Blemish-prone skin: why stronger isn't better

A cycle that makes skin worse

When spots appear, the natural reaction is to cleanse more and harder: a stronger cleanser, a gritty scrub, an alcohol toner, a drying gel. For a while the skin feels clean, but soon it starts to feel tight, turns red and produces even more oil to protect itself. The spots don't decrease – they're just on more irritated skin now.

Blemish-prone skin needs balance: cleansing that doesn't dry, calming and light hydration.

What is GIGI Acnon?

Acnon is GIGI Laboratories' line for oily, blemish-prone skin. Its products clear the pores and reduce oiliness, but also contain calming ingredients so the skin isn't irritated.

At Skinique, blemish-prone skin is treated with the GIGI Clear Skin Control facial. The skin is cleansed thoroughly and calmed, and your cosmetologist chooses the products for its current condition. If you want clear pores without squeezing, ask about ultrasonic cleansing too.

Why inflamed spots aren't squeezed

When an inflamed spot is squeezed, the inflammation can spread deeper and into the surrounding skin. The result is often a bigger, slower-healing spot and a dark mark that can show for months.

That's why in Clear Skin Control the skin is cleansed with ultrasound, only congestion that comes away easily is removed, and inflamed areas are calmed. If you have more blackheads than inflammation, a manual cleanse may be the better choice.

A home routine for acne-prone skin

Morning:

• a mild cleanser or just water
• a light, oil-free moisturiser or gel
• sunscreen – many acne products increase sun sensitivity, and dark marks darken in the sun

Evening:

• remove make-up and sunscreen, then a mild cleanse
• an active ingredient if you use one (e.g. salicylic acid) – just one at a time
• light moisture

Small everyday things help too: changing your pillowcase, cleaning your phone screen and keeping your hands off your face.

As a series, and with LED

Skin finds balance gradually, so one visit is usually not enough. Your cosmetologist suggests the number of treatments and the interval based on your skin. A ready plan over several visits is the Clear Skin programme.

The treatment can be supported with LED blue light, which targets the bacteria behind breakouts – read LED and breakouts. For teenagers there is the young skin facial and the Clean Start programme.

When to see a doctor

Painful, deep nodules and acne that leaves scars belong with a doctor. The same goes if the skin doesn't settle within a few months even though home care is right. Facials can still continue alongside medical treatment once you tell your cosmetologist which medicines you use.

During isotretinoin treatment, cosmetic treatments are done only on your doctor's advice. More on breakouts later in life in breakouts in adulthood.