Summer vacation is fading away, but your skin still isn't over it. As we all prepare to get back to our daily life, we might experience skin impurities. Breakouts are very common all year round, but they tend to be more frequent during seasonal changes, as our skin gets more vulnerable while adapting to new weather conditions.
What causes skin impurities?
The scientific name for pimples is 'comedones' and they are the result of dead skin cells and skin oils clogging pores. The two main processes responsible for their formation are unbalanced renewal of the outermost layer of the skin and increased sebum production. A comedo can be open or closed by skin, solo-standing, or appear in clusters. Not all comedones are a sign of acne; some are just the result of lifestyle habits (e.g. diet) and hormonal changes.
Alongside increased sebum production and build-up of dead skin cells, other primary causes are bacterial growth and inflammation. There are also many secondary triggers: increased hormonal activity (puberty, pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome), stress, and medications. Stress indirectly makes the skin produce more oil, which is like food for bacteria (particularly Propionibacterium acnes), involved in the development of acne.
What types of skin impurities exist?
Open comedones are commonly called 'blackheads'. Since they are not covered by skin, the mix of dead cells and sebum is exposed to air — the black color is the result of the oxidation of lipids. Closed comedones are generally known as 'whiteheads' — covered by skin, which is why the edge appears white or yellowish. Acne is the result of an inflammatory process of the hair follicle and sebaceous gland, characterized by reddish papules, cysts, and pustules.
How to treat skin impurities
A simple routine you use consistently often makes a bigger difference than many products at once. Here is how to build a routine for oily, breakout-prone skin.
Start with a good cleanser
To prevent impurities from appearing in the first place, start with a good cleanser.
Our Daily Foaming Cleanser is formulated with 100% natural cleansing actives and cucumber water, and removes excess sebum, dirt and pollution that has built up on the skin during the day. Use it morning and evening.
Exfoliate with BHA
For oily, breakout-prone skin, two main ingredient categories can help: keratolytic agents and sebum-regulating agents. Keratolytic agents (salicylic acid / BHA) progressively get rid of pore hyperkeratinization. Try our Skin Perfector 2% BHA, which exfoliates the skin, improves the cell renewal process and regulates sebum production. Start by using it a few times a week, and use it more often once your skin has got used to it.
If your skin is sensitive, our Skin Perfector SeboClear is a gentler alternative. It cleanses clogged pores and regulates the skin's microbiome and sebum production. Start by using it every other day, and gradually build up to morning and evening.
Regulate sebum and add moisture
Sebum-regulating agents, such as zinc salts, reduce sebum production.
Our Blemish Control Clarifying Gel is formulated to target and reduce impurities and breakouts. It contains 3% SeboClear, which regulates sebum production and reduces the visibility of enlarged pores, along with Actibiome, which maintains the balance of the skin's microbiome. Hyaluronic acid adds moisture without clogging pores.
Oily skin needs moisture too. If you're looking for a gel focused purely on hydration, our 24-Hour Hydra Gel is a water-based gel with hyaluronic acid and Actibiome that adds moisture without clogging pores and leaves the skin with a matte finish.
Deep cleanse once or twice a week
Our Deep Cleansing Mask combines activated charcoal with glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) to deep-cleanse clogged pores and remove dead skin cells. Apply a thin layer to clean skin, leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
The mask is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Protect your skin in the morning
Exfoliating acids can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. That's why you should finish your morning routine with our Facial Sunscreen SPF50. It is non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores.
Want it all in one? Our 3-Step Routine - Oily & blemish-prone skin brings together Daily Foaming Cleanser, Skin Perfector 2% BHA and Blemish Control Clarifying Gel in one routine.
Give your skin time
Avoid squeezing or picking at impurities, as it can lead to irritation and marks. Give your routine a few weeks before you judge the results — your skin needs time to renew itself. If your breakouts are persistent or painful, it can be a good idea to talk to a dermatologist.
For more tips, check our blogpost: The breakdown of breakouts: Dos & don'ts
Sources: Blackhead vs. whitehead vs. pimple: what's the difference? – C. Richa, MD (2021). What is acne and why do I have pimples? – Pediatric Dermatology (2015). Comedone Formation – Cunliffe et al. (2004). Clayton, Richard W et al. (2020). Zari S. and Alrahmani D. (2017).