People who suffer from acne prone skin may benefit from knowing about their type of skin type and acne they have. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skin care routine that works for these types can be of great help.
Caring for acne prone skin is more than applying blemish-busting products. It involves making certain changes in your lifestyle which is usually an improved routine for your skin care. Read further to get expert tips on everything, starting from picking and popping to undergoing effective clinical procedures.
What do you mean by blemish prone skin and acne?
The easiest way to know about acne is to divide it into two categories: inflammatory and non-inflammatory types.
Non-inflammatory
Non-inflammatory acne is about clogged pores which appear in the form of whiteheads or blackheads.
It is easy to detect and mildest type. Blackheads may appear somewhat flat against the skin and have dark appearance. On the other hand, whiteheads are small skin-colored bumps.
Inflammatory
Anything having red or more robust appearance can be categorised as inflammatory acne.
This may range from papules and pustules to severe cysts and nodules.
Papules are small and red bumps while pustules seem to be small bumps containing pus. Papules generally turn into pustules.
These inflamed bumps are usually greater than usual pimple and they appear like they are beneath the skin.
Acne versus rosacea
Sometimes acne may be confused with rosacea.
Rosacea is severe skin condition which involves the tendency to blush easily and may cause chronic redness on the:
- cheeks
- chin
- forehead
- nose
Though there are four subtypes of rosacea, the most common type is acne rosacea or papulopustular. This kind involves acne like breakouts.
Acne vulgaris, on the other hand, is common acne characterized with inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. It may include cysts, blackheads, pimples and other forms of acne.
It is quite possible to have acne vulgaris and acne rosacea simultaneously.
Symptoms of acne rosacea include the following:
- raised skin patches
- redness and flushing
- blood vessels
- acne-like breakouts
- sensitive skin
- red skin
Acne vulgaris comprises of clogged pores and may denote in the form of:
- whiteheads
- cysts and nodules
- blackheads
- pus-filled bumps
- oily skin
Possible contributing factors for rosacea are:
- bacteria causing intestinal infections called H. pylori
- hereditary factors
- a mite which is known as demodex
- overreaction of your immune system
- the way your body processes protein cathelicidin which protects skin from infection
Causes of acne
Acne happens due to the combination of bacteria, hormones and oil. When dead skin cells, bacteria and oil clog the follicles, sebum cannot escape these pores causing acne. Each pore of skin is an opening to hair follicle made of hair and sebaceous, or gland, oil. The oil gland produces sebum for keeping your skin soft and lubricated.
Some causes of acne are the following:
- accumulation of bacteria in your pores
- dead skin cells which accumulate in the pores
- follicles producing lots of oil
Overproduction of oil occurs due to change in hormones such as:
- menstrual cycle
- menopause
- pregnancy
- puberty
This is the reason hormonal birth control can help to deal with the symptoms of acne. Though many teenagers suffer from acne outbreaks, acne may occur at any age. Whatever might be the initial reason, acne takes place when pores gets clogged and there is inflammation.
Acne and skin type
It is quite common to have a connection with oily skin and acne. Having excess oil in your skin may contribute to acne breakouts. But your dry skin type may suffer from acne due to various reasons, whether it is due to environmental factors or bad skin care routine which causes irritation to the skin and clogs the pores.
There is an easy way to work out with your skin type. Firstly, you need to wash face by using mild soap. Pat it dry gently and do not apply any skin care products. Examine your skin after a couple of hours. If it becomes skiny, you have oily skin and when it is flaky, red or rough, it means you are having dry skin.
Combination skin will be dry on the cheeks and shiny on the chin, forehead and nose. Your normal skin will have healthy glow without any visible issues. It is possible to remain acne-prone without having oily or dry skin.
What you can do to avoid breakouts
Acne treatment does not involve trying different products. It includes careful cleansing and certain changes in your lifestyle.
Effective prevention includes:
- Wash your face two times in a day and after sweating
- Regularly wash things which get in contact with your skin
- Use safe extraction methods from a dermatologist
- Stay gentle with the skin and do not use harsh scrubs
- Check hair care ingredients
- Do not pop pr pick
- Use noncomedogenic products
- Remain in proper hydration
When you need to visit a dermatologist for acne
It is possible to treat mild acne by taking over-the-counter products. When it does not improve, you may have to schedule an appointment with the dermatologist.
At the first appointment, you will be asked about your medical history and present skin care regime. The dermatologist will be examining your skin condition to know if you have acne and the type it is.
You will be leaving with a medication prescription for either oral, topical or both with certain lifestyle recommendations. You may need to consider some procedures to soothe your skin and lessen scarring. You need to go for routine follow-ups as the dermatologist wants to know how your skin is progressing and update with the treatment plan.
As patience is the ultimate key, use acne treatment for at least one month before you may try a new one. You will then have to wait for almost 3 months before finding a big difference. In the case you do not find any improvement, consider opting for a new skin care product or see a dermatologist at md.co.uk for getting personalised advice.
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