Acne…

A word that nobody appreciates hearing.  The first thought that comes to mind when experiencing acne is typically:  “How did this happen?” or “How can I treat this?” along with “I’m not beautiful anymore”.

This can be treated by following a good skin care regime recommended by a qualified skin care professional and going for regular face treatments.

To elaborate more on how acne becomes a skin concern, three contributors have to be present on the skin:

Firstly the bacteria that can lead to acne, Propionibacterium also known as P.acne, is present in and around the pilosebaceous-duct.  P.acne converts triglyceride oils to free fatty acids and a glycerol.  During this process the bacteria moves up to the skin surface, this action causes an enzyme called Lipases to form.

Free fatty acids (the second contributor) have advantages as it maintains the pH and aids the defence barrier of the skin, but if this exists in an excessive amount, the free fatty acids can be pro-inflammatory.  The question is often asked why most oily skin types get acne.  This is because they have more sebaceous secretions, therefore more free fatty acids tend to lead to a higher risk of inflammation.  The P.acne has to look for a food source and then return to the sebaceous duct,  This causes an inflammatory response because the bacteria is seen as a foreign body.

The third contributor is excessive keratin on the surface of the skin, this may be caused by topical application of harsh products resulting in dryness, forming a plug in the sebaceous duct.  The P.acne has an unlimited supply of free fatty acids that are trapped within the duct, resulting in pustular activity.

Treatment for acne:  this can range from professional products to specific medication.  In my case I managed to restore my skin using only professional products available from  skin care clinics.  I specifically used a range from Environ:

• SebuPrep which is an oily based cleanser to remove makeup and excess debris
• SebuWash that contains tea tree to reduce bacteria on the skin
• Revitalizing Toner to restore the natural pH
• Moisturising Gel  with Retinyl Palmitate to regenerate and RAD SPF 15 in the morning
• SebuGel A containing colostrum gel to build the skins immunity.  This I applied at night time.
• Using these products to maintain optimal skin health and going for regular face treatments at a clinic will aid in the healing and treatment of acne.

Products to avoid:  harsh cleansers containing alcohol or strong foaming ingredients, this can dry the skin, forming a plug in the sebaceous duct.  Any granular products, especially exfoliators, can spread the acne bacteria by means of the small granules.  It can also irritate and aggravate already inflamed skin.  Avoid washing the skin too much, only twice a day, in the morning and evening.  To protect and repair your skin, always apply a good quality moisturiser.

At View Health and Skincare Clinic we offer amazing acne clearing face treatments to treat the conditions and recommend appropriate products.

Answering your last question, you’re more beautiful than you’ll ever know….

To book a Facemap/consultation, please dial us on 021 7948986/73 or email to:  View@telkomsa.net