CosmopolitanAustralia201507 .

COSMOPOLITAN July 2015 123

4 STEPS TO

A BREAKOUT

Here’s what happens in your

skin right before you get a spot...

STEP 1 Dead skin cells accumulate at

the exit of a hair follicle (i.e. a pore)

and block it off. This blockage is

called a comedone. If the comedone

is closed at the skin’s surface, it’s

a whitehead. If it’s exposed to air

through an open pore, the plug

darkens to form a blackhead.

STEP 2 Now that the pore is blocked,

oil builds up in the hair follicle.

STEP 3 This creates the perfect

environment for bacteria called

propionibacterium acnes to flourish

(it absolutely loves it when there’s

lots of oil but no oxygen).

STEP 4 When your immune system

detects this bacteria, it creates an

inflammatory response in the form

of a not-so-nice bump/cyst/pustule.

Dermalogica Overnight

Clearing Gel, $62

DERMAPPROVED BLEMISHBUSTERS

La Roche-Posay E aclar Anti-Blemish

System (left to right): Purifying Foaming Gel,

$22.95; Purifying Micellar Water, $24.95;

Duo Plus Corrective Unclogging Care, $27.95

Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice
Cleanser, $9.99; Avène
Cleanance K Cream-Gel, $25.95