Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people across multiple ages.
Although most common between the ages of twelve and twenty-four, acne can occur well into the 30s and 40s being a hereditary disease with a tendency to burn out in most patients at the end of adolescence.
These are all lesions that are collectively referred to as Acne:
Closed Comedones (also known as white heads) – The follicle is completely blocked. These lesions remain under the skin and are very small. They can be assisted with the correct exfoliation as recommended by your preferred skin care professional.
Open Comedones (otherwise known as black heads) – Are dark in colour and appear on the surface of the skin. Open comedones aren’t caused by dirt, but rather due to retained skin cells. The oil turns brownish black as it oxidizes. As with Whiteheads, these lesions are best treated with a good cleansing and exfoliation ritual.
Papules (otherwise known as a blind pimple). These lesions typically appear on the face but may appear on other parts of the body. As an inflammatory form of acne, there is no pus build up. As these cannot be extracted and do not benefit from exfoliation, they are best addressed but employing anti-inflammatory methods such as ice, aspirin, or other topical anti-inflammatory agents.
Pustules (the yellow breakout lesions). Inflammatory at the base with a pus-filled pocket on top, these are among the most tempting types of acne lesions to extract. This is not, however, the most effective way to treat this. Pustules benefit from treatment using both anti-inflammatory agents as well as exfoliation ingredients such as salicylic, mandelic and lactic acid.
Nodules Are large, solid pustules. Found in the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin and usually larger than 10mm in size. Generally remaining under the surface, these can take up to a month to heal and can be assisted with anti-inflammatory agents.
Cysts Are large lesions clearly visible on the skin extending deep into the dermis. Developing in the sebaceous glands, these are caused when the gland becomes blocked. Painful and challenging to treat, these can easily cause scars.
Extracting these lesions is not recommended as squeezing can lead to a spread of bacteria, leading to inflammation which will only make the situation worse. Lesions incorrectly extracted can lead to scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Blackheads and whiteheads can be removed by a qualified therapist, these are your non-inflammatory acne lesions. They can signal the start of a more severe acne condition when not treated, especially if noticed in early teenage years.
A large percentage of people struggle with acne from time to time. Skin experts will tell you there’s no guaranteed way to avoid acne, however there are a few things you can do to minimize both the number, as well as the severity, of acne-breakout episodes you may experience. Thirteen main aggravating factors have been identified. These factors will not be the same for all acne sufferers but should be taken into account when addressing acne to ensure that you are not inadvertently aggravating acne whilst trying to treat it.
These factors include:
- Stress
- Sunlight
- Seasons
- Climate
- Pressure and Friction
- Picking or Scratching Lesions
- Industrial Oils and Chemicals
- Diet
- Medications or Drugs
- Menstrual Cycles
- Pregnancy
- Birth Control Pills
- Cosmetics
Taking good care of your skin means adopting a thorough routine.
DermaFix Tips and Products:
The following ingredients have been clinically proven to assist with acne.
Salicylic Acid is an ingredient that is classed as a keratolytic agent. Renowned for its positive effects on acne, Salicylic Acid works by reducing inflammation whilst unblocking pores allowing redundant skin cells to be removed easily. Products within the DermaFix range utilizing this incredible ingredient are:
Active Cleansing Gel – For all non-sensitive problematic skin, this cleanser effectively removes surface dirt and impurities along with excess oils whilst offering the deep cleansing and exfoliating benefits of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, of which Salicylic Acid is one.
When breakouts are at their worst, an alpha-hydroxy based spot treatment can be incorporated to help target pustular lesions whilst minimizing inflammation.
Brightening Wipes – Offer a powerful and convenient way to exfoliate problematic as well as pigmented skin. A combination of Salicylic Acid along with other powerful actives such as Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Vitamin C which work in synergy to assist in preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often associated with acne.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is an ingredient which reduces inflammation and may reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, thereby assisting with the acne condition. Also known to be beneficial for skin barrier repair, hyperpigmentation concerns as well as ageing.
Vitamin B Cream – A complex of natural botanical extracts, vitamins, and amino acids helping to moisturise and balance the skin. Helps to regulate oil gland secretion to reduce the possibility of clogged pores, inflammation and breakouts associated with an oily skin condition.
MD Skin Clear – With Niacinamide (also known as Vitamin B3 or nicotinamide) helps to target the treatment of acne by acting as an anti-inflammatory. This anti-inflammatory action assists to reduce redness, irritation and dryness. Niacinamide has a keratolytic action and suppresses the amount of oil or sebum that the glands secrete, thereby reducing the formation of blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores.
Remember, results take time, and the treatment of acne is a commitment that will pay off for years to come. If severe infections occur or scarring is a concern, you should consult a Dermatologist immediately.
For more information or a referral to your nearest accredited DermaFix stockist, visit www.dermafix.co.za or contact us directly on 0861 28 23 23.