After having directed the departments of dermatology at Sacré-Coeur and Anna-Laberge Hospitals, Doctor Michèle Ohayon works at Montreal Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic and specializes in rejuvenation techniques. She also shares her knowledge with different audiences: she gives conferences and provides training for Quebec doctors, and has collaborated to the television show Quel âge me donnez-vous? (What age would you give me?), on Canal Vie.
Discover the dermatologist’s answers to some frequently asked questions!
Geneviève from Saint-Césaire asks: I have acne-prone skin. I cannot find the cause (it may be diet-related). I rarely wear makeup, and I use micellar water at night. I'm trying to find a good product that will help decrease the appearance of pimples.
Continue to cleanse your face with a mild product in the evening, and make it a habit to do it every morning also. Micellar water is suitable, but you can also use a product that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
Avoid rubbing your skin or using scrubs: abrasion may cause irritation and increase acne.
For your skincare routine as well as for your makeup, look for "non-comedogenic" on product labels: this means they will not promote the onset of acne. Choose oil-free formulas and apply sparingly.
You can find products designed for acne-prone skin at your pharmacy.
As far as the cause is concerned, to date, no study has shown a strong link between diet and acne.
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Amélie from Sept-Îles asks: I am discouraged by my acne, but I treat it. However, I am afraid it will leave scars. Is it possible to prevent them?
You can limit, or prevent acne scars.
You must avoid scratching, picking at or squeezing the pimples. Although it may provide immediate satisfaction, these actions damage the skin, increasing the risk of spots or scars.
Early treatment, adapted to the severity of the acne, is highly recommended. In cases of severe acne, scars can appear quickly.
If you already have acne scars, talk to a health professional: he can give you more information about treatment options.
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Catherine from Chicoutimi asks: how can I get rid of microcysts (retention acne)? I have a lot on my forehead. I can't get rid of them no matter what I try: chemical and mechanical exfoliants, AHA/BHA creams, extractions... Can you suggest a solution?
Mechanical exfoliants (scrubs) that can cause irritation and increase acne should be avoided.
I suggest using products that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid or retinol. These products have a comedolytic action: they prevent the formation of comedones (the infamous blackheads!) by preventing the natural oil of the skin, or sebum, from clogging the glands which secrete it.
It is very important to use non-comedogenic products, which will not worsen the condition of your acne-prone skin.
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Joao from Montreal asks: I am African and I have a dark skin, but I have a small problem with the blackheads on my face. How can I get rid of them?
The presence of blackheads on your face is a sign that you have acne-prone skin. As you have dark skin, it is important not to scratch or squeeze your comedones. This could cause inflammation, which could darken your pigmentation. Spots tend to form on black skin when it is damaged.
Products sold in pharmacies, containing retinol, salicylic acid or glycolic acid, can help you. However, start by using them carefully to avoid redness, which could leave spots. Also, all your skin care products must be labelled "non-comedogenic".
One final note: products like petroleum jelly ("Vaseline") are sometimes used to smooth hair. However, during sleep, they can be transferred to the pillow, come in contact with the skin and create a type of acne called acne cosmetica. To avoid such a problem, do not apply these products too close to the face.
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Marjolaine from Bois-des-Filion asks: how can I get rid of whiteheads on my face? Do you have any advice to give me?
Whiteheads are closed comedones caused by clogged sebaceous glands, which secrete the natural oil of the skin (or sebum). To unclog these glands, I suggest using non-comedogenic creams. You can also choose products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid or retinol, if your skin tolerates it.
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I am a 58-year-old woman with an oily skin and large pores, and I still have acne problems. Could you please enlighten me on vitamin A and retinol, and tell me which product or brand is best to treat these problems?
Products containing vitamin A and retinol are good for acne-prone skin: they destroy the clumps of dead skin and sebum that block the sebaceous gland channel and cause the appearance of comedones - the first acne lesions. Products containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid can also be beneficial.
Different Dermo-Cosmetics brands offer products for acne-prone skin. Your cosmetician can help you choose the ones best suited to your condition.
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Consult those given by Dr. Ohayon about dry or dehydrated skin, aging skin or dark spots, and about sensitive skin and rosacea!
Does your skin have redness, spots or pimples? Does it flake or lack radiance? Are wrinkles starting to appear? Follow our advice to maximize your beauty assets!
