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By the
time you read this article, I am hopeful that you have gained a better
understanding of your skin. The topic we are covering in this article is
one that many have questions about, and that is why I bring you this
information. Acne effects the sebaceous follicles and hair follicles of
the skin. There are many different reasons why acne can form and
different grades of acne. It can be genetic, stress induced, cosmetic
related (pore clogging ingredients in products), environment aggravated,
a fluctuation in hormones, heat and humidity, and industrial oils.
In most cases acne can start between the ages of ten and thirteen
and usually last for 5-10 years. The peak acne years are 14-17 in
females and 16-19 years in males. A slow resolution occurs during the
20’s. According to Dr. Harold T. Hyman, a former teacher of medicine
at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the
author of several books for physicians, states “Acne is not a skin
disease; it is a manifestation of revolutionary changes that occur in
the body at and throughout adolescence.” Taking care of your skin
and a healthy diet prior to the onset of acne will help to
prevent acne, but once acne gets a start, it must be kept under control
to keep from worsening.
Some
of the latest statistics:
·
40-50% of adults
between the ages of 20-40 have a low grade, persistent acne and oily
skin problem.
·
3 out of 4 teenagers
can have acne and 40% seek help from a physician.
·
50% of all adult
women report to having mild to moderate acne in the U.S.
·
Over $100 million is
spent on over the counter acne medications.
Grades
of Acne:
Grade
I:
(Mild Acne)
Micro-comedones,
closed comedones, open comedones, some early pustules.
Grade
II: (Acne
Cosmetica)
Many
under the surface closed comedones.
Grade
III:
(Acne Vulgaris)
Comedones,
papules, pustules.
Grade
IV:
(Cystic Acne)
Comedones,
papules, pustules, nodules, cysts.
Definitions:
Nodules- Deep
seated obvious lesions that can last eight weeks or longer. They can
be red, hard and often painful lesions that develop into softer
fluid containing cysts.
Papules- a
pimple; a small, circumscribed elevation on the skin containing no
fluid.
Pustules- an
inflamed pimple containing pus.
Comedones- a
blackhead.
Cysts- a
closed, abnormally developed sac, containing fluid or semi-fluid.
Sebum- the
fatty or oily secretions of the sebaceous glands.
I
encourage those viewers who are reading this article with concerns of
acne, to be patient and understand this can take a little time. Also
understand that the condition can sometimes get worse before it gets
better, but don’t let that keep you from taking charge of getting your
acne under control. This is normal because this is a sign that the
infectious material is working its way to the surface. You cannot undo
acne in one treatment that has taken months or years to accumulate. I
will always be a resource to consult with should you have any questions.
Please note, if you would
like to discuss in more detail, an on-line personal and confidential
consultation will be available.
I
have provided a Home Treatment Program and our goal in the program is to
reduce inflammation, reduce surface sebum (oily secretions from the
sebaceous glands), reducing cornification (a hardening of the tissue or
substance).
Home
Treatment Program for Acne:
1)
Begin with clean sanitized hands. Cleanse the skin first with a
cleanser that has mild surfactants.
2)
Next we are going mix a disincrustation lotion that will help
soften the papules and pustules. Take 1 tbs.of baking soda in 1 pint
of warm distilled water.
3)
Take cotton compresses that have been saturated in the
disincrustation solution and place over the areas to treat. Remove
after 15 minutes.
4)
Apply an exfoliating masque that has enzymatic action and
antiseptic properties, along with salicylic acid to help soften sebum
buildup. While you are allowing the masque to set, let steam hit your
face by placing a towel over your head while setting in front of a
bowl of hot water. Or, if you have a home face sauna, that would be
helpful as well. Be very careful doing this so you do not burn
yourself with the hot water. After 15 minutes, remove the masque.
5)
At this point, the follicles should be softened enough to go
ahead and do extractions. Again, make sure your hands are very clean.
Extractions of whiteheads can be done at home with the
use of cotton strips and toner/astringent. It is important to
identify a whitehead first. The surface of a whitehead will have a
yellowish “whitehead” often with a crust of dead cells forming a
cap over it. Note, it is important to allow the pimple to break on the
outside rather than underneath the skin, to avoid spread of infection.
Prepare the forefingers with cotton strips saturated in astringent.
Apply gentle pressure to the sides of the pimple. If the debris does
not ooze, try opposite sides. If it still does not ooze, it is not
ready for extraction. Leave alone until it is ready. If it does ooze,
apply pressure to all sides until clear fresh blood begins to flow.
Change cotton strips to keep sanitary. The pressure must come
from the finger tips, not the fingernails.
6)
After extraction, take a clean cotton pad with astringent/toner
and apply all over skin to make sure skin is clean of any debris. Let
skin air dry.
7)
Next, apply an oil free moisturizer and follow with a spot
treatment to infected and extracted areas.
At
least twice a week , follow this home treatment program. It takes time,
patience and cooperation to achieve results. Also, remember that a
healthy diet is important and one that is high in Vitamin A & C. I
hope you enjoyed this article and found it informative.
Sincerely,
Valarie Hurst
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