When it comes to acne, we often think that we should use harsh strong ingredients as a means of effectively targeting this skin concern. However this can sometimes do more harm than good. Strong ingredients can irritate your skin’s pH levels, dry out your skin as well as damage the skin’s barrier. In today’s blog we will be discusses the various causes of acne and oily skin as well as our top products for targeting acne and oily skin.

Firstly, what is acne?
Acne is a type of skin condition where hair follicles plug with oil and dead skin cells, resulting in pimples, whiteheads as well as blackheads. Although common to teenagers, acne can affect people of all ages.

Causes of acne:
1. Unhealthy diet:
a high diet in carbohydrates and refined sugars chips and bread can cause quite a few breakouts. So it is basically important to limit your sugar intake as Eating too many foods with a high glycemic index can lead to inflammation in the body, which affects the skin. Excessive sugar can not only cause acne but also other skin condition such as eczema.
2. Hormones changes:
Androgens are hormones that increase in girls and boys during the stage of puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormone changes during midlife, particularly in women, can also lead to breakouts too.
3. Stress:
Stress doesn’t necessarily cause acne, but if you have acne already, stress may aggravate and make it worse.
4.Genetics:
If both of your parents had severe acne, either in adolescence or in adulthood, your risk for having acne breakouts may be higher as both parents may possess the same genetic components for acne, or varying ones. For example, one parent may pass on a hormonal condition which makes you acne-prone, while the other passes on a stronger inflammatory response to bacteria or other genetic factors. However if just one parent had acne, that may lower your risk.

As someone who has dealt with acne their whole life, I know first hand how much acne and the acne scarring can affect your self-confidence. I didn’t really understand the importance of using products which are calming and instead would always try to use harsh strong products because I felt that this would the best way to tackle my troubled skin, however that only made it more inflamed and worse. I have found that with the right products along with healthy lifestyle habits, this can have amazing results on acne-prone skin.

Luxe Loft’s top products for acne / oily skin:
1. Mizon Real Vitamin Cleansing balm:
A nourishing oil cleanser is amazing at clearing and hydrating the skin. Oil cleansers are also great at soothing sensitive skin, thus you won’t have to worry about this product stripping your skin and leaving it feeling dry and crusty. To use we recommend scooping up a small amount and applying it onto the dry face. Then massage it in a circular motion to break down the balm and dissolve build-up on the skin. Add a splash of lukewarm water to emulsify it into a silky texture. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
(Mizon Real Vitamin Cleansing Balm available here for R520)

2. Benton PHA Peeling Gel:
This product allows 2 step peeling, firstly a physical exfoliation by naturally derived cellulose and secondly chemical selling with PHA. This wonder peeling gel leaves skin smooth and moist as it contains hyaluronic acid. After cleansing, we recommend applying a suitable amount to a dry face and spread evenly avoiding contact with eyes and mouth. Gently massage with fingertips and scrub off cellulose and dead skin cells. Wash off with lukewarm water. It is recommended to use 2-3 times a week.
(Benton PHA Peeling Gel available here for R275)

3.Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner:
Packed with skin-benefiting ingredients such as aloe and salicylic acid, this toner hydrates and preps your skin to help with the absorption of skincare products in the next step in your routine. After cleansing, we recommend pouring a small amount onto either clean hands or a cotton pad and gently pat onto skin.
(Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner available here for R320)

4. Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum:
This wonder serum is enriched with 76% green tea extract, 2% panthenol and Vitamin C to soothe damaged and sensitive skin while also offer moisturizing, anti-aging and brightening effects. Leaving skin with a healthy, youthful complexion. After cleansing and toning, we recommend applying a suitable amount to the face and gently pat for further absorption.
(Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum available here for R380)

5. COSRX Overnight Honey Mask:
Enriched with more than 87% of Propolis Extract and natural beeswax, this mask provides intensive hydration with refreshing moisture. The gel type consistency feels lightweight and refreshing on the skin, making it the perfect product for cooling down sunburns or heated, stressed out skin. As this product contains Propolis extract, a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, it effectively aids in healing stressed skin as well as reducing redness. The overnight mask comes in a tube for more convenience and to prevent bacteria and air exposure. There are various ways to use the mask:
1. As an overnight mask: Use in the end of the basic skin care routine before bed. Apply a decent amount on the skin. 2. As a wash-off mask: Apply a generous amount of honey mask and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off with toner or tepid water. 3. As a cream (in the morning): Use in the end of the basic skin care routine and proceed with your normal makeup step.
(COSRX Overnight Honey Mask available here for R350)

6. Mizon Acne Mark X Blemish After Cream:
Containing propolis and Centella asiatica, this cream is great at solving adios skin-troubles such as blemishes causes by acne. rich propolis extract (12.5%) in the cream helps recover skin troubles as well as reinforces skin regeneration, making it the perfect spot cream. To use, we recommend applying a small amount onto desired blemish spots, dabbing in for optimum absorption.
(Mizon Acne Mark X Blemish After Cream available here for R175)

7. Some By MI AHA BHA PHA miracle range:
a wonder range which has a combination of AHA’s, BHA’s and PHA’s to gently exfoliate and leave the skin clearer than ever before. This range contains tea tree ingredients to help minimise skin troubles as well as reduce inflammation. This range has been a real game changer for me and has significantly made me skin clearer than ever, my personal favorite is the toner whoever if you would like to try out all the products from the ranger, the Starter Kit would be your best pick.
The Starter Kit consists of:
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- AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar: Formulated with 10,000 ppm of tea tree, a 2% blend of niacinamide, AHA, BHA, and PHA, Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar is an all-natural soap that brightens the complexion, purifies pores, and moisturizes the skin all at the same time. It removes dirt and impurities while also gently exfoliating the skin to leave it cleaner and more radiant than before, making it perfect for dull and rough skin.
- AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner: This amazing anti-acne toner works effectively as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin flawless, smooth, and radiant. The Some By Mi Miracle Toner also works to tighten pores to remove blackheads and whiteheads whilst moisturizing and hydrating your skin at the same time.
- AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum: A lightweight moisturizing serum that soothes and brightens irritated skin. Formulated with 14.5% centella asiatica extract and 10,000 ppm of tea tree leaf water, AHA, BHA, and PHA, it helps promote collagen production, renew skin cells, and reduce inflammation while also gently rids the skin of dead skin cells and other impurities.
- AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Cream: This cream is the best treatment for blemish-prone skin as it contains Centella Asiatica tea tree leaf extract as well as the power of AHA, BHA & PHA
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(Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Starter Kit available here for R460)

We have an extensive range of products that have been carefully curated for all your skincare and beauty needs. Shop our wide array of products here on our website, on Take A Lot and in store at We Are Egg Cavendish!
Our products cater to whatever skin concern you may have but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us at info@luxeloft.co.za if you would like any guidance in curating and customising your skincare routine!
All our products have been tested by us to ensure that only the best is available for you to try. Whether you are a skincare newbie or a self proclaimed skincare junkie, we are here to guide and assist you on this journey to glowing skin.

Salma Cassimjee