Are you dreaming of a clear skin? An acne free skin? We know how difficult it can be to live with acne and the effect it can have on your confidence and lifestyle.
That is why I am writing this article to let you know that you are not alone, there is a solution for you and there is treatment for acne prone skin.
What is Acne?
Acne is an extremely common skin condition that happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Sebum (oil) that helps keep skin feel moisturized—and dead skin cells plug the pores, which leads to outbreaks of lesions, commonly called pimples. Acne affects many people and while it is a more common condition in teenagers and young adults, it can affect both older men and women. Acne breakouts can occur on the face, back, chest and shoulders of people.
Treatment for Acne Prone Skin
There are different treatments for acne prone skin depending on the severity of the acne. It also depends at which stage of the treatment each person is in. These treatments range from Chemical Peels to Micro-needling to treat acne scarring. We do recommend that you see a Specialist Dermatologist to help you with your concerns. Dr S’li is our Dermatologist, and she is an expert when it comes to treating acne.
At SCINMed, we also offer the highest quality products at our clinics to treat acne. Products to suit each individuals needs and concerns, as well as budget. Below is an explanation of the best products for acne from our product partners: Lamelle, SkinCeuticals and Neostrata.
LAMELLE
Clarity Cleanser: Main ingredients: Tea tree, Salicylic Acid, Ivy extract
Clarity AM: (Morning moisturizer) Main ingredients: Azelaic acid, Salicylic acid, Growth factors
Clarity PM: (Evening Moisturiser) Main ingredients: Retinoic acid analogue, Growth factors, Copper tripeptide, Red Cedar tea extract
Clarity Spot Control: Main ingredients: Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Salicylic acid, Azelaic acid and AHAs
Clarity Acnevelle: Main Ingredients: Zinc picolinate (antioxidant that protects cells from damage) , Nicotinamide (this reduces inflammation which can help reduce redness as well)
Clarity Body Spray: Main ingredients: Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Salicylic acid and Azelaic acid (little tip from lamelle rep: spray in mask to help with maskne)
SKINCEUTICALS
Silymarin: Main ingredients: 0.5% silymarin (milk thistle extract), 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid (0.5% silymarin (milk thistle extract), 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid)
Blemish and age Serum: Main ingredients: 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation to reduce the formation of acne and clogged pores
Glycolic Cleanser: Main ingredients: free acid value of 8% glycolic acid, combined with 1% phytic acid, aloe leaf juice
Phyto-corrective gel: Main Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme, and other botanical ingredients, mulberry (help minimize the appearance of discoloration and promote a clear, fresh-looking complexion) – good moisturizer to use for acne prone skin
Retexturing activator: Main ingredients: 25% hydroxyethyl urea/aminosulfonic acid compound (Helps to stimulate enzyms that break the bonds binding dead skin cells to skin’s surface, to evenly exfoliate skin while maintaining the skin’s moisture levels.), Kombucha (naturally-derived ingredient promotes radiant, soft, smooth skin), Hyaluronic acid.
Glycolic 10 Overnight: Main ingredients: 10% Glycolic Free Acid Value
NEOSTRATA
Clarify Targeted Clarifying Gel: Main ingredients: Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, Provitamin A, Salicylic Acids
Clarifying Mandelic Mattifying Serum: Main ingredients: Mandelic Acid and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA)
Clarify Sheer Hyderation: Main ingredients: Avobenzone, Grape Seed Extract, Neem Leaf and Burdock Root Extracts, NeoGlucosamine® (gentle exfoliator), Octinoxate, Vitamin E SPF 40
Clarify Oily Skin Solution: Main Ingedients: 8% Glycolic Acid (an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA))
Clarify Mandelic Cleanser: Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acids
Treatment of Acne at Home
If you have acne prone skin, it is important to take note of the ingredients that are in the products you use. You will want to look out for the following ingredients:
Tea tree (works by killing the bacteria on the surface of the skin and decrease inflammation and redness)
Salicylic acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which is a light exfoliant that removes dead skin cells)
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (removes dead skin cells and helps to reduce inflammation (glycolic/lactic)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) (Anti-oxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties – can help decrease redness and swelling in acne prone skin)
Retinol (Vitamin A) (Retinol works both on the surface, and middle layers of the skin to unblock pores, improve texture and improve tone of the skin)
Mandelic Acid: helps regulate sebum production, unclog pores and reduce inflammation
The goal when treating acne is also scar prevention so once the condition does clear, there is no evidence that the condition was ever there. However, this requires patience and perseverance from patients. It does take time (anything up to 2 or 3 months) for the skin to respond to treatment, and it is extremely important to give you skin time to respond to the treatment, before abandoning the original treatment or switching up to an alternate approach (unless there are negative effects from the treatments or medications you are using).
The most important thing to remember is to be patient and DO NOT PICK. Please!
Dr S’li our Specialist Dermatologist can help you get your confidence back. She curates a special treatment plan for everyone suited to their individual acne concerns and needs.
We are looking forward to walking this journey to an acne free skin with you.
