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One of the most annoying things that happens to the skin of the face is acne. According to statistics, about 80% of the world’s population faces this problem. How to recognize acne in time and effectively deal with its manifestations, read in our article.
What is acne
Acne is one of the most common dermatological problems. According to statistics, every third visit to a dermatologist or cosmetologist is associated with acne on the face.
Why does acne appear
This phenomenon has at least four reasons:
increased production of sebum;
hyperkeratinization of the ducts of the sebaceous glands, resulting in their clogging;
reproduction in the ducts of the sebaceous glands of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes;
inflammation.
Separate juvenile and adult acne
In addition, a number of other factors contribute to the appearance of acne.
Genetics
“Most often, acne occurs in adolescence, when the body is going through hormonal changes. And she, in turn, provokes an increased work of the sebaceous glands, – says Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenereologist, medical expert of the La Roche-Posay brand. – This feature of the hormonal background can be inherited. So if your parents suffered from acne as teenagers, you may be affected by this problem too.”
Hormonal background
One of the “triggers” of acne is hypersensitivity to androgens. Up to 75% of women note an increase in the number of rashes in the second stage of the menstrual cycle.
Stress
By itself, stress does not cause rashes, but it actively affects the hormonal background and can worsen the course of the disease. For many patients, the very presence of acne is a stress factor.
Globally, nutrition does not affect the course of the disease. But there are products that can negatively affect the condition of the skin.
Excess carbohydrates can in some cases make the sebaceous glands work more intensively.
Milk – this has been proven in the course of research – it also increases the activity of the glands and contributes to the start of inflammatory processes. Saturated acids in milk stimulate the cell-growth hormone IGF-1 (IGF 1). And he, like male hormones, provokes the appearance of acne.
Transgender. More precisely, trans-fatty (unsaturated fatty) acids, which are found, for example, in chips, french fries, convenience foods. In addition, trans fats are formed in olive oil during frying. Their consumption also increases the rate of secretion.
Sugar. To make sure that the “sweet poison” is also to blame for skin problems, conduct an experiment: for three weeks, do not eat sweets and desserts – and notice that the rashes have decreased.
Dairy products and baked goods can trigger acne
To avoid acne symptoms, try to rearrange your diet so that it is based on:
vegetables;
fruits (yes, there is a lot of sugar, but there are also vitamins, trace elements and fiber);
nuts and whole grains;
seafood.
Manifestations of acne
It is not difficult to recognize acne in oneself: on the face – acne, blackheads, inflamed skin. Speaking about acne, experts distinguish primary elements and secondary ones that occur in place of the primary ones.
Comedones
They are of two types.
Closed comedones
This is sebum that accumulates in the ducts of the sebaceous glands, and as a result a white “head” is formed.
open comedones
They are formed due to the accumulation of sebum, dead cells of the epidermis, dust in the duct of the sebaceous gland. All this, like a cork, clogs the pore, then the top layer is oxidized and the melanin pigment appears – this is how the comedone acquires a dark color. Therefore, open comedones are called black dots.
papules
If an inflammatory reaction begins in the tissues around the comedone, it collapses and a papule forms – a red, inflamed tubercle on the skin.
Pustules (pustules)
These are cavities filled with pus and resulting from the attachment and reproduction of Propionibacterium acnes.
Nodes and cysts
Acne classifications
“Depending on the nature of the elements of the rash and the severity of the course of inflammation, several types of acne are distinguished,” explains Alexander Prokofiev:
ordinary (vulgar, youthful) appear in adolescence
conglobate characterized by the presence of large nodular painful elements prone to the formation of cysts;
lightning fast arise very quickly and strongly suppurate, there is a general intoxication of the body, fever; with this form, hospitalization is indicated;
mechanical appear as a result of exposure to the skin in places where clothing or headgear (for example, a peaked cap or cap) squeezes and rubs the skin.
There are several types of acne
Acne is also classified according to age.
Acne in newborns
Appears in the first days of a baby’s life under the influence of adrenal androgens of the mother and child. Treatment usually does not require, it goes away on its own.
Juvenile (teenage) acne
It is they who have in mind, mentioning the term “acne”. The most common type of acne, occurring in 80% of adolescents 12-16 years old.
Adult acne (acne tarda)
Such a diagnosis is made in patients over 25 years of age, regardless of whether this is the onset of the disease or recurrent, long-term rashes that continue from adolescence. Debut can be affected by:
changes in the hormonal background;
taking medicines;
improperly selected cosmetics;
stress.
