Home | Features | Acne: A simple Guide for blemish prone skin

Acne: A simple Guide for blemish prone skin

Font size:

05 October, 2007 01:24:00

Acne: A Simple Guide for blemish prone skin

What is it?
Acne occurs when the pores in the skin becomes plugged with sebum (oil) and dead skin cell cells and then become infected with bacteria.

There are various forms of acne; however common forms appear to be hormonally related in both teenage and adult acne.

Stress (both physically- from allergies and illness and emotional stresses) has been proven to influence acne. When we are stressed the body releases extra androgen hormones which, when imbalanced can be a trigger for acne. This is often seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome in women where not enough estrogen is released to balance the androgen hormones.

Treatment - the risks
Often treatments for acne have included antibiotics and Accutane. Antibiotics have a tendency to disrupt regular digestive function; this can mean side effects of constipation, poor digestion and reduced absorption of nutrients. The skin can then be used by the body to eliminate the toxins that are not effectively being dealt with in the digestive process.

Accutane is an extremely potent pharmaceutical drug that has been know to cause substantial side effects. These are worthy of research when considering this option. While many may feel this is the only solution for extreme cases, there are many options to consider that are less impacting on the body.

Topical treatments have included high potency benzoyl peroxide which is known to prematurely age the skin and may provide dryness and irritation. Topical antibiotics’ (various brands) side effects may include skin redness, itching and burning.

You are not just a pretty (but spotty) face!
A face is not just a face, it seems logical to consider the body attached to it when treating acne. There are many things to consider when it comes to the body and the potential hormonal influences that may be affecting the skin and there are many modalities of Western and Eastern medicines to treat the skin and body as a whole.

Often results are most successful when the client is treated from the outside in (skin program) and the inside out (diet and health care- both physical and mental stress). By whatever means suits (yoga, homeopathy, meditation, massage etc) it is important to look after stress factors. Interestingly one study on acne showed a low carbohydrate (low sugar/low starch) had an influence in preventing acne.

Getting rid of it- a crash course in the basics!

Below I have recommended some of the best products to combat Acne. A basic routine should include the following morning and night: ultraceuticals

1 cleanse (soaps are not appropriate- the wrong PH for the skin & bound to cause double the trouble!)

2 eye cream (because your eye area is different to the rest of your face)

3 treatment serum

4 moisturiser (essential to maintain skin immunity and PH balance)

5 sunscreen - preferably oil free. For day time only to prevent pigmentation from open pimples.

Many of the products to treat Acne contain a combination of the following ingredients:

AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) - (usually lactic or glycolic) a minimum of 7% is required for an effective decongesting or exfoliating effect (many non-professional brands use less). Alpha hydroxy acids are always from an organic source (e.g. milk, apples, sugar cane)

BHA (beta hydroxy acid)/ salicylic acid - this exfoliates in a different way to AHA, as it is oil-soluble rather that water-soluble. It eliminates cellular build up and congestion at the skin’s surface. Derived from willow bark.

Vitamin A - combats some of the effects of androgen hormones in the surface of the skin, helps repair skin damage and rebuilds damaged cells while decongesting (also antiaging!)

Antioxidants - (vitamin C, E and green tea to name just a few) Repair cell damage from the sun and environment.

Botanical (plant) extracts - to assist in clearing and soothing the skin.

With any skin program it’s best to have a skin expert to guide your skin through the healing process. This way you have products recommended specifically for your skin to ensure you get the best results as every skin is different.

Support treatments will maximize results. Facials (with extractions) and BHA facial peels offer a decongesting action on the skin. Adore Beauty offers the online service “Ask Allison” where you can have a program recommended for you. We also offer Professional BHA treatment peels in the therapy room along with customized facials.

skinceuticals Beginner’s guide to acne products and starter kits!