Beauty

Long-lasting pimples? 7 tips for dealing with stubborn acne

We consulted experts to find out what can be done to treat the problem of resistant acne

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Acne is a type of skin inflammation that can leave scars and blemishes. Considered one of the main skin conditions, it is highly influenced by genetics, but there is a lot that can be done to treat inflammatory lesions and enhance topical treatment – which is one of the keys to success against inflammation and oily skin . Below, we have brought some tips on how to care for and avoid acne-prone skin with daily care, according to experts. Check it out!

Visit a doctor

One of the biggest concerns of patients who seek a dermatologist to treat acne is the appearance of scars after treatment. And the best way to avoid this is to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. “Only a dermatologist can perform an assessment and recommend the best treatment, which is prescribed on a case-by-case basis. In milder cases, for example, we may recommend products with active ingredients that act to reduce acne, such as benzoyl peroxide or niacinamide. In more severe cases, we may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics or medications that act directly on the function of the sebaceous gland, such as isotretinoin (the famous Roaccutane),” explains dermatologist Dr. Paola Pomerantzeff.

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Bet on glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid obtained from sugar cane. “It has an exfoliating effect on the skin; it also stimulates collagen, reduces wrinkles, controls oiliness and lightens the skin. It is highly recommended for treating acne, oily skin and open pores, and is therefore highly recommended for teenagers with this condition,” explains Ludmila Bonelli, cosmiatrist, specialist in dermatocosmetics and scientific director of Be Belle. The active ingredient can be used strategically in soaps to control oily skin and acne, as is the case with Be Belle’s 10% Glycolic Acid Pore Soap, which deeply cleanses, evens out the texture, renews and brightens the skin. The product removes dead cells and stimulates cell renewal.

 

Use astringent toners

Astringent toner is important to help remove excess oil from the skin. Formulas that offer moisturising benefits are the most recommended, such as Be Belle's Pore Toner. "It has an astringent action that minimizes pores and helps control oiliness. It optimizes skin cleansing and acts as a moisturiser, anti-oxidizer, dermal structuring and increases cellular energy," highlights Ludmila Bonelli.

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Improve your diet

Excessive oiliness in the skin can be linked to diet, which can be noticed within a few hours or there may be a gradual increase in oiliness that can take months. “The inflammatory profile in the body is exacerbated by excessive consumption of sugar, which can trigger or aggravate inflammatory skin diseases such as dermatitis, acne and psoriasis,” explains nutritionist Dr. Marcella Garcez. “An unbalanced diet, with excessive consumption of unhealthy fats found in ultra-processed foods, modified vegetable fats, saturated fats of animal origin, deep-fried foods, pro-inflammatory foods such as sugar in general, excessive sweets, white and refined flours and even allergenic ingredients such as artificial colours, flavourings and preservatives, all in excess, unbalance the body, increasing the inflammatory profile, including in the skin, which generally results in greater stimulation of the sebaceous glands”, explains the nutritionist. The doctor highlights that several studies have evaluated the significance of the glycemic index (speed at which sugar levels increase in the blood) of various foods in patients with acne. Those who suffer from acne and consume more healthy foods such as vegetables, green leaves, whole grains and fruits have reduced acne lesions compared to individuals on high glycemic load diets (rich in white flour, sweets, sugars, pasta).

 
 

Try supplements

According to pharmacist Patrícia França, scientific manager at Biotec Dermocosméticos, acne is also commonly related to inflammation in the intestine, mainly due to the patient's diet and emotional and nervous state. "In this case, supplementation with Caviar Phospholipids (FC Oral), rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (DHA and EPA), Astaxanthin and vitamin E, acts by reducing sebum production, through its action on the sebaceous gland, in addition to reducing inflammation and also forming an intact and hydrated epidermal barrier, since acne and some systemic treatments promote dry skin and transepidermal water loss", explains the pharmacist, who highlights that supplementation can also include associated oral probiotics and Glycoxil, a peptide that will help reduce blood sugar. "Consequently, it acts to reduce hyperinsulinemia, one of the causes related to the worsening and lack of satisfactory response to acne treatment. Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates, rich in sugar, in addition to causing fat accumulation, also disrupts the metabolism of minerals, especially magnesium, zinc and selenium, worsening acne. In this sense, Glycoxil will help restore the metabolic balance of glucose, insulin and minerals, minimising the inflammatory process associated with acne”, explains the pharmacist.

 

Practice physical exercises

In addition to several benefits for the skin, such as stimulating collagen, increasing oxygenation and cellular nutrition, physical activity also reduces levels of cortisol, the so-called stress hormone. “Modulating stress is essential to prevent the release of pro-inflammatory messengers in the skin,” explains Dr. Paola.

 

Renew your skin with HydraFacial

The HydraFacial hydrodermabrasion procedure is able to clean pores without hurting, helping to treat acne in 30-minute sessions. “HydraFacial is a procedure that consists of improving the appearance of the skin while promoting maintenance of the health of the skin tissue; it is a unique experience carried out in (at least) 30 minutes, with (at least) 3 steps, enough to give you the best skin of your life. The equipment has the exclusive and patented Vortex-Fusion®️ technology, which generates a vortex effect to easily expel and remove impurities from the skin while providing hydration, which is the main point to differentiate the experience from a microdermabrasion or skin cleansing - which pokes, injures and makes the skin burn. Hydrafacial, on the other hand, does not hurt, does not dry out, and has no downtime. It is a completely painless procedure that ensures healthier, hydrated skin, with more vitality and a soft and smooth touch”, says dermatologist Dr. Mônica Aribi. “Hydrafacial is a great treatment for all skin types, especially anyone with acne, oily skin and dull skin”, concludes the doctor.

 

Finally, experts emphasize that you should never, under any circumstances, squeeze pimples. “Squeezing pimples is one of the main reasons for the appearance of scars,” concludes Dr. Paola.

 

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