Grrr ACNE - those four letters that make up a skin condition that affects people of all ages. Unfortunately, it's a persistent skin condition that has many types, causes, triggers and even ways to prevent and treat it.
Over the next few weeks, We are going to shine a light on some solutions and explain the why’s with our acne blogs - so this is the first of many so be prepared for more information coming!
Did you know....
85% of us will have some sort of acne during our lives!
8 in 10 teenager's suffer from acne
54% of women older than age 25 have some facial acne
We believe in treating the causes of acne to help prevent it!
First of all everyone is different and some may have one or a combination, even a few reasons we haven’t listed!
Blood sugar imbalance and excess consumption of sugary refined foods
Excess levels of free androgens ~ like testosterone
Excess sebum production due to skin barrier damage
Inadequate levels of stomach acid
Sluggish lymphatic flow leading to accumulation of waste under the skin
Deficiency of nutrients like zinc, vitamin a and omega’s
A leaky inflamed gut
Poor clearance of hormones by the liver and gut
Overgrowth of the bacteria (p.acne bacteria)
We know this sounds like a lot….
So let's focus on the 4 direct causes:
Excess sebum (oil) production
A build up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin
Bacteria
Inflammation/Immune response to bacteria
TYPES OF ACNE
We use 2 classifications when we treat acne in the clinic - non-inflamed and inflamed acne...
NON-INFLAMED ACNE
- Whiteheads: (closed comedones) caused by dead skin cells and sebum clog the pore with no opening on the skins surface. This means that the debris within the pore is not exposed to oxygen and remains its natural whitish/yelow colour.
- Blackheads: (open comedones) Caused by the dead skin cells and sebum clog the pore with a small opening at the skins surface. This means that the debris with the pore is exposed to oxygen causing it to oxidise snd turn a brownish/black colour.
INFLAMED ACNE
- Papules: small red, tender bumps.
- Pustules: more pimple looking which are papules with pus at the tip.
- Nodules: large, solid, painful lumps under the skin.
- Cystic lesions: Painful, pus filled lumps under the skin.
Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, back, shoulders and bottom! Yes, we know it’s the worst!
We will dive into the different types more in our next blogs, the difference between whiteheads and blackheads etc and what the solutions are.
WHAT CAN
TRIGGER ACNE?
Make up wipes
Excess sugar/diary
Not double cleansing
Harsh skincare
Popping pimples
DIY face masks
Not changing pillowcases
Heavy make up
Too many products
SOME SOLUTIONS
Balance hormones
Use skincare ingredients that reduce oil production
Exfoliate/increase skin cell turnover
Reduce inflammation - internally and externally
Reduce Bacteria
Sounds easy right?
4 steps you can do right now…
Invest in skincare that is correct for your type of acne - remember we are skin experts you can ask us what’s best for you!
While diet is not a direct cause of acne, certain dietary choices can lead to development of acne. Try to limit foods like dairy, white flour, soda and sugary snacks, replaced with fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in antioxidants.
3. Reduce skin inflammation - limit sun exposure, the use of irritating products, exposure to smoke and pollution.
4. Reduce stress - Try to get enough sleep, exercise and enjoy practices like yoga and meditation that calm the mind and body.
Thank you for reading x