Acne classification by age
| Types of acne | Causes | Location of rashes | Acne forms | Features |
| youthful | Fluctuations in the level of steroid and sex hormones during puberty. | In the forehead and nose, that is, in areas of the skin with a high concentration of sebaceous glands. | Papules, pustules, clogged pores are simultaneously present on the skin. | With proper treatment and care, the skin recovers quickly, leaving no traces and scars. |
| adult | There is a proven dependence on the phase of the menstrual cycle, eating disorders and chronic stress. | As a rule, rashes are concentrated in the middle and lower parts of the face – on the cheeks and chin. | Closed and open comedones predominate. | Rashes have a deeper location, so they often leave scars, give more pronounced redness and soreness. |
Cosmetic procedures are used to combat acne
Ways to deal with acne
The method of treatment for acne depends on its form and severity. Patients with a mild form are usually given local therapy, with moderate and severe forms, a systemic one is added. Acne treatment is aimed at preventing comedones, clearing clogged ducts of the sebaceous glands, reducing sebum secretion, and protecting against bacteria.
Cosmetic procedures
To accelerate the effect, complex anti-acne therapy may include cosmetic procedures.
Cleaning
Mechanical and ultrasonic cleansing are cosmetic procedures that are particularly well suited for the removal of comedones. After the session, topical preparations penetrate the skin better.
Chemical peeling
Peeling using acids (for example, salicylic, glycolic, retinoic) reduces the production of sebum, helps exfoliate skin cells and lighten age spots.
Mesotherapy
An injection technique in which active substances are directly delivered to where they are needed.
One of the stages of skin care for acne – clay-based face masks
Cosmetical tools
Proper skin care for acne-prone skin will support it in the course of treatment, and in mild forms it will significantly reduce the manifestations – provided that the products are selected with the help of a doctor. The main thing is to make sure that the formulas are delicate, do not dry out and do not irritate the skin.
Washing agent. For cleansing, use foaming gels with a mild formula.
Tonic. Choose alcohol-free skin toning products.
Cream. The texture should be light, and moisturizing ingredients are required. Lipid-based formulas can cause clogged pores.
Mask. Make a cleansing mask 1-2 times a week, provided that there is no inflammation on the face. Clay masks are well suited to eliminate excess sebum, they also deeply cleanse the pores.
Facial scrub. Your choice is exfoliants with soft abrasive particles (for example, polymer granules) or atraumatic peels.
Funds overview
Purification
Cleansing foaming gel for oily skin prone to acne Effaclar Gel, La Roche-Posay
Eliminates impurities, cleanses pores, removes excess sebum, contains components with antibacterial action.
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Deep cleansing gel Normaderm, Vichy
The formula based on salicylic, glycolic and LHA acids well removes impurities from the pores, eliminates oily sheen, preventing the appearance of inflammation. Doesn’t dry out the skin.
Masks
Mineral mask with clay, purifying pores, Vichy
White clay of two types (kaolin and bentonite) helps to cleanse the pores of impurities. Aloe vera and allantoin prevent dry skin. Hypoallergenic agent.
Mask “Magic of Clay. Cleansing and Matting “, L’Oréal Paris
Three types of clay are responsible for removing excess sebum and matting: kaolin absorbs impurities, montmorillonite fights imperfections, gassul saturates the skin with minerals. Eucalyptus extract is refreshing.
Care
Corrective emulsion for oily skin against shine and blackheads Effaclar K +, La Roche-Posay
Restores skin texture, reduces the number of comedones, and also prevents their appearance, instantly mattifies the skin for 8 hours, effectively reduces sebum production and tightens pores.
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Gel for local use for problem skin Blue Herbal Spot Treatment, Kiehl’s
The salicylic acid contained in the product helps fight acne blemishes by reducing their appearance and clearing the skin. Gives a feeling of comfort and well soothes the skin.
Exfoliation
Gel, scrub, mask “Clean Skin 3-in-1”, Garnier
The triple formula with zinc, eucalyptus extract and salicylic acid gently exfoliates the skin, eliminates excess sebum and impurities, and thereby resists the appearance of inflammatory elements.
Cleanser Normaderm 3-in-1, Vichy
Creamy with white clay, mild exfoliating microparticles, salicylic and glycolic acids, can be used as a cleanser, scrub or mask to thoroughly remove impurities, prevent clogged pores, and eliminate oiliness.