advice » acne

» What is acne?
» What can I do at home to help my breakouts?
» How should I change my regimen if I am taking prescription acne medication?
» Why do some people breakout in their thirties and forties?
» What is the difference between acne vulgaris and “acne” rosacea?

» Dermalogica acne products

What is acne?

Acne is a genetically-inherited disease, which is the result of several factors occurring in the skin. Aside from excess oil secreted by the sebaceous glands, there is a proliferation of cells that clog the pores, trapping oil in the follicle. Bacteria inhabit the follicle and digest the oils, generating waste products which then cause the irritation to the skin. Oilier skin conditions tend to experience more acne breakouts because they provide more food for the bacteria. Teenagers’ hormonal changes increase oil production, in turn increasing acne breakouts. A quick Face Mapping sm by your skin care therapist will identify your acne-prone areas.

what can I do at home to help my breakouts?

Excellent skin care and hygene are vitally important to remove the excess oils and bacteria that are associated with acne. Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic and completely water soluble, making them ideal for breakout-prone skin. Always follow a stricy regimen of thorough cleansing. We recommend Dermalogica Anti-Bac Skin Wash and lukewarm (never hot) water, followed by a hydrating conditioner such as dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, and an oil-free moisturizer. Exfoliate twice a week, and use Daily Microfoliant every day, to help the skin rid itself of congestion-causing debris. Dermalogica Medicated Cleansing Gel helps regulate sebum (oil) production, remove follicle-clogging debris and kill acne bacteria. For an external breakout, Benzoyl Peroxide provides unsurpassed cleaning, while a calming mask reduces irritation.

In addition, lifestyle changes can often improve your skin. Try to reduce stress, drink plenty of water and limit your intake of caffeine and nicotine, which may stimulate the adrenal glands and promote oil production.

And always remember never to pick or squeeze pimples, as you’ll be left with an even bigger blemish and a scar to remember it by!

How should I change my regimen if I am taking prescription acne medication?

If, after a month of following your recommended regimen your complexion does not clear, it may be time to involve a dermatologist. Depending on what you were prescribed, you’ll have to make some adjustments to your at-home regimen to help your skin adjust to the new medication. For example, you may opt for a more gentle cleanser, such as Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel or The Bar. Users of Retin-A, Adapalene and accutane should not use any exfoliating products or undergo waxing on the treated areas. All users of prescription exfoliating products, as well as antibiotics, should avoid sun exposure as much as possible, and apply a Dermalogica Solar Defense product with a minimum SPF 15 daily.

Why do some people breakout in their thirties and forties?

Stress and hormonal changes are the primary cause of the re-emergence of acne well after puberty. Recent studies indicate that 40 to 50 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 40 are diagnosed with persistent, low grade acne. Along with several lifestyle changes, including reducing stress and improving diet, there are several products on the market designed to address these problems. Dermalogica Oil Control System is a collection of three medicated, skin purifying formulations – a cleansing Anti-Bac Skin Wash, Skin Purifying Wipes, and  Oil Control lotion – all designed to control oil and prevent breakouts.

What is the difference between acne vulgaris and “acne” rosacea?

Acne vulgaris, a more common form of acne, is caused by clogging and inflammation of the skins hair follicles. Rosacea, on the other hand, is not actually a form of acne at all, even though it looks that way in its early stages. Rosacea is an inherited vascular disorder in which the blood vessels of the face become swollen after repeated exposure to certain triggers such as extreme temperatures, alcohol, spicy food, etc. While it starts as a simple blushing, it advances into bumps on the face that look like an acne breakout.

Like common acne, Rosacea is treatable… but not by the same regimen! Skin prone to Rosacea must be treated gently to avoid triggered redness and inflammation, and may also require a dermatologist’s prescription for special medication to control the symptoms. (See Dermalogica “do I have sensitized skin” fact sheet for more information on Rosacea.)

Dermalogica acne products for at-home use:

dermal clay cleanser
Super-absorbant Kaolin and Green Clays wick away excess oil and impurities to deep-cleanse the skin and refine its texture. Exhilarating, astringent extracts of Menthol and Watercress help to control excess oil.

multi-active toner
A true oasis for the jet-setter or office worker! Spritz on critical hydration with this refreshing blend of skin-repairing Aloe, moisture-binding Sodium PCA, plus soothing Lavender, Balm Mint and Arnica. Use it after cleansing and throughout the day.

skin purifying wipes
Wipe-out excess oil and impurities with these towelettes. Triclosan helps inhibit bacteria on the skin’s surface. Ideal for skin prone to breakouts.

oil control lotion
Eliminate shine for hours with this feather-light lotion, formulated with oil-absorbing Microsponge technology and hydrating botanicals. The naturally-antiseptic Skin Response Complex helps soothe and purify the skin.

special clearing booster
Breakouts beware! This potent, topically-applied Benzoyl Peroxide gel quickly dries existing blemishes, while soothing Calendula, Cornflower and Matricaria calm telltale redness.

skin refining masque
Bentonite and Kaolin clays pull excess oils and impurities from the skin, while natural Zinc and Menthol deep-cleanse to help reduce oily breakouts. Ideal for the T-zone.

recommended professional treatment

• medicated cleaning treatment