Back-To-School Acne 101 

Acne is a common skin concern at any age, spanning from the teen years to adulthood. CeraVe’s dermatologist-developed acne products for acne-prone skin help skin feel softer, smoother and more clarified without dryness or flaking. We chatted with With Dr. Malika Ladha, board-certified dermatologist, to learn more. —Vita Daily

What should teens and adults look for in skincare products when wanting to address specific acne concerns like blackheads, breakouts, and post-acne marks?

Sometimes it can tempting to use multiple acne-fighting ingredients, and often at the same time, to clear up acne breakouts. However, overuse of too many anti-acne actives can dry out the skin, and this can lead to more irritation and weakening of the skin barrier, leading to more acne. I recommend a “less is more” approach for acne patients – an approach that uses the targeting ingredients (such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol), in the right formulation which delivers the ingredients in a hydrating format (e.g. a ceramide base).

What role can ceramides and niacinamide play in helping maintain the skin’s protective barrier and prevent dryness while treating acne?

An essential part of acne treatment is strengthening our skin barrier – this is important as weakening of the skin barrier leaves it susceptible to more damage, which can trigger more acne. This is where ceramides come in. Ceramides are naturally found in the skin, acting like the glue to hold skin cells together. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is another versatile ingredient that can help reduce skin dehydration, brighten the skin, and decrease oil production. I suggest choosing products that are formulated with active ingredients for acne, as well as skin hydration. For example, CeraVe’s Acne Control Cleanser has salicylic acid to reduce oil production and acne, and also niacinamde and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.

How do chemical exfoliants like Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids work to prevent new breakouts and minimize pores?

Both AHAs and BHAs help exfoliate the skin by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells and eliminating buildup. AHAs are water-soluble and BHAs are oil-soluble – this means that AHAs work more on the surface of the skin, while BHAs work within the pores. Glycolic and lactic acids are examples of AHAs that help improve overall skin texture. Salicylic acid is an example of a BHA which decreases clogged pores and prevents new breakouts from forming. A leave-on acne treatment like CeraVe’s Acne Control Gel can be a great option for patients with whiteheads and blackheads.

What makes benzoyl peroxide an effective acne-fighting ingredient?

Benzoyl peroxide works to kill the bacteria (P. Acnes) that causes inflammation in the skin, leading to acne breakouts. It is found in over-the-counter and prescription products, and can be used for occasional acne flare-ups as well as ongoing mild acne. A wash-off product with a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide like CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cleanser is generally well-tolerated and poses less risk of irritation. A pro-tip: benzoyl peroxide washes can also help reduce body odour when used in the armpits a few times per week.

How does retinol help with post-acne marks and scars, and what results can users typically expect over time?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and helps promote the skin’s natural exfoliation process. By decreasing the accumulation of dead skin cells, retinol helps refine the skin’s surface and improve the appearance of skin tone and texture over time. If for those looking to integrate retinol into their skincare routine, a gentle and well-rounded formula like CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a great place to start.