Having a bad skin day/week/month? We feel you. If you have oily or acne-prone skin you know the drill when it comes to breakouts, and an epic one can cancel your social life faster than a beauty vlogger scandal. But don’t fret, there IS something you can do about it.
We got together with dermatologist Dr Jo-Ann See and the experts in oily and acne-prone skincare at La Roche-Posay to answer some FAQs about breakouts and give you some tips on clearing congested skin with the brand’s iconic Effaclar range.
Q: I have some spots and blackheads but no idea how to get rid of them…
A: It’s hard to know where to start, but there’s a website that can get you on the right track! The new Effaclar SpotScan tool accessed via your smartphone browser has been developed with dermatologists to help diagnose your acne-prone skin issues and help you choose the right products to take action.
It’s super simple to use and uses high-tech artificial intelligence to give you the rundown on what’s going on with your skin. First, type au.spotscan.com into your browser on your smartphone, then it will tell you to take three photos at different angles with a clean, bare face. The tool maps your face to show you where you have acne, blackheads or excess oil, then recommends a personalised step-by-step Effaclar skincare routine. It also provides great skincare tips and a skin diary to track progress. (It doesn’t store your pics either, so you don’t need to worry about them showing up on the ‘gram.)
Q: What kind of skincare should I use?
A: Using products that are designed to tackle acne-prone skin in a regular routine is the first step to clearer skin. As Dr See says, “Often people are using inappropriate skincare that contributes to the problem. We all know that just washing your face twice a day is not the only way to fix acne.”
The Effaclar range has nine products, all designed to treat oily or acne-prone skin. A thorough skincare routine includes a cleanser and moisturiser. Two heroes of the range are the Effaclar Foaming Gel cleanser that gently purifies without upsetting sensitive skin, and the Effaclar Duo (+) Anti-Acne Care moisturiser that targets clogged pores, pimples and marks with visible results in 12 hours* and, used long-term, reduces the recurrence of breakouts. Depending on your skin’s needs you might be recommended another product to treat other issues such as blackheads.
Q: Yes! I’ve got blackheads and they seem to be multiplying! Why?
A: Blackheads occur when your skin produces excess oil (sebum) and it collects in your pores, causing a blockage or oil plug. When the sebum makes contact with the air on the surface it turns black (which is why blackheads are white underneath the surface of the skin – a-ha!).
Q: How do I get rid of them? Should I squeeze?
A: No way, José! Squeezing blackheads can damage your skin and let in bacteria that can cause inflammation and infection – then you’ll have a whole lot more to be worried about. Extraction should only be done by a pro. You’re better off using a product that’s designed to tackle blackheads, such as Effaclar K (+) Anti-Blackhead Care
It’s a new moisturiser for combination to oily skin that reduces blackheads by 33 per cent
** in just eight weeks. It works in three ways to reduce shine, exfoliate and hydrate your skin, making it smoother and fresher as you use it over time. With an ingredient Airlicium™ that absorbs oil and mattifies shine, it exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores and helps prevent them from getting blocked again. Skin feels fresher on your first use and feels good all day, and as you continue using it, you’ll find the blackheads will reduce.
Q: Any last tips from the dermatologist?
A: Here they are, Dr See’s five tips to better skin. (Thinking it’s too late for No.1…)
- Choose your parents, as genetics can play a role.
- Choose good skincare and seek medical expertise if you don’t see improvement.
- Don’t smoke and don’t stress.
- See a GP or specialist dermatologist if you aren’t getting anywhere.
- Be informed – don’t search the web, look up www.acne.org.au
So, don’t cancel your life because your skin’s playing up. Take action and show your skin who’s boss! Try the Effaclar SpotScan tool and find out which prods will help you see clearer, smoother skin you’ll be happy to show off anytime.
The La Roche-Posay Effaclar anti-acne range is available in pharmacies nationally.
*Instrumental test, results from 12 hours, 43 subjects
**Clinical study on 55 subjects
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