What Helps with Acne? – Effective Solutions and Tips

What helps with acne?

Treating acne requires a consistent skincare routine and can be supported by changes in lifestyle and diet. Here are some general tips and recommendations that can help you improve your skin and reduce acne breakouts.

General Tips and Recommendations

• Regular cleansing: Thorough cleansing is the foundation of any effective acne treatment. Our Foam Intense gently yet effectively removes sebum, makeup, and impurities from the skin. Fruit acids such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids provide a mild exfoliating effect and help unclog pores. Vitamin C further supports the skin with its antioxidant properties—for a visibly refined complexion. The ideal skincare duo: Tonic Intense. With a high concentration of salicylic acid, it reliably removes residue, sebum, and dead skin cells—perfect for acne-prone skin. At the same time, it refines pores, smooths rough patches, and soothes early signs of inflammation. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and resveratrol protect against oxidative stress, while aloe vera, panthenol, and licorice root extract soothe the skin and counteract redness.
• Don't squeeze pimples: Avoid squeezing pimples or blackheads, as this can lead to inflammation and scarring. Instead, you should use targeted treatments such as antiseptic creams.
• Moisturizing: Use an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin without clogging your pores. Even oily skin needs moisture to maintain its balance and strengthen the skin barrier.
• Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage, which can worsen acne scars and accelerate skin aging. Our Four Seasons Day Cream with SPF >50 offers comprehensive protection against harmful environmental factors such as UV radiation, free radicals, and blue light, and is suitable for all skin types.
• Healthy Eating: A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar can help improve the appearance of your skin. Certain foods, such as dairy products and highly processed foods, can worsen acne, so it’s helpful to pay attention to your diet.

The Importance of an Effective Skincare Routine for Acne

A structured skincare routine can play an important role in improving the appearance of acne-prone skin.

First up is the Foam Intense, a gentle cleansing foam that removes makeup residue, sebum, and dead skin cells without drying out the skin. Fruit acids such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids gently exfoliate and can visibly refine the pores.

In the next step, the Tonic Intense aids in deep cleansing. The high concentration of salicylic acid can help dissolve sebum and dead skin cells—two common causes of blemishes. At the same time, the toner contains soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, panthenol, and licorice root extract, which can reduce redness and strengthen the skin barrier.

You can do this Fruit Acid Peeling can be used as a supplementary treatment. It supports cell renewal, helps gently remove dead skin cells, and can visibly smooth the skin’s texture—even in cases of uneven skin tone or visible blemishes.

The Purifying Power Serum was developed to counteract keratinization disorders and regulate inflammatory skin conditions. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly and can help restore the skin’s balance at the microbial level.

As the final step in your evening skincare routine, we recommend a retinol serum. It stimulates cell renewal and is often used for skin types prone to blemishes, hyperpigmentation, or acne scars. At the same time, it can help smooth out fine lines and make the skin texture appear more even.

When used in combination, these products can provide a solid foundation for a skincare routine that specifically addresses the needs of blemish-prone skin —without overburdening it, but with the potential to support the skin’s natural regeneration process.

Lifestyle and Nutrition

In addition to a thorough skincare routine, lifestyle and diet also play an important role in treating acne.

Stress Relief: Stress can negatively affect skin health and worsen acne. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or taking regular breaks throughout the day can help reduce stress and, in turn, improve the appearance of your skin. Regular relaxation and stress-reducing activities are important because stress can increase the production of hormones such as cortisol, which in turn can boost sebum production and contribute to acne breakouts.

Get Enough Sleep: Good sleep is important for skin regeneration. During sleep, the body activates repair processes that also affect the skin. Lack of sleep can lead to hormonal imbalances, which in turn can worsen acne. Therefore, make sure you get enough sleep and that the quality of your sleep is good to give your body the rest it needs. Try to establish a regular sleep routine and keep your bedroom as quiet and dark as possible.

Regular exercise: Exercise promotes blood circulation and helps flush toxins from the body. Regular exercise can therefore contribute to healthier skin. Physical activities such as running, swimming, or yoga can help detoxify the body and improve overall well-being. However, be sure to thoroughly cleanse your skin after exercising to remove sweat and dirt that could clog your pores.

