Have you ever dreamed of clear, glowing skin, free from blemishes and redness? If the answer is yes, this article is for you. Forget miracle products and promises that sound too good to be true. Here, we're talking about an effective and realistic method based on three key steps that visibly improves skin quality in 90 days. Ready to make peace with your mirror? Let's go!

1. Why do pimples appear?

Before diving into the heart of the matter, it is essential to understand how a pimple forms. Whether it is classic acne, adult acne, or a few temporary pimples, the appearance of blemishes is influenced by four main factors:

1. Excessive sebum production Sebum naturally protects the skin. However, when it is produced in excess, it makes the oily skin, brightens the complexion and dilates the pores.
2. Hyperkeratinization : Thickening of the skin around the follicle prevents sebum from draining properly, thus clogging the pores.
3. Proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria As soon as the pore becomes blocked, this bacterium takes advantage of the environment to multiply and trigger an inflammatory reaction.
4. Inflammation This is the final stage, which manifests itself in the appearance of red spots, sometimes painful, or even cysts.

To restore healthy skin, it is therefore essential to address these four causes. But first, let's review a few habits that must be corrected.

2. Five bad habits to give up

a) An unbalanced diet

• Avoid sugar at all costs : Foods with a high glycemic index (sugary drinks, pastries, industrial cookies, etc.) stimulate insulin production, aggravating acne.
• Moderate cow's milk consumption Milk proteins (casein and whey) increase two hormones strongly linked to acne: insulin and IGF-1.
• Focus on fiber and omega-3 fatty acids Fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) improves digestion and nourishes the microbiota. Omega-3s (fatty fish, vegetable oils) have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

b) The sun, the skin's false friend

At first glance, it seems to dry out pimples and even out skin tone. But excessive sun exposure thickens the epidermis and stimulates sebum production, causing a “rebound effect” when you return indoors. Not to mention the risks of pigmentation spots and premature aging. Appropriate sun protection (non-comedogenic) is therefore essential on a daily basis.

c) Tobacco

Smoking increases sebum production, thickens the skin, and delays healing. The result: more microcysts and more visible marques.

d) Stress

Cortisol, the stress hormone, influences sebum production. In the long term, hypercortisolemia can even lead to the appearance of red stretch marks and exacerbate skin inflammation.

e) Pollution

Polluting particles settle on the skin and clog pores. Hence the importance of double cleaning in the evening and cleansing in the morning (especially for oily skin). Also remember to wash your makeup brushes and sponges regularly, change your sheets, and avoid touching your face with dirty hands.

3. Different types of buttons

Not all imperfections are alike:

• Open comedones (blackheads) : The pore remains open and oxidizes on contact with air.
• Closed comedones (microcysts) The pore is closed, sebum accumulates under the skin.
• Papules (red spots) Inflamed lesions, sometimes painful.
• Pustules (whiteheads) Red pimples topped with pus.
• Nodules or cysts : The most severe forms, which should never be punctured.

In general, avoiding touching your pimples is crucial to prevent scarring and the spread of infection.

4. Essential anti-acne ingredients

To space out and reduce the appearance of pimples, there are several types of active ingredients, each targeting one or more of the four factors responsible for acne.

a) Keratolytics (exfoliants)

• AHA (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, etc.) : Refine skin texture, promote cell renewal, and are particularly useful on microcysts.
• Salicylic acid (BHA) : Fat-soluble, it acts deeply to dissolve excess sebum and relieve inflammation of red pimples.

b) Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

They accelerate cell renewal, regulate keratinization, and reduce scarring. However, be aware of irritation at the start of treatment and don't forget to use sunscreen.

c) Azelaic acid

With keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, it is a comprehensive active ingredient that combats blemishes while limiting irritation.

d) Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Niacinamide : Soothes the skin, regulates sebum, and reduces redness.
• Licorice extract, panthenol (provitamin B5), centella asiatica: Soothes irritated skin and supports skin repair.

e) Sebum reducers

• Zinc, green tea extract, niacinamide : Limit sebum production and have a natural antibacterial action.

f) Antimicrobials

• Zinc : Antimicrobial and sebum regulator.
• Benzoyl peroxide : Highly effective in destroying C. acnes bacteria (available only by prescription in France).
• Tea tree essential oil : Bactericidal and sebum-regulating, use with caution due to the risk of irritation.

5. Build a routine in three steps

Step 1: Targeted cleaning

• In the evening : Opt for double cleansing (cleansing oil, then gel or gentle foam) to remove pollution, makeup, and excess sebum.
• The morning Depending on your skin type, a gentle cleanser may be necessary to remove oxidized sebum that has accumulated overnight.

Step 2: Targeted treatment

• Retinoid or azelaic acid serum in the evening : Works deep down to reduce microcysts and limit inflammation.
• Niacinamide serum in the morning : Calms redness, regulates sebum, and prevents new pimples from forming.
• Exfoliation Depending on your needs, incorporate an exfoliant (AHA or BHA) every other night or twice a week to unclog pores.

Step 3: Hydration and protection

• Suitable moisturizer : Choose non-comedogenic, lightweight formulas to avoid clogging pores.
• Sun protection : Daily and tailored to your skin type.

6. Mistakes to avoid

1. Lack of consistency A daily routine is essential to see results.
2. Accumulating too many assets Avoid using multiple serums without a specific goal (vitamin C is not a priority for acne).
3. Not identifying your irritants Every skin is unique. Monitor the ingredients in your products and introduce them one at a time to easily identify those that cause redness or blemishes.

Finally, patience is a virtue! Improvements can be seen between 4 and 8 weeks, and truly convincing results often appear after 3 to 6 months.

7. What if that's not enough?

If your pimples persist or if you suffer from severe acne (cysts, nodules, etc.), don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist. They will be able to prescribe stronger medications (antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, oral retinoids, etc.).

To get rid of your pimples in 90 days, you must first correct your habits (diet, sun exposure, smoking, stress, pollution), then adopt a suitable skincare routine (cleansing, targeted treatment, moisturizing, and protection). The results are not immediate, but with consistency and the right products, you will see a noticeable improvement in your skin.

Ready to take on the challenge? Put these tips into practice today and say goodbye to pimples for good!

Bonus Tip : Not sure which products to choose? Download the app. beautydecoded to receive a personalized routine and recommendations tailored to your skin type. Don't wait any longer, your 90 days start now!

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