How to fight against retentional acne?

Retentional acne is a skin disease that affects more than 6 million people in France. Today, it is the first reason for consultation with a dermatologist . Common in people who have combination to oily skin , this skin condition is common in teenagers but can appear in adults. What are its characteristics ? How to cure it? We tell you everything in this article.

What is retentional acne?

Retentional acne is characterized by oily skin, dilated pores, the presence of blackheads, comedones, and white cysts. This dermatological disease results from an accumulation of sebum and dead cells in the pores of the skin.

It is usually located in the T-zone of the face (forehead, nose and chin), as well as on the back, neck, shoulders and chest.

What are the causes ?

Several factors explain the appearance of retentional acne on the skin:

• Hormonal changes such as puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy;
• Stress, because it leads to an overproduction of sebum;
• heredity;
• Certain contraceptives.

What are the different types of acne?

It is common to confuse the different types of acne. We present the characteristics of each of them to you so that you know how to dissociate and recognize them.

Inflammatory acne

It is manifested by papules (large red and hard pimples), pustules, blackheads and microcysts . In general, it follows retentional acne . It is caused by an overproduction and thickening of sebum which fails to flow through the pores of the skin.

In adolescents, this dermatological disease appears because of hormonal upheavals. It is localized on the face, back, upper chest and shoulders.

In adults, it mainly affects women. Hormones, a fatty diet, stress, and the use of unsuitable cosmetic products can be the cause. It is generally located along the jawline and at the level of the chin.

Cystic Acne

This is the most severe form of acne. It often affects adolescents and sometimes adults. It is characterized by the formation of comedones , nodules, cysts and microcysts on the face, but can also appear on the buttocks or the back. These lesions are often painful.

It is partly linked to a hormonal problem at puberty. In adulthood, it can be linked to hormonal contraception, stress or diet. It can appear during menstruation, ovulation and pregnancy.

Acne congobata

This is a rare form of acne. It is recognized by observing large comedones that quickly become inflammatory with the formation of nodules and cysts . It can lead to significant scarring.

Most often, it affects adolescents, and is located in the shoulders, back and buttocks.

Acne fulminans

This type of acne mainly affects boys in adolescence. It is characterized by a sudden onset of numerous lesions on the face and trunk. It is accompanied by fever over 39°C and sometimes pain in the muscles and joints. It is the most serious and rare form of acne. It can be triggered by taking anti-acne medication .

medicated acne

Some medications can cause an acne breakout or make an existing condition worse. Corticosteroids, antidepressants, antituberculosis drugs and vitamin B cause this type of acne.

contact acne

It is caused by contact with chemicals and can cause comedones.

acne cosmetica

It appears following the application of unsuitable cosmetic products. It aggravates existing acne.

When there are several types combined, we speak of polymorphic acne .

How to treat retentional acne?

Acne treatment depends on several things:

• The type of lesions;
• Possible pregnancy;
• The lifestyle ;
• The genetic heritage;
• Contraindications and allergies.

Either way, handling blackheads and cysts should be avoided as this can cause scarring.

Next, you need to have a proper routine to follow on a daily basis to cure acne .

Step 1: remove make-up using Micelliance micellar water to rid your skin of all the impurities accumulated during the day. We know that many of you skip this step, and yet it is essential :-).

Step 2: wash your face morning and evening with a product suitable for combination to oily skin. Cleanactyl cleansing gel gets rid of impurities and excess sebum.

Step 3: Exfoliate with fruit acids once or twice a week. Exfoclear scrub has exfoliating and antioxidant properties. It tightens pores and improves skin texture . In other words, it is a must have that you must have in your bathroom!

Step 4: apply a treatment that regulates sebum production and reduces pimples and blackheads, such as ACT-5 anti-blemish intensive care .

Step 5: And the last but not the least , we recommend using a sunscreen product or cream with an SPF greater than 20 . In this way, you protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's rays.

If you do your makeup, remember to clean your brushes regularly. Using them without washing them leads to an accumulation of bacteria on the skin and causes the appearance of pimples .

If acne persists, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist.

Retentional acne is a benign dermatological disease. Nevertheless, it can be a source of complex if it is not treated effectively. Fortunately, it is possible to treat it by following a routine adapted to your skin type and by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

👉🏾 To learn more about this theme, read our article on how to fight severe acne on black skin !