Contents
We discuss in detail the problem skin of the face in order to understand which signs are considered a deviation from the norm and which cream, according to the Healthy-Food editors, will best help to cope with imperfections.
Signs of problem skin
“Usually problematic is called oily skin. The reason for this is shine, enlarged pores, blackheads,” says Natalia Medvedeva, dermatologist, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand.
Increased fat content can be both an independent cosmetic defect that is fought for many years, and a precursor to acne.
Problematic skin needs special care with an emphasis on cleansing.
The scheme by which the skin becomes problematic can be described something like this:
the sebaceous glands, whose work is controlled by hormones, produce much more sebum than necessary;
excess sebum accumulates in the sebaceous gland, expanding it and provoking an increase in pores, combines with dead skin cells and clogs the ducts of the sebaceous glands, forming comedones and blackheads;
all this creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria and the occurrence of inflammation.
Determine your skin type with our test.
How to choose a cream for problem skin
Which cream is best for problematic facial skin is perhaps one of the most frequently encountered queries in Internet search engines, as well as the most common question at a dermatologist’s appointment. We answer.
“Everything is simple here: choose products labeled “for problem skin,” advises Natalia Medvedeva. – Their formulas will normalize the production of sebum (sebum), reduce inflammation, provide moisture. If the inflammatory elements are single, and the skin is prone to dryness, use a corrective point application.
The main thing in the care of problem skin is a thorough, but at the same time gentle and delicate cleansing of the skin before applying the cream. Use special products for problem skin, which will gently remove excess sebum without overdrying or irritating the skin.
Essential skin care products for oily skin must meet at least three criteria:
have a sebum-regulating and matting effect;
moisturize the skin;
have a light texture (fluid, emulsion) and do not have a comedogenic effect, that is, do not clog pores.
For problematic skin, moisturizing, mattifying and point products are needed.
Types of creams for problem skin
For problem skin, moisturizing, matting, corrective products are produced. All of them reduce the production of sebum, mattify the skin and contribute to the narrowing of pores.
| Type of cream | Action | In what cases does it apply |
| moisturizing | Fills the skin with moisture and helps to retain it. | If there are signs of dehydration of oily skin. |
| matting | Regulates the production of sebum, eliminates oily sheen, tightens pores. | With excessive oily sheen of the skin, enlarged pores. |
| sun protection | Protects against UV radiation and photoaging. | Sun exposure for more than 10 minutes. |
| for spot application | Reduces local inflammation, has an antibacterial effect. | The presence of point inflammation, the so-called pimples. |
The composition of creams
For problematic skin, not only the effectiveness of the products is important, but also the safety of the ingredients. A list of the most effective components is below.
Zinc regulates the production of sebum, has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Absorbent components (silicon, perlite) have a fast matting effect. In combination with other components, they can solve the problem of hyperseborrhea, fight comedones.
Vitamin A derivatives stimulate cell renewal, smooth the skin relief, correct inflammatory rashes.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) quickly relieves irritation, improves skin microcirculation, helps to narrow pores.
Salicylic acid has powerful cleansing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties.
Lipohydroxy acid (LHA) evens out the structure of the skin.
Talc softens the skin, can be used for UV protection.
zinc oxide not only reflects the attacks of sunlight, but also has an antiseptic effect.
Starch derivatives and white clay kaolin absorb sebum.
Application rules
It is important to apply the cream on well-cleansed and toned skin.
Purification
For oily facial skin, cleanse twice a day, removing excess sebum with a gel or foam that does not irritate or damage the protective hydro-lipid barrier (with neutral pH). Wash your face with cool water: hot water will only increase the oiliness of the skin. You can use micellar water, it cleanses gently and effectively.
Exfoliation
For deeper cleansing, use scrubs once or twice a week, their abrasive particles help exfoliate superficial horny scales and reduce comedones. Scrubs for oily skin should include anti-inflammatory, keratolytic and sebostatic components. But if there is inflammation on the skin, scrubs are contraindicated.
Toning
The purpose of this stage in this case is not only moisturizing and restoring the pH level, but also an anti-inflammatory effect and a decrease in the secretion of sebum.
Applying cream
Apply the cream for problem skin with your fingertips, distributing the product from the center of the face to the periphery. Pre-cream can be warmed in the palms, it will be better absorbed without leaving a film.
Sun protection
Owners of oily skin should remember that the “drying” effect of ultraviolet radiation is a myth. UV rays have only a negative effect on the skin, and oily skin is no exception. Special sunscreen formulas for oily skin provide both protection and mattification.
Additional care
Additional care products include masks, mainly based on clay. They can be used one to three times a week. Recently, multi-masking is gaining popularity – applying different masks to different parts of the face in one session. For example, on the T-zone prone to oiliness – a matting mask, on dry skin of the cheeks – moisturizing.
Overview of the best funds
We recommend that owners of problem skin try the products below. For situations that require a quick response, choose SOS topical creams. The rest are useful for everyday care.
Moisturizers
Corrective care against imperfections “Normaderm 24h moisturizing”, Vichy
Corrects imperfections and post-acne, tightens pores, reduces shine. In the composition – salicylic acid, lipohydroxy acid (LHA), Airlicium component.
Moisturizing matting sebum-regulating emulsion Effaclar Mat, La Roche-Posay
Reduces sebum production, moisturizes the skin, eliminates excess shine for 8 hours, tightens pores thanks to the Sebulyse component and the mineral perlite.
Matting
Corrective emulsion Effaclar K +, La Roche-Posay
Absorbs sebum, controls sebum production, prevents the formation of blackheads, cleanses and tightens pores, mattifies for 8 hours. Contains 99% Air and 1% Silica Airlicium, Vitamin E, Carnosine, Lipohydroxy Acid Salicylic Acid.
Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Lotion, Kiehl’s
Reduces shine, tightens pores, refreshes and mattifies the skin due to Amazonian white clay, vitamin E, aloe vera, allantoin.
Sun protection
BB-cream “Clean Skin Active”, SPF 15, Garnier
Evens out skin tone, reduces acne, tightens pores, mattifies. In the composition – salicylic acid at a concentration of 2%, mineral pigments, sunscreen SPF 15.
Mattifying Gel Cream Anthelios XL SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay
Reduces oily sheen, reduces pores, prevents the development of an allergic reaction to the sun due to the Airlicium molecule, Mexoplex sun filters, senna alata extract.
Means for point (local) application
Corrective agent of local action Effaclar A.I., La Roche-Posay
Contains components that can reduce bacterial activity, contributes to the rapid reduction of inflammatory elements.
Breakout Control Targeted Blemish Spot Treatment, Kiehl’s
Reduces inflammation, regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands. This is facilitated by sulfur at a concentration of 10%, vitamin B.