ACNE | MANAGING AND TREATING THE SYMPTOMS
There is a wealth of information out there but here are just a few pointers that I hope will help you manage breakouts and demystify the treatment of acne. I would love to tell you there is a magic formula, sadly that’s not the case. Both my husband and I have suffered with acne of different types over the years, I managed to avoid it in my teenage years only to develop it in my thirties.
Acne is a skin condition that causes spots, black heads, oily patches and inflammation. It is a common skin condition that affects many people at some point. It can be caused by many things, hormones, genetics, stress, medication, to name a few.
Skin can often be sore, hot or painful to touch. Most commonly it effects the face, back, shoulders or hair line. It is especially prevalent among adolescents but can occur at various ages.
There are many treatments available, but from experience sometimes the range is overwhelming and expensive. How do you know which reviews to trust? It is important to remember that acne cannot be cured, however there are many treatments to help with both the symptoms and the healing process.
As acne is an inflammatory condition, I am always wary of over stimulating the skin.
Acne is a common skin condition that happens when follicles under the skin become clogged.
Sebum—oil that helps keep skin from drying out—and dead skin cells plug the pores, which leads to outbreaks of blackheads, pustules or pimples and deep nodules/ nodular cysts.
Most often, the outbreaks occur on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, and shoulders.
THINGS YOU CAN DO IF YOU HAVE ACNE:
Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.
Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Innerlather Top to Toe wash and our soap free Cleansing Bars are an excellent option. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
Do not try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.
Avoid make-up, skincare and suncare products that can block pores (Comedogenic). Use non-comedogenic products, as they’re less likely to block the pores in your skin. Nourish and Glow Skin Oil can nourish the skin without blocking your pores and help regulate sebum production.
Completely remove make-up before going to bed.
If dry skin is a problem, use a ‘kind’ moisturiser. Many of my clients have had good results with Innerlather Rich Borage Cream.
Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.
Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.
Consider changing your pillowcase every other night and always use a fresh flannel to gently wash your skin.
Although acne cannot be cured, the symptoms can be treated. If you have mild acne, it can be a good idea to speak to your local pharmacist. They will be able to recommend the best products for your acne and refer you to your GP if it becomes more severe. There are a range of creams, lotions and medications available to help including some antibiotic treatments.
Some of the best advice I have seen is on the NHS website so don’t be afraid to ask your pharmacist or GP for help.
FACIAL TREATMENTS FOR MANAGING ACNE
There is a range of complementary facial treatments available from beauty salons to help manage acne:
Microcurrent Facials: These can help reduce inflammation and stimulate blood flow to promote healing. Increased circulation delivers nutrients and oxygen to the skin, supporting the healing process and reducing inflammation.
LED Light Therapy: This treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to target acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. Blue light is particularly effective in killing bacteria, while red light helps reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Chemical Peels: Using acids to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and unclog pores, superficial peels with salicylic acid or glycolic acid can reduce acne breakouts and improve skin texture.
Microdermabrasion: This gentle abrasive technique exfoliates the top layer of skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. It improves the appearance of mild acne and reduces the severity of breakouts.
Hydrating Facial: A multi-step treatment combining cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration. It unclogs pores, removes excess oil, and enhances skin texture, making it a suitable option for acne management.
Different treatments will help at different stages and your therapist will be able to offer guidance.
Looking after your skin as it heals will help prevent scaring. A good gentle skin care routine remains essential, using products that don’t aggravate or over stimulate your skin. Also look for products that are non-comedogenic (wont block pores) and be sure to use a good SPF Sunscreen. Exposure to sunlight can lead to areas of hyperpigmentation and delay healing.
As with many things stress and hormones play their part, it is also great advice to keep hydrated and enjoy a healthy balanced diet. It isn’t the magic answer but it can’t hurt…