Did you know that approximately 80% of all people between the ages of 11yrs and 30yrs worldwide suffer from acne? And, it’s not only a teenage affliction – around 20% of those who suffer from acne during puberty, find that it persists into adulthood. Acne has a profound impact on self-esteem and confidence.
Also, from the tweens and teenagers (and their mothers) that I chat to, it seems that finding the right skincare solution is a very real challenge. Most are overwhelmed by the sheer choice available and tell me they are unsure of which products to choose. Also, bear in mind that if acne is not treated correctly, scarring and pigmentation can occur.
Last week Friday, I attended a very informative talk on acne by Dr. Markus Reinholz who specializes in dermatology at the University of Ludwigs-Maximilians in Munich, Germany. He was brought to SA by Eucerin to shed some light on this pressing affliction.
Acne is an inflammatory disease, with micro inflammation being the root cause of the acne cycle. Generally, acne-prone skin is much oilier and has a different pattern of bacteria on the surface when compared to healthy skin. The combination of excessive sebum (oil) and disturbed skin cell shedding (known as hyperkeratosis) results in the sebaceous glands getting enlarged and spots appearing. With acne, spots then develop into blemishes due to bacterial growth, leading to reddened and inflamed skin.
In teenagers, this form of acne is mostly due to overactive sebum production and clogged sebaceous follicles that are fraught with bacteria and inflammation. Interestingly, adult acne does not always feature severe oiliness, and often is accompanied by more dry-skin conditions.
The bottom line, according to Dr. Reinholz, is if you have acne, go see a dermatologist as soon as possible, don’t try to self-treat, and, whatever you do, NEVER SQUEEZE pimples!
If acne is not treated correctly, scarring may occur. Furthermore, when treated with anti-acne medication (such as Accutane, which dries the skin out), skin care should be adapted to avoid, or at least soothe, side effects such as skin irritation and dryness. Therefore, it is important to treat blemish-prone skin with effective, yet mild products. Most importantly, there is need for adequate sun protection because skin is highly sun-sensitive whilst taking acne medication.
Thankfully, there is a very effective & affordable range from Eucerin (and if you read my blog regularly, you’ll know what I fan I am of the Eucerin brand) called DermoPURIFYER Oil Control. It works to combat acne at the very source of the problem, where the micro-inflammation begins. This comprehensive cleansing and care range treats all of the symptoms affecting blemish-prone skin, and is clinically proven to reduce oiliness and blemishes, soothes irritations, calm redness, and provide the skin with moisture. Clinical studies have shown that after 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use of the products, skin starts to show a visible improvement.
What are the main ingredients in the products and how do they work?
The main ingredients in the Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control range are Salicylic Acid and Licochalcone A. Salicylic Acid is excellent for pimples as it has antibacterial and comedolytic (comedo = pore blockage or breakout & lytic = destruction so word basically means destruction of pore blockages) effects and therefore effectively reduces blemishes and prevents new ones from appearing. Salicylic acid is derived from the bitter powder of the bark of the white willow tree. Licochalcone A, which is an extract from the licorice root, soothes irritations and helps to reduce skin redness. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus fights micro-inflammation, which is considered the starting point of the acne cycle.
There are several Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control products available, which one’s should you use?
Cleansing – The first step to a clearer skin!
Effective cleansing enhances the absorption of acne actives by 9%. Depending on your preference, you have two options:
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Cleanser (200ml for R149.99 OR 400ml for R229.99)
A gentle daily cleansing gel that is soap and fragrance free and eliminates excess sebum. It also effectively removes dirt and make-up (but use a separate eye make-up remover such as the Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover (R114.99), especially If you wear long-wearing or waterproof eye makeup formulas). This cleanser contains 6% Ampho-tensides, which is a very mild cleanser has a soap-like molecule that lowers the surface tension of water, breaking it up into a foam. This cleanser is anti-bacterial, so it rids the skin of bacteria, while inhibiting bacterial reproduction.
