How can you better cope with severe acne while taking drying medications?

AVENE

Severe acne sometimes requires powerful medications that work deep within the skin to clear it up. While these treatments are very effective against acne lesions, they can also cause skin side effects such as dryness, tightness, redness, or irritation. These reactions are completely normal and are part of the treatment process: they shouldn’t worry you, but they do deserve your full attention. In fact, sensitive skin needs daily care and protection to stay comfortable and minimize discomfort. The following tips have been selected to help you get through this period with peace of mind, while caring for your skin gently and with kindness.

5 Simple Everyday Habits

Soothe and Moisturize
skin that is dry and irritated by medication.
Why?
To avoid exacerbating the drying effects of medication.
How?
Apply corrective dermo-cosmetic products starting at the beginning of treatment and on a daily basis, paying special attention to sensitive areas, including the lips.
Incorporate taking and applying the prescribed products into a skincare routine to make this a pleasant experience.
Set an alarm so you don’t forget.
Do not handle
the buttons
Why?
To reduce the risk of permanent scarring
Touching the lesions can make them worse and delay the effectiveness of treatments
How?
Keep your hands and mind occupied when the urge to pick at the red, painful bumps arises
Apply an ice cube to the painful red bumps for a few moments to soothe them instead of touching them
Don't overlook
skin care
Why?
To gently cleanse and maintain the skin's moisture.
How?
Use gentle cleansers specially formulated for acne-prone skin that has become dry and irritated by medication.
Don't put yourself at risk
in the sun without protection
Why?
To avoid the photosensitizing effects of medication.
How?
If exposure is unavoidable, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ before each time you go out.
Wear protective clothing (hat, sunglasses, T-shirt, etc.).
Choose a product suitable for acne-prone skin.
Talk about it
if acne is hard to deal with
Why?
To avoid suffering from acne and withdrawing into oneself.
How?
There are solutions for every type of acne, so don't hesitate to ask your family, doctors, pharmacist, friends, or anyone else you trust for advice.
And if you continue to feel distressed, psychological counseling may be an option.

What factors make acne worse?

A diet high in fat and sugar
Stress
After sun exposure
Comedogenic makeup
Picking at pimples
High-protein supplements (whey protein)
Exfoliating too often
Inappropriate birth control pills

The Right Way to Apply Makeup

Cleanse and moisturize your skin before applying makeup
Use products labeled "non-comedogenic" or "for acne-prone skin"
Use a green concealer stick or pencil to cover red pimples (green neutralizes red)
Don’t forget to clean your brushes and sponges regularly and don’t share them with others
Always remove your makeup

1.

I'm cleaning

CLEANANCE

HYDRA

Soothing Cleansing Cream

2.

I take care of

CLEANANCE

HYDRA

Ultra-Soothing Repair Treatment

3.

I take care of my lips

AV_CICALFATE+_2025_Repair-Lip-Balm_Packshot_front_12ml_3282770399936

Cicalfate+ Lèvres

Baume réparateur

4.

I protect myself from the sun

SUN CARE

Cleanance Very High Protection SPF 50+

Doctor's stamp