Acne Treatment

WHAT ARE ACNE

The Pimple Guide: Every Type of Acne, Explained

Zits, pimples, and breakouts…no matter what you call your acne, we can all agree that those spots are difficult to understand and even more confusing to treat. All acne are caused by clogged pores (Comedones):

Non-inflammatory and inflammatory.

NON-INFLAMMATORY ACNE

These type of acne are mild and occur when pores or hair follicles become trapped with dead skin cells and/or sebum. Non-inflammatory acne are visible, but not usually painful.

There are two different types:

BLACKHEADS

When the (clogged pore)—is partially open, the trapped oil and debris inside turns dark, resulting in what’s known as a blackhead.

Another common misconception is that blackheads are clogged with dirt, but the dark color is actually a result of the debris getting oxidized when exposed to air.

To remove that trapped debris and to prevent blackheads, exfoliate regularly.

WHITEHEADS

Whiteheads, on the other hand, are closed comedones, small, white bumps that protrude from the surface of the skin. Because the pores are closed, the debris inside is not exposed to air and it doesn’t oxidize so it remains white in color.

INFLAMMATORY ACNE

Inflammatory acne are considered a more severe type of acne that result in hard, under the skin pimples that are generally painful to the touch. These type of acne, similar to non-inflammatory acne, also occur when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, but the addition of bacteria also causes an infection.

There are four different types:

PUSTULES

These sub dermal (under the skin) pimples are red, pink, or dark in color and contain pus

PAPULES

Papules look just like pustules, but they do not contain any pus.

NODULES

Nodules are a more severe form of papules. These hard, large bumps are deep beneath the layers of the skin and do not have a head. We can-not pop these type of pimples. Nodular acne might not respond to topical acne treatments and may require a prescription.

CYSTS

The most severe type of acne, cysts are found even deeper beneath the skin than nodules, can appear red, pink, or white in color, and are often very painful. Cystic acne are sometimes considered to be hormonal (they appear around your cycle or due to a hormonal imbalance) and can take a few weeks, even months, to heal and go away completely. Never attempt to pop or pick at cysts, as acne scarring is common.

HOW TO TREAT ACNE

Now that you know the type of pimples your skin is dealing with, understand the best ingredients for treating these breakouts.

SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid is the best ingredient for both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. Cleanse your face with the Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser which contains (over the counter-strength salicylic acid) to keep all kinds of acne at bay.

RETINOL

Most of us view retinol as an ingredient for aging skin, but believe it or not, the vitamin A derivative was originally meant to be an acne treatment. Retinol speeds up cellular turnover rate, pushing old skin cells to the surface (thus, unclogging pores) and healing pimples and the marks they leave behind. As retinol reaches deep beneath the surface of the skin to treat the infection.

SULFUR

This centuries-old ingredient dries out pus, making it a great ingredient for any pimple with a head (such as pustules and whiteheads). The sulfur kills bacteria and calms inflammation to heal the spot;

PRESCRIPTION

Severe, inflammatory pimples (such as cystic acne) may need a stronger treatment. If salicylic acid isn't doing the trick, reach out to your dermatologist. She or he may recommend a prescription to clear up these kinds of breakouts.

Take/Apply

• Water / Lemon Water
• Aloe Vera gel
• Black Seed oil
• Rosehip Seed oil
• Turmeric Paste/Gels/Pack
• Raw Honey
• Increase intake of Vitamin A, C, D, E and Zinc
• Application of Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Cream

Avoid

• Sugar. Refined white sugar, sodas, tetra pack juices, honey, etc.
• Dairy Products.
• Fast Food
• Chocolate.
• Greasy Food.
• Whey Protein Powder.
• Refined Grains.
• Foods Rich in Omega-6 Fats.
• Coffee
• Eggs
• Toothpaste doesn’t help with acne
• Popping pimples with special sterile tools
• Pore Vacuums
• Red and Blue Light Therapy
• Micro Dermabrasion / Hydra Dermabrasion
• Facials at least once a month
• Chemical Peels
• Laser (IPL) Intense Pulsed Light