Effective acne treatments: tips and solutions

What is acne? How can it be effectively relieved?

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition: in France, 6 million people are affected at some points in their lives*, and 3 out of 4 teenagers are affected.

Acne is characterised by:

• An uneven skin texture 
• Increased sebum production 
• The appearance of inflammatory lesions, such as blackheads, spots or microcysts. These can be found on the face, upper back, and chest. 

What causes it? Mainly hormonal changes, but genetics also plays a role. Other factors, such as pollution, smoking, or stress, can have an impact too.

Acne does not always manifest itself in the same way: identifying it properly is already a step toward the right treatment.

*sources : 1–French Society of Dermatology – 2–French National Health Authority

Choosing a treatment based on the type of acne

Treatment must be tailored to the type of acne. Acne is classified as very mild, mild, moderate, severe, or very severe. How can you determine the level of severity? Based on the extent and type of lesions. 

A few comedones and pimples on less than half of the face are considered as very mild or mild acne. If more lesions are appearing on more than half of the face, this is moderate acne. Severe acne affects the whole face, with a high number of lesions. Very inflammatory acne, with numerous, large lesions, is considered a very severe form. 

A consultation with a dermatologist allows for an accurate assessment of the situation. Depending on the characteristics of the pimples and the patient’s profile

Personalised skincare for acne-prone skin

Oily, dry, or combination skin: how to care for it with acne

The severity of acne is the first factor to consider, but other factors also matter, such as skin type. Whether oily, dry, or combination, each has its own specific needs. Understanding these needs helps you choose the best dermocosmetics products to reduce acne and care for acne-prone skin during and after treatment.

What to do in case of mild, moderate, or severe acne?

For each acne type its solution, whether applied to the skin, taken orally, available over the counter, or with a medical prescription. Treatment generally involves two phases. The first, known as the attack phase, aims to reduce or completely eliminate lesions. The second, the maintenance phase, is designed to prevent new breakouts.

In case of mild acne, topical treatments are preferred. These local treatments may contain retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) to unclog pores, or benzoyl peroxide for its antibacterial action. They should be applied once or twice a day, depending on the instructions.

However, be careful with benzoyl peroxide; this active ingredient  can bleach clothing, sheets, or pillowcases. If applied in the evening, it is advisable to protect your pillow with a cover you do not mind damaging.

For moderate to severe forms of acne, this topical treatment will be combined with an oral antibiotic prescribed by a doctor. Based on cyclines, this treatment acts directly on inflammation.

For individuals with very severe acne, a doctor might prescribe an oral, isotretinoin-based, medication. This is a strong medication, and prescription is tightly regulated.

Understanding the side effects of acne treatments and how to respond

How to soothe acne-prone skin during treatment?

Treatments for various forms of acne are effective, but can cause some side effects. Knowing what these are allows you to take action as soon as possible to reduce discomfort.

Depending on your dermatologist’s advice, several solutions can help relieve your skin:

• Space out applications to allow your skin to gradually adapt to the product. 
• If peeling persists, you can try a lower concentration by mixing the treatment with an oil-free moisturiser. 

In any case, these adjustments must be discussed with your dermatologist to ensure that the treatment is safe. 

If you are taking oral antibiotics, your skin may become abnormally sensitive to natural light. Just a few minutes of sun exposure can cause intense redness. 

To limit the risks of photosensitivity, avoid exposing your skin to the sun as much as possible during treatment. Even without direct exposure, applying SPF50+ sun protection is essential whenever you spend time outdoors.

Adopting the right habits to maximise treatment effectiveness

What can you do, alongside your treatment, to relieve acne?

• Prevent side effects by staying attentive to your skin: if irritation occurs, speak to your dermatologist to discuss a possible adjustment as soon as possible.
• Do not stop your treatment early, even if your skin starts to get better. Stopping prematurely increases the risk of relapse.
• Avoid touching, scratching or squeezing your pimples. These bad habits can lead to irreversible acne scars.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine suited for acne-prone skin.

I am pregnant or breastfeeding: how can I treat my acne?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are times when acne is more likely to appear, especially for people who experienced it during adolescence. Treatments, whether topical or oral, can have significant consequences. So, if acne appears, the first piece of advice is to wait until the pregnancy and breastfeeding end; acne might disappear on its own.

For women who wish to act sooner, the first step is to adjust their hygiene products. It is also possible to use low-dose benzoyl peroxide treatments applied locally. From the second trimester of the pregnancy, zinc can be prescribed, taking into account any other zinc intake (especially from multivitamin or trace element supplements). The doctor will then check that there are no interactions with any other treatment.

If you wish to start taking dietary supplements, you must seek your doctor’s advice to avoid any risk to your baby.

Isotretinoin: powerful, but to be taken with caution!

In case of very severe acne, or in case of a relapse 3 months after a treatment for moderate to severe acne, a tretinoid-based treatment, such as Roaccutane®, may be considered under strict medical supervision.

However, this treatment can cause serious side effects:

• Dryness of the skin and eyes. 
• Worsening of acne at the start of treatment. 
• Biological abnormalities. 
• Risks of psychological disorders, which also requires careful monitoring.

It is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy due to its teratogenic risks—that is, the potential to cause malformations in the foetus. Strict contraception is, therefore, required for the duration of the treatment 

To ensure isotretinoin is used as safely as possible, its prescription is tightly regulated. Patients must be fully informed and undergo close monitoring of the treatment’s effects by a dermatologist.

Maintain an effective skincare routine during and after treatment

To give the treatment the best chances of succeeding, it is essential that you adopt and maintain an anti-acne daily routine tailored to your skin. Dermocosmetic ranges are expanding to provide comfort and care to acne-prone skin. Avène’s Cleanance Hydra care products are specifically formulated to soothe and deeply hydrate skin weakened by acne treatments. When they dry out the skin, Cleanance Hydra soothes, nourishes, and restores the skin’s balance, supporting acne-prone skin—whether adolescent or adult—throughout the process. 

What basic routine should you follow? 

• Gentle cleansing morning and evening to purify while preserving the hydrolipidic film.
• Hydration suited to your skin type and using a balm or lip balm. 
• Weekly masks, only if the skin is not too sensitised by treatments. 
• Sun protection every day. 

Take care of your skin now: try our skin diagnosis and discover the face routine that is right for you! 

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