What is Acne?
Acne is a localized skin inflammation caused from over activity of the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. Oil glands continuously produce and secrete oil through the pores. Bacteria “feasts” on this oil, multiply and cause inflammation. Depending on the depth of the inflammation either a pustule, pimple or cyst will form on the skin surface
How Acne Begins – Clogged Pores
Oil and dead skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface and clog or “fill up” the skin pores and disrupt the bodies normal skin oil regulation. Common culprits of unwanted build up in the pores include: make up, lotions, dirt, grime and natural oils. Over time, this build up will cause bacteria to develop in the pores and inflammation (acne) will occur. Inflammation is the body’s natural defense against bacteria (ex. redness surrounding an infected cut). The type of acne and severity depends on many factors including age, gender, location and heredity.
Defining Acne Breakouts
- Whitehead - formed by a clogged sebaceous gland, usually with a milky-white cap
- Blackhead – a black tipped plug clogging a pore of the skin
- Pimple – an inflamed (raised and colored) spot on the surface of the skin that is usually painful and filled with pus
- Cyst – a closed sac; having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. It may be contained with air, fluid or semi-solid material
Teenagers and Acne
8 in 10 teens develop acne. During puberty (ages 10-17) the body undergoes significant hormonal changes causing an increase in the secretion of natural oil (sebum) by the skin. Excessive oil production and build up will clog the pores and can lead to acne inflammation that most commonly occur on the face, chest and back. By the end of puberty most teen acne will diminish as the teen reaches adulthood (although occasional outbreaks may occur).
Adults and Acne
25% of men and 50% of women are affected by acne. About 1/3 of the adult population with facial acne will also develop body acne.
Several causes of adult acne include:
- hormonal changes (especially in women),
- stress
- diet
- cosmetics
- increase of resistant bacteria.
This can all be traced back to changes in oil production levels and the pores becoming clogged (just as in teen skin). Acne, like most skin conditions, can develop at any age and range in severity throughout an individuals life (even into their 50’s!).
Short Term Care For Acne
Consult with a licensed Esthetician to schedule skin care treatments. Removing the built up dead skin layer is essential to encourage healthy skin production and cleanse pores. Begin home corrective treatment designed to target active flair ups (spot treatments, cleansers, gentle exfoliants) to help reduce oil build up and treat existing acne. Identify key problem areas and use products specifically designed for your skin type and needs.
Long Term Care For Acne
Develop a daily skin care routine to keep skin clean and healthy. This will help reduce the likelihood of future break outs. Diet can impact oil production – eat a balanced and nutritious diet to encourage healthy body functioning. Recent research has indicated diets high in protein and carbohydrates may improve acne breakouts. Lifestyle impacts your overall health, including your skin. Avoid stress (if possible) and take care of your body. Get enough sleep! Your body needs time to repair itself and denying yourself the rest you need can have detrimental effects on your health and your skin!
Acne Fighting product ingredients
Popular Bellanina Products for Acne Treatment and Prevention
Spa Treatment Options
Facials are a great way to get targeted and intensive treatment for acne. Our Estheticians will be able to select the ingredients most appropriate for your skin type and needs. Different types of facials are available and multiple sessions may be needed to achieve maximum results.
Teen facials are designed specifically for younger people with acne. Teens tend to have more oily skin and this type of facial will remove build up from clogged pores .
Enzyme Facials more thorough, aggressive and healing for moderate to severe acne.
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation process designed to remove the dead skin cells using an abrasive agent. It is virtually painless and is especially beneficial for treating acne scarring
Deep Pore Cleansing can be targeted for men or women and specially tailored for the needs of the individual. This will remove excess build up from the pores.
Peels are a more intensive treatment that will actually remove a layer of dead skin cells to help new, healthy skin cells to develop. Different types of peels are available. Depending on the peel, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve desired results.
Mild:
Glycolic Peels is a fruit-based alpha hydroxy acid that will gently remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It will revitalize tired skin and leave the face looking more radiant.
Medium:
Salicylic Acid Peels will penetrate and clean out clogged pores. It will result in a marked improvement in acne prone skin and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Strong:
Jessner – Improves hyperpigmentation, acne scars, acne breakout, fine lines and uneven skin tone. Leaves the skin smooth, soft and clear of blemishes. This peel takes a few days to completely peel away all topical layers of unwanted skin.
