – a potent blend of hydrating and skin-loving ingredients – as well as zincol, AHA and BHA, and glycerin, this lightweight fluid also promotes epidermal repair and reduces residual marks, including red marks, raised marks and hyperpigmented marks – as though the pimple was never there to begin with. Plus, it also forms an excellent base for makeup to go on! 

Facial scrubs often contain some sort of rough granules like micro beads, sugar, clay or ground walnut husks to slough away dead skin flakes. The whole idea is to prevent these skin flakes from clogging up pores, which may inadvertently lead to the formation of pimples. However, as these granules are often irregular in size and shape, combined with the force people often exert when scrubbing their skin, this may end up causing micro tears and irritating the skin instead. 

How then should you prevent clogged pores?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid and lactic acid loosen the bonds between the topmost layer of skin and allows them to fall off on their own naturally without aggravating it. A-DERMA’s gentle blend of glycolic and lactic acid within the Phys-AC Perfect Anti-Blemish Fluid, gently exfoliates away surface skin, without causing redness or dryness. It also strengthens and protects fragile acne-prone skin, without letting pimples leave their trace on your skin. 

A-DERMA is available at selected Guardian and Watsons stores. For more information, visit A-DERMA’s Facebook Page.

An A-DERMA special, brought to you by The Singapore Women’s Weekly.

READ MORE:
Top Myths About Adult Acne You Need To Stop Believing