So June is acne awareness month… It often begins as a teenager, or it comes in your mid 20’s, or when you’re pregnant, or going through other hormonal changes (hello, menopause!)…unfortunately almost 85% of Australians will experience acne at some stage in their lives.
Acne is the skin condition involving our skin’s pores (the hair follicles) becoming plugged with oil and other dead skin cells which then lead to a build-up of bacteria. Pimples are the most common side effect of acne, however the presence of pimples doesn’t necessarily mean it’s acne. It can be confusing!
While most common in teenagers and young adults (when the body is going through enormous hormonal change and may be producing more oil), acne is unfortunately a problem for people of all ages. Symptoms of acne may range from uninflamed blackheads to pus-filled pimples or large, red and tender bumps. Extreme cases may lead to scarring or continue to be a problem beyond puberty. There are also several skin conditions related to acne.
Some of these include:
-Ingrown Hairs
Where shaved or tweezed hair may grow back into the skin causing inflammation.
-Folliculitis
The infection of one or more of the pockets from which hair grows.
-Keratosis Pilaris
A condition that causes rough patches and small acne-like bumps on the skin.
-Pimples
We’re all familiar with these uncomfortable red, tender bumps with white pus at their tips.
-Abscess
A confined pocket of pus that collects in tissues, organs or spaces inside the body.
-Atopic Dermatitis
An itchy inflammation of the skin that may affect the comfort and appearance of the skin on the face or body.
Sufferers of extreme acne may require medical treatment, such as antibiotics, to treat the bacteria beneath the skin. However, for most sufferers there are now many natural treatment alternatives to alleviate acne symptoms and prevent their problematic return.
Treatments
Prevention/ minimisation
A healthy diet high in vegetables and slow energy release/low GI energy sources, low in sugar, dairy and fats, can help to minimise the build up of oils in the skin’s hair follicles. A regular intake of healthy amounts of water can help also.
Avoiding oil-based makeups and greasy sunscreens is also recommended. Mineral based cosmetics allow the skin to breathe and often have incredible nutrients included in them. At My Escape, we offer the amazing Melbourne brand, Curtis Collection, of mineral make up. Such a huge collection of foundations, concealers and more – come in and see our range at My Escape.
Skin Care
Caring for your skin should be a part of your daily routine (regardless of acne severity) but we get it, we’re exhausted at night and too busy in the mornings!
There are many creams and cleansers that have been improved in recent years as more becomes known about acne and how different minerals and plant ingredients behave when applied to the sufferer’s skin. Your My Escape skin therapist can make recommendations to best suit your skin type and levels of inflammation.
At My Escape Skin Spa we recommend the Ultraceuticals congestion range designed to target and clear build up of bacteria and oils and reduce further breakouts. A foam cleanser will clean the areas, while pore refiners and treatment serums will target blemishes, decongest skin and improve the overall skin texture. Spot complex treatments can clear blemishes and the purifying mask and hydrating lotion will calm and hydrate the skin.
Often a treatment course of 3-6 peels can reduce the severity of your acne outbreak if using the cosmeceutical products alone doesn’t resolve it.
Fish Oils
Omega 3 fatty acids and particularly EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory benefits leading to improvements for many acne sufferers if taken or applied regularly. The Ultimate Omega range from Nordic Naturals is what we truly believe helps acne skin conditions (and others too!).
The omega 3 fatty acids target inflammation to lessen the redness and swelling and therefore calm the appearance of the skin and acne. Omega 3 fatty acids can be taken as supplements or as part of a balanced diet including omega rich food sources such as fish (salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines are best). Plant based food sources of omega 3 fatty acids include flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts.
Diathermy/ Dermaceuticals
The procedure of Microneedling is also very effective in the prevention and improvement of acne and related symptoms.
Microneedling procedures combine natural therapies and scientific research to give your distressed and inflamed skin a chance to calm and recover. Authorised microneedling treatments offer a range of devices to generate the best results to meet your specific skincare needs. The benefits of microneedling move beyond the treatment of acne with great results also being achieved in lessening the effects of ageing, pigmentation and stretch marks.
The Dermapen technology used by My Escape Skin Spa has been effective in treating many skin types and conditions leading them to a healthy and glowing complexion. Further benefits of the microneedling treatments have included skin hydration, increased blood flow and even the promotion of serotonin (a natural mood stabiliser) which is also great for sleep!
Many sufferers will use a combination of cleansing, eating well, Omega 3 fatty acids, and the aid of regular facials or microneedling to best treat their acne symptoms.
Dietician/ GP/ Dermatologist consultation
In persistent and extreme cases some acne sufferers may benefit from consultations with a professional Dietician, Dermatologist, or their GP for a diagnosis for acne treatment. However, many acne sufferers don’t require medical intervention at all.
Professional skincare isn’t what you get over the counter at a department store or chemist. Sure, some of the ingredients listed on their packaging ARE great for skin, but the problem with over the counter products is that they are most often not in the molecular structure that is needed for these ingredients to penetrate the skin and actually achieve results. In simple terms, the molecules are too big to break through the skin – that is why professional cosmeceutical products will generally achieve results so much quicker than department store products.
Feel free to contact us for your consultation and treatment plan. We can’t wait to treat you!
