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Your Skin type:
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all about acne:
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Types Of acne
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Acne does not merely mean blemishes or zits. Acne comes in many forms, ranging from simple whiteheads and blackheads, to much more severe cases.
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ACNE VULGARIS
The most common form of acne is Acne Vulgaris, which comes in three forms: |
1. Non-Inflammatory acne
Very mild acne vulgaris Includes appearance of whiteheads and blackheads |
Microcomedones (PICTURE RIGHT)
Microcomedones quickly develop into comedones. Comedones are oil producing follicles that get filled with dirt, oil, tiny hairs, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
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BLACKHEADS (PICTURED LEFT)
When the comedone is open or larger, sebum oxidizes and turns black. This results in the appearance of blackheads, which are very small, long-lasting black blemishes on the skin that cannot be washed away.
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Whiteheads (PICTURE RIGHT)
When the comedone is closed or very narrow, trapped sebum and bacteria remain below the skin, which results in infection under the skin. This leads to inflammation, redness, and irritation, and ultimately results in the appearance of a whitehead. Whiteheads are typically very tiny white dots, sometimes invisible to the naked eye.
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2. Non-Inflammatory acne
Moderate form of acne vulgaris Includes appearance of papules, pustules, and macules |
Papules (PICTURE RIGHT)
Papules are small bumps that appear on your skin and have a rough texture. Papules typically appear on the face, but may appear on other parts of the body. Papules occur when the wall of a hair follicle break and cave in - the visible inflammation is due to white blood cells rushing in.
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Pustules (PICTURED LEFT)
Pustules are simply the medical term for pimples or zits. They are visible several days after papules have formed, when the white blood cells rise to the surface of the skin. Like cystic acne, pustules can be large and painful. Proper care should be taken to allow the pustule to heal properly.
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Macules
As acne begins to heal, it will form a red spot on the face with a well defined shape. This is called macule. Macules are not an uncommon site during the healing process, but it will look as if your skin is puffy and inflamed. Macule's are temporary and will disappear by themselves over a few days or even weeks. Picking the macules will also lead to acne scarring and even a new flair up of acne. This should be avoided as well.
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3. Cystic Acne
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Cystic acne, sometimes called nodulocystic acne, is a severe form of inflammatory acne that is often extremely painful. Although cystic acne is rarer than non-inflammatory acne or moderate inflammatory acne like papules and pustules, it is still quite common. Cystic acne forms below the skins surface. A build up of white blood cells, oils and fluids begin to build up causing the appearance of cysts, or pus filled regions, called cysts. These cysts do not just occur on the face, but can also appear on the chest, back shoulders, and arms.
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Nodules
Sometimes the bottom of a follicle will break off, which causes the follicle to completely collapse - this produces a large, sore bump on the surface of the skin called a nodule. Nodules extend into deep layers of the skin, a fact which means that oftentimes nodules never fully recover, leaving behind unsightly scars. Proper treatment early on in the development of nodules can help to minimize this.
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Acne Roseacea
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Rosacea is considered a kind of acne, but it is not Acne Vulgaris. The cause of rosacea is unknown, and as such, it is not curable, but it can be treated.
OTHER FORMS OF ACNE
Other forms of Acne (that are not considered Acne Vulgaris) tend to be much more difficult to treat. The help of a qualified dermatologist should be sought for the following forms of extremely rare and severe acne:
• Acne Conglobata
• Gram-Negative Folliculitis
• Pyoderma Faciale
• Acne Filminans
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BACK AND CHEST ACNE
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Similar to traditional acne on the face, back acne (or bacne) and chest acne can also be caused by stress and hormones. However, it can also be caused due to the clothing worn, and activities during our daily lives. There are thousands of sebaceous glands on these areas, which produce excess oil and can clog pores.
Perspiration and tightly fitted clothing can cause acne breakouts, which helps explain why many physically active men and women are prone to this type of acne. Synthetic clothing such as polyester and lycra trap perspiration, which then mixes with surface oils and causes pores to block which can trigger a breakout.
Help prevent back and chest acne breakouts by maintaining a daily skin care routine. Choose products especially developed for this area and try to avoid using grainy exfoliators which can irritate already inflamed skin and can spread bacteria. Try wearing natural, cotton clothing to allow the skin to break and shower after exercising to rinse away perspiration.
Recommended products:
• AHA Botanical Body Soap
• Special Cleansing Lotion 'O'
• Drying Mask
• Drying Lotion
• Drying Cream
• Buffering Lotion
• Special Healing Powder
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TEEN ACNE
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The leading cause of acne in teens is hormones as during puberty, the body starts producing hormones known as androgens which can cause acne. Excess amounts of hormones can cause sebaceous glands to become over active, combining with dead skin cells to block pores, trap bacteria and cause inflammation. The body reacts to the inflammation by sending white blood cells to the pore in defense, which in turn causes a white head.
Help prevent and reduce acne by using a proper skin care regimen to prevent breakouts. Avoid overly harsh acne products, as these can dry and irritate skin, triggering glands to produce even more oil. Don't pick or squeeze spots! This can push bacteria further into the pore, and cause scarring.
Wash makeup brushes at least once a week in soapy water to remove oil and bacteria, and make sure you remove makeup before you go to sleep. Another tip is to wash pillowcases frequently as they can harbor bacteria and germs which cause breakouts.
Recommended products:
• Acne Facial Cleanser
• Special Cucumber Lotion
• Oil Free Moisturiser
• Cucumber Tonic Mask
• Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
• Drying Lotion
• Buffering Lotion
• Drying Cream
• Healing Cream
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ADULT ACNE
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Adult acne is not an uncommon problem – 5% of all adults over the age of 45 and one in five women between 25 and 40 experience acne breakouts. Whilst it might feel like a completely different situation to teen acne, it is quite similar and still caused by over-secretion of sebum in the sebaceous glands, triggered by an increase in androgens and blocking pores. It is a bit more difficult to treat as adult skin can have other special needs, such as dryness, aging or sensitivity. Collagen production also slows down as we age, which slows the healing process and increases the possibility of scarring.
Adult acne can be triggered by a number of factors including:
• Stress
• Stopping oral contraception (the hormones in which can control hormone activity)
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Oily skin care products and heavy makeup.
Help treat adult acne by taking your skin type into consideration when choosing treatments – for sensitive or dry skin, you will be better off with a gentle cleanser and non-alcohol toner and a calming mask, rather than harsher cleansers and scrubs.
Make sure you aim to drink 4 pints of water daily to keep skin hydrated and help keep pores clear and try eating more antioxidant rich foods. You can also speed cell turnover with non abrasive exfoliants, such as those containing Salicylic or Glycolic Acid.
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