Acne
Is acne a prevalent pang of adolescence, or a life-long skin health challenge? Turns out it can be both.
While acne is associated with teen age years filled with raging hormones and the stuggle for social acceptance, many adults are finding themselves caught in the middlemiddle of an acne epidemic. Skin care professionals and dermatologists alike are also reporting adult acne is on the rise.
Clinical studies indicate between 40 and 55 percent of the adult population in the 20 to 40 age group has been diagnosed with low grade, persistent acne and oily skin, with the primary catalyst identified as chronic stress.
Balancing personal and professional responsibilities makes this generation of adults the most time-compressed generation in history, which contributes to chronic stress: the constant, continued and heightened level of stress that throws our adrenal glands into overdrive, which in turn can boost sebum production, setting the stage for acne development.
Once there’s a boost in sebum production, the cascade of events leading to breakouts begins: oil spills onto skin’s surface and acts as a binder, creating a mixture of oil and cells that blocks oxygen from entering the pores. The lack of oxygen creates the ultimate breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to the swelling, redness, and inflammation around the follicle, resulting in acne.
Treating Adult Acne
Adult cases of acne are often more persistent and more inflammatory than teenage cases. Adult acne is also often accompanied by skin sensitization, or a combination of skin conditions, which makes treatment more challenging. To successfully treat, clear and prevent acne, the cascade of events leading to acne development must be controlled; but don’t turn to popular teen-centric treatments that may be too harsh and irritating.
MediBac Clearing is Dermalogica’s answer to the adult acne epidemic, personalised facials can also assist. To learn more about this twenty-four hour treatment system formulated specifically to treat, clear and prevent adult acne, contact us for a free no obligation Face Mapping Skin Consultation and personalised product prescription.
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Treating Teen Acne
The skin health experts at Dermalogica, with the help of a teen council set out to address the concerns of teenage skin – not only to get results but to provide the education young skin needs.
The result: Clean Start, a system of 8 dual-action, fresh, skin healthy products that feel and smell great – but without harsh, inexpensive ingredients that can strip the skin of oil as well as contain artificial fragrances and colours, often causing more problems than you started with!
Clean Start is Dermalogicas answer to promblimatic teen skin, personalised facials can also assist. To learn more about this treatment system formulated specificallt to treat, clear and prevent teenage acne or promlem skin, contact us for a free no-obligation Face Mapping Skin Consultation and personlised product prescription.
acnegenic ingredients to avoid in your skin care
You may have heard of comedogenic ingredients that cause or promote comedones in skin. You may not be as familiar with acnegenic ingredients – those that cause or exacerbate acne. These common ingredients can be hiding within acne treatment products, causing ineffective treatment of your breakouts. Here’s what to look for:
Lanolin: Derived from the words "lana" for wool and "oleum" for oil, Lanolin is a fatty substance obtained from the sheep’s wool. While it’s a known emollient with moisturizing properties, it can have skin-clogging capabilities, triggering the cycle of breakouts.
Fragrance: Artificial fragrances can increase acne infection, skin sensitization and photosensitivity.
D & C red pigments: Some of these dyes, which are coal tar derivatives, have exhibited highly comedogenic and acnegenic properties.
Mineral Oil: Mineral Oil is an occlusive (something that physically blocks water loss in the Stratum corneum). It’s used in many products, however, has been shown to cause and exacerbate acne.
Speak with your professional skin therapist about products free of comedogenic and acnegenic ingredients, and that contain known botanical extracts that help inhibit the growth of acnegenic bacteria.
preventing acne on the body
Blackheads and whiteheads can appear anywhere on the face, chest, back, or even lower! Blackheads occurring on the body are most common in those with genetically oily skin. However, a person using comedogenic or acnegenic lotions or body care products can experience blackheads on the body.
Here are 6 tips to help control and prevent body acne:
• Wear natural fibers, or fabrics specifically engineered to wick moisture away from the skin. This is especially important if you're working out.
• Experiencing acne where you carry a backpack or purse? Carry a bag with your hands instead.
• Shower as soon as possible after perspiring. If you can’t shower, carry a travel-friendly product containing Salicylic Acid to help purify and clear skin of excess oils.
• Wash the affected areas with a cleanser designed for acne-prone skin.
• After allowing the skin to dry, apply a product containing benzoyl peroxide to the affected areas.
• If you often suffer from dry skin, moisturise, using a non-comedogenic moisturiser. Excessively dry skin can lead to breakouts.
