It’s very common for most people to misunderstand this chronic condition called acne.
While some may confuse it with pimples, others tend to be unaware that it can be a longstanding situation and can also show up in different ways (or forms). Hence, this should be put into consideration when approaching the management of this condition.
By definition, acne vulgaris is a disease that affects hair follicles and oil glands. One of the symptoms of acne is pimples.
First and foremost, all pimples often starts as pores clogged by sebum, dead skin cells, & dirts. This leads to whiteheads and blackheads (comedones) formation. – They are non-inflammatory acne.
When clogged pores become blocked, there’s build up of dirt and debris which can become infected by a bacteria (cutibacterium acnes). They then undergo the process of inflammation. – The body system’s response to infection- and they become papules and pustules, nodules and cysts. – These are inflammatory acne.
How to tell?
If your acne is mostly small, white or black/grey pumps, they’re most likely to be comedones. Whiteheads are comedones that is still enclosed i.e., clogged pores. While blackheads are comedones that the tips are open and oxidized by air, turning them dark.
NB: Don’t confuse whiteheads with ‘fungal acne’ which is the infection of follicles by a fungus – Pityrosporum yeast. This organism lives normally on the skin but can overgrow and invade the follicles causing Pityrosporum Folliculitis. It is characterized by white, tiny hard pumps that are not easy to pop. They’re in areas with concentrated glands & sebum, like face, scalp and trunk.
For fungal acne, you’ll need anti-fungal treatments and also have to avoid triggers like excessive heat, humidity & sweating.
If your acne a bit larger, reddish, pus-filled, and sometimes painful, they’re most likely already infected. They are now papules, pustules, or even cystic acne.
Management of Inflammatory and Non-inflammatory acne
The best approach for whichever type of acne is treatment AND prevention.
For comedones(non-inflammatory acne), these are mild forms of acne. AHAs(lactic acid, glycolic acid), and BHAs(Salicylic acid) which penetrate deep into the pores to exfoliate, cleansing them of dirts and debris are very helpful.
Another key ingredient is vitamin A derivatives such as Adapalene, Retinol, e.t.c. Adapalene prevents formation of comedones. Retinol minimizes pores, stimulates cell renewal also helps by producing newer skin cells which replaces the dead skin cells, pushing them to the surface of the skin to be gotten rid of. There’re best used at night.
Please note that these are also preventive measures, to keep help pimples at bay and stop you from breaking out.
For inflammatory acne- that has been infected, actives like Benzoyl peroxide targets the source of the pimples and kills off the bacteria that causes them. Sulfur is also another good alternative. Retinoids and Azeliac acid also helps with inflammatory acne.
In some cases, prescription medications like antibiotics, prescription retinoids, hormone medication, etc, would be needed. This solely depends on the diagnosis made by the dermatologist or esthetician and the primary cause of the acne.
Some dermatological procedures like chemical peels and intense pulsed light therapy can also be used.
Remember, If you have cystic acne that goes deep into the skin, please do not attempt to pop them at home. Consult a professional.
shop
Miste intense repair Retinol serum is an ultimate treatment for acne as it contains actives with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Retinol and Niacinamide, plant extracts and DMEA which helps with collagen formation.
Best selling intense repair serum for acne treatment and for anti-aging
Note: You’re not to use salicylic acid and retinol together in the same routine as they’re both penetrative actives and can lead to further irritation.
Zinc Oxide is another active ingredient that helps with inflammation. It soothes and calms the skin, also offering sun protection which is helpful in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It’s found mostly in physical sunscreens, some serums and masks.
Misté Skin brightening Vitamin C serum contains zinc oxide which soothes and calms the skin and brightening agents like Vitamin C and Arbutin to help with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This will help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne.
We can’t overemphasize the importance of adequate hydration for the skin when tackling acne. This is especially because most of the products used to treat acne has drying effects on the skin. So, moisturizing properly is very necessary.
Misté Skin low molecular weight hyaluronic acid serum also contains other hydrating and anti-inflammatory actives such as aloe vera, peptides and plant extracts like green tea, rose hip and carrot seed.
