What is Acne? (and What Causes it?)
Maybe it’s a silly question, afterall, everyone and their mother has experienced acne at least once before. But do you know what causes it? Well, there are a few different answers.
Generally, acne is a skin condition that occurs when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This buildup results in an inflamed, sometimes painful, red bump on the skin. Acne can have different forms, depending on its severity. There are blackheads, whiteheads, papules (small, tender red bumps), pustules (papules but with a whitehead), nodules (large, painful lumps beneath the skin’s surface), and cysts (painful, pus-filled lump underneath the surface).
A common myth about acne is that it’s caused by dirty skin. That’s not always true! Oily skin can be caused by so many different factors, often uncontrollable. Hormonal changes, such as puberty or pregnancy, can lead to acne. High humidity and pressure can also contribute.
Of course, being too rough on your skin might also be the cause! If you’re using harsh skincare ingredients like alcohols or astringents, you might actually be destroying your skin barrier that protects your skin from harmful external factors. Therefore, there’s nothing to keep acne at bay. You’ve got to be gentle with your skin to keep it healthy and safe.
If you have mild or moderately severe acne, you can probably use a few skincare products to heal or treat it. OxygenCeuticals has a lot of great products that can assist!
But, if you’re experiencing very severe, persistent acne, it’s advised that you seek out a dermatologist to find the underlying cause and receive medical treatment.
1. Cleansing
Any good skincare routine starts with cleansing. Keeping your skin clean and fresh is the most basic strategy to keeping acne away. It’s very important to use a cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of all of its oils. Some of that oil is essential to maintaining skin moisture and health. A gentle, slightly acidic cleanser is the best thing for those who suffer from blemishes.
A gel type of sub-acid cleanser with pH of 5.0. Cleanses sensitive and troubled skin without causing irritation.
This natural, plant-based foaming wash helps to minimize pores while removing impurities, makeup and dirt. Dimethyl Sulfone and Botanical extracts create a rich foam to cleanse while simultaneously delivering essential nutrients to the skin. Its Botanical ingredients are made up of Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Saururus Chinensis Leaf/Root Extract and Apricot Kernel Extract. These ingredients provide anti-inflammation and antimicrobial effects without stripping the skin.
It’s even been skin irritant patch tested to work perfectly on sensitive skin types, making it a wonderful cleanser for acne as well as dry skin.
To use this cleanser:
- Take an adequate amount and lather with water.
- Gently apply on the skin and gently rub.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Can be used as a stand-alone foaming cleanser if you don’t wear heavy makeup.
If you have more robust skin, you can also try OxygenCeuticals’ Pore Mask. This cleanser has a very thick, rich foam that clears pores and purifies the skin.
2. Toning
After cleansing, you need something to wipe off the last tiny bits of dirt and grime that your cleanser just didn’t catch. Not to mention, there are many toners that provide moisturizing benefits as well as toning.
OxygenCeuticals has a large variety of toners to choose from, but one toner is specially designed to help aid in acne care.
Toner with pH 5.5. Regulates sebum and moisture balance after cleansing. Improves skin texture, moisturizes, and strengthens skin immunity with herbal ingredients
OxygenCeuticals’ Skin Balancing Toner will do exactly as it’s named to do. It will balance the pH of your skin. Most people’s skin has a pH range of 5.4 – 5.9, meaning it’s slightly acidic. This toner has a pH of 5.5. If you’re not using the Purifying Foaming Wash, you could be using a more alkaline cleanser that, while doing a good job of cleansing, may throw off the natural pH of your skin, and lead to a damaged skin barrier.
The Skin Balancing Toner can bring back the pH back down to a healthy level after cleansing, making sure that the pH is exactly where it’s meant to be.
Therefore, it can improve skin texture, restore moisture, and strengthen the skin’s immunity with its herbal ingredients. Plus, it’s gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin!
To use the Skin Balancing Toner:
- Soak a cotton pad with the toner.
- Wipe along the face to remove impurities while soothing the skin.
- Apply in between aesthetic treatments to soothe and hydrate the skin.
If this toner isn’t for you, you can try out one of our other toners!
For soothing and moisturizing care, especially after dermatological procedures, try the D:O2 Activator or the Cryogenic Activator. For irritated, inflamed skin try the Toning Gel.
