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SPOTS BABY
Different types of acne explained
I’m going to start this off by saying;
‘DON’T EVER BE EMBARRASSED TO TALK ABOUT YOUR SKIN!’
I don’t know one person who has not had a day in their life that hasn’t been effected by a skin issue – sure, it bothers some more than others but acne and how it can change your mood and confidence is no joke!
Stress, genetics and hormones, (who doesn’t love the added misery of spots when you are on your period and already feeling rubbish anyway), can all play havoc with our skin leading to different types of breakouts that all need banishing in their own special way.
Don’t panic! Understanding what you are seeing on your skin makes it much easier to treat…..
BLACKHEADS
Blackheads (or open comedones) are a very common form of mild acne and typically found in the T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin). They form their colour as a result of oil and dead skin clogging pores and oxidising (as it’s exposed to air), which turns them black. Removing them can be difficult, especially around the nose, do squeeze too hard or you risk broken blood vessels! Treatments containing Salicylic Acid are a great option.
For treating we recommend these products:
WHITEHEADS
Similarly to blackheads, whiteheads (or closed comedones) are basically clogged pores, formed when excess oil and dead skin cells block the opening of the pore. However, as they are ‘closed’ at the surface of the skin and don’t come into contact with air (in order to oxidise), they retain a white or pale yellow colour and don’t appear as noticeable on the skin’s surface. Products with Glycolic acid can really help.
PAPULES
Papules are the tiny red spots that don’t form a head or appear to break through the skin’s surface. They’re caused by the growth of acne bacteria on the skin’s surface which triggers inflammation and causes sore, red bumps. Don’t not try and pop – there is a very real risk of scarring! Treatments containing Niacinamide can aid the clearing of them.
PUSTULES
Pustules are your basic everyday ‘spot’ and are essentially infected pores, named for the pus that fills them. Pustules usually appear as a white dot surrounded by inflamed, red skin that swells into a bump.
Cystic
Cystic breakouts appear as swollen lumps under the skin filled with pus that has nowhere to go. They can become incredibly sore and painful to touch. Cystic breakouts are deep-rooted in the skin tissue so don’t always come to a head and often reappear in the same place – they’re really hard to get rid of and often leave scars. Don’t despair – see your GP, they may prescribe medication – Niamcinamide, Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid can help, and maybe give one of these a try….
HORMONAL
When spots start to show up around your mouth, chin, and jawline, it’s likely that these breakouts are caused by your hormones – you may only experience them at certain times of the month when your oil production is in overdrive – this increase means it’s much more likely that pores will clog and blemishes will form. Hormonal acne is more likely to affect your jawline and chin because this area has a large number of oil glands. Clay masks and Lactic Acid can make a real difference.
Don’t forget to moisturise! Hydrated skin is healthy skin which will heal faster… Do not overuse any product with an acid in it – you may only need to use it a couple of times a week.
With some of these products you may feel a slight tingling sensation or very mild redness. At any sign of irritation or discomfort discontinue use immediately.
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