What is the relationship between acne, sebum, and dead skin cells?

Hot Summer Tired of pesky acne ruining your day? If so, you might wonder why acne happens in the first place. Acne is caused by acne bacteria. For this bacteria to thrive on our skin, it needs nourishment. That nourishment is sebum. So, if you effectively remove the sebum—the food source for acne bacteria—they'll starve and die out.

Therefore, acne and sebum are inseparable keywords. Now that you understand the importance of managing sebum, how can you effectively remove it and maintain a sebum-free complexion?

Sebum production increases when our skin's temperature rises. Therefore, it's important to cool down your face by applying a refreshing toner pack morning and night. This helps to lower the skin temperature!

Our skin periodically generates new cells, creating keratin that naturally sheds. If not properly removed, this keratin buildup can prevent sebum from exiting the skin, exacerbating the issue. Regular exfoliation is thus crucial for sebum management.

Excellent ingredients for exfoliation include:

Niacinamide
Retinol
Salicylic acid (BHA)

Among acne types, you may encounter whiteheads or blackheads, or inflamed pimples with pus. When the skin barrier is strong, whiteheads or blackheads may appear. If the skin barrier is compromised, it may lead to inflamed acne.

If you frequently experience inflamed acne, prioritize skin barrier care. Beneficial ingredients for the skin barrier are the three ones : Ceramides, Cholesterol, and Fatty acids.

Acne skin care is similar to general skincare: Cleansing - Toning - Serum - Moisturizer should be your routine.

Choosing the right cleanser: Use a mildly acidic cleanser with salicylic acid (BHA). Gently roll it on your face for one minute both morning and night to effectively dissolve sebum, which helps prevent the need for excessive keratin removal.

Recommended products:

-Mixsoon Mugwort Essence - 100% Mugwort Extract - Soothes skin, improves internal dehydration. When applied to the nose, it also helps with blackheads.
-Le' Nubele Azulene Cicat - People living with acne love this product.
-Biohealboh

Apply the retinol serum after toning onto your skin.

Recommended products:

-cosrx SkinAlleyx Lab Dermasis Gel Trouble Patch is a product in cream form. When applied lightly on acne, it helps improve acne condition.

Moisturizer When your skin feels dry, it produces more sebum. If dead skin cells are not properly managed, sebum discharge is hindered, which can cause acne bacteria to trigger trouble. Don't leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Products that are good for internal dryness include moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramide, glycerin, and panthenol. Choose products containing these ingredients and apply them well in the last step of skincare to maintain consistently moist skin. However, if you feel dryness or tightness even after applying enough moisturizing cream, add a small amount of jojoba oil or Vaseline to the final step cream and mix it well. Apply it evenly over your face.