What Causes Acne?
Acne can be an emotional rollercoaster. And to make matters worse, there are so many myths around the causes of acne that are not only confusing, but can delay fixing the true cause. (For instance, has anyone ever told you that eating chocolate causes acne? Don’t worry – it’s not true!)
So then, what are the true causes of acne? The main culprit is in fact, bacteria. Not chocolate, or dirty skin.
Bacteria plays its role alongside three other causes of facial acne: excess oil (sebum) production, clogged hair follicles (due to both excess oil and dead skin) and hormones.
Here’s how it all comes together:
When your skin produces excess oil (which can be caused by hormonal changes during teen years), this sebum can block your pores. These blocked pores, or comedones, are a haven for a particular type of bacteria, known as P. acnes. This bacteria then causes irritation. White blood cells rush to the site of this irritation. Once the blocked hair follicle gets too full, it starts spilling its bacteria-laden contents into the skin around it. More white blood cells flock to the site and… hello, pimples.
In a nutshell: if you deal with the bacteria, you’ll help deal with your acne.
Fighting the good fight against acne
Did you know there are actually six different types of acne: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Behind the latter four lies one of the culprits of inflammatory acne, the aforementioned P. acnes bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most important ingredients in this fight. When applied against mild to moderate acne, it penetrates deeply into the skin, killing the acne-causing bacteria. Kill the bacteria and you’ve eliminated the inflammation and the issue.
Benzoyl peroxide also helps clear your pores so that blockages can’t bank up. Essentially it can stop pimples and red spots from coming back by zapping the bacteria responsible for the acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective over-the-counter acne treatments available.
While dry skin and peeling is a common side effect of benzoyl peroxide products, Benzac’s benzoyl peroxide formulas have been created with Benzac’s AC (acrylates copolymers) technology. This tech helps minimise dryness and irritation and reduces the natural oiliness of the skin.
Three steps to clearer skin
Benzac’s three-step treatment is as straightforward as it comes: cleanse, treat and moisturise.
The cleanser helps unblock those pores and control oiliness, with the added benefit of aloe vera and calendula flower extract to help condition skin.
Benzac AC kills up to 94% of acne bacteria1, 2, and helps reduce inflammation and unclogs blocked pores. Thanks to Benzac’s AC technology, it does all this while conditioning the skin.
Benzac moisturiser ensures the skin is nourished, while helping to keep it calm and clear.
This is just the skimming the surface of how Benzac works to help clear your skin of unwanted bacteria and excess oil.
By getting to the root of your acne problem – bacteria – you can help minimise your acne and its impact.
(1) Galderma Data on File. R Jackson, Report no. 88 - 0740-74 June 1989. Funded by Owen/Allercreme. (2) Mills OH et al. Int. J. Dermatol. 1986;12(25):664-667
