Acne

Acne

Acne is an Inflammatory skin condition that causes spots and pimples, especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms.

Acne is a common problem. It can cause severe embarrassment and can affect people of all ages, not only teenagers. It occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Human skin has pores that connect to oil glands under the skin. Follicles connect the glands to the pores. Follicles are small sacs that produce and secrete sebum in charge of carrying dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin.

four factors that contribute to the development of acne:

• the skin producing too much oil, which clogs pores

• dead skin cells building up, which has the same effect

• the presence of a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the pores

• inflammation of the skin, which also leads to redness

Acne pimples can vary in size, color and level of pain. Not dangerous but it can leave skin scars.

The following types are possible:

• Whiteheads: These remain under the skin and are small

• Blackheads: Clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin

• Papules: Small, usually pink bumps, these are visible on the surface of the skin

• Pustules: Clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top

• Nodules: Clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid, painful pimples that are embedded deep in the skin

• Cysts: Clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful and filled with pus. Cysts can cause scars.

Some factors may trigger acne:

• Humid climates: sweat can be particularly difficult to regulate. While humidity doesn’t necessarily make you sweat more, it allows sweat to stay on your skin for longer periods of time, making pores even more likely to clog.

•  Environmental factors such as pollution: In recent years, an increasing number of studies indicate a link between acne and exposure to air pollution. Daily skincare is strongly recommended in acne management in polluted environments. Gentle cleansers that do not further disturb the natural barrier function are suggested to eliminate pollution on the skin surface.

• Work out: Sport activities can cause excessive sweating. A proper hygiene before and after the gym is essential. Sweating during exercises can bring to an excess of oil, dirt, and bacteria on your skin.

•   Hormonal changes: While both men and women produce androgen hormones, men secrete much more oil because they produce more testosterone. Fluctuations in testosterone levels increase sebum production leading to acne. Although men do not experience a monthly cycle of fluctuating hormones like females do, there are activities that can alter the testosterone level in the body and at the skin level leading to more acne. Stress, exercise, sexual intercourse, age, and your genetic profile all affect the level of testosterone in your body. Hormonal acne is characterized by raised, red, and tender bumps or large red/white bumps filled with pus. Cysts are deep pimples without an opening on the surface. These pimples tend to be deeper than superficial whiteheads or blackheads. Hormonal acne often involves the lower half of the face including the cheeks, jawline chin, and neck.

• Facial hair: men facial hair can also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and trap oil. However, it is important to note that some men get facial bumps that look like acne but are ingrown hairs. Always shave after washing your face with a gentle cleanser, hydrate before and after and use a clean razor.

• Certain drugs: including corticosteroids, lithium, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, androgenic steroids, DHEA, and medications that contain bromides or iodides, can cause acne or acne-like eruptions. Men who take androgenic steroids to build muscle mass may also get acne.

• Diet: Studies indicate that consuming certain foods — including carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, bagels and chips — may worsen acne. Further study is needed to examine whether people with acne would benefit from following specific dietary restrictions.

• Stress: Stress doesn't cause acne, but if you have acne already, stress may make it worse.

Prevention and management tips

Wash your face twice each day with warm water and THE FOAM (Do not use aggressive cleansers or soap)

Do not scrub the skin or burst the pimples.

Avoid popping pimples, as this makes scarring likelier.

Refrain from touching the face.

Hold the telephone away from the face when talking, as it is likely to contain sebum and skin residue.

Wash hands frequently, especially before applying creams.

If acne is on the back, shoulders, or chest, try wearing loose clothing to let the skin breathe. Avoid tight garments, such as headbands, caps, and scarves, or wash them regularly if used.

avoid oil-based products.

Use an electric shaver or sharp safety razors when shaving. Soften the skin and beard with warm water and cleanser before applying shaving cream.

Keep hair clean, as it collects sebum and skin residue. Avoid greasy hair products, such as those containing cocoa butter.

Avoid excessive sun exposure, as it can cause the skin to produce more sebum.

Avoid anxiety and stress, as it can increase production of cortisol and adrenaline, which exacerbate acne.

Try to keep cool and dry in hot and humid climates, to prevent sweating.

Skincare routine for acne:

aTeLieR DeS eLeMeNTS is introducing THE ANTIDOTE that counteracts unpleasant feelings like acne.

• Wash your face morning and evening with THE FOAM https://www.atelierdeselements.com/products/the-foam-detox-and-clean . New generation’s gentle cleanser perfectly adapted to skin facing acne and clogged pores.

• Use THE MASK https://www.atelierdeselements.com/products/the-mask with Chamomile for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and Aloe Vera for its antibacterial properties that can help control and reduce acne-causing bacteria.

• Apply THE ULTRA-MOISTURE https://www.atelierdeselements.com/products/ultra-moisturizer twice a day after washing the face on dried skin. Acne-prone skin typically doesn't have a very strong lipid barrier. Hyaluronic Acid can help protect it and will reduce redness and the visible appearance of acne. Dehydrated skin aggravates acne. Without adequate hydration, skin cells are unable to move through the cycle of dead skin cell removal leading to acne.

…and be careful: If at-home treatments aren’t enough, see your doctor, especially if your breakouts are painful or prone to scarring. A doctor or a dermatologist can prescribe medication and work with you on a treatment plan for clearing up your skin.

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