Diet: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can improve the appearance of the skin and reduce acne breakouts. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, found in many fruits and vegetables, can help protect the skin from free radicals. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne breakouts. Avoid highly processed foods and those high in sugar or dairy, as these can worsen acne. Instead, focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Also, drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside out and flush out toxins.

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can take a heavy toll on the skin and lead to acne. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can cause clogged pores and increased inflammation. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and impair liver function, which makes it harder for the body to detoxify and can contribute to acne.

By following these general tips and recommendations, you can lay a solid foundation for effective acne treatment.

Active Ingredients That Can Help Treat Acne

Choosing the right active ingredients is crucial for effectively treating acne. Different ingredients have different mechanisms of action and may vary depending on skin type and the severity of the acne. Here are some of the most well-known and effective active ingredients that can help treat acne:

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is commonly used in acne treatments. It helps cleanse pores and remove dead skin cells, thereby reducing the formation of blackheads and pimples. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe redness and swelling. Products containing salicylic acid are particularly well-suited for oily and acne-prone skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile active ingredient that can be very effective in treating acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce redness and swelling. Niacinamide supports the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, and can visibly minimize the appearance of pores. It is found in many skincare products and is well-suited for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Retinol

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is known for its ability to promote skin renewal and unclog pores. It helps improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of acne scars. When used regularly, retinol can make the skin smoother and firmer, and it is particularly effective in treating acne and fine lines.

Azeloglicina®

Azeloglicina® combines the benefits of azelaic acid and glycolic acid. This active ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces sebum production, and helps smooth and clarify the skin. Azeloglicina® is particularly effective at reducing redness and improving the overall appearance of acne-prone skin.

Acnacidol™

Acnacidol™ is a bioactive ingredient specifically developed to regulate sebum production and restore balance to the skin’s microflora. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce acne breakouts and improve the appearance of the skin. Acnacidol™ is well-suited for oily and acne-prone skin.

Neutrazen™

Neutrazen™ is a biomimetic peptide designed to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. It helps alleviate redness and irritation that can be caused by acne. Neutrazen™ strengthens the skin barrier and supports the healing of acne symptoms.

ECM™ Moduline Peptide

The ECM™ Moduline Peptide is an innovative active ingredient that promotes skin regeneration and stimulates collagen production. It helps improve skin texture and reduce acne scars. By promoting cell regeneration, it helps improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Ichthyol®

Ichthyol®, also known as shale oil, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is commonly used in the treatment of acne to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of skin blemishes. Ichthyol® is particularly effective in treating inflammatory acne.

Ictasol

Ictasol is an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps break down dead skin cells and regulate sebum production. When used regularly, Ictasol can significantly reduce the occurrence of acne and improve the appearance of the skin.

AHA Complex

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid, are known for their exfoliating properties. They help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. AHAs can make the skin smoother and reduce the appearance of acne scars. They are particularly beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin, as they moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier.

Panthenol

Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, has soothing and healing properties. It helps hydrate the skin, relieve irritation, and promote the healing of skin lesions. Panthenol supports skin regeneration and can help improve the appearance of acne scars.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural active ingredient known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe the skin, reduce redness and swelling, and promote the healing of skin blemishes. Aloe vera can also help strengthen the skin barrier and provide the skin with essential nutrients.

Retinol for Acne

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient in skincare that can be particularly effective in treating acne. It works by promoting cell renewal, cleansing the pores, and stimulating collagen production. In this section, we will take a detailed look at how retinol works, its uses and benefits, as well as possible side effects and precautions.

How Retinol Works

Retinol accelerates cell turnover and helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. By promoting cell renewal, retinol prevents dead cells from accumulating in the pores, which can lead to the formation of blackheads and pimples. In addition, retinol stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that keeps the skin firm and elastic. This can help smooth the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Applications and Benefits

Using retinol requires patience and a gradual introduction so that the skin can get used to this powerful ingredient. Here are some important tips for use, as well as the benefits of retinol in treating acne:

Introduction to the Retinol Routine

• Start with Retinol Sensitive and apply one pump every other evening for the first two weeks.
• If your skin tolerates retinol well and you don't experience any redness or flaking, you can use the serum daily for the next three to six weeks and gradually increase the amount to up to three pumps.
• If Retinol Sensitive is well tolerated over the long term, you can then switch to Retinol Intense . Here, too, it’s recommended to gradually reintroduce the product to give your skin enough time to adjust.

