Skin Care
Embracing acne positivity with La Roche-Posay
by Paige Herman-Axel, L'Oreal Dermatological Beauty|June 14, 2024
The experts from La Roche-Posay are here to share facts and dispel common myths about acne.
Acne affects up to 50 million teens and adults each year, making it the most common skin condition in the United States. In the past, many saw acne as a problem that should be covered up, but acne positivity has gained momentum in recent years. An extension of body positivity—which promotes the acceptance of all body shapes and sizes—this way of thinking is a shift away from the stigma associated with acne and a way to foster self-acceptance and boost self-esteem for those who experience breakouts. Case in point: Pimple patches in fun colors and designs that serve as a blemish badge of honor instead of trying to conceal spots until they’ve healed. In the spirit of acne awareness, follow along as we cover:
Acne can appear differently in different people, but the underlying chain of events that leads to the formation of blemishes is generally the same. Simply put, a pore becomes clogged with sebum (the skin’s natural oil) and dead skin cells. When P. acnes bacteria is present, blemishes can become inflamed.
All blemishes are not created equal, and acne comes in several forms. On the mild side are blackheads and whiteheads, while more severe forms of acne like cysts and nodules may require the help of a dermatologist to clear. Dermatologists rank acne by severity, which is dictated by the number and types of blemishes. Grade 1 is the mildest with mostly whiteheads and blackheads, and Grade 4 is the most severe with numerous large, painful, inflamed lesions.
Hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can be accompanied by breakouts, and other factors that can contribute to acne formation include genetics, stress, lack of sleep and certain foods. Skin care and hair care products that contain pore-clogging ingredients can also make acne worse.
Remember, acne is a normal skin condition that affects a significant portion of the population at various stages of life—but it’s important to understand what doesn’t help when it comes to acne. For one, popping pimples does not help them heal faster, and picking can cause additional inflammation and scarring. Getting a tan also does not clear up acne. It may seem that way at first, but it will come back. Plus, if you skip sunscreen, you’ll likely see sun damage years from now.
La Roche-Posay was built on a foundation of skin health, and the brand was built on its namesake antioxidant-rich Thermal Spring Water and its remarkable skin-soothing benefits. With its medical heritage, La Roche-Posay’s commitment to dermatological health has come to include acne, hence the brand’s Effaclar line. As part of this commitment, all La Roche-Posay products are developed based on extensive scientific research, regardless of the skin concern or condition they are designed to address.
Instead of feeling embarrassed or guilty about acne, you can take control and do something about it! When you decide to take steps to improve your skin’s health, you might feel an improvement in your mental health as well. Remember to be patient because it can take time to get your skin back on track.
Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing is an especially important first step for acne-prone skin because it helps wash away the excess oil that can contribute to breakouts. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel and Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser (which features 2% salicylic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells that can clog pores) provide gentle yet effective cleansing without stripping the skin.
Step 2: Treat
La Roche-Posay offers several clinically proven treatments for acne-prone skin. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum is formulated with a blend of 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to help clear up blemishes and prevent new ones from forming. As a bonus, its gentle exfoliation also helps improve the appearance of pores, fine lines and post-acne marks as well.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% offers the acne-fighting benefits of a prescription-strength retinoid without having to visit a doctor. Proven to help improve acne by regulating skin cell turnover to prevent clogged pores, this nighttime acne treatment targets blackheads, whiteheads and other pimples.
Step 3: Protect
Daily sunscreen use is a must to maintain the skin’s long-term health and appearance, and acne-prone skin requires broad-spectrum protection that won’t leave the skin looking or feeling greasy. Oil-free and non-comedogenic (which means it won’t clog pores), La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin SPF 60 Dry Touch Sunscreen absorbs excess oil throughout the day—even when it’s hot and humid—and is enhanced with Cell-Ox Shield® technology for antioxidant protection against environmental free radicals.
As a leader in skin health, La Roche-Posay proves it only takes three simple skin care steps to get acne under control: cleanse, treat and protect. The key to success is sticking with an anti-acne regimen and giving it a chance to work. Remember, just about everyone experiences acne at some point in their lives!
Are you looking to learn more about La Roche-Posay products? You can read up on the difference between the Effaclar and Toleriane lines on the LovelySkin Blog.
