Causes, Treatment and Prevention
What is Acne?
Happy Acne Awareness Month!
Contrary to popular beliefs, acne is not just a teenage problem, this common skin condition can affect people of all ages.
When our skin produces excess oil, also known as sebum, it can lead to clogged pores, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause inflammation, resulting in the formation of acne.
Dead skin cells can also contribute to the development of acne by accumulating and clogging the hair follicles.
In normal healthy skin, the body produces an appropriate amount of skin cells that eventually die and are shed from the skin. On acne prone skin, there is an overproduction of skin cells, and when these skin cells die, they have a tendency to stick together creating a conducive environment for bacteria.
Acne Triggers
Hormonal Changes: Ever wonder why you seem to get more pimples around your period? It's not just your imagination! Hormonal fluctuations especially during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can cause our bodies to produce more sebum leading to acne.
Stress: Stress isn't just bad for your mood, it is bad for your skin too. When you're stressed out, your body releases hormones that can increase oil production in your pores. This extra oil can clog pores and create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
Skincare Products: Certain cosmetics and skincare products (comedogenic) can actually clog your pores or irritate your skin, leading to breakouts. If you're struggling with acne, take a close look at the products you're using.
Diet: Ever wondered whether there is a connection between your diet and acne? The answer is yes. But some people find that certain foods, like sugary treats (high glycemic index), dairy products, or foods packed with saturated fats, can make their acne worse. It might be worth keeping a food diary to see if there are any triggers in your diet.
Environmental Factors: While not everyone is affected, exposure to environmental factors like pollutants, high humidity, and even excessive sweating can be triggers for acne breakouts in some individuals.
Treatment and Prevention
Acne treatments work by reducing oil production from your skin and treating the bacterial infection.
There are various treatment options but it is best to visit a certified Esthetician for best results.
The most common topical medications for acne treatment include; Retinoids and retinoid-like drugs, Azelaic acid and salicylic acid, and Dapsone
Another form of acne treatment is the use of oral medications such as antibiotics, combined oral contraceptives, anti-androgen agents and isotretinoin.
Chemical peels are also an effective form of Acne treatment. This procedure uses repeated applications of a chemical solution, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid or retinoic acid.
Some ways of preventing Acne include:
Gentle Cleansing: Gently cleanse your skin at least each day to prevent formation of clogged pores. You can also use soap and warm water.
Choose an oil-free moisturizer to apply on your skin after cleansing.
Diet : While there's no one-size-fits-all approach, some people find that limiting sugary and processed foods can help. Consider incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet.
Regularly exfoliating your skin can help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Avoid harsh scrubs.
Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup. Remember to remove all traces of makeup before going to bed
Brooklyn Museum Pop-up Was A Total Blast!
We had a blast at our first pop-up shop this weekend at the Brooklyn Museum! So excited to have connected with all the amazing people who stopped by. If you missed us, no worries, we’ll keep you posted on future pop-ups via our newsletter!
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