Did you know its Acne Awareness month?
The Nef Squad Team want to share the expertise and knowledge on this common skin condition and ways that we can help you navigate this journey.
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It can manifest as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, or nodules. Acne commonly affects the face, neck, back, shoulders, and chest. Here's an overview of the causes, types, treatments, and skincare tips for acne-prone skin:
Causes of Acne
Excess Oil Production: Sebaceous glands produce too much oil (sebum), which can clog pores.
Dead Skin Cells: Accumulation of dead skin cells can mix with sebum, forming a plug-in hair follicle.
Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria can proliferate in clogged pores, causing inflammation.
Hormonal Changes: Hormones, particularly androgens, can increase sebum production. This is common during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
Diet: High glycaemic foods and dairy products have been linked to acne in some studies.
Stress: Stress can exacerbate acne by increasing hormone levels.
Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, androgens, or lithium, can contribute to acne.
Genetics: A family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Acne Grades 1-3
Non-Inflammatory Acne:
Blackheads (Open Comedones): Open pores clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, appearing as small, dark spots.
Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): Closed pores clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, appearing as small, flesh-coloured bumps.
Inflammatory Acne:
Papules: Small, red, inflamed bumps.
Pustules: Red bumps with a white or yellow centre filled with pus.
Nodules: Large, painful, solid lumps beneath the surface of the skin.
Cysts: Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin’s surface
Ingredients that make a difference
Topical Treatments
Benzoyl Peroxide: Reduces bacteria and helps prevent clogged pores.
Salicylic Acid: Helps exfoliate the skin and keep pores clear.
Retinoids: Promote cell turnover and prevent clogging of hair follicles.
Hyaluronic Acid: Helps soothe, calm and prevent trans epidermal water loss in the skin.
Lilac Plant Stem Cell: reduces inflammation, redness & irritation in Acne skins.
Oral Medications
Antibiotics: Reduce bacteria and inflammation (e.g., doxycycline).
Hormonal Treatments: Birth control pills or anti-androgens like spironolactone can help regulate hormones.
Roaccutane: A powerful medication for severe acne that reduces oil production and inflammation.
The Nef Squad team encourage you to discuss your options in salon before taking any medications for you skin, some of the above medications can cause long term nasty side effects.
Professional Treatments
Chemical Peels
Remove the top layer of skin to reduce acne and improve skin texture, we offer Lira clinical peels in salon as part of our Polish & Glow or Perfect & Plump facials.
LED Light Therapy
Target bacteria and calm, heal an inflamed acne skin, this treatment is best in a series of 21-15 treatments two days apart or can be part of your monthly facial treatment in Radiance Revealing, Polish & Glow or Perfect & Plump facials.
Extraction Procedures
Remove blackheads and whiteheads, we offer extractions as part of our facial treatments complimentary unless we need to spend extra time extracting.
Skincare Tips for Acne-Prone Skin
Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser like Hale & Hush quiet cleanser or Lira Clinical Ice Balancing Cleanser twice a day. Avoid scrubbing, which can irritate the skin.
Moisturize: Even oily skin needs moisture. Use a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer, we highly recommend Lira Clinical Ice Balancing Lotion or Hale and Hush Hydrate Gel.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Touching your face can transfer bacteria and oils, worsening acne.
Makeup Brushes: Clean your makeup brushes weekly with antibacterial soap and leave to dry before use, avoid using sponges as they harvest bacteria. We enjoy Saint Minerals Brushes for makeup application.
Sun Protection: Use a non-comedogenic sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage, we like to suggest using a zinc-based SPF, Lira Clinical Oil-Free Solar Shield SPF30 or the Hale and Hush Broad Spectrum SPF30 are our go to’s.
Internal Support: Taking internal supplements such as Be Pure Zinc and Intrametica Purifying Body Cleanse with help to detoxify the gut, offer antioxidant & antibacterial support to the skin, if the gut is unhappy, it will often present on the skin our biggest organ.
Avoid Heavy Makeup: Using non-comedogenic, oil-free makeup products make a huge difference to Acne sufferers. Book in with Lisa to have a complimentary colour match with skincare mineral makeup from Jane Iredale.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain overall skin health. Filtered water offers less chemicals, we enjoy Pure Dew in the salon
Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet and avoid high glycaemic index foods and excessive dairy if they worsen your acne.
Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or exercise. We can’t “stress” enough how triggering it is for Acne sufferers to control stress levels where possible.
We hope this article helps you understand causes, triggers, and management of how to tackle Acne skin conditions. We love to chat all things skin, if you are needing advice for your skin book in a consultation with one of our Skin estheticians.
We are hosting a mother/daughter educational evening on the 9th July 6.30pm-8.30pm with Lira Clinical, look under promotions on our website for more information on how to register for this event and receive a free Lira Clinical Ice Mask as part of the offer.
We look forward to helping you feel confident and beautiful in your skin!
The Nef Squad Team – Lisa, Adriana, Anya, Charlotte, Vanessa, Sue & Ella xx