3. Peeling
Every once in a while, you have to exfoliate your skin. Maybe once or twice a week, depending on your skin type and what products you use. Exfoliating is essential for those who want a brighter, healthier glow on their skin. And that’s because exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells by breaking the bonds that glue them together, allowing new skin cells to rise to the surface.
Exfoliating, or peeling, can also be considered the ‘third-step’ of cleansing. Your exfoliating product can get rid of any of the deeply hidden dirt and debris in your pores that your first two cleansers missed.
OxygenCeuticals has two different type of exfoliating products, both great choices to achieve smoother skin.
Physical exfoliant with pineapple and papaya extracts. Exfoliates dull skin and unclogs pores to remove dead skin cells without causing irritation. Suitable to use on sensitive skin.
The Daily Botanicals Enzyme Peel is a gentle, gommage peel. ‘Gommage’ comes from the French word for ‘erasing’. A gommage peel works by applying a cream or paste to the skin, letting it sit for a minute or so, and then rubbing the product into the skin. When rubbed, the product will curl up into little balls that resemble something like pencil shavings, taking your dead skin along with it.
Most gommage peels contain enzymes which act as the exfoliating agents. The Daily Botanicals Enzyme Peel contains Pineapple and Papaya enzymes and extracts to exfoliate dull skin and unclog pores gently.
The inclusion of Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract works to protect the skin with its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. This helps to make the product suitable for even very sensitive or acne prone skin.
After using it, your skin will feel softer and smoother, and over time, if done consecutively, dark spots and acne scars will begin to fade as dead skin cells are removed and new skin cells are pushed to the surface.
To use the peel:
- After toner, apply adequate amount onto dry face or neck.
- Let sit for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to allow the enzymes to break down dead skin cells.
- Gently rub to exfoliate and then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Use 1-2 times a week depending on skin type
Chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells effectively with 24.5% AHA and 0.5% BHA. Contains Panthenol which soothes, moisturizes, and reduces inflammation.
The Double Peel is a chemical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants work differently from gommage peels or traditional physical peels like scrubs.
A chemical peel is a skin exfoliant which a pH of around 2.0. Chemical Peels typically contain acids called AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids). These are chemical exfoliants that remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin.
AHAs work by reducing the concentration of calcium ions in the skin which promotes the shedding of surface-level skin cells (If you’ve heard of Glycolic or Lactic Acid, you’ve heard of AHas)
BHAs do much of the same, but they provide antibacterial benefits. One BHA you’re probably already familiar with is Salicylic Acid, commonly used to treat acne.
Chemical Peeling with such acids provide a variety of benefits for our skin. They can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, revive dull skin, remove dark spots, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, and even improve acne.
This product has an optimum AHA:BHA ratio of 24.5% AHA to 0.5% BHA. It also contains panthenol to soothe, moisturize, and calm inflammation.
To use the Double Peel:
- After toner, apply an adequate amount on the skin (avoid the eye areas)
- Let sit for 1-2 minutes if you have normal skin, 2-3 minutes for oily skin, and 30 secs – 1 min for senstive skin.
- Use once a week, or according to your skin type.
4. Ampoule
You might be wondering, “what is the difference between an ampoule and a serum?” or even “why do I need to use an ampoule in the first place?” Well, an ampoule is essentially a super extra potent serum that targets a specific skin concern. You might only use an ampoule on occasions when your skin feels particularly dry and use a serum twice daily.
OxygenCeuticals’ Fluid Line contains six powerful targeted ampoules that aid in every skin concern. We have one ampoule specifically for acne and blemishes!
A trouble care targeted fluid. Enriched with anti-acne complex to balance sebum secretion and minimize pores to reveal a healthy, dewy look.
This is OxygenCeuticals’ main acne-targeted ampoule. It’s a very gentle solution formulated with Salicylic Acid for mild exfoliation of dead skin cells. It also contains Sodium PCA for maintaining moisture in the skin.
However, its patented ‘Anti-Acne Complex’ made up of Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract, Caesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract, and Magnolia Obovata Bark Extract relieves skin troubles like acne. These herbal ingredients work to soothe and relieve inflammation on the skin while purifying and controlling sebum production.
To use the Herbal Fluid:
- Apply 1-2 drops on clean skin before applying serum/essence.
- Massage into the skin and let absorb.
- Use with Purifying Kit to amplify effect.
- Use as spot treatment after acne extraction.
If you have very sensitive skin, or want to calm down skin redness and inflammation, try the Couperose Fluid or the Ceutisome Stem Formula (as a spot treatment).
