This is the first most annoying skin condition that causes concern for just about everyone. It usually starts when we hit puberty. The hormone fluctuations can cause elevated oil production and along with that, breakouts. These can range from mild to severe enough to be disfiguring. I urge my clients with teenagers to get them on a good skin care routine as soon as they see the breakouts happening, if not before. It is also a good time to start them on a visit to a facialist. A good acne preventive facial can clean out the blackheads and I can give them advice. Many times they will listen to my advice when they won’t listen to a parent.
Unfortunately for many, acne doesn’t stop in the teen years. I was one of those people who continued to have breakouts through my 20’s, and than again during peri-menapause. Acne can also happen after any large hormone event. Having a child, getting a divorce, losing a loved one, losing a job, starting a new job. Any number of stress events like these can cause a breakout to happen. Stress causes your body to release hormones, very like the ones prior to your period.
There are a few over the counter products to combat breakouts.
The two main ingredients in acne treatments are,
Salicylic Acid
(Also known as Beta-Hydroxy Acid)
It exfoliates the skin and can improve the texture and color of the skin. It penetrates oil clogged follicles helping with acne. It also has been found less irritating to many skin types then the more commonly used Alpha-Hydroxy Acid.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
(Glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids)
Creams with these acids can help with fine lines, irregular pigmentation, age spots, and may help decrease large pores.
Only use a 5% to 10% concentration to start with. It is advisable to ease into this to avoid irritation. Starting with an every other day application until your skin adapts. I have found using Alpha Hydroxy acids can exfoliate dead skin cell buildup on the surface of the skin. Therefore helping with breakouts.
You can get a higher concentration applied by an esthetician. Many of my clients come in once a month or so to have this done. It can leave the skin with a glow and helps with cellular turnover. (The new formation of skin cells).
When using any type of acid it is advisable to wear a sunscreen. The exfoliating leaves the skin open to sun sensitivity. If you do not wear a sunscreen after these treatments you leave your skin exposed to possible sunburn and the resultant skin damage that goes with it.
Tretinoin (Stronger counterpart of Retinol, or Vitamin A)
Many Dermatologists prescribe this to help skin ageing, improve pigmentation, and clear up acne.
There are oral medications that can be used to help with severe acne or cystic acne. Only your Doctor can advise you on this course of action. If you do choose to go that way please be advised of the side effects. Also a good skin care routine always should go along with any oral medication.
I am prone to trying good diet and skin care before taking medications. Many times the oral antibiotics only improve the condition for a short time and then the body gets used to them. Usually doctors then prescribe a different one and the cycle continues. They can be helpful, but they also can have some down sides. If you have tried the RX route and find you are still having issues you should re-evaluate.
Been using certain skin care for your acne and found it has stopped working even though it worked great at first?
This is common. Our skin gets used to things. I advise to stop using the line of products for a couple weeks and then start using it again. This shocks the skin into reacting favorably to the product again.
The Products dry out your skin?
Again common with acne controlling agents. Use them every other day if this happens and use a good non clogging moisturizer.
I will be writing about a pulsating light treatment that can also be used to help with acne and other skin conditions in my next post.
No comments:
Post a Comment