Written by Ahmad Naily, Marketing Executive
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.
Effective treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF ACNE?
The symptoms of acne are:
- Persistent, recurrent red spots or swelling on the skin, generally known as pimples; the swelling may become inflamed and fill with pus. They typically appear on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, or upper portion of the back.
- Dark spots with open pores at the centre (blackheads)
- Tiny white bumps under the skin that have no obvious opening (whiteheads)
- Red swellings or lumps (known as papules) that are visibly filled with pus
- Nodules or lumps under the skin that are inflamed, fluid-filled, and often tender; these nodules may become as large as an inch across.
WHAT CAUSE ACNE?
Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria.
Each pore of your skin is the opening to a follicle. The follicle is made up of a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland.
The oil gland releases sebum (oil), which travels up the hair, out of the pore, and onto your skin. The sebum keeps your skin lubricated and soft.
One or more problems in this lubrication process can cause acne. It can occur when:
- too much oil is produced by your follicles
- dead skin cells accumulate in your pores
- bacteria build up in your pores
These problems contribute to the development of pimples. A pimple appears when bacteria grows in a clogged pore and the oil is unable to escape.
4 STEP SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR ACNE
Step 1: Cleanse Gently but Well
Using only your fingertips or a soft washcloth, thoroughly cleanse your face, including your jawline, neck, and in front of and behind the ears.
Make sure you’re using the right cleanser for your skin. Pick one that contains either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
If you’re currently using prescription acne medications, you’ll need a gentle, non-medicated cleanser instead.
If you wear face makeup, or if your skin gets extra dirty or sweaty during the day (like if you play on a sports team or after you work out) do a double wash at night: cleanse, rinse well, and repeat.
Step 2: Use Toner or Astringent
Depending on the ingredients they contain, astringents or toners can help remove excess oil, tone, and hydrate, or help fight blackheads and blemishes.
Apply toner to a cotton ball or pad and gently smooth over the face and neck to help remove any leftover makeup, cleanser residue, and oil.
Astringents are designed to remove excess oil from the skin so, obviously, they are best for oily skin types.
Also, pay attention to the alcohol content in the product because alcohol can be drying and irritating, especially for sensitive skin types. Alcohol-free products are the best choices if your skin is dry, or irritated by acne treatments.
Step 3: Apply Your Acne Treatment Medications
After your toner has dried completely, or after you’ve washed and thoroughly dried your face, smooth on your acne treatment creams as directed. This could be a medication prescribed by your doctor, or an over-the-counter acne gel or cream. Let the medication absorb or dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Need help choosing an acne treatment medication? Give your dermatologist or family physician a call.
Step 4: Apply an Oil-Free Moisturizeror Gel
Acne medications can dry out skin, leaving it thirsty for moisture. To reduce dry and peeling skin, apply a light moisturizer twice daily.
Your moisturizer doesn’t have to leave you feeling slick and greasy.
Moisturizing gels and lotions are generally lighter than creams. Either way, choose one that is labelled oil-free and noncomedogenic.
Treating acne requires patience and perseverance. Any o