5. Serum
Our next step seems obvious! Serum! A skin serum is a light, easily absorbed liquid that you spread on your skin for extra nutrients, moisture, etc. A serum can even have multiple functions! OxygenCeuticals’ line of serums certainly does.
We’ll share a serum that will help out with acne!
The combination of pure Vitamin C Powder and Vitamin E Serum . Gets rid of excess melanin and strengthens skin barrier, leaving the skin looking healthy and glossy.
If you’re a skincare buff, you probably already know that Vitamin C is a godsend for skin health. While it can be harsh to very sensitive skin types, it’s known to treat hyperpigmentation, acne, dull skin, dry skin, and damaged skin. Vitamin C Serums, much like how Vitamin C tablets protect our immune systems, provide a layer of protection to the skin to prevent damage from free radicals, oxidative stress, and UVA and UVB rays. Vitamin C can lighten pigmentation caused by blemishes and even help to fade acne scars.
OxygenCeuticals’ Serum 12 and Serum 17 are two sizes of the same product. Serum 12 comes with pure vitamin C powder and 30ml of Vitamin E serum. Mixing the two will result in a solution with 12% Vitamin C, hence the name ‘Serum 12’. Serum 17 is much the same but with 17% of Vitamin C and 60ml of solution.
The serums not only contain Vitamin C and E, but also Sodium PCA, a moisturizing factor that hydrates and smooths uneven texture. They also each contain anti-aging ingredient allantoin to sooth and keep skin soft.
To use Serum 12/17:
- Mix the Serum 12/17 with the Vitamin C powder.
- Shake thoroughly.
- Apply 1-2 drops on the skin and pat until fully absorbed.
- Vitamin C can irritate very sensitive skin, so it’s best to apply our B5 Gel or Phyto Gel before applying Serum 12/17.
If you think Vitamin C might be too harsh on your skin, try some of our other serums!
For anti-aging care, try the B5 Gel or the Age Defying Essence Forte. For brightening care, try the Phyto Gel. If you want an extra boost of moisture, try our Moisture Aqua Serum. All of these serums can aid in your acne skincare routine along with their other functions!
6. Facial Mask
What fun would skincare be if we couldn’t just plop a mask on our face, get something to drink, and chill on our couch while the mask does its magic?
Depending on the type of mask, it should come either before or after moisturizers. Sheet Masks should come before creams or moisturizers, while clay masks should come before any ampoule or serums.
Let’s see what kind of masks OxygenCeuticals has for those struggling with acne.
It hydrates the skin and controls sebum secretion, preventing greasy skin. Furthermore,
it cools down skin temperature in order to soothe flushed skin.
Sheet masks are a staple in Korean skincare, but ours is special. Our Ceutisome CC Mask is made with ultra-soft Bemliese fabric. Made from the long fibers, called linter, around cotton seeds, this fabric absorbs more of the ampoule in the mask and sits on the sit so smoothly that you don’t feel any of the itching or discomfort you might feel with a generic sheet mask.
Moreover, the CC Mask cools and soothes the skin while even controlling sebum production. Xylitol physically cools the skin’s temperature. Overheated skin is often inflamed and irritated. Witch Hazel Extract and 7-White Complex keeps the skin balanced while protecting it from harmful environmental substances.
If you have painful or inflamed acne, use this mask to cool and soothe. You’ll feel instantly refreshed.
To use the Ceutisome CC Mask:
- Remove the mask from its package.
- Apply the mask on the face.
- Leave the mask for 10-20 minutes.
- After removing the mask, gently tap the skin to help the remaining serum absorb fully into the skin.
- Use with Couperose Cream and Couperose Fluid for effective calming of inflamed skin.
A skin purifying mask that removes excess sebum and dead skin cells while moisturizing skin.
No skincare routine would be complete without a kaolin clay mask, right? OxygenCeutical’s Clarifying Mask is a skin-purifying wash-off mask that delivers unparelled control of excessive sebum while also brightening and soothing the skin.
Containing Tocopheryl Acetate, a form of Vitamin E, this mask can sooth inflamed skin and acne, but also provide anti-oxidative effects that leave the skin looking immediately brighter after just one use.
Kaolin Clay works to control sebum protection and prevent acne formation, while Ceramide provides moisture to the skin. The mask leaves your skin feeling cool and clean after use, and you can literally see improvements in redness immediately.
To use the Clarifying Mask:
- Apply evenly to the skin with a brush or spatula.
- Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash off the mask with lukewarm water
- For extra soothing effects and longer wearability, mix the Clarifying Mask with Toning Gel in a 1:1 ratio before appliability.
7. Cream
So now we’ve finally gotten to the moisturizers. Creams are important in skincare because they’re meant to lock in all the good stuff we just put on, as well as provide their own benefits. You might think that having oily skin means you shouldn’t moisturize or don’t need to. But, actually, if your skin becomes dehydrated, it produces extra sebum to make up for the lack of moisture, making your skin more prone to acne or blemishes.
Here are some creams we recommend for blemished skin!
A soothing cream enriched with 7 types of botanical extracts.
Calms redness prone skin and fortifies skin barrier to reveal healthy complexion.
You might be afraid to put on moisturizer if you’ve got oily skin. Some moisturizers make the skin feel even heavier once applied and can make us feel like it’s clogging our pores.
But oily skin needs moisture to balance it out. If your skin is well-watered, then it won’t feel the need to produce as much oil. The Couperose Cream is a light-weight, all-over moisturizer formulated with 7 types of botanical extracts.
And there’s no need to worry if your skin will react badly. This product has been hypoallergenic tested and proven not to cause any adverse reactions on the skin!
Tomato Fruit/Leaf/Stem extract works to moisturize and regenerate the skin while turnip extract calms and soothes redness. Your skin will be thanking you once you apply this cream. Over time, you’ll see the redness fade away!
If you think the Couperose Cream isn’t for you, then we have other options available! If you want repairative, post-procedure care then try our PP Cream! For anti-aging and brightening care, try the ReGenon Cream. If you want to enhance your skin barrier and have sensitive skin, try the Skin Barrier Ato Cream. And finally, if you want a little bit of after-sun care or soothing care, try our Soothing Aloe Vera Gel!
8. Sun Care
This is the moment of truth. Sun Care is Dark Spot Care. Bottom Line. The number one cause of hyperpigmentation and dark spots is UVA and UVB damage from sun exposure. This means that the sun can make your acne look and feel worse!
So, you’ve got to protect your skin. Remember, the Sun. Is. Not. Your. Friend.
Here’s what OxygenCeuticals has in store for sun protection!
A featherlight daily sunscreen with SPF 50+++. Shields skin from harmful UVA and UVB to prevent premature aging while delivering moisturizing factors to the skin.
This super lightweight sunscreen protects your skin from UVA and UVB sun rays to prevent sun damage like dark spots, sun spots, premature aging, and even more dangerous conditions.
It’s a unique combination of mineral and chemical sun filters to ensure your skin is protected from all angles. This sunscreen absorbs flawlessly into the skin without any white cast or greasiness. It also smells really good (but maybe that’s only important to me).
Let’s not forget its bonus benefits! Vitamin E in the formula protects the skin’s moisture barrier and keeps nasty environmental hazards from sticking to the skin. Hyaluronic Acid keeps the skin hydrated and Allantoin soothes and calms skin. Sounds like the perfect formula for a summer sunscreen.
To use the TP Sun Cream:
- Apply an adequate amount to the skin. (Try two fingerlengths of cream, or a teaspoon amount)
- Use a the final step in your daily skincare routine.
- Or finish with Intensive Blemish Balm to reveal healthy, glowing skin.
Water-resistant sunscreen ideal for outdoor activities or sports. Provides both UVA and UVB protection. (Used for both face and body)
If you need a sunscreen with more ‘oomph’, try the Leport’s Sunblock. This sunscreen can be used on both your face and body, so all bases are covered. This waterproof formula is perfect for anyone who plays sports or lives an active outdoor lifestyle.
Completely invisible after application, it’ll provide moisture to your skin as well keep it safe.
Another combination sunscreen with both mineral and chemical filters, it also contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera Leaf Juice Powder for soothing benefits.
To use Leport’s Sunblock:
- Apply an adequate amount to the skin (for the face: about two fingerlengths).
- Pat it evenly onto the skin until invisible.
For extra sun protection and some skin evening action, try out OxygenCeuticals Intensive Blemish Balm and O2 Cushion as an everyday makeup combo.
9. Skincare Kits
Some of our best products come in the form of sets. I mean, doesn’t everyone love to save money on their skincare? OxygenCeuticals offers several ‘kits’ for various skin concerns, containing two or three products in one package to make it easier for you to organize your own skin regimen.
