Acne is a severe problem in the United States, with over $3 billion spent each year on its treatment (British Journal of Dermatology, 2013). It is typically characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, greasy skin, and possibly scarring. Although it is common, not many people understand how to properly treat acne. It all comes down to what is causing your acne, and how to address that particular issue.
The 7 Ways You Can Get Acne
#1: Skin Follicle Issues
In normal skin, there is exfoliation of the skin follicle. In a skin follicle condition known as retention hyperkeratosis, there is no exfoliation of the follicle. As a result, keratin (skin protein) and sebum clogs the follicle.
The level of sebum production is triggered by several factors, including stress hormone (cortisol), certain neuropeptides, and dihydroxytestosterone (a breakdown product of testosterone). The degree to which each of these factors plays a role in your skin partially depends on your genetics.
What can be done at this stage: Increase exfoliation with the ViaBuff Level 1 Exfoliation Puff. With an open-mesh cell construction, the ViaBuff Level 1 Exfoliation Puff is able to remove dead skin cells and help to exfoliate the follicle. This gives the appearance of more smooth skin.
#2: Bacterial Accumulation
In this phase, bacteria accumulate and multiply in the follicle. A species of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes are most commonly found in the follicle, and multiply quickly.
What can be done at this stage: Benzoyl peroxide is often applied topically to the skin to kill P. acnes. Benzoyl peroxide has been found by Nacht et. al. to kill bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species in the sebaceous follicle; because it triggers free radical formation, its use should be limited to the spot of the comedone.
Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin, ATS solution, or Benzamycin and oral antibiotics are often administered as antibacterial agents.
#3: Pimple Formation
The bacteria continues to propagate in the follicle. As the lesion grows, it may adopt one of two forms: closed, which is called a whitehead; or open, in which case it is oxidized by air and characterized by melanin production, and known as a blackhead. This is known as grade 1 acne.
What can be done at this stage: Use a mix of exfoliation, anti-bacterial agents, and light treatments. Exfoliation with an exfoliation puff made for acne, like the ViaBuff Level 1 Exfoliation Puff, can help to accelerate the healing process. Immediate application of an anti-bacterial agent like benzoyl peroxide or light treatment can dry out the lesions further.
#4-5: Papule and Pustule Formation
In these stages, an inflammatory, undrained lesion called a papule is formed. This is known to dermatologists as grade 2 acne. If the papule continues to grow, it forms a more visible inflammatory lesion, called a pustule (grade 3 acne).
What can be done at this stage: Same as stage #3. Use a mix of exfoliation, anti-bacterial agents, and light treatments. Exfoliation with an exfoliation puff made for acne, like the ViaBuff Level 1 Exfoliation Puff, can help to accelerate the healing process. Immediate application of an anti-bacterial agent like benzoyl peroxide or light treatment can dry out the lesions further.
#6-7: Nodule and Cyst Formation
Most acne sufferers do not reach these stages. However, in some cases, nodules and, later, cysts form.
What can be done at this stage: Dermatologists will sometimes prescribe the orally administered Accutane for patients with stage 6-7 acne. Unfortunately, Accutane has been associated with numerous detrimental side effects, including vision loss, increased blood triglyceride (fatty acid) levels, severe dry skin and mouth, the inability to see at night, and severe birth defects in pregnant women. For these reasons, Accutane is often considered a last resort for patients highly resistant acne.
In Summary
Acne can be aided with a mix of anti-bacterial agents, light treatments, and exfoliation treatments. We highly recommend using the ViaBuff Level 1 Exfoliation Puff to keep acne at bay and to help accelerate the acne healing process!