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Acneic Skin

Though all pimples start the same way, they can take many forms and may react differently for different people. All acne begins with one basic lesion: The comedo, an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria. Invisible to the naked eye, the comedo lurks beneath the surface of your skin waiting for the right conditions to grow into an inflamed lesion. As the skin continues to produce more oil, bacteria flourishes within the swollen follicle. The surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as your white blood cells fight against the intruders.  

Types of Acne

NON-INFLAMMATORY ACNE  

Closed comedo, or whitehead. If the plugged follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo, or whitehead. They usually appear on the skin as small, whitish bumps.  

Open comedo, or blackhead. If the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin, it's called an open comedo, or blackhead. The plug's dark appearance is not due to dirt, but rather to a buildup of melanin, the skin's dark pigment.

INFLAMMATORY ACNE  

Papule. The mildest form of inflammatory acne is the papule, which appears on the skin as a small, firm pink bump. These can be tender to the touch, and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and clearly inflammatory lesions. 

Pustule. Like papules, pustules are small round lesions; unlike papules, they are clearly inflamed and contain visible pus. They may appear red at the base, with a yellowish or whitish center. Pustules do not commonly contain a great deal of bacteria; the inflammation is generally caused by chemical irritation from sebum components such as fatty free acids.

Nodule or Cyst. Large and usually very painful, nodules are inflamed, pus-filled lesions lodged deep within the skin. Nodules develop when the contents of a comedo have spilled into the surrounding skin and the local immune system responds, producing pus. The most severe form of acne lesion, nodules may persist for weeks or months, their contents hardening into a deep cyst. Both nodules and cysts often leave deep scars.  

Acne conglobata. This rare but serious form of inflammatory acne develops primarily on the back, buttocks and chest. In addition to the presence of pustules and nodules, there may be severe bacterial infection.

Hormonally-influenced acne is usually moderate and limited to inflammatory papules and small inflammatory nodules and occasional comedones

Recommended Daily Care: (twice daily, morning and night.).

PreCleanse: Use Precleanse to Dissolve oil-based make up, sebum, sunscreen and environmental pollutants from skin’s surface, enabling skin to be thoroughly cleansed.

Cleanse: Work a pea-sized amount of Clearing Skin Wash into a lather in wet hands. Apply to wet face and throat, massaging in circular motion while concentrating on any areas of congestion & oiliness. Avoid eye area. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water.

Tone: Follow with Skin Purifying Wipes. Provides antibacterial protection to the skin's surface to help prevent breakouts. Use throughout the day as a hygenic touch up.

Moisturize: Morning: Apply Oil Control Lotion over damp face and throat with light, upward strokes. May be applied over or mixed with Special Clearing Booster. Night: Apply a thin layer of Overnight Clearing Gel all over clean face. Allow to absorb.

Recommended Weekly Care:

Exfoliate: Apply a thin layer of Gentle Cream Exfoliant over cleansed skin, avoiding the lip and nostril area. Use care around the delicate eye area as well. Let activate for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse well. Use once or twice weekly.

Deep Cleanse: Apply a smooth film of Sebum Clearing Masque to clean face and throat, avoiding the eye area. May also be used only on the T-zone. Allow masque to set for ten minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use once or twice weekly.

Recommended Professional Care:

The Problematic Facial - Focus will be to thoroughly exfoliate using a retexturing mask, extract and draw out impurities with a clay-based mask to finish.

If, after careful and consistent treatment at home, your acne isn't improving or seems to be worsening, you should contact your doctor. Your dermatologist may prescribe acne mediations, and will have helpful advice regarding proper home treatment.

DO’s:

  1. Make sure that the hands are clean when you touch your face. Special care has to be taken when touching the spotty areas.
  2. Always use an oil-free or water based product for cleansing, toning and moisturizing.
  3. Exercise regularly.
  4. Try to reduce stress in your life.
  5. Stick to a diet rich in vegetables, salads and whole grains.
  6. Use sunscreen.

DON’Ts:

  1. Touch or squeeze spots.
  2. Ever go to bed with make-up on.

All Dermalogica products for your skin type

The information contained herein is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Any information found herein should be discussed with a health care professional. Use of this information should be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by your health care professional. For specific medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment, consult your doctor.