Let’s talk ABC’s
Acne, Breakouts, & Clarity
Ok, so let’s be honest, everyone has suffered from acne or minor breakouts at some point or another throughout their lifetime. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately it is a daily struggle for some. So here is a little bit of information that may help in dealing with acne or facial breakouts.
So what is acne? It is inflammation of the sebaceous(oil) glands characterized by an overproduction of oil. This oil and dead skin cells clog the follicles. They can come in the form of papules (red, inflamed), Pustules (inflamed, red and pus filled b/c now infected), Cysts (nodules deep under the skin filled with infected pockets). Acne can range from minor, to moderate to severe, and can be caused by a number of things. From stress, hormone imbalance, lack of water, environment, poor eating habits, over consumption of dairy, sugars, and even seafood. That’s right, those crab legs and shrimp you love so much can cause your skin to go nuts. It has a high content of iodine that tries to push out of your skin.
Then you have breakout activity which causes Comedones. There are blackheads(which are non inflamed buildups of debris and oil in the follicles. when the surface is open air hits it turning it black) Whiteheads are similar aside from the fact they are trapped and are not exposed to air. Then we have Milia. Milia does not disappear very easily as it is pretty much crystalized oil and dead skin that does not have a visible opening. Intense hydration inside and out are the best ways to treat Milia. Products containing hyaluronic acid are essential.
Treating acne and breakouts are a process. Any time you are using products to help dry out excessive oil, make sure to also use products that still hydrate the skin. If you are using a drying product too often, like products containing salicylic acid, you need to make sure you are using moisturizing and hydrating products that balance it. Like toners or serums containing hyaluronic acid and/or Aloe.
When trying to lift pigment, once your breakouts have gotten under control, ingredients such as glycolic acid, retinol, Kojic acid and alpha-arbutin are great in assisting with lifting unwanted pigment, acne scars and sun spots.
A Broad Spectrum SPF is going to be your greatest defense with maintaining healthy clear skin. When using products that are lightening the skin (like the ones listed above), you have to make sure your skin is protected as it can become more sensitized.
Consistent facials every 3-4 weeks are a great way to help clear up current breakout activity and keep future breakouts at bay. A’de Spa has a variety of tools and products that are made specifically to treat breakout activity, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Click the “Schedule Appointment” link to view our facial services.
