Breakouts are generally part-genetic, part-hormonal. But unlike adult breakouts, which tend to be inflammatory and related to stress, breakouts in younger skin are usually triggered by puberty and the movement of new chemicals in the body. Androgen hormones, often called “male” hormones even though they are in both males and females, become more pronounced — and trigger breakouts.
When dealing with breakouts in younger skin, the focus should be on unclogging pores, and to minimise breakout-causing bacteria and control oil. Thorough cleansing, toning and moisturising day and night is a great place to start, as well as incorporating products that work to reduce impaction plugs, kill bacteria, control excess sebum, and reduce Inflammation. At Dermalogica, we have our Clear Start range of products to help tackle skin conditions related to puberty and hormonal changes.
Why Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy-acid that is commonly used to treat acne. Salicylic acid is oil loving - It is derived from willow tree bark and can help to reduce excess sebum in the skin. Its anti-inflammatory and exfoliant properties are perfect for oily and acne prone skin types. In addition to helping regulate and balance out oil production, it can also help to unclog pores by diving deep into the pores to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria.
Many of our products within the Clear Start range contain Salicylic Acid as a key ingredient, here’s how to best incorporate it into your routine:
Cleansing
Salicylic Acid is present in our Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash, this foaming cleanser which leaves the skin feeling clean whilst combating breakouts. A cleanser containing Salicylic Acid can be used daily, or if you have a sensitive skin – on alternative days. Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash is great for use in other areas breakouts may appear too, such as the back or buttocks.
To use, simply foam a pea size amount in the palm of your hand then apply to the skin in circular motions before thoroughly rinsing with water.
On active breakouts
The Breakout Clearing Booster is a fast-acting spot treatment formulated with Salicylic Acid that helps combat breakout-causing bacteria for rapid skin clearing. It also contains a patented TT Technology and Phytoplankton Extract to kill breakout-causing bacteria whilst maintaining healthy bacteria on the skin – which is vital for your skins natural healing process.
To use, apply to cleansed skin directly to blemish or breakout area, or apply a thin layer all over the face under a moisturiser for breakout prevention.
After the breakout has healed
Ever noticed how a small mark is left behind after a breakout has healed? This is called post-inflammatory pigmentation, and in some cases, they can take a while to fade. To help speed up the skin’s natural healing process and fade post-breakout marks, the new Post-Breakout Fix gently exfoliates with Salicylic Acid and brightens the skin with Hexylresorcinol.
To use, apply directly onto a healed breakout and use twice daily until the mark has faded.
If you have questions about your skin and would like to know which Dermalogica products are going to be most beneficial for your concerns, please feel free to reach out to one of our Dermalogica Skin Therapists via customer service here.