Benefits of retinol:

• Reducing Acne Breakouts: By accelerating cell turnover and cleansing the pores, retinol can help reduce acne breakouts and clear up the skin.
• Improved skin texture: Retinol promotes collagen production, which improves skin texture and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
• Reducing Acne Scars: Regular use of retinol can reduce the appearance of acne scars by making the skin smoother and more even.
• Refines pores: Retinol can help reduce the size of pores and refine the overall appearance of the skin.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

Although retinol offers many benefits, it can also cause side effects, especially when you first start using it. Here are some possible side effects and precautions:

Side effects:

• Skin irritation: Redness, dryness, and flaking are common side effects during the first few weeks of use.
• Sensitivity: Retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, which increases the risk of sunburn and UV damage.

Precautions:

• Gradual Introduction: To minimize skin irritation, start using the product gradually.
• Moisturizing: Use a rich moisturizer to combat dryness and flaking.
• Sun Protection: Always apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during the day to protect your skin from UV rays.
• Avoidance During Pregnancy: Retinol should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you have any concerns, always consult a dermatologist.

By carefully and gradually incorporating retinol into your skincare routine, you can reap the many benefits of this powerful active ingredient.

What can you do about acne scars?

Acne scars can be just as distressing as acne itself. They result from the healing process following severe acne breakouts and can significantly affect the appearance of the skin. Fortunately, there are various treatment options that can help improve the appearance of acne scars.

Different Types of Acne Scars

There are different types of acne scars, each of which requires a different treatment approach:

• Atrophic scars: These form when not enough collagen is produced during the healing process. They can appear as deep, narrow indentations (ice-pick scars), wide, shallow indentations (boxcar scars), or wavy indentations (rolling scars).
• Hypertrophic scars: These are raised, thick scars caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. They often appear as keloids, which can grow beyond the original acne-affected area.

Treatment Options for Acne Scars

Choosing the right treatment depends on the type and severity of the acne scars. Here are some of the most effective methods for treating acne scars:

Exfoliators

Exfoliants can help remove the outermost layer of skin, promote skin renewal, and reduce scarring. Our Fruit Acid Peel is particularly effective in treating acne scars.

By lowering the pH level, it removes dead skin cells from the stratum corneum, resulting in a rosier and fresher complexion. At the same time, it stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, so that with regular use, pores can be refined, age spots lightened, and fine lines reduced. To combat blemishes, the salicylic acid in the formula dissolves sebum in the pores and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Panthenol, niacinamide, and urea soothe your skin and protect it from irritation and harmful environmental factors. In this way, the exfoliator perfectly prepares your skin to absorb the active ingredients from the serums that are an essential part of any high-quality skincare routine.

Advantages:

• Ideal for blemished or aging skin to achieve a fresher complexion.
• Dissolves sebum in the pores and reduces fine lines.
• Lightens age spots.
• Suitable for normal, dry, oily, and blemish-prone skin.
• Do not use on very sensitive skin, active atopic dermatitis, or other skin conditions.
• pH of 3.0.

Usage:

• Apply the exfoliator to dry skin after cleansing and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
• Use the exfoliator once or twice a week, depending on how your skin reacts to it.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure in which tiny needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. This procedure can effectively reduce the depth of atrophic scars and make the skin’s surface smoother and more even.

Advantages:

• Promotes natural collagen production and skin renewal.
• It can visibly smooth the skin's texture and reduce the depth of scars.

Usage:

• Microneedling can be performed at a dermatologist's office or at home using special devices.
• Regular sessions are necessary to achieve optimal results.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is an effective method for treating acne scars, using targeted beams of light to improve skin texture. There are various types of lasers, including ablative and non-ablative lasers, which can be selected based on the type of scars and skin type.

Advantages:

• It can treat both atrophic and hypertrophic scars.
• Promotes collagen production and smooths the skin's surface.

Usage:

• Laser treatments should be performed by an experienced dermatologist.
• It may take several sessions to achieve optimal results.

By combining these treatments in the right way, you can significantly improve the appearance of your acne scars. It’s important to consult a dermatologist to develop the best treatment strategy for your skin type and your skin’s specific needs.