Dealing with acne can be incredibly challenging, impacting your skin, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
Various factors, from hormonal changes to lifestyle choices, contribute to the development of this widespread skin condition. Understanding the different types of acne and what causes them to establish an effective skincare routine is important. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the types and causes of acne while sharing valuable tips from a few of our expert friends from your skincare brands.
Different Types of Acne:
Mild Acne: This type is characterized by occasional blackheads, whiteheads, and sporadic red spots, typically affecting less than half of the face. Although less severe, it can still be bothersome and may require targeted treatment.
Moderate Acne: As acne progresses, moderate cases involve more extensive areas of the face, with an increased presence of blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory papules and pustules. The skin may appear reddened and inflamed, indicating a more aggressive condition.
Severe Acne: At the severe end of the spectrum, acne can cover most of the face, leading to substantial discomfort and psychological distress. This stage often involves a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, inflammatory nodules, and cysts, causing significant inflammation and scarring.
Causes of Acne:
Excess Sebum Production: One of the primary drivers of acne is the overproduction of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. This excess oil can clog pores, providing a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria and leading to blemishes.
Pore-Clogging: Alongside sebum, dead skin cells and environmental debris can accumulate within pores, exacerbating acne. Proper cleansing and exfoliation are essential for preventing pore blockages and minimizing breakouts.
Bacterial Colonisation: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria often aggravate Acne within the hair follicles. These bacteria contribute to inflammation and the formation of inflammatory lesions characteristic of acne.
Expert Tips and Solutions:
1. Understand Your Acne Type
Understanding the specific subtype of acne is crucial for selecting appropriate skincare products. One doesn’t fit all. Your skin’s unique biological mechanisms need tailored products and routines to help them improve.
At Bioderma we understand that biologically in the skin, there are different things going on within each of these acne sub-types and so naturally, they need to be treated differently. We have Sebium Kerato+ Moisturiser which is specialised in treating mild acne over the counter, an exfoliating and hydrating daily moisturiser. Then we have Sebium Sensitive Moisturiser which is formulated in treating sensitive skin suffering with moderate acne and that may be starting to feel weakened from using acne prescriptive treatments. And finally we have Sebium Hydra Moisturiser which is our most nourishing formula to help those with severe acne who may be extremely dry and irritated from taking isotretinoin (Roaccutane) treatments to treat their acne as prescribed by their medical professional. – Gemma Jones, Bioderma Brand Trainer.
2. Be Consistent (and Patient) With Cleansing
Effective acne management involves a holistic approach, including proper cleansing, targeted skincare ingredients like salicylic acid, and professional guidance from dermatologists or healthcare providers. Patience is vital, as visible improvements may take several weeks to manifest.
Acne is a product of three main things – over-production of oil (or sebum), pore-clogging and bacterial colonisation. In order to treat acne effectively please consider:
Seeing a medical specialist that can deal effectively with your skin (e.g. a dermatologist or your GP).
Cleansing effectively twice daily to remove impurities, dirt and oil.
Selecting products like Effaclar that contain ingredients targeted towards blemish management, like salicylic acid. When building a skincare regime, add in products slowly and allow time for changes to be seen. Skin renews every month so at least 4 weeks are required to know if a product is making positive changes. It is normal to have acne and nothing to be ashamed of. Please discuss with a professional if you are experiencing any negative thoughts. – Dr Alia Ahmed, Consultant Dermatologist
3. Work On Your Stress Levels
Managing stress through relaxation techniques and self-care practices can complement skincare routines in combating acne. Chronic stress can exacerbate acne by stimulating sebaceous gland activity and impairing skin cell turnover.
Chronic stress is a top cause of acne, it sends the skin’s sebaceous glands in overdrive, and slows down cell turnover. Our Clear Start set helps control oil, unblock pores and calm the skin. Victoria – Head of Education and Training Dermalogica
4. Choose Natural Actives
Natural solutions can still offer effective acne treatment by targeting key factors such as excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacterial proliferation. Incorporating products rich in natural active ingredients like salicylic acid and grape seed polyphenols can help maintain clear, healthy skin.
Caudalie’s Vinopure collection is the natural solution for acne-prone skin. We use natural active ingredients to treat and prevent breakouts and blackheads. In fact, our 4-step Vinopure routine (Cleanser + Toner + Serum + Fluid) clinically provides 2X fewer breakouts after 1 week!* The Vinopure collection features the Vinopure Serum, your clear skin defender! It targets the factors which cause breakouts: dead skin cells, bacteria, and excess oil. It also targets blackheads and enlarged pores.
- The Vinopure Serum contains:
- 100% natural salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog the pore.
- Grape seed polyphenols to limit sebum oxidation.
- 6 anti-microbial essential oils.
- Hydrating hyaluronic acid.
The Vinopure collection is also vegan, synthetic-fragrance free, silicone-free, and contain +96% natural origin ingredients.
*Dermatological scoring with the Vinopure gel, lotion, serum, fluid routine, on 22 women.” – Seth Catalano, Head Of Education at Caudalie.
“Blemishes and inflammatory skin conditions like acne and eczema have one thing in common: they are made worse by a bacterial imbalance on the skin. I use Credo Probiotic Serum because it contains Kalibiome AGE probiotics that restore that balance. It’s my not-so-secret weapon for blemish-free skin, made by Antipodes.” – Sarah Harpur Ruigrok, Communications Lead for Antipodes.
Remember, breakouts happen, and there’s no shame in getting help from us, a friend or a dermatologist. With the right approach, you can conquer acne and be skin-confident!