Here are some of OxygenCeuticals’ best Skincare Kits for acne!
2-steps kit that controls excessive sebum secretion and
manages dead skin cells to relieve skin troubles.
This kit comes with everything you need to help clear blemishes. Containing a wintergreen serum and cream targeted to soothes and treat blemishes with minimal irritation.
Wintergreen Extract manages sebum product and keeps pores looking tight and clean, clearing out any of the debris that leads to acne. Dimethyl Sulfone releases sulfur from the skin, helping to purify and cleanse. It also promotes collagen synthesis to fight against skin aging. Niacinamide, of course, inhibits melanin product and prevents acne from leaving marks after its healed. Finally, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract soothes inflammation, making acne less red and less swollen.
To use the Purifying Kit:
- First cleanse the skin with a gentle, subacidic cleanser (Try our Purifying Foaming Wash).
- Tone with a gentle, pH balancing toner (Skin Balancing Toner).
- Follow with the Purifying Wintergreen Serum. Apply on the skin and pat until absorbed.
- Apply Purifying Wintergreen Cream. Pat until absorbed.
A tailored kit designed to relieve different skincare concerns. This kit includes a powerful ampoule and accompanying booster targeted towards your specific skincare goals along with the Ceutisome Stem Formula, an O2 carrier, to promote maximum absorption.
We love a customized skincare set. Our Ceutisome Trial Kits can be mixed and matched to create the perfect ampoule solution for your specific skin type and skin concern.
The Ceutisome O Trial Kit contains the Ceutisome Oilycom Ampoule, the O-Booster, and the Ceutisome Stem Formula.
The combination of the Oilycom Ampoule and O-Booster helps to relieve acne and achieve healthy skin by soothing and boosting skin renewal activity.
Its three main ingredients all work together for ultimate acne treatment. Tryptophan normalizes the skin regeneration cycle, Citrus Callus Extract provides concentrated treatment care to affected areas, and sh-Oligo peptide-3 enhances the skin protection layer to keep skin safe.
Adding the Stem Formula into the mix ensures maximum absorbtion. The Stem Formula, an O2 carrier, purifies the skin by removing carbon dioxide and supplying oxygen. It also accelerates healing and inhibits signs of aging by activing the metabolism of skin cells.
You can also buy another Trial Kit and mix with the O Trial Kit to get customized results. If you have dry and blemished skin, try mixing with the H Trial Kit. For blemished and pigmented skin, mix with the P Trial Kit. Finally, if you want anti-aging benefits alongside acne care, mix with the W Trial Kit.
To Use the O Trial Kit:
- Combine the Booster and Stem Formula together with the Ceutisome Ampoule (pour the booster and stem formula into the ampoule bottle).
- Shake well and apply 1/3 of the mixure onto the skin.
- For use as an ampoule, pat until fully absorbed.
- Apply and then use the MTS Nano Pen for an ampoule infusion treatment at home.
A skin restructuring ampoule with microneedle-like Spicule extracted from
marine sponges. Stimulates skin cells turnover without leaving redness or irritation.
One of our newly upgraded products, the Spicule Regentox is skin restructuring ampoule with microneedle-like spicules extracted from marine sponges. These spicules are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye, but they implant themselves into the skin and form microscopic channels. These channels allow for better absorption of product into the skin and boost collagen production.
Since these micro-channels act as tiny skin tears, your skin will amp up its regenerative functions to heal them, meaning more collagen and higher cell turnover for newer, fresher skin.
The Spicule Regentox now contains 6% spicule content for even more regenerative power.
To use the Spicule Regetox:
- Apply on areas with fine lines or enlarged pores for better results.
- Apply a thin layer onto the skin.
- Rub the serum gently until absorbed.
- Apply Ceutisome Ampoule Mixture (based on skin concern) afterwards for faster absorption and better results.
If you don’t fancy any of the above options, we have a few more that might work for you! If you have sensitive, redness-prone skin try the CC Starter Kit. If you have to promote skin recovery and turnover, try the SOS PP Kit!
Conclusion
Having acne isn’t the end of the world. Afterall, it’s something that happens to each and every one of us. Whether it’s caused by clogged pores or hormonal changes, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
We can treat our acne with as many skin products as we want and see results, but the best thing you can do is to treat your skin with a gentle hand. Love the skin you have and you’ll be amazed with the new glow that’ll come to your face.
Breathe life into your skin!
Until next time!