Acne
This is one of those topics that affects many more people than you may realize. Not only have I struggled with it in the past, some of my long time patients and staff have dealt with this stubborn issue as well. It’s not just a teenage ailment. It affects many adults, specifically women well into their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.
There are so many reasons why acne can flare up for some people, but not in others. And there are multiple treatments as well. Do you ever wonder why you follow the skin care rules to a T, but your friend falls asleep with her makeup and has yet to see a breakout on her skin? We will get to the bottom of all of this today!
Once you cam figure out what the particular triggers is for you, there are many simple steps you can take to get yourself back on track to feeling and looking great.
What is acne?
So first, just what IS acne?
Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog follicles on the skin. What results are blackheads, white heads, pimples, oily skin, and in some cases scarring. Usually areas of the body with the most oily glads are affected, like the face, back and chest.
No one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormone changes in the teenage years and pregnancy are some life changes that may play a role. There are also many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have effect on acne. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne. But blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Also- stress is another common acne myth. In reality is doesn’t actually cause acne, but it can make it worse.
If you have acne…
Acne affects more than 40 million people of all ages, male and female. So just know you are not alone. Even more shocking is that 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 areexperiencing it in some capacity
The hair follicles, or pores, in your skin contain sebaceous glands (also called oil glands). These glands make sebum, which is an oil that lubricates your hair and skin. Most of the time, the sebaceous glands make the right amount of sebum. As the body begins to mature and develop, hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum.
Pores become clogged if there is too much sebum and too many dead skin cells. Bacteria can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply. This causes swelling and redness which is the start of acne.
Types of acne…
Whiteheads happen when a pore gets clogged and closes but still bulges out from your skin.
Blackheads will happen if the pore clogs but stays open, then the top of the surface will darken.
Pimples happen when bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells enter an open pore. Then you will see a small red bump. The pus you see is the bacterial infection.
Nodules are clogged pores that are very deep and painful. They are usually larger than pimples.
Prevention and Treatment Options
1. Diet
What NOT to eat:
What you put into your body can have a huge impact on how your skin reacts, especially if you are acne prone. One of the biggest triggers can be cows milk, especially in females. Why cow's milk may increase or worsen acne is still a bit of a mystery. One theory is that some of the hormones in milk cause inflammation inside the body. Inflammation can clog your pores, leading to acne. However, more research is needed to know for sure.
High glycemic foods - These foods and beverages will raise your blood sugar quickly, which can contribute to the inflammatory skin condition, since these food are inflammatory to the entire body as a whole. Examples include white bread, corn flakes, puffed rice, potato chips, white potatoes or fries, doughnuts or other pastries, sugary drinks such as milkshakes, and white rice
What TO eat:
The best foods are things that are in their natural state! An easy way to decipher this is usually what can be found in the perimeter or your grocery store, aka low glycemic foods. A diet like this would include fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, beans, oats, and hormone free proteins like chicken.
2. The Tanning Myth
Don’t think that the sun is your friend in curing acne! A tan may make acne less notable, but it’s not going to go away from a tan or a sunburn. Actually, the oil your skin produces from being int he sun can actually make breakouts worse.
3. What to Avoid
Keep hair products away from your skin. Wash your face after excerise, and if you have long hair, try to keep it out of your face is you are sweating.
4. Noncomedogenic
Products with the label "noncomedogenic" or “nonacnegenic” are your best option. This means the ingredients won't clog your pores and contribute to acne. When you wash your face, be sure you take the time to remove all of your makeup so it doesn't clog your pores. And use the right products!! Products that are too dry or too abrasive can make skin issues worse.
Solutions:
The Mikel Kristi cleansers are your perfect solution to the first step in taking care of your acne prone skin. We have two great options depending on your needs:
Purifying Botanical Wash - Find balance and clarity with this botanically-based, multi-tasking cleanser. The light and luxurious foaming gel helps wash away impurities and makeup while retaining essential moisture removing excess oil, and decongesting pores with ease. Our antibacterial essential oil blend helps smooth, soothe, purify, and protect. Indulge in the lemony citrus scent and enjoy small moments of luxury everyday.
Suitable For: Combination, normal, blemish prone, all ages, and oily skin, sensitive,
Solutions For: Balancing pH, reducing breakouts, soothing, deep cleansing, daily cleansing, blemish control, helps reduce the effects of acne, balancing, soothing, refreshing, non-drying
Refreshing Botanical Wash - Inspired by the ever present heat of the Arizona desert, this daily facial cleanser refreshes, calms, cools, and gently exfoliates as it draws out and sweeps away impurities. Formulated with nourishing ingredients that respect the skin’s natural ecosystem, this coconut derived foaming gel will leave your skin feeling perfectly clean and comfortably balanced.
Suitable For: Combination, normal, blemish prone, all ages, oily sensitive, and mature skin
Solutions For: Exfoliation, balancing pH, reducing breakouts, soothing, deep cleansing, daily cleansing, blemish control, helps reduce the effects of acne, balancing, soothing, refreshing, non-drying,oil management, pore minimizing, pore cleansing
And right now our washes are 15% off!! Use coupon code MKCLEANSE15 for your discount on any of our washes that are certain to make a welcome change in your daily skincare regimen and a noticeably reduction in blemishes.
Here To Beautifully Clear Skin,
Christy
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