SPoT CHECK
Pimples aren’t caused by dirty skin, eating too much chocolate or pizza (thankfully) or not cleansing enough. They are caused by loads of things, actually. Hormonal changes and ongoing stress can be an issue, as can exposure to the sun. Basically, a blemish forms when dead skin cells mix with the body’s natural oil, plugging the pores. Bacteria break down the oil and cause inflammation.
Spots can take up to two or three weeks to develop from that first blocked pore and, unfortunately, as we get older our skin is more likely to be left with lasting redness or scarring.
WHAT oN EARTH IS SALICYLIC ACID?
The key ingredient in most effective acne treatments is salicylic acid. It’s a substance that occurs naturally – in the bark of the willow tree – and is highly effective at opening clogged pores and neutralising bacteria. Some people are hyper-sensitive to salicyclic acid but over-the-counter treatments containing low concentrations shouldn’t irritate most skins.
If you do suffer stinging or redness, check you aren’t overdoing it by using too many products that contain salicylic acid or other powerful active ingredients that may clash. You could also try using just one salicyclic acid treatment every other day.
A GooD RoUTINE
You can’t cure acne and pimples with skincare products, but you can keep them under control. The way to do this is with a regular skincare regime designed to manage oily skin and spots. The secret is in sticking with it – don’t abandon your routine when your skin clears. The good news is that, because adult acne is on the rise, there’s an increasing number of skincare products on the market that target problem skin.
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