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Micellar Water (R229.99)
This newly launched micellar water is a great option if you prefer cleansing without water. Apply some product onto a cotton pad and wipe over the facial and eye area. The micellar water gently yet effectively removes traces of make-up and impurities, cleansing the skin without irritating or disrupting its moisture barrier. The formula contains Salicylic Acid, Licochalcone A and Carnitin to fight the factors causing acne. It is proven compatible on sensitive facial skin and blemish-prone skin and is suitable for contact lens users.
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Toner (R149.99)
Use the toner if you’ve opted for the cleanser gel. The anti-bacterial formula contains a 2% Lactic Acid active system which gently unclogs pores without over drying the skin. It also reduces the growth of bacteria (one of the four factors of impure skin) and prevents blemishes. It is particularly effective in the T-Zones.
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Scrub (R149.99)
Use this gentle, oil-free scrub weekly. Lactic Acid beads and pore-refining micro-particles gently exfoliate the skin, unclogging the pores and refining skin texture at the same time.
Don’t Forget to Moisturise! After cleansing, the skin needs care and hydration.
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Mattifying Fluid (R199.99)
Use this morning and/or evening on clean skin. The formula effectively counteracts pimples and blackheads. It contains spot busting ingredients like Salicylic Acid that is both antibacterial and comedolytic, helping to reduce blemishes and prevent them from reappearing. Licochalcone A has also been added to soothe skin irritation and inflammation, while reducing redness. Sebum-regulating technology reduces excess oil production, while mattifying particles provide an 8h anti-shine effect without clogging the pores. This product is safe to use during pregnancy.
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Skin Renewal Treatment (R199.99)
This is a powerful overnight treatment that visibly improves acne after just two weeks to reveal clearer and smoother skin. The texture is super light light and absorbs instantly, and has been clinically proven to counteract micro-inflammation, reduce blemishes, unclog pores, reduce pore size, and prevent new blemishes from appearing.
The formulation contains the powerful 10% Hydroxy Complex – a highly effective combination of exfoliating agents in a well-balanced concentration of Alpha (Glycolic), Beta (Salicylic), and Polyhydroxy (Gluconolactone) acids. These are especially suitable for blemish-prone skin, as they help to avoid hyperkeratosis (thickening of the outer layer of the skin) and consequently blackheads. It also has a strong antibacterial effect. Licochalcone A and highly concentrated Dexpanthenol helps soothe and calm the skin.
The treatment should be applied in the evening after cleansing in the evening. It can be used as an intensive treatment for a short period of time or used consistently over time (if well tolerated). Due to the keratolytic (intense, but gentle exfoliation) effect, the product may increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, therefore should be combined with the highest sun protection during the day. Eucerin Sun Oil Control Gel Creme SPF 50+ is ideal, as it is specially developed for oily skin.
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Adjunctive Soothing Cream (R199.99)
If you feel your skin needs more moisture and soothing, the adjunctive Soothing Cream is a great choice. It has been proven effective when used in conjunction with prescribed acne medication, giving the skin intense, yet gentle hydration. Again, don’t forget the sunscreen during the day. Try using the Eucerin Sensitive Protect Mattifying Sun Fluid SPF 50+ in conjunction with the Adjunctive Soothing Cream. When finished with acne medication, switch to the Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Mattifying Fluid and use in combination with Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream SPF50+.
For more really informative information on acne, visit the Eucerin acne portal www.eucerin.co.za/acne
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control range is available from Clicks, Dis-Chem and selected pharmacies nationwide.
GIVEAWAY
I have one full Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Range up for grabs, valued at R1500 containing the following products:
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Skin Renewal Treatment
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Micellar Water
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Scrub
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Cleansing Gel
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Clarifying Toner
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Adjunctive Soothing Cream
Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control Mattifying Fluid
Eucerin Sun Oil Control Gel Cream SPF 50+
To stand a chance of winning this hamper, leave a comment below this post naming the two main ingredients in the Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Oil Control range. Please also include a sentence or two telling me why you’d like to try this range. Please ensure you include your email address (only I can see it), so I can contact you, should you be the winner. The winners name will be announced on In My Bag’s Facebook page on the 3rd May and the winner will be notified by email.
*This blog post is sponsored by Eucerin*
