Do you race for the concealer when you see the first signs of a pimple? Most of us have experienced a feeling of mild panic over a pimple, but for people with severe acne, their problem isn’t that easy to hide.
Acne affects 50% of adult women at some time in their lives – with severe acne affecting about 5%.
Acne Vulgaris:
• Blackheads – caused by partially blocked pores.
• Whiteheads – caused by completely blocked pores.
• Papules – small, red, tender bumps or spots.
• Pustules – larger, red and inflamed pus-filled spots.
• Nodules – large hard bumps under the skin’s surface.
• Cysts – similar to nodules, but can be inflamed and infected.
Acne Roseaca:
Acne roseaca is similar to acne vulgaris, but people with this type of acne also have flushed skin and redness around the affected area. These flushes can be set off by certain foods, like spicy food and alcohol –which should be avoided to reduce symptoms.
Causes:
Puberty and stress are the main culprits behind acne, but it can also be caused by…
• Some medications and steroids
• Genetics – if your parents had bad acne, you could too
• Heavy or oily make up
• Cleansing too often or with products that aggravate your skin. These can dry your skin out causing the body to create even more sebum or oil to compensate
• Use of harsh exfoliators can damage existing spots and spread infection
• Picking or squeezing of blackheads, whiteheads and spots can send the infection deeper into the skin and cause scarring
• A diet high in refined carbohydrates (white bread, rice etc…) and sugar. These foods can make you body produce more insulin, which results in more hormones and up’s sebum (oil) production, which can equal more bacteria and lead to pimples!
TREATMENT:
MILD ACNE:
Creams and Gels: You can get a number of creams and gels to treat acne over the counter and on prescription from the chemist. Most of these treatments contain benzoyl peroxide and work by destroying the bacteria associated with acne. However, creams don’t affect sebum (oil) production and when you stop using the treatment the acne usually comes back. They are usually used to treat mild acne. Treatments using this product include Benoxyl lotion and PanOxyl.
Azeliac acid: Azelaic acid is produced by a yeast that lives on normal skin. Treatments using this product include Skinoren cream and Acne-Derm medicated lotion.
MODERATE ACNE:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics work in the same way as Benzoyl peroxide, but they are used in more severe cases of acne. Antibiotic treatments for acne include Clinac solution, Dalacin T gel, lotion and solution, and Topicil solution.
The Pill: There are several pills on the market which can help treat acne. One of the most widely used is Diane 35. Diane 35 can reduce the function of the sebaceous gland, which plays an important role in the development of acne. This type of treatment can take 3 – 4 months to make a difference, but it’s worth looking into if you aren’t keen on using some of the antibiotic treatments that are available. Contraceptive pills like Diane-35, Estelle 35 act to reduce hormone levels, thus reducing the amount of oil produced by the skin.
SEVERE ACNE:
Isotretinoin: Products containing Isotretinoin reduce oil production and shrink the sebaceous glands. They also dry out the skin, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, they are doctor-only treatments and can have severe side effects. Treatments include Roaccutane and Oratane.
OTHER TREATMENTS:
Aromatherapy: Many people use aromatherapy oils as part of their acne treatment routine. You can’t just dab essential oils directly onto your skin, you have to use a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil to dilute them. Jojoba oil is similar to the skin’s own oils, and it has cleansing and anti-bacterial properties. Once you have mixed the oils, use a clean cotton bud to dab it onto problem areas.
To 10ml of carrier oil, add 5ml of:
• Geranium oil to balance oily/dry areas
• Sandalwood to condition dry patches
• Tea tree to clear infections (can also be used undiluted)
• Lavender to soothe redness and treat scars
• Coconut oil to reduce the appearance of scars…especially recent ones
• Bergamot to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis. Refreshes body and mind.
Aloe vera juice and gels can also help to reduce the appearance of scars.
More Info:
www.acne.org
