5 Facts We Learned at La Roche-Posay’s Be Clear Bootcamp

5 Skin Facts You Should Know

If there’s one thing in life we know for sure, it’s that sticking together can make things a lot easier…even when it comes to dealing with (and beating!) acne. La Roche-Posay’s Be Clear Bootcamp brings together some of the most knowledgeable minds in the industry to discuss the most common skin condition in America. From skin care tips to product recommendations, Be Clear Bootcamp provides attendees with acne facts and information to make overcoming this discouraging skin condition that much easier.

To discover the five skin-saving facts we learned at this year’s Be Clear Bootcamp in New York, scroll ahead!

1. There Are About 600 Million Internet Searches on Acne Per Year.

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S. If you’re struggling with breakouts, believe it or not, you’re not alone. And there are 600 million searches to prove it. Perhaps you’ve contributed to one or two of those searches, and if so, we applaud you! Educating yourself can be one of the most important steps when learning how to deal with acne because it can help you  understand how to properly address it. 

2. About 40 to 50 Million Americans Have Acne at Any One Time.

Yes, you read that right. One major reason that acne is so common is that it can occur at any age. Many women experience acne when they reach middle age, bringing on a new slew of skin concerns.

3. Pore Strips Are Not a Long-Term Way to Address Blackheads

We hate to break it to you, but pore strips are not a long-term way to address blackheads. Sure, at first it may appear like they’ve helped remove those pesky black dots on the surface of your nose, but they are just a temporary fix. “They can definitely work to exfoliate clogged pores,” board certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali says…but there’s a catch. “If you overdo it, you can cause compensatory hyper-secretion of oil, which may lead to more breakouts.” In short, pore strips can help exfoliate skin’s surface, but using them too frequently can cause the skin to produce excess oil, which in turn can lead to clogged pores and future breakouts. Plus, since sebum and dirt will always find their way back onto your skin, it’s best to stick to cleansing and regular exfoliation.

4. Cleansing the Skin Post-Gym Is Vital to Help Keep Breakouts at Bay.

Sure, your muscles might be sore after a good workout, but that’s no reason to skip a shower. Remember: Sweat that piles on your skin during a workout can mix with impurities and bacteria and wreak havoc on your skin’s surface. As such, it’s vital to cleanse the skin after every workout—and not just your face! Reach for a body wash formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or sulfur to help prevent breakouts on the body, and a cleanser formulated with salicylic acid for the face. Be sure to be gentle with your skin and keep your hands off your face after cleansing.

5. Results Take Time.

Hard work pays off, but the results we want to see when it comes to blemishes don’t always come quickly. It’s important to be realistic when it comes to your skin; you can’t expect magic to happen overnight. Typically, at-home treatments take 4-8 weeks before you may notice visible improvement, so find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Patience is a major part of skin care!