Collection: Acne & imperfections

Diet can influence the balance of blemish-prone skin. Certain foods are worth limiting, particularly when consumed in excess: refined sugars and foods with a high glycaemic index can cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which may promote sebum production and certain inflammatory processes.

Cow’s milk and, more broadly, certain dairy products may also be associated with worsening blemishes in some people. Similarly, some people notice an improvement in their skin when limiting gluten. It may therefore be worth reducing or temporarily eliminating these foods to observe their individual impact, without considering them absolute dietary restrictions.

Instead, prioritise a varied diet rich in foods that provide zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E, which contribute to maintaining normal skin and protecting cells against oxidative stress.

Hormonal acne generally has certain characteristics that can help identify it. Blemishes often appear on the lower part of the face, particularly along the jawline, chin and lower cheeks, and sometimes on the neck. This is known as the U-zone of the face.

Lesions can be inflammatory, deep and painful, and sometimes more persistent than simple blackheads or comedones. Another common characteristic is that breakouts may follow a cyclical pattern and become more pronounced in the days leading up to menstruation.

Certain periods of hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to the onset or worsening of breakouts, particularly after stopping the contraceptive pill or in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Chronic stress may also play a role by influencing cortisol production and hormonal balance.

However, these signs alone are not sufficient to establish a diagnosis of hormonal acne. If breakouts are persistent or severe, seeking medical advice is recommended.

Certain nutrients are particularly beneficial when it comes to caring for blemish-prone skin. They can be obtained through the diet and, when appropriate, through targeted supplementation.

• Zinc: it contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and helps protect cells against oxidative stress. It is also being studied for its role in regulating sebum production and inflammatory processes in the skin.
• Probiotics: they help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and are being studied for their role in the gut-skin axis, particularly in relation to skin balance.
• Turmeric and artichoke: these plant-based ingredients are traditionally used in nutritional supplementation, and their compounds are being researched for their antioxidant properties.
• Chasteberry and evening primrose oil: they are being studied in particular for their role in female hormonal balance and may be incorporated into a routine for women whose blemishes appear to be linked to hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle.

The benefits of supplementation depend on individual needs. Supplements should complement a varied diet and a suitable skincare routine, rather than replace them.

A course of dietary supplements is part of a holistic approach: a balanced diet, restful sleep and a skincare routine suited to your skin type are essential to support skin quality.

Consistency is also key. For blemish-prone skin, it may be necessary to take supplements for several months and, depending on the formula, over several menstrual cycles to optimise their effects.

It is also important to follow the recommended dosage. Taking several supplements containing zinc at the same time or increasing the dose without professional advice is not recommended, particularly over an extended period, to avoid adverse effects and nutritional imbalances.

The routine you choose depends primarily on the type of blemishes and the context in which they appear.

For persistent blemishes, Pure Glow combines zinc, turmeric, artichoke and probiotics. This formula is part of a holistic approach designed for blemish-prone skin.

When breakouts seem particularly linked to menstrual cycle fluctuations, Balance & Glow combines chasteberry, evening primrose oil and reishi to support female hormonal balance.

If blemishes have left pigmentation spots or marks, Clear Glow® may be considered as a dietary supplement to specifically target the appearance of the complexion and post-blemish marks, thanks in particular to vitamin C, grape and liquorice.

For skincare, choose a gentle routine that does not strip or dry out the skin. Aime’s double cleansing, with Le baume nettoyant followed by La gelée micellaire, removes makeup and cleanses the skin while respecting its balance. Proper hydration is also essential, including for oily or blemish-prone skin.

The gut and the skin are in constant communication through the immune system, hormones and various molecules produced by the microbiome. This is known as the gut-skin axis. This ecosystem plays a role in regulating inflammation, which is also involved in the mechanisms behind acne.

The gut microbiome contributes to digestion and the production of certain molecules involved in the body's functioning. When it is imbalanced, research suggests that it may influence the inflammatory response and, indirectly, certain aspects of skin health. This is one reason why the microbiome is increasingly being studied in relation to skin concerns, including acne.

This does not mean that acne necessarily results from an imbalance in the gut: acne is multifactorial and involves hormones, sebaceous glands, sebum production and skin inflammation.

Probiotics are one of the approaches being studied to support this balance. Certain strains may help maintain a balanced microbiome and are being researched for their interactions with the skin. At Aime, this approach is reflected in the inclusion of probiotics in several dietary supplement formulas, alongside a varied diet and a suitable skincare routine.