Acne is a very common skin condition that effects most people at some point in their lifetime. It causes spots and the skin to become oily and can often leave the skin hot and painful to touch.
Although acne usually occurs in puberty more and more adults are suffering with adult acne, or post adolescent acne that occurs after the age of 25. Acne can be caused by several different factors, most notably excess sebum production, problematic skin cell turnover, bacterial accumulation, and inflammation.
What are the symptoms of acne?
- Greasy skin
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Pustules
- Papules
- Inflammation
All of these symptoms can be found upon the following:
Face – almost everyone with acne will be affected by acne on the face.
Back – more than half of people suffering with acne will have breakout on the back.
Chest – this affects about 15% of people suffering with acne.
So how does it develop?
Bacteria that is present in our hair follicle breaks down the sebum and fatty acids are released, these then begin to irritate the wall of the follicle. The epidermal wall begins to thicken, narrowing the upper end and opening of the follicle so that sebum begins to build up further down. When a follicle becomes completely enclosed with hardened skin cells, a white head appears. When a pore becomes blocked with hardened sebum a blackhead (comedone) is formed.
Papules the small red bumps that may feel tender or sore develop as the follicle and sebaceous gland swell and trap sebum. When the contents of the follicle escapes into the surrounding dermis, this can cause pustules and further inflammation.
Why do I have acne?
Acne is most commonly linked to the changes in hormone levels as we get older we are faced with more challenging life styles, our skin is exposed to more free radicals and we begin to endure more stresses.
When we are stressed our body naturally cause hormones like ‘cortisol' to work in overdrive telling our glands in the skin to make more oil. It is very clever taking itself into survival mode, preparing our body for a potential danger. It is really important when breakouts occur not to keep touching our skin and popping pustules because under the skin the white blood cells think, “Trauma” and come hurrying along like a little ambulance collecting its oil production to retain the moisture it is anticipating losing resulting in more breakouts and sore skin.
Which category do I fall into?
The severity of acne is often put into categories:
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Mild – mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with a few papules and pustules.
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Moderate – more widespread whiteheads and blackheads, with may pustules and papules
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Severe – lots of large, painful papules, pustules, nodules or cysts; you might also have visible scarring.
Keeping the skin clean and hydrated is key to maintaining healthy skin, Cleansing is the most important part of our skins routine. If we don’t get this bit correct it doesn’t matter what we layer on the top. Every morning cleanse your face and use a flannel or cloth for removal. This helps exfoliate the skin and remove any flaky bits, The Skin Experts recommend the Medik8 Lipid balance cleansing oil. This cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and great at griping onto that extra oil that’s being produced, leaving your skin clean, nourished and even make-up free! For your double cleanse in the evening try using Medik8 Clarifying foam Oil-Free AHA/BHA Blemish Cleanser followed by Blemish Control Pads.
Vitamin A is a powerful molecule that resurfaces the skin, visibly reduces blemishes and promotes brighter, more even-toned complexion.
Crystal Retinal, Retinol
Vitamin A alternative – Bakuchiol a vegan alternative to Retinol.
