Acne

​​If you have had a terrible case of acne, you may feel as if you are the only one. You, however, are not. According to the American Association of Dermatology, it is the most common skin problem in the United States, affecting about 40 to 50 million Americans at any one time. While most people experience acne and breakouts as teenagers or young adults, acne can occur at any age.

​Acne is a skin disease that is driven by many different factors. Acne appears when a hair follicle or pore begins to get clogged with dead skin cells. Typically dead skin cells will rise to the surface of the pore and shed. When the body starts to produce more sebum (oil), it keeps our skin from drying out, causing the dead skin cells to stick together within the pore, unable to rise to the surface. Sometimes bacteria that live on our skin (C. acnes or previously called P.acnes) can also get inside the clogged pore. The sebum and dead skin cells within the pore create the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply quickly. Creating more inflammation, an increase in oil production, and without a way to escape, inflammation continues. White blood cells rush in to heal the surrounding cells, creating pustular (whitehead) or cystic acne if the inflammation is more severe.

Hair follicle where acne forms

   Types of acne lesions are:

• Open Comedones - Blackheads
• Closed Comedones - Whiteheads/Milia
• Papule - Pimple that is an elevated/inflamed bump on the skin
• Pustule - Overburdended pimple that appears to have a white head
• Cyst - A pimple formed under the skin, large red lump or boil-like appearance
• Nodule - Firm pimple formed deeply under the skin (maybe skin-toned) ​

Some Underlying/root causes of c. acnes formation include:

• Candida overgrowth in the gut
• Heavy cosmetics
• Hormonal imbalance or fluctuations
• Food sensitivities (dairy is most prevalent) 
• Harsh detergents or products disrupting the skin's barrier allowing for bacterial formation and overproduction of oil
• Genetic predisposition
• Stress (production of too much cortisol) activates an increase in sebum (oil)
• Environmental factors such as humidity or pollution
• Fatty, rich or fried foods- which can create higher levels of inflammatory fatty acids in the skins sebum

Common blemish-fighting ingredients to look for are:

• BHA's such as salicylic acid: Lytics​
• Vitamin A (Retinol): Calm
• Enzyme Masks: Polish
• Niacinimide: Clarify
• Trioxolene: Rescue

Some ingredients will be more beneficial than others, depending on your specific type of acne. It is always essential to seek the advice of a licensed professional to help you create your regimen. ​

Optimal Treatment Options

• Bi-monthly or monthly acne facials: Clear Skin Facial, Facial Infusion, and Oxygen Facial 
• Mild Chemical Peels/Enzyme Peels: Lite Refresh Peel
• High frequency: Included in the Clear Skin Facial

Home Care Tips

• Do not skip moisturizing
• Protect skin from free-radicals with antioxidants like Vitamin C daily- Intense Defense Serum or Replenish
• Maintain a good skincare routine- be consistent! do your routine in the morning and evening
• Use high-impact, concentrated products like serums and masks
• Wear mineral SPF every day- Daily Shield Tinted SPF
• Do not over-dry or strip the skin
• Look for soothing ingredients to pair with more active ones 
• Do not use physical scrubs or aggressive exfoliation (this can move bacteria to new follicles and activate more oil production- Instead try an enyme mask such as Polish
• Speak to your doctor about changing hormonal contraceptives or hormonal imbalances 

​​Treating acne takes patience and some trial and error. It is essential to communicate with your esthetician and or dermatologist about what is working. Many times is not just one thing that is causing it. It can be complicated. Patience, communication, and consistency are key.